Examination of Estimates of Expenditure 2006-07

Reply Serial No.

EDLB(ED)001

CONTROLLING  OFFICER' S  REPLY  TO
INITIAL  WRITTEN  QUESTION

Question Serial No.

0067

Head:

28  Civil Aviation Department

Subhead:

Programme:

(3)       Air Traffic Management

Controlling Officer:

Director-General of Civil Aviation

Director of Bureau:

Secretary for Economic Development and Labour

Question:

With the transfer of the Telecommunications Unit previously under Programme (4) Engineering and Systems to this Programme, 33 posts will be deleted in 2006-07.  In this connection:

(i)                    Please provide details of the 33 posts to be deleted; and

(ii)                  In what ways will the Administration ensure that the efficiency and quality of air traffic management will not be affected by the reduction of posts?

Asked by:

Hon. TAM Heung-man

Reply:

  (i)

Under Programme (3) Air Traffic Management, 35 posts in the Telecommunications Unit will be deleted, while two Air Traffic Control Officer posts will be added.  The net number of posts to be deleted is 33 with breakdown as follows: -

Posts to be deleted

Senior Air Traffic Flight Services Officer

1

Air Traffic Flight Services Officer I

3

Air Traffic Flight Services Officer II/III

12

Aeronautical Communications Supervisor

1

Aeronautical Communications Officer II

12

Student Aeronautical Communications Officer

2

Clerical Officer

1

Assistant Clerical Officer

1

Office Assistant

1

Special Driver

1

Total Deletion

35

Posts to be created

Air Traffic Control Officer II

2

Net Deletion

33

  (ii)

The main duties of the Aeronautical Communications Officers and Air Traffic Flight Services Officers were to relay information such as flight instructions and weather data between Air Traffic Controllers and pilots.  Since CAD introduced the use of Very High Frequency communications equipment, direct communication between Air Traffic Controller-to-Pilot is now possible, thus obviating the need to relay such messages.  The two grades have therefore been included in the Voluntary Retirement Scheme.  The deletion of the 35 posts will not affect the efficiency and quality of air traffic management.  To cope with increased workload resulting from air traffic growth, two Air Traffic Control Officer II posts will be created in 2006-07.

Signature

Name in block letters

NORMAN LO

Post Title

Director-General of Civil Aviation

Date

10.3.2006

Examination of Estimates of Expenditure 2006-07

Reply Serial No.

EDLB(ED)002

CONTROLLING  OFFICER' S  REPLY  TO
INITIAL  WRITTEN  QUESTION

Question Serial No.

0227

Head:

28  Civil Aviation Department

Subhead:

Programme:

(1)       Flight Standards

Controlling Officer:

Director-General of Civil Aviation

Director of Bureau:

Secretary for Economic Development and Labour

Question:

It is mentioned under Matters Requiring Special Attention in 2006-07 that preparation has to be made for the International Civil Aviation Organisation' s Universal Safety Oversight Audit Programme.  Would the Administration advise on:

(a)

the details and implementation schedule of the Programme;

(b)

the details of the preparation work;

(c)

the expenditure and staffing arrangement involved;

(d)

whether any additional expenditure and staff resources is expected;

(e)

the outcomes or effect expected; and

(f)

the number of people that will be affected.

Asked by:

Hon. KWONG Chi-kin

Reply:

(a)

International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) established the Universal Safety Oversight Audit Programme (USOAP) in January 2005 to expand the scope of its limited audits adopted previously.  Under USOAP, comprehensive on-site audits will be conducted by ICAO on all Contracting States to ensure compliance of their safety oversight systems with international standards regarding operation and airworthiness of aircraft, airport, personnel licensing, etc.  It is expected that Hong Kong will be audited in 2007 or 2008.

(b)

To prepare for the forthcoming safety oversight audit, the Civil Aviation Department (CAD) has established a working group to regularly review and update Hong Kong' s oversight system to ensure continual compliance with ICAO standards and recommended practices. 

(c)

The above preparatory work will be undertaken by CAD' s existing staff.

(d)

The task does not involve additional expenditure or staff resources.

(e)

Hong Kong has been complying with all ICAO' s safety standards which was fully recognised by ICAO in its limited audits conducted in 2000 and 2004.  CAD expects that the forthcoming comprehensive audit will further enhance Hong Kong' s overall aviation safety and reinforce our aviation hub status.

(f)

Enhancement of aviation safety will have positive impact on Hong Kong' s aviation industry, the passengers and the general public.

Signature

Name in block letters

NORMAN LO

Post Title

Director-General of Civil Aviation

Date

10.3.2006

Examination of Estimates of Expenditure 2006-07

Reply Serial No.

EDLB(ED)003

CONTROLLING  OFFICER' S  REPLY  TO
INITIAL  WRITTEN  QUESTION

Question Serial No.

0238

Head:

28  Civil Aviation Department

Subhead:

Programme:

(1)       Fight Standards

Controlling Officer:

Director-General of Civil Aviation

Director of Bureau:

Secretary for Economic Development and Labour

Question:

Has the Administration compiled any statistics on the average accident rate over the past three years (i.e. from 2003-04 to 2005-06)?  If yes, please provide the relevant figure.  How does the figure compare with other developed countries and neighbouring areas?

Asked by:

Hon. CHAN Kam-lam

Reply:

According to the Hong Kong Civil Aviation (Investigation of Accidents) Regulations (Cap. 448B), an aircraft accident is an accident or serious incident associated with an aircraft which results in the death or serious injury of any person; damage or structural failure of any aircraft which adversely affects its structural strength, performance or flight characteristics; or missing or complete inaccessibility of the aircraft.  The accidents and serious incidents between 2003-04 and 2005-06* are summarised below-

The rates of accidents or serious incidents were extremely low in the light of the number of aircraft movements at the Hong Kong International Airport.

