Frequently
Asked Questions
Frequently
Asked Questions
This page provides some general information
that you may wish to obtain from our department. Please
click the relevant area to see if the information here can
meet your need. If you have further enquiry, you are welcome
Passenger Departure Tax
1. What is
the current rate of the Air Passenger Departure Tax ?
The current rate of the Air Passenger Departure Tax
is HK$120 per passenger (12 years of age or above) departing by air from Hong Kong through
Hong Kong International Airport, or by helicopter from Hong Kong at the Heliport at the Hong Kong - Macau Ferry Terminal.
Pursuant to the Air Passenger Departure Tax Ordinance (Cap. 140), a passenger under 12 years of age is exempt from the tax.
With effect from April 1, 1999, passengers who arrive and depart from Hong Kong by air within the same day are also exempted
from the tax. For all categories of exemption, please refer to the
2. How is the
Air Passenger Departure Tax being collected?
Air passengers will have to pay the Air Passenger Departure Tax when they buy air ticket from the airlines, travel agents or helicopter companies. Airlines normally will not collect departure tax at the check-in counter unless it has not been collected upon issue of air tickets.
3. I have paid Air Passenger Departure Tax on purchase of air tickets but eventually have not departed from Hong Kong by air. How can I get the tax refund? Are there any charges for such refund?
Passengers who have paid Air Passenger Departure Tax (APDT) upon purchase of air tickets but eventually have not departed from Hong Kong by air are eligible for tax refund from the airlines, travel agents or helicopter companies. No charge shall be payable for such refund.
4. If I am exempted
from paying the Air Passenger Departure Tax but have already
paid for it, how can I apply for refund ?
Sea-to-air passengers
(passengers who arrive at Hong Kong International Airport by cross boundary ferry service for onward departure from Hong Kong by air).
With effect from 26 April 2005, same day cash refund of advance payment of departure tax is available at the Sky Pier at Hong Kong International Airport.
Passengers who have been issued Refund Coupons upon check-in at the cross boundary ferry pier but have not collected the refund at the Sky Pier Refund Counter on the same day of travel shall
contact the airlines concerned directly for the refund. Passengers who have not been issued Refund Coupons can apply by post only
(please refer to the following paragraph (ii. b.) for the application procedures) to the Civil Aviation Department for tax refund.
Other passengers
a. Passenger may apply in person
for refund in cash at the Civil Aviation Department's (CAD) 'Air Passenger Departure
Tax' Counter located at Aisle E, Level 7, Departure Hall, Terminal 1 of the
Hong Kong International Airport upon production of all the following documents:
1. tax payment
evidence (i.e. original air ticket / original
helicopter ticket / e-ticket which indicates that Hong Kong APDT
has been paid);
2. original
boarding pass of the above departure flight (for
the airline passenger only);
3. original
ferry ticket bearing passenger's name (only
for sea-to-air passengers); and
to support of the claim to exemption.
b. Passenger may also apply by post for refund in cheque by forwarding the duly completed &&
form together with all the required documents within 4 weeks of departure of the flight to:
Revenue Section of Finance Division
Civil Aviation Department
Level 5, Office Building
Civil Aviation Department Headquarters
1 Tung Fai Road
Hong Kong International Airport
If the passenger has difficulty in depositing the Hong Kong dollar cheque in his / her bank account, please refer to Note (ii) of && form for alternative payment arrangements.
Registration
5. How can I
register an aircraft in Hong Kong?
If you are a qualified
person under Article 4 of the Air Navigation (Hong Kong)
Order 1995, you may register an aircraft in Hong Kong. Application
can be made by completion of the form
and payment of appropriate fee.
The application forms are offered as
(Portable Document Format) Files. Please download
Acrobat Reader to view or print them.
Operator's Certificates
6. How can I
apply for an Air Operator's Certificate?
An aircraft registered
in Hong Kong may not fly for the purpose of public transport
unless the operator holds an Air Operators Certificate (AOC)
granted by Director-General of Civil Aviation. For the grant
of an AOC the Director-General of Civil Aviation will take
into consideration of the applicant's previous conduct and
experience, his equipment, organisation, staffing, maintenance
and other arrangements. Details of the requirements leading
to the grant of the AOC are contained in the publication
CAD 360, &AOC - Requirements Document&. It could be downloaded at .
Maintenance Licence
7. Where can
I find the examination syllabus for Aircraft Maintenance
CAD publication - HKAR-66.
8. How to get
an Aircraft Maintenance Licence?
Application procedures
are in HKAR-66 and HKAR-2. Please also see "Licences
and Certificates" under "Information at a Glance" in this CAD web site for more details about the .
9. What exemptions
will be given for someone holding Aircraft Maintenance Licence
issued by an authority outside Hong Kong?
Exemption from Aircraft
Maintenance Licence examinations are shown in HKAR-2 Chapter
23 Appendix 2.
10. Is there
any expiry date in Aircraft Maintenance Licence?
An Aircraft Maintenance
Licence is valid for five years.
