A Shanghai resident who spent 4 million yuan (US$484,000) on a helicopter has become the first owner of a private plane in China, according to sources with General Administration of Civil Aviation of China (CAAC).

The Shanghai Youth Daily reported that the administrative department of CAAC had basically agreed that the purchase could go ahead after more details were discussed.

The buyer, who was unwilling to give his name, is said to be the head of a trading company. His interest in aviation led him to buy the helicopter.

As Shanghai does not have any training facilities for helicopter pilots, he went to south China's Guangdong Province to get his flying licence.

According to his teacher, the man, in his 50s, learned very quickly.

In early September he bought the helicopter in the US and shipped it to China. Unfamiliar with the legal processes involved, he reported the purchase to CAAC after the helicopter arrived in China where it is waiting to be passed by customs.

It is the first time in China that a citizen has bought a plane for private use. After more investigation into aviation safety issues, CAAC is expected to approve the purchase.

(Shanghai Star November 6, 2003)