Separately, in accordance with the Air Navigation (Hong Kong) Order 1995 (Cap. 448C), Hong Kong airlines must report occurrences which involve their aircraft, including occurrences related to airframe systems, aircraft engine and avionics equipment to the Civil Aviation Department (CAD) within 96 hours of such occurrences.  Occurrences reported between 2003-04 and 2005-06* are summarised below-

It is not the usual international practice to publish statistics on aircraft occurrence rates.  CAD is therefore not able to conduct any comparison with other countries.

* Only includes figures from April 2005 to January 2006

# HKIA:  Hong Kong International Airport

Signature

Name in block letters

NORMAN LO

Post Title

Director-General of Civil Aviation

Date

10.3.2006

Examination of Estimates of Expenditure 2006-07

Reply Serial No.

EDLB(ED)004

CONTROLLING  OFFICER' S  REPLY  TO
INITIAL  WRITTEN  QUESTION

Question Serial No.

0239

Head:

28  Civil Aviation Department

Subhead:

Programme:

(1)       Flight Standards

Controlling Officer:

Director-General of Civil Aviation

Director of Bureau:

Secretary for Economic Development and Labour

Question:

Will the Administration conduct a consultancy study to draw up flight safety standards for local air services with reference to the standards of other countries, and will it examine the current aircrew service standards to tie in with the upcoming review on the policy on the avoidance of fatigue in aircrews?  What is the estimated expenditure on the consultancy study?

Asked by:

Hon. CHAN Kam-lam

Reply:

The Civil Aviation Department (CAD) formulates flight safety requirements for compliance by airlines in accordance with the standards and recommended practices promulgated by the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO).  Such requirements are under regular review by CAD, in the light of the latest ICAO standards and recommended practices, as well as the prevailing international practices.

As regards the policy on the avoidance of fatigue in aircrews (flight crew and cabin crew), in 2004-05 CAD engaged the European Committee on Aircrew Scheduling and Safety to conduct a flight time limitation study for ultra-long range flights.  The expenditure for the study was EURO £á12,500 (around HK$116,300).  The consultancy study has been completed and is being considered by the Flight Time Limitations Working Group set up by CAD (membership including CAD' s medical assessors and representatives of airline pilot associations, flight attendant associations and airlines) for further enhancement of flight safety.

Currently, CAD has no plan to conduct other consultancy studies on flight safety standards.

Signature

Name in block letters

NORMAN LO

Post Title

Director-General of Civil Aviation

Date

10.3.2006

Examination of Estimates of Expenditure 2006-07

Reply Serial No.

EDLB(ED)005

CONTROLLING  OFFICER' S  REPLY  TO
INITIAL  WRITTEN  QUESTION

Question Serial No.

0969

Head:

28  Civil Aviation Department

Subhead:

Programme:

(3)       Air Traffic Management

Controlling Officer:

Director-General of Civil Aviation

Director of Bureau:

Secretary for Economic Development and Labour

Question:

There will be a net deletion of 33 posts in 2006-07.  Please advise on the details and the savings achieved.

Asked by:

Hon. CHAN Kam-lam

Reply:

(i)      In 2006-07, a total of 35 posts will be deleted while two Air Traffic Control Officer posts will be created.  The net number of posts to be deleted is 33 with breakdown as follows:-

Less: Posts to be created

The above net deletion of posts will bring an annual savings of $6.44 m.  As the 35 posts will only be deleted by the end of 2006-07, the savings have not been reflected in the estimate of 2006-07.

Signature

Name in block letters

NORMAN LO

Post Title

Director-General of Civil Aviation

Date

10.3.2006

Examination of Estimates of Expenditure 2006-07

Reply Serial No.

EDLB(ED)006

CONTROLLING  OFFICER' S  REPLY  TO
INITIAL  WRITTEN  QUESTION

Question Serial No.

0970

Head:

28  Civil Aviation Department

Subhead:

Programme:

(3)       Air Traffic Management

Controlling Officer:

Director-General of Civil Aviation

Director of Bureau:

Secretary for Economic Development and Labour

Question:

There will be a need to recruit additional air traffic control staff in 2006-07 to cope with the air traffic growth in the Pearl River Delta region.  What is the anticipated rate of growth in air traffic services demand in the next three years?  What is the estimated number of additional staff to be recruited each year to cope with the situation?  What is the expenditure incurred each year?

Asked by:

Hon. CHAN Kam-lam

Reply:

It is anticipated that air traffic will grow by 6.5% annually for the next three years.  To support air traffic growth, the Civil Aviation Department (CAD) will recruit 20 Student Air Traffic Control Officers in 2006-07.  The estimated staff cost is $5.84 m.  In the coming years, CAD will closely monitor traffic growth and the vacancy situation of the controller posts, with a view to determining the need for further recruitment.

Signature

Name in block letters

NORMAN LO

Post Title

Director-General of Civil Aviation

Date

10.3.2006

Examination of Estimates of Expenditure 2006-07

Reply Serial No.

EDLB(ED)007

CONTROLLING  OFFICER' S  REPLY  TO
INITIAL  WRITTEN  QUESTION

Question Serial No.