11. Where can
I buy CAD publications such as HKAR-66, HKAR-1, HKAR-2,
Airworthiness Notice, etc?
These documents are now available for free download at .
12. How can
I become a pilot?
Pilots can be categorised
into private pilots and professional pilots. The former
shall hold a Private Pilot's Licence (PPL) while the latter
shall hold either a Commercial Pilot's Licence (CPL) or
an Airline Transport Pilot's Licence (ATPL). The following
specify the requirements for obtaining a Hong Kong PPL.
To obtain a Hong Kong
PPL, you have to :
1. be at least 17
2. be medically fit
and in possession of a valid Medical C
3. acquire appropriate
knowledge in various areas (such as aviation law, navigation,
meteorology, aircraft technical knowledge, radio telephony
and human performance and limitations) and pass the examinations
of those subjects.
4. acquire the required
amount of flying training and experiences and pass a flight
Limitation
13. The size
of the hand carry?
Please contact your airline concerned direct for details.
14. What is
the allowance for check-in baggage for each passenger?
Please contact your airline concerned direct for details.
runways/ opening hours
15. How long
are the airport runways?
Both the North and South
runways are 3800 metres or 3.8 km in length.
16. What is
the opening hours of Hong Kong International Airport?
The airport is opened
for 24 hours a day.
Scheduled / Charter/
Private Flights
17. How do I apply for permission to operate scheduled flights to and from Hong Kong?
The Air Transport (Licensing of Air Services) Regulations (CAP 448A) require that scheduled air services to and from Hong Kong may be operated under and in accordance with the provisions of an operating permit granted by the Director-General of Civil Aviation or a licence granted by the Air Transport Licensing Authority. Details of the provisions in CAP 448A are available at the following link: .
Operating Permit – applicable to services with foreign registered aircraft
The information and documents required for the application of an operating permit are listed in the .
The application together with the required documents should be submitted via the online .
An application for the operating permit must be submitted to the Director-General of Civil Aviation at least one month before the anticipated commencement date of the scheduled air services.
Licence – applicable to services with Hong Kong registered aircraft
The Air Transport Licensing Authority is the authority to consider a licence application. The information and documents required for the application of a licence are listed in the website of the Transport and Housing Bureau at the following link:
18. How do I apply for permission to operate charter flights to and from Hong Kong?
The Air Transport (Licensing of Air Services) Regulations require that any person wishing to operate charter flights to and from Hong Kong must obtain a permit from the Director-General of Civil Aviation. A person who operates charter flights without a permit, or without fully complying with the conditions of the permit, commits an offence and is liable to a fine and imprisonment.
The information and documents required for the application of a permit are listed in the .
The application together with the required documents should be submitted via the online .
The application must be submitted at least 3 working days before the anticipated arrival/departure date of the flight in Hong Kong. However, non-frequent or new operators should submit their applications at least 2 weeks prior to the date of operation to allow sufficient time for processing their applications.
Applications for the operation of charter flights for the carriage of passengers or cargo to or from Hong Kong will normally be approved if the Director-General of Civil Aviation is satisfied that the applicant has reasonably demonstrated that corresponding scheduled services cannot satisfy a genuine demand by providing the service or capacity required, that such non-scheduled services do not affect the development of scheduled services and, in the case of applications made by airlines based outside Hong Kong, that the aviation authorities of the country or place in which the airline is based would afford no less favorable treatment to a Hong Kong based airline making a similar application.
Applications for the operation of charter flights for the carriage of both passengers and cargo will not normally be considered.
Details on application procedure for non-scheduled air services could be found in Section GEN 1.2 of Hong Kong AIP.
19. How do I apply for clearance to operate private non-revenue flights to and from Hong Kong?
Prior clearance from the Director-General of Civil Aviation is required for the operation of private non-revenue flights to and from Hong Kong. Applications should be submitted to the Director-General of Civil Aviation by fax (fax no.: (852) ) or
at least 3 working days before the anticipated arrival/departure date of the flight in Hong Kong. However, non-frequent or new operators should submit their applications at least 2 weeks prior to the date of operation to allow sufficient time for processing their applications.
No application form is required, but the following information should be provided:
2. Nationality and
registration m
4. Name of ground
handling agent in Hong K
5. Proposed dates
and times of a
6. Confirmation that
there will be no fare-paying passengers or commercial
8. Insurance Certificate
that insures the operator in respect of any liability which may be incurred by
him/her in respect of Third Party, Passenger, Baggage, Cargo, and Mail for any
one event to a Combined Single Limit required in accordance with the Civil Aviation
(Insurance) O and
9. Confirmation that the aircraft meets the requirements
for the carriage of radio navigation aids as specified in Section GEN 1.5-1
para 3. of Hong Kong AIP.
Kong Aeronautical Information Publication (AIP HK)
20. How can
I obtain a copy of the Hong Kong Aeronautical Information
Publication (AIP HK)?
