Group Learning About Non-Controlled Airports, GA And Seaplanes

A delegation associated with the Civil Aviation Administration of China (CAAC) recently visited Winter Haven Airport in central Florida to learn more about uncontrolled airport, general aviation and seaplanes.

The Lakeland Ledger newspaper reports that, according to Ma Min, CEO of Alton Aviation Consulting's China Office, aviation in China is almost entirely commercial, with GA limited to industrial, government and agricultural use. She said that there are no uncontrolled airports in china.

An AOPA representative told the Chinese delegation that there are rules for uncontrolled airports in the U.S., and that if need by, pilots operating from Winter Haven can contact controllers in Tampa or Orlando for help navigating the airspace.

After a presentation at the airport, the delegation traveled to the Winter Haven seaplane base, which is the largest location for seaplane training in the U.S. Ma said that the number of seaplanes in China is limited, and there is no comprehensive seaplane regulation there. "It's really not for personal entertainment," she said.

The delegation also heard from Eric Crump, who directs the aerospace programs at nearby Polk College, who emphasized the need to get young people interested in aviation before they get to a college. He said the college starts recruiting students for its program as young as 7 years old, and it currently has 300 enrolled in programs for pilot training, engineers, management and other aviation careers.

FMI: Original Report