0974

Head:

28  Civil Aviation Department

Subhead:

Programme:

(3)       Air Traffic Management

Controlling Officer:

Director-General of Civil Aviation

Director of Bureau:

Secretary for Economic Development and Labour

Question:

With the growing aircraft movements at the Hong Kong International Airport and the year on year increase in the number of flights operated to and from the airport, could the existing air traffic control staff meet the current and future demands?  What is the existing wastage rate of air traffic control staff?

Asked by:

Hon. WONG Ting-kwong

Reply:

To support the air traffic growth, Civil Aviation Department (CAD) will recruit 20 Student Air Traffic Control Officers in 2006-07.  Furthermore, CAD will continue to upgrade the air traffic control system and enhance air traffic control and flight procedures to cope with the anticipated growth in air traffic.  The wastage rate of air traffic control staff in 2005 was 4.3%.

Signature

Name in block letters

NORMAN LO

Post Title

Director-General of Civil Aviation

Date

10.3.2006

Examination of Estimates of Expenditure 2006-07

Reply Serial No.

EDLB(ED)008

CONTROLLING  OFFICER' S  REPLY  TO
INITIAL  WRITTEN  QUESTION

Question Serial No.

0975

Head:

28  Civil Aviation Department

Subhead:

Programme:

(3)       Air Traffic Management

Controlling Officer:

Director-General of Civil Aviation

Director of Bureau:

Secretary for Economic Development and Labour

Question:

Regarding the co-ordination with adjacent air traffic control authorities to improve the air traffic management, is the air traffic in the region being inco-ordinated in some respects?  There are reports saying that the Mainland China is about to grant fifth freedom rights to Hong Kong.  Has the Department conducted an assessment of the impact of such a move on the air traffic in Hong Kong?  If yes, please provide us with the details and the provision for the work.

Asked by:

Hon. WONG Ting-kwong

Reply:

Civil Aviation Department (CAD) has been maintaining close co-ordination with adjacent air traffic control authorities.  In 2006-07, CAD will liaise closely with the General Administration of Civil Aviation of China and the Macao Civil Aviation Authority to formulate long-term plans and implementation measures to improve the efficiency of air traffic management in the Pearl River Delta region.  Specifically, CAD will work with its Mainland and Macao counterparts to identify the optimal design of air routes, flight procedures and interfacing among the three authorities.

Signature

Name in block letters

NORMAN LO

Post Title

Director-General of Civil Aviation

Date

10.3.2006

Examination of Estimates of Expenditure 2006-07

Reply Serial No.

EDLB(ED)009

CONTROLLING  OFFICER' S  REPLY  TO
INITIAL  WRITTEN  QUESTION

Question Serial No.

1090

Head:

28  Civil Aviation Department

Subhead:

Programme:

(1)       Flight Standards

Controlling Officer:

Director-General of Civil Aviation

Director of Bureau:

Secretary for Economic Development and Labour

Question:

Regarding Matters Requiring Special Attention in 2006-07, what will be the estimated expenditure for preparing for the International Civil Aviation Organization' s Universal Safety Oversight Audit Programme?

Asked by:

Hon. YOUNG Howard

Reply:

The preparatory work for the International Civil Aviation Organisation' s Universal Safety Oversight Audit Programme will be undertaken by existing staff of the Civil Aviation Department.  The task does not require additional expenditure or staffing.

Signature

Name in block letters

NORMAN LO

Post Title

Director-General of Civil Aviation

Date

10.3.2006

Examination of Estimates of Expenditure 2006-07

Reply Serial No.

EDLB(ED)010

CONTROLLING  OFFICER' S  REPLY  TO
INITIAL  WRITTEN  QUESTION

Question Serial No.

1091

Head:

28  Civil Aviation Department

Subhead:

Programme:

(1)       Flight Standards

Controlling Officer:

Director-General of Civil Aviation

Director of Bureau:

Secretary for Economic Development and Labour

Question:

During 2006-07, the Department will continue to host the Steering Committee Meeting of the International Civil Aviation Organization Cooperative Development of Operational Safety and Continuing Airworthiness Programme - South East Asia.  Please provide the breakdown of the estimated expenditure for the relevant work.

Asked by:

Hon. YOUNG Howard

Reply:

The breakdown of the expenditure for hosting the Steering Committee Meeting of the International Civil Aviation Organisation Cooperative Development of Operational Safety and Continuing Airworthiness Programme - South East Asia is as follows:

Signature

Name in block letters

NORMAN LO

Post Title

Director-General of Civil Aviation

Date

10.3.2006

Examination of Estimates of Expenditure 2006-07

Reply Serial No.

EDLB(ED)011

CONTROLLING  OFFICER' S  REPLY  TO
INITIAL  WRITTEN  QUESTION

Question Serial No.

1092

Head:

28  Civil Aviation Department

Subhead:

Programme:

(1)       Flight Standards

Controlling Officer:

Director-General of Civil Aviation

Director of Bureau:

Secretary for Economic Development and Labour

Question:

During 2006-07, the department will continue to formulate measures to improve the reliability of the safety critical and operationally significant air traffic control systems and their associated supporting systems.  Please provide details of the concrete plan and the estimated expenditure involved?

Asked by:

Hon. YOUNG Howard

Reply:

In 2006-07, the Air Traffic Management Standards Office (ATMSO) under the Flight Standards and Airworthiness Division will critically review the safety management aspect of the operation and maintenance procedures of Hong Kong' s air traffic control (ATC) systems against the applicable standards and recommended practices set by the International Civil Aviation Organisation.  The review will include in-depth audits on all safety critical and operationally significant ATC systems.  These monitoring measures will help enhance the safety and reliability of ATC services.

The above work will be undertaken by three officers in ATMSO, with an annual staff cost of $2.78 m.