You may purchase a copy
by writing to the Director-General
of Civil Aviation. Please send your order to:
Finance Division
Civil Aviation Department
Level 5, Office Building
Civil Aviation Department Headquarters
1 Tung Fai Road
Hong Kong International Airport
Telephone Number:
Telefax Number :
Recruitment
of Air Traffic Control and Aeronautical Communications Personnel
21. How to apply for the posts of Student Air Traffic Control Officer (SATCO) / Air Traffic Flight Services Officer III (ATFSO III) / Student Aeronautical Communications Officer (SACO)?
When there are vacancies, recruitment advertisements would be placed in local press including the South China Morning Post, the Ming Pao, the Government Vacancies Enquiry System at the website of Civil Services Bureau
and our CAD website .
Please watch out for such advertisement and submit application according to the procedures as stated therein.
22. How to get
an application form for your vacancies?
Please download the
application form GF340 from the following address :
23. If I do not have HKCEE Result, can I apply for the posts of Student Air Traffic Control Officer (SATCO) / Air Traffic Flight Services Officer III (ATFSO III) / Student Aeronautical Communications Officer (SACO)?
Candidates who have not sat for the HKCEE may apply. However, these candidates' academic qualifications are subject to assessments on equivalence with the required entry qualifications.
24. What is the pay scale for Student Air Traffic Control Officer (SATCO)
The pay scale for Student Air Traffic Control Officer is TPS Pt. 11 to 14.
25. What is the pay scale for Air Traffic Flight Service Officer III (ATFSO III)?
The pay scale for Air Traffic Flight Services Officer III is TPS Pt. 5 to 6.
26. What is the pay scale for Student Aeronautical Communications Officer (SACO)?
The pay scale for Student Aeronautical Communication Officer is TPS Pt. 5 to 6.
27. Will there be any written test for applying for Student Air Traffic Control Officer or Air Traffic Flight Services Officer III / Student Aeronautical Communications Officer?
Qualified candidates applying for Student Air Traffic Control Officer (SATCO) will be invited to attend a written examination. Those who are further selected for interview will normally receive an invitation in about ten weeks from the date of the written examination. No written test (except Basic Law Test) would be required for applications to Air Traffic Flight Services Officer III and Student Aeronautical Communications Officers.
For the purpose of heightening public awareness of the Basic Law (BL), all candidates applying for civil service jobs from 1 September 2008 onwards will be assessed on their BL knowledge. For the post of Student Air Traffic Control Officer, the written examination will include a paper for assessing candidates' BL knowledge. For the post of Air Traffic Flight Services Officer III and Student Aeronautical Communications Officers, the assessment of BL will be conducted immediately before / after the recruitment interview.
Please visit the website of the Civil Service Bureau
for details of recruitment and the Basic Law Test assessment.
28. What is
an Aerodrome Licence?
An Aerodrome Licence
is a licence granted to an airport operator in Hong Kong
to operate an aerodrome other than government aerodrome
for the purpose of public transport of passengers or instruction
in flying or carrying out flying test for pilot licensing
29. Who can
grant the Licence?
Under Article 73 of
the AN(HK)O 1995, the Director-General of Civil Aviation
(DGCA) has been delegated the power and responsibility for
the grant of aerodrome licence.
30. Under what
conditions and circumstances will the Aerodrome Licence
be granted?
In accordance with Article
73 of the AN(HK)O 1995, DGCA will issue a licence to the
applicant when he is satisfied that:
1. the applicant is
competent, having regard to his previous conduct and experience,
organisation, staffing, equipment provision, maintenance
and other arrangements, to ensure that the aerodrome is
2. the aerodrome is
safe for use by aircraft, having regard in particular
to the physical characteristics of the aerodrome and its
3. an aerodrome manual
adequately containing all information and instructions
necessary to enable the operating staff to perform their
duties has been submitted.
31. How to ensure
the applicant is qualified for the granting of the licence?
This involves CAD's
assessment of the applicant's compliance with the requirements
laid down in the Aerodrome Licensing Requirements Document
(ALRD) issued by CAD. These requirements are based on the
standards and recommended practices and guidance material
promulgated by the International Civil Aviation Organization.
A licence will be issued if the results of the assessments
are satisfactory.
32. How long
is the validity of the Aerodrome Licence?
The Aerodrome Licence
will be granted for a period of one year but other periods
of validity may be specified at the discretion of the DGCA.
Application for renewal of licence shall be made to the
DGCA prior to the licence expiry date.
33. How can I obtain information on the application for an aerodrome licence and the associated requirements?
You may contact Airport
Standards Division of CAD by phone on Tel
regarding the subject issue.
of Obstructions
34. What is
the airport height restriction over an area?
The airport height restrictions
vary at different locations of Hong Kong. These height limits
can be obtained from the Airport Height Restriction Plans.
The above plans can be purchased from the Map Publication
Centres at 23/F, North Point Government Offices, 333 Java
Road, North Point, Hong Kong or 382 Nathan Road, Kowloon.
35. Can we apply
for an exemption from the airport height restrictions?
Yes, you can apply for
a temporary or permanent exemption from the airport height
restrictions.
