ENG-2003 — Page 334

TRANSPORT

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the departure traffic at the HKIA was using Pre-Departure Clearance delivery via datalinks.

Aircraft Noise Management

In Hong Kong, impact caused by aircraft noise is assessed on the basis of the internationally accepted Noise Exposure Forecast (NEF) Contour. The determination of the contour takes into account factors including the decibel levels of aircraft noise, the tonal characteristics as well as the duration and frequency of overflying flights at different times of the day. Currently, the aircraft noise standard adopted in Hong Kong is the NEF 25 contour, which is more stringent than the standards adopted by some other airports.

The Government is mindful of the concern of some residents about aircraft noise. The CAD continued its effort in exploring and implementing all practicable aircraft noise mitigating measures. These included noise abatement take-off and landing procedures, prohibition of landing/take-off of relatively noisy aircraft (i.e. subsonic jet aircraft which do not comply with the noise standards specified in Volume I, Chapter 3 of Annex 16 to the Convention on International Civil Aviation) and, whenever possible, use of flight paths which cover fewer residential areas.

The expansion and upgrading works to enhance the monitoring capability of the existing computer-based aircraft noise and flight track monitoring system was completed in 2003. Another stage of works to improve its data processing ability was under way.

Aircraft Operations and Airworthiness

Aircraft Accident.

On August 26, a Government Flying Service EC155B1 helicopter crashed while crossing Tung Chung Pass near the HKIA. The two crew members on board the helicopter died in the crash. An Inspector's Investigation is being conducted to determine the causes of the accident.

Maintenance Arrangement

Satisfactory progress was made on the Cooperation Arrangement on mutual acceptance of approval of aircraft maintenance organisations established among the CAD, the CAAC, and the Civil Aviation Authority of Macau during the year. The main objective of the Cooperation Arrangement is to ensure a common aircraft maintenance standard throughout the Mainland, Hong Kong, and Macau. The maintenance release certificates issued by organisations recognised under the Cooperation Arrangement will be accepted without further investigation by the other participating authorities. In September and October, the Maintenance Standardisation Team (MAST), composed of airworthiness officers from the three authorities, visited all authorities concerned and inspected some of the maintenance organisations recommended for mutual recognition. The visit reports were accepted by the MAST in December.

Aviation Security

The Aviation Security Ordinance and Regulation constitute the comprehensive local legislation for implementation of the conventions and agreements on aviation security