Signature

Name in block letters

NORMAN LO

Post Title

Director-General of Civil Aviation

Date

10.3.2006

Examination of Estimates of Expenditure 2006-07

Reply Serial No.

EDLB(ED)012

CONTROLLING  OFFICER' S  REPLY  TO
INITIAL  WRITTEN  QUESTION

Question Serial No.

1093

Head:

28  Civil Aviation Department

Subhead:

Programme:

(2)       Airport Standards

Controlling Officer:

Director-General of Civil Aviation

Director of Bureau:

Secretary for Economic Development and Labour

Question:

During 2006-07, the department will continue to monitor the preparatory work at the Hong Kong International Airport for the anticipated operation of the Airbus A380 aircraft in 2006.  Please provide details of the preparatory work and the estimated expenditure involved?

Asked by:

Hon. YOUNG Howard

Reply:

In anticipation of the planned launch of A380 aircraft in 2006, the necessary preparatory work and modification of hardware facilities at the Hong Kong International Airport (HKIA) will be carried out in three phases:

(a)   Phase I (completion in March 2006) caters for A380 passenger aircraft.  The works include widening the taxiway shoulder, relocating the runway-holding positions, extending the jet blast fences,  etc.;

(b)  Phase II (completion scheduled for 2008) caters for A380F freighters.  It covers primarily modification works in the freighter movement area; and

(c)  Phase III (completion scheduled for 2010) covers some relatively minor upgrading works including a direct taxiing access to the aircraft maintenance area. 

The above works are undertaken and funded by the Airport Authority Hong Kong (AAHK).  Besides, ramp handling companies are also formulating internal operational procedures and introducing necessary facilities such as heavy-load tractors and high-level catering trucks. 

The Civil Aviation Department is responsible for monitoring the progress of the above works undertaken by AAHK, ensuring that HKIA facilities comply with the relevant standards set by the International Civil Aviation Organisation, and ensuring that AAHK has reviewed and amended its emergency procedures to cater for A380 aircraft operations.  The additional workload is absorbed by the existing 15 officers of CAD' s Airport Standards Division who oversee airport operations.

Signature

Name in block letters

NORMAN LO

Post Title

Director-General of Civil Aviation

Date

10.3.2006

Examination of Estimates of Expenditure 2006-07

Reply Serial No.

EDLB(ED)013

CONTROLLING  OFFICER' S  REPLY  TO
INITIAL  WRITTEN  QUESTION

Question Serial No.

1094

Head:

28  Civil Aviation Department

Subhead:

Programme:

(3)       Air Traffic Management

Controlling Officer:

Director-General of Civil Aviation

Director of Bureau:

Secretary for Economic Development and Labour

Question:

During 2006-07, the department will continue to co-ordinate with adjacent air traffic control authorities to improve the air traffic management to support air traffic growth in the Pearl River Delta region.  What are the details and the estimated resources involved?

Asked by:

Hon. YOUNG Howard

Reply:

In 2006-07, the Civil Aviation Department (CAD) will liaise closely with the General Administration of Civil Aviation of China and the Macao Civil Aviation Authority to formulate long-term plans and implementation measures to improve the efficiency of air traffic management in the Pearl River Delta region.  Specifically, CAD will work with its Mainland and Macao counterparts to identify the optimal design of air routes, flight procedures and interfacing among the three authorities.  Whilst the coordinating work is absorbed by the existing staff of CAD' s Air Traffic Management Division, CAD will allocate an additional $1m in 2006-07 to engage overseas expertise to assist in this exercise.

Signature

Name in block letters

NORMAN LO

Post Title

Director-General of Civil Aviation

Date

10.3.2006

Examination of Estimates of Expenditure 2006-07

Reply Serial No.

EDLB(ED)014

CONTROLLING  OFFICER' S  REPLY  TO
INITIAL  WRITTEN  QUESTION

Question Serial No.

1095

Head:

28  Civil Aviation Department

Subhead:

Programme:

(5)       Air Services

Controlling Officer:

Director-General of Civil Aviation

Director of Bureau:

Secretary for Economic Development and Labour

Question:

During 2006-07, it is stated that the department will continue to prepare for the introduction of a scheme to require airlines to make advance payments to air accident victims.  How much provision has been allocated for the scheme and what are the details?

Asked by:

Hon. YOUNG Howard

Reply:

The Civil Aviation Department (CAD) will prepare subsidiary legislation to require airlines to make advance payment to air accident victims.  The preparatory work is undertaken by CAD' s existing staff and does not require any additional expenditure or staffing.

Signature

Name in block letters

NORMAN LO

Post Title

Director-General of Civil Aviation

Date

10.3.2006

Examination of Estimates of Expenditure 2006-07

Reply Serial No.

EDLB(ED)015

CONTROLLING  OFFICER' S  REPLY  TO
INITIAL  WRITTEN  QUESTION

Question Serial No.

1096

Head:

28  Civil Aviation Department

Subhead:

Programme:

(5)       Air Services

Controlling Officer:

Director-General of Civil Aviation

Director of Bureau:

Secretary for Economic Development and Labour

Question:

During 2006-07, the department will continue to monitor aircraft noise and flights tracks, and implement the noise abatement programme.  What are the details?  How much expenditure and manpower will be involved?

Asked by:

Hon. YOUNG Howard

Reply:

During 2006-07, the Civil Aviation Department (CAD) will continue to monitor aircraft noise and flight tracks round the clock through the noise and flight track monitoring system.  The system consists of 16 fixed noise monitors installed in the vicinity of the landing and take-off paths of the Hong Kong International Airport.  CAD will also continue to implement the noise abatement programme (through design of flight paths, landing and take-off procedures, and prohibition of aircraft which have a high noise level) to minimise as much as possible nuisance caused by aircraft noise.