Temporary exemption from the airport height restrictions can be applied from the Director-General of Civil Aviation. This kind of temporary exemption will only be valid for a period of not more than 2 months and subject to terms and conditions. An extension for further periods of 2 months is possible if the Director-General of Civil Aviation thinks fit. To obtain an application form for temporary exemption from the airport height restrictions, you may write to:
Airport Standards Division
Civil Aviation Department
5/F, Office Building
Civil Aviation Department Headquarters
1 Tung Fai Road
Hong Kong International Airport
Lantau, Hong Kong
Or contact the Safety Officer (Safety Regulations)
on telephone no. (852) or
fax no. (852) or
Or download
On the advice of the Director-General of Civil Aviation,
the Secretary for Development may by order grant permanent
exemption from the airport height restrictions subject to terms and conditions
required for or related to the safety of aircraft. For details of this kind
of application, please contact:
Development Bureau
18/F, West Wing,
Central Government Offices,
2 Tim Mei Avenue, Tamar,
Fax no. (852)
Flying Kites
36. Can I fly
a kite in the proximity of an aerodrome?
According to Hong Kong
law, except with special permission, a kite shall not be
flown within five kilometres of an aerodrome within Hong
37. Are there
any other restrictions on kite flying?
According to Hong Kong
law, except with special permission, a kite shall not be
flown at a height of more than 60 metres above the ground
level or within 60 metres of any vessel, vehicle or structure.
38. What is
the penalty if the above rules are contravened?
If any person contravenes
the above rules, he shall be guilty of an offence and liable
on summary conviction to a fine. The maximum amount of the
fine is $5,000.
39. What is
the source of the above rule?
The rules are set out
in Article 70(1) of the Air Navigation (Hong Kong) Order
40. What are
the designated areas for flying kites?
The designated areas for kite flying are Tai Po Waterfront Park and Shek O Beach (outside the swimming season).
41. Which legal
document sets out the rules of flying captive balloon ?
The rules are set out
under the Air Navigation (Hong Kong) Order 1995.
42a. Can I fly
a big balloon?
Except with permission
in writing from CAD, a balloon exceeding two metres in any
linear dimension, including any basket or other equipment
attached to it, shall not be flown in controlled airspace.
(The controlled airspace generally covers Hong Kong Island,
Kowloon, Sha Tin, New Territories West and Lantau Island.
Exact coverage of the airspace can be found out from the
Hong Kong Aeronautical Information Publication published
42b. Can I fly
in the proximity of an aerodrome and how high can they be flown?
Except with permission
in writing from CAD, a balloon shall not be flown within
five kilometres of an aerodrome. A balloon
shall not be flown at a height
of more than 60 metres above the ground level or within
60 metres of any vessel, vehicle or structure..
43. What are the penalties if the above regulations are breached?
If any person contravenes the above requirements and is convicted of the offence,
he is liable to a fine not exceeding $5,000.
Furthermore, according to Articles 47 and 48 of the above Order, any person operating a balloon
shall not recklessly or negligently act in a manner likely to endanger any aircraft, person or property.
If any person contravenes such provisions and is convicted of the offence, he is liable to a fine and imprisonment for a term not exceeding two years.
44. Can I release a large number of balloons?
Balloons not larger than 30 centimeters (12 inches) in diameter may be released individually, but persons intending to release large number of balloons should notify the Civil Aviation Department.
Note: The e-notification and all relevant information should reach the CAD at least
7 working days prior to the date of the proposed balloon release.
45. What are the criteria of CAD when considering a captive balloon
application?
The application of flying captive balloon
will be considered by the CAD based on the following considerations:
(a). Operation Site
&Minimum dimensions of clear area required with due regard to interaction of operating height, number, position, dimensions and lifting force of balloon
and anchor arrangement.
&Whether the balloon
will be secured during delivery if inflated off site.
(b). Rules of the Air
&Safe operation of the balloon
with respect to other airspace users.
&For night operation, compliance with lighting requirements.
(c). Balloon
Operations
&Experience of the operator.
&Lifting force of balloon.
&Weight of anchor and strength of anchor rope being adequate to fasten the balloon.
&Guarding of balloon
when in flight.
not in flight being securely moored and attended.
fitted with a device which ensures its automatic deflation in case it breaks free of the moorings.
&Weather limitation.
(d). Hire or Reward Services
&Whether a permit under the Air Transport (Licensing of Air Services) Regulations has been or will be granted.
(e). Insurance Requirement
&Compliance with the requirements set out in the Civil Aviation (Insurance) Order.
46. Who should
be contacted for further enquiries on the rules of flying
captive balloon?
For further enquiries
on the rules of flying captive balloon, please contact CAD
Air Traffic Management Division on tel. .
47. Where can
I obtain application forms for captive balloon flights?
For applying Captive Balloon
Flights (no persons on board) or , the e-Form (e-DCA251) is accessible
for on-line application.
For applying Captive Balloon
Flights (with persons on board), the Form (e-DCA252) is accessible
for on-line application.
