CCAR‑136 Chapter G: Aerial Sightseeing
Translated into English.
In a May 12 article, I discussed the Civil Aviation Administration of China’s release of a comprehensive draft revision to CCAR‑136, the regulations governing commercial non‑transport aviation
The draft aims to close regulatory gaps, introduces risk‑based requirements for high‑altitude and cross‑regional operations, adds detailed safety standards for tandem skydiving and crewed external loads, and establishes a fractional ownership framework.
Among its chapters, Chapter G focuses on aerial sightseeing flights (air tours).
Chapter G distinguishes between short- and long-distance aerial sightseeing, with different requirements for each.
It prescribes the aircraft types eligible for each category, pilot qualifications and flight time limitations, and mandatory content for the operator’s operations manual.
Operational restrictions include a maximum of nine occupants, a ceiling of 1,520 metres (5,000 feet) above field pressure altitude, and defined radius limits for short‑distance flights.
The rule also imposes specific requirements for flights over densely populated areas, water, and sensitive sites such as nature reserves and cultural heritage units, as well as for performance planning, safety briefings, load manifest preparation, and record retention.
Chapter G has been translated into English and is reproduced below.