Aircraft noise and flight track monitoring is undertaken by five officers in the Air Services Division, with an estimated annual staff cost of $2 m.  The recurrent repair and maintenance cost of the noise and flight track monitoring system is estimated to be $1.2 m per year.

Signature

Name in block letters

NORMAN LO

Post Title

Director-General of Civil Aviation

Date

10.3.2006

Examination of Estimates of Expenditure 2006-07

Reply Serial No.

EDLB(ED)016

CONTROLLING  OFFICER' S  REPLY  TO
INITIAL  WRITTEN  QUESTION

Question Serial No.

1097

Head:

28  Civil Aviation Department

Subhead:

Programme:

(5)       Air Services

Controlling Officer:

Director-General of Civil Aviation

Director of Bureau:

Secretary for Economic Development and Labour

Question:

During 2006-07, the department will continue to review the demand for helicopter services and take forward necessary statutory procedures for the development of heliports.  How much resources will be allocated to develop helicopter services and what are the plans? When will it be completed?

Asked by:

Hon. YOUNG Howard

Reply:

To facilitate the development of cross-boundary helicopter services, the Civil Aviation Department (CAD) is taking forward the project to expand the existing cross-boundary heliport at the Macau Ferry Terminal through an open tender exercise.  The work involved will be absorbed by CAD' s existing staff.  We expect to invite tenders later this year.

As regards the development of a domestic heliport, the Civil Engineering and Development Department will commission a consultancy study in 2006-07 on the technical feasibility of developing a Government helipad at the site near the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre for the shared use of Government and commercial helicopter operations.  CAD will assist in the study by providing input from the aviation regulatory angle.  The additional work will be absorbed by CAD' s existing staff.

Signature

Name in block letters

NORMAN LO

Post Title

Director-General of Civil Aviation

Date

10.3.2006

Examination of Estimates of Expenditure 2006-07

Reply Serial No.

EDLB(ED)017

CONTROLLING  OFFICER' S  REPLY  TO
INITIAL  WRITTEN  QUESTION

Question Serial No.

1487

Head:

28  Civil Aviation Department

Subhead:

Programme:

(1)       Flight Standards

Controlling Officer:

Director-General of Civil Aviation

Director of Bureau:

Secretary for Economic Development and Labour

Question:

What are the specific work details for flight operations inspections (number of flights)?  In 2004, the number of inspections increased to 191 due to the inauguration of new airlines routes and new aircraft types; what are the numbers of new airlines routes and new aircraft types inaugurated?  Is there any additional staff engaged for the service?  How much additional provision is made?  Why is it that the number of inspections was reduced to 152?  How will the additional staff in 2004 be deployed?

Asked by:

Hon. KWONG Chi-kin

Reply:

In 2004, a local airline launched non-stop ultra-long range passenger services between Hong Kong and New York, whereas another airline launched new passenger services between Hong Kong and Tokyo.  In the same year, Hong Kong airlines also introduced new Airbus A300 freighters and Boeing B747-200 freighters.  The number of flight operation inspections had therefore increased to 191.  The increased workload was undertaken by existing staff without additional expenditure or staffing.  With the satisfactory operation of these new freighters and flight services introduced in 2004, the number of flight operation inspections in 2005 was reduced to 152.

Signature

Name in block letters

NORMAN LO

Post Title

Director-General of Civil Aviation

Date

10.3.2006

Examination of Estimates of Expenditure 2006-07

Reply Serial No.

EDLB(ED)018

CONTROLLING  OFFICER' S  REPLY  TO
INITIAL  WRITTEN  QUESTION

Question Serial No.

1488

Head:

28  Civil Aviation Department

Subhead:

Programme:

(1)       Flight Standards

Controlling Officer:

Director-General of Civil Aviation

Director of Bureau:

Secretary for Economic Development and Labour

Question:

Targets for inspection of overseas maintenance facilities and inspection of local maintenance organizations are based on the workload of the Civil Aviation Department in 2005 for handling applications for new aircraft types registration.  Will the department employ extra manpower to cope with the additional workload?  If yes, what will be the expenses incurred?

Asked by:

Hon. KWONG Chi-kin

Reply:

The number of inspections conducted on local maintenance organisations and overseas maintenance facilities in 2005 (81 times) was higher than that in 2004 (63 times).  This had substantially increased the workload.  It is expected that the workload in this respect in 2006 would be comparable to 2005.  Furthermore, the continued expansion of Hong Kong' s aviation industry (e.g. the establishment of new airline, introduction of new aircraft types, and expansion of fleets) would create additional workload.  To cope with this, the Civil Aviation Department plans to create one Senior Operations Officer post and one Operations Officer post in 2006-07.  The additional expenditure will be around $1.5 m.

Signature

Name in block letters

NORMAN LO

Post Title

Director-General of Civil Aviation

Date

10.3.2006

Examination of Estimates of Expenditure 2006-07

Reply Serial No.

EDLB(ED)019

CONTROLLING  OFFICER' S  REPLY  TO
INITIAL  WRITTEN  QUESTION

Question Serial No.

1489

Head:

28  Civil Aviation Department

Subhead:

Programme:

(2)       Airport Standards

Controlling Officer:

Director-General of Civil Aviation

Director of Bureau:

Secretary for Economic Development and Labour

Question:

The number of building plans/development proposals and lighting proposals submitted for assessment of compliance with airport height restrictions and other aviation safety requirements increased from 242 in 2004 to 334 in 2005 and is anticipated to further increase to 400 in 2006.  Please advise:

(a)   While the estimate attributed the increase to more building plans and development proposals submitted by developers, what is the reason for the rising number of submissions?