For e-Application for Flying Captive
Balloon (No persons on board), the e-application (e-DCA251) must reach the
Assistant Director-General (Air Traffic Management) at least 14 working
days prior to the proposed date(s) of the balloon
For e-Application for Flying
Captive Balloon (With persons on board), the e-application (e-DCA252) must reach the
Assistant Director-General (Air Traffic Management) at least 28 working days
prior to the proposed date(s) of the balloon flights.
Late applications may not be
processed in time.
Flying Model Aircraft
48. What should be noted when flying model aircraft?
Operators of radio-controlled model aircraft should appreciate that the limited airspace over Hong Kong is shared by all aircraft.
Helicopters, for operational reasons, may fly close to the tops of hills and mountains, at low level and at high speed.
It is difficult for a pilot to see and identify a model aircraft until he is at close quarters, when it may be too late for evasive action.
The result of a collision can be disastrous.
It is therefore imperative that model aircraft operators fly their models at a height not exceeding 300 feet above ground level, keep a watch for any aircraft flying in the vicinity and ensure that they land their models immediately when they see one approaching.
It is your responsibility to avoid collision.
A pilot of a helicopter or light aircraft may not see a small model in time to avoid it.
It is also of paramount importance that model aircraft operator keep a safe distance between his model and people and property on ground as the model may cause serious injuries or even fatalities and serious damage on impact.
Recklessly or negligently causing or permitting a model aircraft to endanger any person or property is liable to prosecution.
49. What are the areas forbidden to fly model aircraft?
a) Model aircraft shall not be flown over populated and
congested areas.
b) Model aircraft shall not be flown over, or close to, any object or installation that would present a risk to safety in the event of damage due to any impact by the model aircraft.
c) Model aircraft should not be flown in the vicinity of an airport and main aircraft approach and take-off paths. These areas include:
Hong Kong International A
coastal areas from Tai Lam Chung to Tsuen Wan and Tsing Yi I
Victoria Harbour a and
v. Shek Kong area.
50. Where are the popular model aircraft flying areas ?
The following places are frequently visited by the public for model aircraft flying:
Tai Tong in Yuen L
Nam Sang Wai in Yuen L
Tate's Cairn in Sha T
iv. Tseung Kwan O in Sai K
v. Clear Water Bay Peninsula area in Sai Kung. *
The hilltops at Clear Water Bay Peninsula are within the passages of air traffic used by light aircraft and helicopters.
Operators of model aircraft should therefore ensure the safe passage of such air traffic, especially in poor weather conditions when pilots are forced to fly much lower than usual.
Safety measures must always be observed even when flying model aircraft in these hot spots
51. What should be considered when choosing a site to fly model aircraft?
A good choice of flying site not only minimises the possibility of an accident but also enhances the pleasure of the flying experience. Here are some tips to help you choose a good site. A good site should be:
i. clear of persons, vessels,ve
ii. away from hel
iii.clear of any power sources such as power lines, transformer stations, pylons, and transmitter towers, etc which might caus
iv.flat enough to enable safe take- and
v. free from visual obstruction, so that the operator can see the model aircraft in flight at all times.
52. Can I fly heavy model aircraft?
Except with Civil Aviation Department's endorsement, heavy model aircraft weighing
more than 7 kg (without its fuel) are not allowed to fly in Hong Kong.
53. What are
Dangerous Goods?
Dangerous Goods are
articles or substances which are capable of posing a significant
risk to health, safety, property or the environment when transported by air.
The International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) classified
dangerous goods in 9 classes, which are:
Explosives
Flammable liquids
F Substances
liable to sp Substances which,
in contact with water, emit flammable gases
Oxidizing substances
and Organic peroxides
Toxic and infectious
substances
Radioactive material
Corrosive substances
Miscellaneous dangerous
substances and articles
54. What regulations
should a shipper or a forwarder comply with when offering
or handling dangerous goods for air carriage?
Under the Dangerous Goods (Consignment by Air) (Safety) Regulations Chapter 384 Subsidiary Legislation, consignors i.e. shippers and freight forwarders must ensure all dangerous goods are properly classified, packed, marked, labelled and documented before they are offered for air transportation. A person who contravenes these Regulations commits an offence and is liable to a fine of $250,000 and to imprisonment for 2 years.
55. What are the Technical
Instructions?
The "Technical Instructions" is referring to the "Technical Instructions for the Safe Transport of Dangerous Goods By Air" published by the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO).It contains detailed requirements applicable to the international civil transport of dangerous goods by air. You are required by the Dangerous Goods (Consignment by Air) (Safety) Regulations Chapter 384 Subsidiary Legislation to ensure your dangerous goods comply in every respect with the requirements specified in the current edition of Technical Instructions.
56. If I am uncertain
whether the goods I consign is dangerous goods, what shall
You can contact your supplier or manufacturer of goods to obtain the Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) which shows the physical and chemical properties of goods. Then you can contact your freight forwarder or airline for advice and assistance in any special arrangements required. You must never falsely describe the goods, or offer the goods for air carriage when you have doubts about their properties. False description of dangerous goods and improper packing and handling can result in a maximum fine of $250,000 and to imprisonment for 2 years.
57. What type of packaging
and packing method should I use for packing my dangerous
goods for air transportation?
