General Aviation In China

The roots of China's modern General Aviation ("GA") industry can be traced back to 1951, when the General Administration of Civil Aviation of China (CAAC) used Curtiss-Wright C-46 aircraft to conduct pest-control missions in Guangzhou. GA grew at a steady pace until the start of the Cultural Revolution in the mid 1960s. GA returned to a growth mode in the mid 1970s and has since expanded to involve dozens of departments and industries.

The industry reached a turning point in 1996 when the CAAC promulgated "The Decision by the CAAC on Issues Regarding the Development of General Aviation." This legislation emphasised the need for coordinated development of the national economy, society and civil aviation sector; recognised the importance of GA; and outlined specific policies and measures to promote GA. It also marked the start of a new phase in the industry's development.