(b)  How many additional staff will be required to cope with the increasing workload?  What will be the expenses incurred?  When will the increasing trend of case assessment slow down?

Asked by:

Hon. KWONG Chi-kin

Reply:

(a)   The increase in the number of building plans and development proposals submitted to the Civil Aviation Department for assessment in recent years is mainly due to the increase in the number of property development projects.

(b)  The increased workload is absorbed by existing staff without incurring additional expenditure.  It is expected that the number of submissions will change in step with development in the real estate industry.

Signature

Name in block letters

NORMAN LO

Post Title

Director-General of Civil Aviation

Date

10.3.2006

Examination of Estimates of Expenditure 2006-07

Reply Serial No.

EDLB(ED)020

CONTROLLING  OFFICER' S  REPLY  TO
INITIAL  WRITTEN  QUESTION

Question Serial No.

1490

Head:

28  Civil Aviation Department

Subhead:

Programme:

(2)       Airport Standards

Controlling Officer:

Director-General of Civil Aviation

Director of Bureau:

Secretary for Economic Development and Labour

Question:

Regarding Matters Requiring Special Attention in 2006-07 on preparatory work at the Hong Kong International Airport for the anticipated operation of the Airbus A380 aircraft in 2006, what is the preparatory work specifically?  Which departments are going to be involved in making preparations?  How many staff will have to take up additional work?  How many hardware facilities in the airport have to be converted for the preparations?

Asked by:

Hon. KWONG Chi-kin

Reply:

(a)   In anticipation of the planned launch of A380 aircraft in 2006, the necessary preparatory work and modification of hardware facilities at the Hong Kong International Airport (HKIA) will be carried out in three phases:

                        (i)                Phase I (completion in March 2006) caters for A380 passenger aircraft.  The works include widening the taxiway shoulder, relocating the runway-holding positions, extending the jet blast fences, etc.;

                     (ii)                Phase II (completion scheduled in 2008) caters for A380F freighters.  It covers primarily modification works in the freighter movement area; and

                   (iii)                Phase III (completion scheduled in 2010) covers some relatively minor upgrading works including a direct taxiing access to the aircraft maintenance area.

The above works are undertaken and funded by the Airport Authority Hong Kong (AAHK).  Besides, ramp handling companies are also formulating internal operational procedures and introducing necessary facilities such as heavy-load tractors and high-level catering trucks. 

(b)  Government departments involved in the preparatory work include:

                        (i)                Civil Aviation Department (CAD) ¡X which monitor the progress of the above works undertaken by AAHK, ensure that HKIA facilities comply with the relevant standards set by the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO), and ensure that AAHK has reviewed and amended its emergency procedures to cater for A380 aircraft operations; and

                     (ii)                Fire Services Department ¡X which have upgraded their fire-fighting vehicles to comply with the rescue and fire-fighting capability requirements for A380 set by  ICAO.

(c)  The additional workload set out in paragraph (b)(i) above is absorbed by the existing 15 officers of CAD' s Airport Standards Division who oversee airport operations.

Signature

Name in block letters

NORMAN LO

Post Title

Director-General of Civil Aviation

Date

10.3.2006

Examination of Estimates of Expenditure 2006-07

Reply Serial No.

EDLB(ED)021

CONTROLLING  OFFICER' S  REPLY  TO
INITIAL  WRITTEN  QUESTION

Question Serial No.

1491

Head:

28  Civil Aviation Department

Subhead:

Programme:

(2)       Airport Standards

Controlling Officer:

Director-General of Civil Aviation

Director of Bureau:

Secretary for Economic Development and Labour

Question:

Regarding Matters Requiring Special Attention in 2006-07 on preparatory work at the Hong Kong International Airport for the anticipated operation of the Airbus A380 aircraft in 2006, please advise:

(a)       if the departments concerned have to deploy extra manpower; and

(b)      the estimated expenditure involved; and if additional provision has to be made for the preparation work.

Asked by:

Hon. KWONG Chi-kin

Reply:

(a) & (b)       The modification works to facilities at the Hong Kong International Airport (HKIA) to support A380 aircraft operations are undertaken by the Airport Authority Hong Kong (AAHK).  The Civil Aviation Department (CAD) is responsible for monitoring the progress of the works undertaken by AAHK, ensuring that HKIA facilities comply with the relevant standards set by the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO), and ensuring that AAHK has reviewed and amended its emergency procedures to cater for A380 aircraft operations.  The additional workload is absorbed by the existing 15 officers of CAD' s Airport Standards Division who oversee airport operations.

Signature

Name in block letters

NORMAN LO

Post Title

Director-General of Civil Aviation

Date

10.3.2006

Examination of Estimates of Expenditure 2006-07

Reply Serial No.

EDLB(ED)022

CONTROLLING  OFFICER' S  REPLY  TO
INITIAL  WRITTEN  QUESTION

Question Serial No.

1492

Head:

28  Civil Aviation Department

Subhead:

Programme:

(3)       Air Traffic Management

Controlling Officer:

Director-General of Civil Aviation

Director of Bureau:

Secretary for Economic Development and Labour

Question:

Regarding Matters Requiring Special Attention in 2006-07 on recruiting and providing quality training to air traffic control staff to meet the anticipated air traffic services demand, please advise:

(a)   in the recruitment and training programmes, how many staff and of what ranks are expected to be recruited, what is the additional expenditure involved, what are the specific training programmes; and

(b)  what is the expected rate of growth of air traffic services demand; is the number to be recruited linked to the growth of the air traffic services demand; has due consideration been given to the surplus staff resulted from the slow down of the demand?