You can only use packaging which complies with the provisions of the current edition of Technical Instructions and follow the Packing Instructions applicable to your goods. If you are required to use UN packaging, you must purchase those packaging made by a qualified UN packaging manufacturer. A qualified UN packaging manufacturer has obtained authorization from a competent authority to produce UN packaging and has successfully tested their packaging in accordance with the testing procedures specified in the Technical Instructions.
Every UN packaging for air carriage of dangerous goods bears a UN Specification Marking similar to 4G/Y145/S/99/NL/VL823. The UN Specification Marking of UN packaging for sea or road transport of dangerous goods are also similar to the above marking. If you are uncertain whether your UN packaging are made for air transport of dangerous goods, you can obtain a test report of the packaging from the packaging supplier or manufacturer for verification.
58. What documents
do I need for offering dangerous goods for air carriage?
Do I need to keep those documents?
Under the Dangerous Goods (Consignment by Air) (Safety) Regulations Chapter 384 Subsidiary Legislation, the documents required are Air Waybill and dangerous goods transport document i.e. Shipper's Declaration for Dangerous Goods unless otherwise specified in the Technical Instructions. Dangerous Goods consignors i.e. shipper and freight forwarder must keep these documents for at least 6 months.
59. Can I sign the &Shipper's Declaration for Dangerous Goods& if
I am unfamiliar with the handling of dangerous goods for
air transport?
No, you cannot. Only person who has completed appropriate dangerous goods training within the past 24 months can sign the "Shipper's Declaration for Dangerous Goods". Any untrained person signing that declaration is liable to a maximum fine of $25,000 and 6 month's imprisonment.
60. What is my liability
as a Director if my company commits an offence under Dangerous
Goods (Consignment by Air) (Safety) Ordinance Chapter 384?
Under Section 5 of Chapter 384, every director and every officer concerned in the management of the company maybe convicted of the like offence. Therefore, as a Director or a managerial officer, you must supervise your staff to prevent the commission of offence.
61. My company is
a trading company which does not physically handle the dangerous
goods for air carriage. Am I liable for breaches of regulations
relating to an act or function performed by other persons
i.e. overseas manufacturers or suppliers?
Yes, you are. Since it is your company offering the dangerous goods for air carriage, even if you are not the manufacturer or supplier of dangerous goods, you are still liable for an offence committed by other persons under the Dangerous Goods (Consignment by Air) (Safety) Regulations Chapter 384 Subsidiary Legislation. Therefore, you have to adopt measures to ensure the dangerous goods are in proper condition for air carriage.
62. Can a properly
trained airfreight forwarder sign the &Shipper's Declaration
for Dangerous Goods& on behalf of the shipper?
Yes, a properly trained freight forwarder or a qualified person acting on behalf of shipper can sign the "Shipper's Declaration for Dangerous Goods" if they have undertaken shipper's responsibilities as required by the Technical Instructions.
63. What shall I do
if I want to offer guns (including sporting guns) and ammunitions
for air transport?
In accordance with Article 43 of the Air Navigation (Hong Kong) Order 1995, any weapons, ammunitions or article containing an explosive or any noxious liquid, gas or other thing which is designed or made for use in warfare or against persons are classified as "Munitions of War". The carriage of "Munitions of War" on aircraft must obtain prior approval (i.e. Permission for carriage of Munitions of War in Aircraft) from Director-General of Civil Aviation and comply with conditions relating thereto.
Passengers and cargo consignors who would like to offer weapons, guns (say sporting guns) and ammunitions for air transport must notify their airlines in advance and ask them to apply for a permission from the Director-General of Civil Aviation. .
64. What can I do
when I need further information on the transport of Dangerous
Goods or carriage of Munitions of War in aircraft?
You may write to:
Dangerous Goods Office
Airport Standards Division
Civil Aviation Department
5/F, Office Building
Civil Aviation Department Headquarters
1 Tung Fai Road
Hong Kong International Airport
Lantau, Hong Kong
or contact the Safety Officer (Dangerous Goods) on telephone no. (852) ,
or fax no. (852) .
65. What is Primary
Surveillance Radar (PSR)?
A primary surveillance radar
detects and provides both range and bearing information
of an aircraft within its effective coverage by radio wave reflection. In Hong Kong,
depending on the application, the coverage is within 80
nautical miles for approach control and within 200 nautical
miles for en-route control purpose.
66. What is Secondary
Surveillance Radar (SSR)?
A secondary surveillance radar
provides, after processing of data transmitted by the aircraft,
the range, bearing, altitude and identity (callsign) of
an aircraft. The coverage can reach 250 nautical miles.
A SSR can provide more useful information than Primary Surveillance
Radar (PSR) but is subject to the proper functioning of
the aircraft's transponder. To provide the best accuracy of aircraft targets, the SSR is
usually paired with a PSR for air traffic control purpose.
67. What is Instrument
Landing System (ILS)?
An ILS is a standard International
Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) precision landing aid
provides accurate azimuth and descent guidance signals for
use by aircraft for landing on the runway under normal or adverse
weather conditions.
