David-aviator
Well Known Member
I just completed a 12 trip to China. It was very informative and a totally satisfying experience.
One day, a local guy, can't remember what he was doing with the group, maybe loading bags, pointed at my Van's Aircraft T-shirt and smiled. He could not speak a word of English but apparently know about Vans Aircraft.
Later riding a bus toward the Wuhan airport for flight to Shanghai, I noticed several bill boards advertising an "Air Carnival". Those words in English, the rest in Chinese along with a image of 4 airplanes in formation.
I asked our guide about Air Carnival, was it private aviation in China? She said with a smile, yes, all the celebrities have airplanes. I asked her if she wanted to learn to fly, is that possible? Of course, she responded.
Not sure our guide understood question, could an airplane be imported to China and built like here? She thought so but probably really did not know.
I've since learned China had a presence at OSH this year. Anyone visit it?
Commercial civil aviation is first class operation in China. They fly relatively new aircraft, Boeing 737's, AirBus 321's. We flew into Beijing, internally to Xi'an, Chongqing, Wunan and home from Shanghai. The airports are very large, modern and busy. The country is thriving. Tour guides were most friendly, open and had a number of "ask me a question about China" sessions. We learned they have an income tax like here, pay a penalty for having more than 2 children and are quite free to do as they wish, except street demonstrations are not permitted. Guide said, demonstrations are legal if permit issued, but permits are never issued. We drove by a government building with perhaps 100 people milling around outside. He said, I tell you about that place, it is where you go to complain. They assign a person to go for a walk and taik. He had gone there over a bad investment in government owned company and felt he should get his money back. He said with a laugh, I have been walking every since and will not get a refund, is why he is in such good shape. (he was in good shape as are many of their people, do not obesity epidemic we do)
I believe the place could be a huge market for Vans Aircraft if the bureaucratic barriers were removed. It was a hassle getting a tourist visa, say it is just as much a hassle getting a visa from US embassy to travel to US.
I would image it is a nightmare of hoops to jump through having a private airplane in China but for sure legal if you can get it approved.
One day, a local guy, can't remember what he was doing with the group, maybe loading bags, pointed at my Van's Aircraft T-shirt and smiled. He could not speak a word of English but apparently know about Vans Aircraft.
Later riding a bus toward the Wuhan airport for flight to Shanghai, I noticed several bill boards advertising an "Air Carnival". Those words in English, the rest in Chinese along with a image of 4 airplanes in formation.
I asked our guide about Air Carnival, was it private aviation in China? She said with a smile, yes, all the celebrities have airplanes. I asked her if she wanted to learn to fly, is that possible? Of course, she responded.
Not sure our guide understood question, could an airplane be imported to China and built like here? She thought so but probably really did not know.
I've since learned China had a presence at OSH this year. Anyone visit it?
Commercial civil aviation is first class operation in China. They fly relatively new aircraft, Boeing 737's, AirBus 321's. We flew into Beijing, internally to Xi'an, Chongqing, Wunan and home from Shanghai. The airports are very large, modern and busy. The country is thriving. Tour guides were most friendly, open and had a number of "ask me a question about China" sessions. We learned they have an income tax like here, pay a penalty for having more than 2 children and are quite free to do as they wish, except street demonstrations are not permitted. Guide said, demonstrations are legal if permit issued, but permits are never issued. We drove by a government building with perhaps 100 people milling around outside. He said, I tell you about that place, it is where you go to complain. They assign a person to go for a walk and taik. He had gone there over a bad investment in government owned company and felt he should get his money back. He said with a laugh, I have been walking every since and will not get a refund, is why he is in such good shape. (he was in good shape as are many of their people, do not obesity epidemic we do)
I believe the place could be a huge market for Vans Aircraft if the bureaucratic barriers were removed. It was a hassle getting a tourist visa, say it is just as much a hassle getting a visa from US embassy to travel to US.
I would image it is a nightmare of hoops to jump through having a private airplane in China but for sure legal if you can get it approved.