Asked by:

Hon. KWONG Chi-kin

Reply:

(a)

In 2006-07, the Civil Aviation Department (CAD) will recruit 20 Student Air Traffic Control Officers (SATCO).  The estimated annual staff cost is $5.84 m.  The training of a SATCO includes aviation theory, various simulators, flying and on-the-job training; and examinations at various stages of the training programme to obtain professional qualifications.

(b)

It is anticipated that air traffic will grow by about 6.5% annually.  When considering the number of recruits, CAD has taken into account air traffic control workload and the vacancy situation so as to ensure that the recruitment can meet service needs whilst not creating any staff surplus.

Signature

Name in block letters

NORMAN LO

Post Title

Director-General of Civil Aviation

Date

10.3.2006

Examination of Estimates of Expenditure 2006-07

Reply Serial No.

EDLB(ED)023

CONTROLLING  OFFICER' S  REPLY  TO
INITIAL  WRITTEN  QUESTION

Question Serial No.

1493

Head:

28  Civil Aviation Department

Subhead:

Programme:

(4)       Engineering and Systems

Controlling Officer:

Director-General of Civil Aviation

Director of Bureau:

Secretary for Economic Development and Labour

Question:

Regarding Matters Requiring Special Attention in 2006-07 which mentioned conducting a comprehensive review on the air traffic control facilities and identify improvement measures to support long-term aviation development, please advise:

(a)   the specific long-term development; and provide data, other than the continuous growth of flights, indicating that there can be long-term development for Hong Kong' s aviation in other aspects; and

(b)  details of the comprehensive review and the improvement measures, staff and operations to be affected, and the expenditure involved in taking forward the improvement measures.

Asked by:

Hon. KWONG Chi-kin

Reply:

(a)   Apart from the continuous growth in flight movements, the long-term development of Hong Kong' s aviation sector includes -

(1)  the Government will continue to pro-actively implement our progressive liberalisation policy in air services by concluding more new air services agreements and expanding existing traffic arrangements.  We will continue to expand our aviation network by increasing the frequencies of flights and number of destinations;

(2)  at the Hong Kong International Airport, the Airport Authority Hong Kong will invest $8.1 billion to develop the Sky Plaza, Sky Pier II, and a satellite concourse; enhance passenger terminal capacity; construct additional freighter stands; and enhance the runways and taxiways.  The private sector will also invest $2.9 billion to expand the air freight and express cargo terminals and aircraft maintenance facility.  These investments will ensure that airport facilities can support future demand;

(3)  the airline industry is also expanding through the establishment of new airline, introduction of new aircraft types and expansion of fleets; and

(4)  in terms of aviation technology, the trend would be moving towards digitisation of aeronautical data and development of information technology systems that enable the exchange of live operational data among aircraft, airports, air traffic control centers and airlines.

(b)  To support the long-term development of Hong Kong' s aviation sector, the Civil Aviation Department (CAD) will conduct review on the air traffic control facilities to assess their compatibility with the above development trend.  CAD will also identify improvement measures such as upgrading or replacement of the existing air traffic control system; implementation of satellite-based Communications, Navigation, Surveillance/Air Traffic Management System; introduction of more information technology application systems, etc., with a view to enhancing the operational efficiency and safety of air traffic control.  The review and improvement measures will cover the work of Electronics Engineers and Air Traffic Controllers.  The detailed improvement measures and the expenditure involved will be addressed in the review.

Signature

Name in block letters

NORMAN LO

Post Title

Director-General of Civil Aviation

Date

10.3.2006

Examination of Estimates of Expenditure 2006-07

Reply Serial No.

EDLB(ED)024

CONTROLLING  OFFICER' S  REPLY  TO
INITIAL  WRITTEN  QUESTION

Question Serial No.

1494

Head:

28  Civil Aviation Department

Subhead:

Programme:

(4)       Engineering & Systems

Controlling Officer:

Director-General of Civil Aviation

Director of Bureau:

Secretary for Economic Development and Labour

Question:

Regarding the organisation of the "necessary activities" for the continued provision of electronic and telecommunications services when these services are no longer provided under a central contract expiring on 30 September 2006, please provide details on the "necessary activities".

Asked by:

Hon. KWONG Chi-kin

Reply:

To prepare for the expiry of the contract for electronic and telecommunication services on 30 September 2006, the Civil Aviation Department (CAD) is in the process of inviting bids for the new contract through open tender, for the continued maintenance and repair of the air traffic control systems.  CAD will also coordinate the transfer of documents, operational arrangements and staff training, etc. to facilitate the smooth transition between the existing and the new service providers to ensure a seamless provision of repair and maintenance services for the air traffic control systems.

Signature

Name in block letters

NORMAN LO

Post Title

Director-General of Civil Aviation

Date

10.3.2006

Examination of Estimates of Expenditure 2006-07

Reply Serial No.

EDLB(ED)025

CONTROLLING  OFFICER' S  REPLY  TO
INITIAL  WRITTEN  QUESTION

Question Serial No.

1495

Head:

28  Civil Aviation Department

Subhead:

Programme:

(4)       Engineering and Systems

Controlling Officer:

Director-General of Civil Aviation

Director of Bureau:

Secretary for Economic Development and Labour

Question:

Regarding the organisation of the necessary activities for the continued provision of electronic and telecommunications services when these services are no longer provided under a central contract expiring on 30 September 2006, with only about six months to go before the expiry of the contract, did the "necessary activities" start?  When will the new contract commence and how long will it last?  What is the expenditure involved.