68. What is Doppler
Very High Frequency Omni-directional Range and Distance
Measuring Equipment (DVOR/DME) System?
A DVOR/DME is a standard International
Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) radio navigational aid
that provides bearing and distance information to aircraft
and to define air traffic control routes for en-route, terminal
and instrument approach/departure procedures.
Security - Regulated Agent Regime (RAR)
69. &&What is Regulated Agent Regime (RAR)?
Please refer to the RAR section of our homepage -
Applying Urgent Flights to/from Hong Kong outside Office Hours
70. &&What declaration is required for applying urgent flights to/from Hong Kong outside office hours?
According to the , applicants are required to complete a declaration.
Commercial (Charter) Flights operated for hire and reward:
Please use .
Private Non-Revenue Flights, NOT operated for hire or reward:
Please use
Passenger Fuel Surcharge
71. &&Do airlines levy the passenger fuel surcharge? Do airlines levy the surcharge for flights to Hong Kong?
Passenger fuel surcharges allow airlines to partially recover the increase in operating costs due to the fluctuations in aviation fuel prices.
In view that aviation fuel prices have stabilized to a reasonable level and that the corresponding fuel surcharges have been greatly reduced, CAD considers that levying of passenger fuel surcharges is not warranted.
Therefore CAD announced on 20 January 2016 that airlines would not be approved to levy passenger fuel surcharges for one-way or round trip tickets issued from 1 February 2016 onwards for flights originating from Hong Kong until further notice. Where applicable as far as airlines approved by the CAD are concerned, fuel surcharges may be levied on tickets issued up to the end of January 2016.
For example, if a passenger bought a ticket in January 2016 for travel in February 2016 or beyond, the applicable fuel surcharge would be levied since the ticket was issued in January 2016. If the passenger subsequently has his/her ticket reissued in February 2016 or after when no further approval was given to airlines to levy a fuel surcharge, no fuel surcharges should be added to his/her ticket.
However, it should also be cautioned that subject to the conditions of carriage by airlines, there may be charges related to reissuing a ticket.
Aviation authorities normally do not regulate tariff for services that originate from a location outside their area.
CAD has adopted a similar practice in tariff regulation. Only flights originating from Hong Kong are subject to the regulation of CAD. Whether an airline chooses to levy a passenger fuel surcharge for flights to Hong Kong depends on the airline's policy and the practice of the country the flight originates.
Implementation of Security Controls for Liquids, Aerosols and Gels (LAGs)
72. &&What exactly are liquids, aerosols and gels (LAGs)?
LAGs included:
&drinks, including water, soup, syrup, jams,
&foods in sauces or containing a
&creams, lotions, oils, perfumes, cosmetics, including mascara, lip gloss, lip balm,
&sprays and mini pressurised containers, including shaving foam
&pastes, i
&gels, including
&any other items of similar consistency at room temperature.
73. &&Can I take water/ drinks / foods with liquids through the security screening check point at Hong Kong International Airport (HKIA)?
Water, drinks or foods with liquids stored in containers no larger than 100 ml and placed in a clear re-sealable plastic bag with maximum capacity of 1 litre with other LAGs are allowed through the security screening check point at HKIA. To avoid inconvenience, passengers should purchase water or other drinks in shops after the security screening check point and airlines do provide water during the flight.
74. &&What will happen to LAG and their containers that cannot be brought through the security screening check point?
All such items will be disposed of. To facilitate the security screening process and avoid unnecessary disposal of your LAGs at the security screening check point, passengers should pack any LAGs that are not required for the flight in the hold baggage.
75. &&Do these new requirements on LAGs apply to check-in baggage?
No. These new requirements on carriage of LAGs are only applicable to cabin baggage.
76. &&Is there any specific requirement on the shape or size of the 1-litre plastic bag?
No. The most common ones that has been used where the measures have been implemented since November 2006 , e.g. US and EU, with size of 20cm by 20cm (8 inches by 8 inches).
77. &&Can I use other plastic bag other than those specified?
It is acceptable as long as the plastic bag is transparent, re-sealable and no larger than 1-litre capacity.
78. &&Where can I get such a transparent, re-sealable plastic bag of the required size?
It is commonly available in supermarkets and household product stores.
79. &&Is there a restriction on the number of containers I can put into the 1-litre plastic bag?
No. Each container however must be 100ml or less and all of them must fit &comfortably& in the 1-litre bag. Normally, a 1-litre bag can comfortably fit five 100ml containers. Any containers with LAGs in excess that cannot fit into the 1-litre bag or containers larger than 100ml with LAGs will have to be discarded at the security screening check point.
80. &&Do the LAGs have to be in their original containers?
No. LAGs can be stored in any container as long as the size of their container does not exceed 100 ml.
81. &&Does the container need to be transparent?
82. &&Can I take LAGs in containers bigger than 100ml?
Not in the 1-litre plastic bag or in the cabin baggage. They have to be packed in the bag that you check-in as hold baggage subject to Dangerous Goods Regulations.