Asked by:

Hon. KWONG Chi-kin

Reply:

Civil Aviation Department is in the process of inviting bids for the new electronic and telecommunications services contract through open tender.  The new contract is expected to come into effect on 1 October 2006 for a period of 10 years.  The estimated annual expenditure is around $130 m. 

Signature

Name in block letters

NORMAN LO

Post Title

Director-General of Civil Aviation

Date

10.3.2006

Examination of Estimates of Expenditure 2006-07

Reply Serial No.

EDLB(ED)026

CONTROLLING  OFFICER' S  REPLY  TO
INITIAL  WRITTEN  QUESTION

Question Serial No.

1496

Head:

28  Civil Aviation Department

Subhead:

Programme:

(4)       Engineering and Systems

Controlling Officer:

Director-General of Civil Aviation

Director of Bureau:

Secretary for Economic Development and Labour

Question:

The Department will plan, implement and enhance information technology systems and establish the information security policy in line with the e-Government objective in 2006-07.  In this respect, please provide the following information:

(a)   the approach and specific details of the work concerned and the designed staffing arrangements for the systems;

(b)  the expenditure involved in the enhancement of the systems, the manpower required and the schedule for the whole plan; and

(c)  the expected efficiency gains, the cost-effectiveness to be achieved and the people to be benefited upon the enhancement of the systems.

Asked by:

Hon. KWONG Chi-kin

Reply:

(a)   In 2006-07, in line with the e-Government objective, Civil Aviation Department (CAD) will study the development, status of advancement, budget, installation time-frame, cost effectiveness and the like of the information technology (IT) systems in Hong Kong and overseas.  CAD will then map out the development plan of its IT systems, including their functionalities, specifications, standards and data security requirements.  A Senior Electronics Engineer and a Computer System Manager will be the key staff of this enhancement programme, to be assisted by Assistant IT Officers and IT Assistants.

(b)  The work will be absorbed by the existing staff in the Engineering and Systems Division.  The cost of hardware and software enhancement is estimated to be $3 m.  The enhancement programme is a continuous task and there is no pre-set timeframe.  However, CAD will install and enhance the IT systems in the shortest possible time.

(c)  After the enhancements, it is expected that information and data can be displayed more rapidly and systematically, thus improving the efficiency of system users by 10%-15%.             Cost-effectiveness of the project will include enhanced staff productivity to cope with increased workload and improved efficiency and reliability of data exchange among systems.  The aviation industry will benefit from the improved efficiency of CAD. 

Signature

Name in block letters

NORMAN LO

Post Title

Director-General of Civil Aviation

Date

10.3.2006

Examination of Estimates of Expenditure 2006-07

Reply Serial No.

EDLB(ED)027

CONTROLLING  OFFICER' S  REPLY  TO
INITIAL  WRITTEN  QUESTION

Question Serial No.

1497

Head:

28  Civil Aviation Department

Subhead:

Programme:

(3)       Air Traffic Management

Controlling Officer:

Director-General of Civil Aviation

Director of Bureau:

Secretary for Economic Development and Labour

Question:

The provision for 2006-07 is $15 m (5.4%) higher than that for 2005-06.  This is mainly due to the effect of the transfer of the Telecommunications Unit to this programme.  However, there will be a net deletion of 33 posts at the same time.

(a)   What are the areas of work for the 33 posts deleted and the reasons for their deletion?  While provision has to be increased to cope with the work of the Telecommunications Unit, why manpower has to be cut?

(b)  Under matters requiring special attention, it is stated that the Department will recruit air traffic control staff.  Please provide the reasons and the expenditure involved.

Asked by:

Hon. KWONG Chi-kin

Reply:

  (a)

With the transfer of the Telecommunications Unit to Programme (3) Air Traffic Management, 35 posts will be deleted while two Air Traffic Control Officer posts will be created.  The net number of posts to be deleted under Programme (3) is 33 with breakdown as follows:-

Posts to be deleted

No.

Senior Air Traffic Flight Services Officer

1

Air Traffic Flight Services Officer I

3

Air Traffic Flight Services Officer II/III

12

Aeronautical Communications Supervisor

1

Aeronautical Communications Officer II

12

Student Aeronautical Communications Officer

2

Clerical Officer

1

Assistant Clerical Officer

1

Office Assistant

1

Special Driver

1

Total Deletion

35

Less: Posts to be created

Air Traffic Control Officer II

2

Net Deletion

33

The main duties of the Air Traffic Flight Services Officers and Aeronautical Communications Officers were to relay information such as flight instructions and weather data between Air Traffic Controllers and Pilots.  Since the Civil Aviation Department (CAD) introduced the use of Very High Frequency communications equipment, direct communication between Air Traffic Controllers and Pilots is now possible, thus obviating the need to relay such messages.  The two grades have therefore been included under the Voluntary Retirement Scheme.

There is an increase in provision under Programme (3) because after the deletion of 33 posts, there would still be 86 staff of the Telecommunications Unit transferred from Programme (4) to Programme (3).  The provision under Programme (4) has correspondingly been reduced.

(b)

In 2006-07, CAD will recruit 20 Student Air Traffic Control Officers to cope with increased workload arising from air traffic growth.  The estimated staff cost is $5.84 m.

Signature

Name in block letters

NORMAN LO

Post Title

Director-General of Civil Aviation

Date

10.3.2006