83. Can I bring empty containers through the security screening check point?
Yes. Empty containers, irrespective of their capacity, are allowed to be brought through the security screening check point.
84. &&What is the exemption for medication in LAG form?
LAG form medication, including Chinese medicine and &off the shelf& LAG medication such as cough syrup or contact lens solution, is exempted from the 100ml requirement. If such medication is stored in container(s) larger than 100ml, it should be presented separately to security screening officer for x-ray inspection. Passengers may be asked to provide verification for the product, such as a doctor's letter, proof of prescription or passenger's name printed on the label of the medicine. To facilitate the screening process, passengers are recommended to put LAG form medication under 100ml in the 1-litre transparent plastic bag, together with other LAGs. LAG form medication that are not required for the flight should be packed into the hold baggage.
85. &&What is the exemption for baby milk / juice / food etc?
Baby milk, juice, sterilised water, food in LAG form is exempted from the 100ml requirement. Passengers are allowed to take sufficient amount for the flight. If the baby milk / juice / food in LAG form is stored in container(s) larger than 100ml, it should be presented separately to security screening officer for x-ray inspection and your accompanying baby should be present at the security screening check point. To facilitate the screening process, passengers are recommended to pack the baby milk, juice, sterilised water, food in LAG form that are not required for the flight into the hold baggage.
86. I am a breast feeding mother and I will be travelling without my child. Is my expressed breast milk exempted from the restrictions?
Yes, expressed breast milk of breast feeding mothers travelling without their child is exempted from the 100ml requirement. To facilitate the screening process, you should present these exempted items separately to the security screening officer for x-ray inspection at the check point.
87. &&How about baby milk powder formula?
Powder formula is not classified as LAGs and the restriction does not apply.
88. &&Can passengers bring LAG items purchased at HKIA onto their departing flight?
Yes, passengers can bring LAG items purchased at shops located beyond the security screening check points at HKIA on board their departing flight.
However, if such passengers have to transfer to another flight at the next port of call, they should check with their airlines on the requirements at the transferring airports for carriage of LAG purchases.
89. &&Can transfer passengers bring their LAG items purchased at other airports or on board aircraft through the transfer security screening check point at HKIA?
Yes, if such items are in containers no larger than 100 ml and placed with other LAGs in a clear re-sealable plastic bag with maximum capacity of 1 litre.
LAG purchases that are in excess of 100ml may be allowed through the security screening check point at HKIA upon satisfactory checks if they meet the following requirements:
&i. purchased from airports which have implemented similar security controls on LAGs; or
&ii. purchased on board Hong Kong or
&iii. purchased on board non-Hong Kong registered aircraft whose previous port of call is an airport which has implemented similar security controls on LAGs; and
&iv. LAG purchases are packed in a sealed plastic bag that is both tamper-evident and display satisfactory proof of purchase on the day(s) of the journey.
Aerial Photography or Aerial Survey over the Hong Kong Territories
90. What are the requirements to operate aerial photography or aerial survey flight over the Hong Kong territories?
In accordance with the Air Navigation (Hong Kong) Order 1995, permission in writing from CAD must be obtained before undertaking aerial photography or aerial survey flights over the Hong Kong territories for an aircraft which is NOT registered in Hong Kong. See Aeronautical Information Circular
for further details.
Electronic submissions
91: What kind of documents required under the Air Navigation (Hong Kong) Order 1995 [ AN(HK)O ] are considered acceptable for electronic submission?
Except that a certified true copy of air operator's certificate (or its equivalent document) as required in Document K, Schedule 12 of the AN(HK)O,
CAD accepts document in its electronic version provided that such electronic document satisfies the manner, format and procedure for submission of electronic information to the government (Please refer to
for details) and other relevant CAD requirements.
Use of Portable Electronic Devices
92. Am I allowed to use my mobile phone and personal computing equipment in-flight?
The use of portable electronic devices (PEDs) in-flight has now been relaxed. Passengers will be able to use certain types of PEDs (such as mobile phones and tablets) in-flight, subject to relevant restrictions (see
Check with your airline before you travel and follow instructions from the crew when using PEDs.
93. Is the revised guidance for the use of PEDs onboard aircraft applicable to all flights arriving and departing HKIA?
The revised guidance for the use of PEDs onboard aircraft issued by the HK CAD only applies to airlines of Hong Kong-registered aircraft. Operators of non-Hong Kong registered aircraft should follow the relevant policies of their respective country of registry. Also, the decision on whether or not to adopt this policy and the implementation process vary among different airlines. Check with your airline before you travel and follow instructions from the crew when using PEDs.
94. Do foreign airlines follow the same PED regulations in Hong Kong?
Foreign airlines follow the PED regulations of the corresponding civil aviation authority of the respective country of registry. Please check with your airlines for details.
95. For a Hong Kong-registered aircraft taking off and landing in a foreign country, which policy should I follow?
If a foreign country has adopted a more restrictive policy on the use of PEDs, the more restrictive policy applies in that country's airspace. Passengers should follow the airline's and cabin crew's instructions.
For further enquiries, please contact CAD on email: