AIR LAW I

PPL AIR LAW

LECTURE ONE: ORIGINS AND
RULES
1. The History of Air Law

2. Doc 7300 the basis of all air

law
3. The UK Rules of the Air
Regulations
4. Visual and Instrument Meteorological
Conditions
5. Visual Flight Rules & Instrument Flight
Rules
6. Airspace Classification

7. Airways, CTAs, CTRs, ATZs, MATZs

8. Other Airspace Hazards

PPL AIR LAW

WHERE DOES AVIATION LAW COME FROM?
INTERNATIONAL CIVIL
AVIATION ORGANISATION
(ICAO)

JOINT AVIATION EUROPEAN AVIATION

AUTHORITIES SAFETY ADMINISTRATION
(JAA) (EASA)

CIVIL AVIATION UNITED

AUTHORITY KINGDOM
(CAA) PARLIAMENT

UK
AERONAUTICAL AIR RULES AIR
INFORMATION NAVIGATION OF THE NAVIGATION
PACKAGE ORDER AIR REGULATIONS

PPL AIR LAW

INTERNATIONAL CIVIL AVIATION ORGANISATION
(ICAO)
Paris Convention 1919
Mainly European nations to establish post-war
principles for aviation law and procedures

Chicago Convention 1944

International authorities place moral obligation to
provide safe and efficient ground and flight
organisations within territories

Montreal 1947

International Civil Aviation Organisation

(ICAO) established to promote aviation
standards and a standard set of practices

PPL AIR LAW

INTERNATIONAL CIVIL AVIATION ORGANISATION
(ICAO)
Although standardised procedures there are some big differences!
For example - Eastern Europe height based on metres, western
countries height based on feet

Broad principles are laid down in DOC 7300

It is up to each country whether they implement each article

Of 96 articles there are a few that are important to the

private pilot

PPL AIR LAW

DOC 7300
Art 1 - Sovereignty
Each contracting state has exclusive sovereignty over the
airspace above its territory

Art 2 - Territory
Territory is both land and territorial waters over which the nation
has sovereignty

Art 5 Right of non-scheduled flight

Each state will allow aircraft from all other contracting states to
land without permission (non-scheduled) or to overfly their territory.
They may require over-flights to follow specific routeings

Art 10 Customs airports

A state may require a aircraft entering to land, or departing

airspace to take-off, at a customs airport
PPL AIR LAW
DOC 7300 - continued
Art 11 Applicability of regulations
An aircraft must obey the regulations of the state it is flying in

Art 12 Rules of the Air

Each state will ensure that all aircraft follow their rules of the air.
Over high seas the convention law applies.

Art 13 Entry and Clearance Regulations

All regulations regarding entry, clearance, immigration, passports,

customs and quarantine must be adhered to by pilots, passengers,
crew and cargo

Art 16 Search of Aircraft

Every state has the right to search an aircraft landing from another
state or prior to its departure and to check documents

PPL AIR LAW

DOC 7300 - continued
Art 22 Facilitation of Formalities
Each state will ensure that formalities do not delay an aircraft unduly
Art 23 Customs and Immigration Procedures

Each state shall establish customs and immigration procedures

which are in accordance with international principles
Art 24 Customs Duty
Fuel, Oil, Spare Parts and regular equipment on board an aircraft
(and not being unloaded) shall be exempt from duty.
Art 29 Documents to be Carried on Aircraft
All aircraft on international flights shall carry:
Certificate of Registration
Certificate of Airworthiness
Crew Licences
Journey Logbook
Radio Licences
Passenger list PPL AIR LAW
Cargo Manifest
DOC 7300 nearly there!
Art 30 Aircraft Radio Equipment
Radio equipment must be licensed by the state of registration and
should only be used by crew members licensed to do so
Art 31 Certificate of Airworthiness
Aircraft shall have a valid C of A from their State of Registration

Art 32 Licences of Personnel

Pilots shall have licences from the state of aircraft registration. Each
state has the right to recognise flight crew licences from other states.
Art 33 Recognition of certificates and licences
If standards are ICAO then states should recognise C of As and
Flight crew licences from other contracting states
Art 34 Journey Logbooks
All aircraft flying internationally shall carry details of aircraft, crew and
each journey
PPL AIR LAW
DOC 7300 destination in sight
Art 35 Cargo Restrictions
Weapons or munitions of war must not be carried. On grounds of
safety or public order other items may be prohibited by a state

Art 36 Photographic Equipment

States may chose to prohibit or restrict airborne photography over its
territory
Art 37 Adoption of International Standards and Procedures
Each state will do its best to implement a uniform set of regulations,
standards and procedures
Art 39 Endorsement of Certificates and Licences
Any failure to meet international standards shall be endorsed on
aircraft documents and/or flight crew licences
Art 40 Validity of Endorsed Certificates and Licences
If a licence permits it, a licence may be used internationally
PPL AIR LAW
DOC 7300 Annex 7
Aircraft Registration

All aircraft shall display nationality

markings

The format, font and size of the

lettering is laid down and shall appear
on the underside of the left wing as well
as on the fuselage on both sides

Identification plates with the

aircraft identity on are required
and made from fireproof
material and should be near the
main entrance
PPL AIR LAW
DOC 7300 Annex 8

The Certificate of Airworthiness confirms that

an aircraft is considered airworthy in terms of
design, construction, materials, equipment
and flying performance

The C of A is valid for 3 years

Under EASA C of As are non-expiring and are

maintained in force by an Airworthiness
Review Certificate (ARC)

Operating limitations will be noted in the flight manual or placarded on the

aircraft. These may be loading, structural, or powerplant.

PPL AIR LAW

 PRACTICE QUESTION!

If you want to fly your aircraft internationally, your licence must be issued (or
rendered valid by) who?

The State of Registry

PPL AIR LAW

 PRACTICE QUESTION!

If you land in another country, do they have the right to search your aircraft?

Yes, but without causing undue delay

PPL AIR LAW

 PRACTICE QUESTION!

If an aircraft lands in the territory of a contracting state, are the oil and spare
parts on board subject to duty?

No

PPL AIR LAW

 PRACTICE QUESTION!

Where would you find the limitations of an aircraft as approved?

In the flight manual and on placards in the cockpit

PPL AIR LAW

UNITED KINGDOM INTEGRATED AERONAUTICAL
PACKAGE
NOTAM AIP AIC

Part 1 General Part 2 En-Route Part 3 Aerodromes

(GEN) (ENR) (AD)

GEN 0 ENR 0 AD 0

GEN 1 ENR 1 AD 1
General Rules and Aerodromes /
National
Procedures Heliports
Regulations &
Requirements Introduction
ENR 2
GEN 2 ATS Airspace AD 2
Tables and Codes Aerodromes
ENR 3 ATS
GEN 3 Routes AD 3
Services Heliports
ENR 4
GEN 4 Navigation Aids
Charges for
ENR 5
Aerodromes /
Heliports and Air Nav Warnings
Navigation
ENR 6 PPL AIR LAW
Services
En-route charts
RULES OF THE AIR REGULATIONS

Annex 2 of the ICAO Convention on Civil Aviation

Applies to all aircraft within UK

Applies to all UK registered aircraft

UK Rules of the Air Regulations 2007

PPL AIR LAW

UNITED KINGDOM INTEGRATED AERONAUTICAL
PACKAGE
The AIP then has Aeronautical Information Circulars (AIC)

Air Safety Admin Operational

& Air Traffic
Services

Restrictions Maps /
Charts

PPL AIR LAW

LOW FLYING 1
(Rules of the Air Regulations 2007, regulation 5)

FAILURE OF A POWER UNIT

An aircraft shall fly high enough to be able to land without
causing damage to persons or property in the event of a
power unit failure

500 FOOT RULE

An aircraft shall not fly closer than 500 feet to any
person, vessel, vehicle or structure

1000 FOOT RULE

An aircraft shall not fly within 1000 feet of the highest
fixed obstacle within 600m of the aircraft in a congested
area
PPL AIR LAW
LOW FLYING 2
(Rules of the Air Regulations 2007, regulation 5)

LAND CLEAR RULE

An aircraft shall fly at a height to enable it to land clear of
a congested area in the event of a power unit failure

FLYING OVER OPEN-AIR ASSEMBLIES

An aircraft shall not fly within 1000 feet of an open-air
assembly of 1000 people or more and be able to glide clear

TAKING-OFF OR LANDING NEAR OPEN-AIR ASSEMBLIES An

aircraft shall not take off or land within 1000 metres of an open-air
assembly of 1000 people or more unless at an aerodrome

PPL AIR LAW

LOW FLYING - EXCEPTIONS
(Rules of the Air Regulations 2007, regulation 6)

The low flying rules would appear to make it illegal to land! There are
exceptions:

500 FT RULE Does not apply when landing or taking off in

accordance with normal aviation practice
Does not apply to police aircraft
Does not apply to Gliders hill soaring
Does not apply to an aircraft legally dropping articles
Does not apply to helicopters operating with normal practice

1000 FT RULE Does not apply to Special VFR flights

Does not apply to police aircraft
Does not apply Balloons / Helicopters

Also authorised display aircraft are exempt from the

500 ft rule if they are within 1000m of the spectators PPL AIR LAW
COLLISION AVOIDANCE
(Rules of the Air Regulations 2007, regulation 8)

No aircraft shall fly in such proximity to another

aircraft as to create a danger of collision

No formation flying unless both agree!

The aircraft with right of way should

maintain height and speed

Aircraft give way to less manoeuvrable aircraft

Glider-Tug combinations are seen as 1 aircraft

Police aircraft are exempt

PPL AIR LAW

RIGHT OF WAY - AIRBORNE
(Rules of the Air Regulations 2007, regulations 9-11)

CONVERGING
The aircraft with the other on its
right shall give way

APPROACHING HEAD ON
Both aircraft shall turn to the right

OVERTAKING
The aircraft being overtaken has
right of way. The overtaking aircraft
shall pass clear to the right PPL AIR LAW
RIGHT OF WAY ON THE GROUND
(Rules of the Air Regulations 2007, regulation 42)

CONVERGING
The aircraft with the other on its
right shall give way

APPROACHING HEAD ON
Both aircraft shall turn to the right

OVERTAKING
The aircraft being overtaken has
right of way. The overtaking aircraft
shall pass clear to the left
PPL AIR LAW
LANDING AND TAKING OFF
(Rules of the Air Regulations 2007, regulation 14)

Take-off and Landing shall be as indicated (or into wind if no

direction indicated)

An aircraft shall not land on a runway which is occupied by another

aircraft unless specifically cleared

Unless cleared, an aircraft shall move clear of the runway as

soon as possible

Where landing or taking off is not confined to a runway, aircraft shall

keep to the left of other aircraft on the ground

PPL AIR LAW

AEROBATICS
(Rules of the Air Regulations 2007, regulation 15)

An aircraft shall not carry out any

aerobatic manoeuvre over a
congested area of a town, city or
settlement

An aircraft requires permission of

ATC to conduct aerobatics within
controlled airspace

PPL AIR LAW

RIGHT HAND TRAFFIC RULE
(Rules of the Air Regulations 2007, regulation 16)

When following a line feature (coast,

road, railway line etc) an aircraft
shall fly so that the feature is on its
left

i.e. Fly to the right!

Does not apply in controlled

airspace if given an instruction

PPL AIR LAW

SPEED LIMITS
(Rules of the Air Regulations 2007, regulation 21)

Below FL 100
Unless:
Class A airspace
Class B airspace
Class C airspace
Class D airspace IFR
Flying exhibitions / displays
With CAA permission

PPL AIR LAW

 AIRCRAFT SIGNALS
WHITE LANDING
(Rules of the Air Regulations 2007, regulations 45-55)
LIGHT
on nose or on wing

RED
NAVIGATION GREEN
LIGHT NAVIGATION
port side LIGHT
starboard side

FLASHING BEACON
If fitted must
WHITE be working any time
NAVIGATION engine(s) running
LIGHT
on tail
PPL AIR LAW
AIRCRAFT SIGNALS

Dead Dead Rear Anti-Collision Light must be on and

ahead ahead
to 110 working when engine(s) are running if fitted to
to 110
the aircraft

If any light fails that is required the

aircraft must not get airborne.

If already airborne, aircraft must land as

soon as is practical

70 either 360
side

PPL AIR LAW

OTHER AIRCRAFT LIGHTS FOR NIGHT

HOT AIR AIRSHIPS

GLIDERS
BALLOONS Lights as per
Steady red light
5m and 10m steady aeroplanes
visible in all
red lights visible in
directions
all directions
PPL AIR LAW
AIRCRAFT SIGNALS
Knowing the lights on aircraft is important for collision avoidance at night

Green to green all

is serene

Green to red you

could be dead

PPL AIR LAW

 AIRCRAFT INTERCEPTION
ICAO Convention article 9

CAA Safety Sense Leaflet 11 contains all the ICAO

interception procedures

Schedule 11 of the ANO requires all UK aircraft to

carry a copy of these interception procedures on all
international flights

Interception procedures are a last resort for security purposes.

However, being shot down is the next step. So not

exactly a last resort!

Ensure you are familiar with this leaflet if you are

making an international flight

PPL AIR LAW

 PRACTICE QUESTION!

On a Special VFR Flight (SVFR) which of the low flying rules does not apply?

The 1000 ft rule

PPL AIR LAW

VISUAL METEOROLOGICAL CONDITIONS

Inside Controlled Airspace (Class C, D & E)

Visibility minimum:
5km below FL100
8km above FL100
1,000 ft vertically
clear of cloud

1500m horizontally
clear of cloud

PPL AIR LAW

VISUAL METEOROLOGICAL CONDITIONS

Outside Controlled Airspace (Class F & G) Above

3,000 ft amsl

Visibility minimum:
5km below FL100
8km above FL100
1,000 ft vertically
clear of cloud

1500m horizontally
clear of cloud

PPL AIR LAW

VISUAL METEOROLOGICAL CONDITIONS
Outside Controlled Airspace (Class F & G)
Below 3,000 feet amsl

Clear of
Cloud
Visibility 5km
(3km for IMC rated)
(1500m if below 140 kts IAS)

In sight of the
surface

PPL AIR LAW

VISUAL METEOROLOGICAL CONDITIONS
Visual Meteorological Conditions (VMC) are weather conditions which allow flight
under the Visual Flight Rules (VFR)

Bear in mind that these minima may be less restrictive than

your licence privileges

In this case the more restrictive condition applies

PPL AIR LAW

JAA PPL WEATHER MINIMA
UK Air Navigation Order Schedule 9

A PPL(A) holder must,

therefore, always be in sight of
the surface

You must have at least 3km

visibility

The VMC minima of 1500m

DOES NOT apply to you!

Special VFR allows flight in Class A airspace that would normally be

unavailable to a VFR pilot. A PPL(A) holder needs 10km visibility to fly a special
VFR (SVFR) routeing

PPL AIR LAW

INSTRUMENT METEOROLOGICAL CONDITIONS
Instrument Meteorological Conditions (IMC) are weather conditions which require
flight under the Instrument Flight Rules

An easy one! if its not VMC then it must be IMC!

PPL AIR LAW

 VISUAL FLIGHT RULES INSIDE CONTROLLED AIRSPACE
(Rules of the Air Regulations 2007, regulation 27)

CLASS A
No VFR flight is permitted inside Class A airspace

Special VFR may be available on certain routes

within certain Class A CTRs

PPL AIR LAW

 VISUAL FLIGHT RULES INSIDE CONTROLLED AIRSPACE
CLASS C CLASS D CLASS E

Separation

Traffic Info.

VMC Minima

Speed Limit

Radio required?

Clearance
required?
PPL AIR LAW
 VISUAL FLIGHT RULES OUTSIDE CONTROLLED
AIRSPACE
(Rules of the Air Regulations 2007, regulation 28)

CLASS F CLASS G
Separation from other traffic not
provided unless under a
deconfliction service

If below 140kts - Clear of cloud, in

sight of the surface with 5km
visibility required if below 3000ft agl

Speed limit applies

Radio not required

ATC Clearance not Required

PPL AIR LAW
VISUAL FLIGHT RULES OUTSIDE CONTROLLED
AIRSPACE
CLASS F & G AIRSPACE EXCEPTIONS

VFR flight is still possible with in-flight visibility down to 1500m

However! Without a valid IMC rating or Instrument Rating, a pilot

cannot fly in this because their licence does not allow flight in
visibility this poor.

VFR on top is used often to imply flight above a cloud layer

whilst still following the visual flight rules. This is ILLEGAL in
the UK and ILLEGAL by anyone with a UK licence

You must always adhere to the most restrictive regulation

PPL AIR LAW

 INSTRUMENT FLIGHT RULES
(Rules of the Air Regulations 2007, regulations 32-37)

FLIGHT PLAN
Before taking off from controlled airspace or flying
into controlled airspace a flight plan must be filed

POSITION REPORTS
must be made where required, and all ATC
clearances and notified procedures shall be
complied with

MINIMUM HEIGHT RULE

Must be at least 1000ft above the highest
fixed obstacle within 5nm of the aircraft

PPL AIR LAW

INSTRUMENT FLIGHT RULES

QUADRANTAL HEIGHT RULE SEMI-CIRCULAR HEIGHT RULE

Below 19,500 feet Above 19,500 feet

EVEN FL ODD
+ 500ft FL 21,000 ft
22,000 ft
24,000 ft 23,000 ft
26,000 ft 25,000 ft
EVEN ODD FL 28,000 ft 27,000 ft
FL +500ft etc etc.

(Above 41,000 intervals

are 4000 feet) PPL AIR LAW
CHOICE OF VFR OR IFR
(Rules of the Air Regulations 2007, regulation 20)

IN CLOUD? (IMC)
You must fly IFR

VISUAL CONDITIONS? (VMC)

You can chose VFR or IFR

AT NIGHT?
You must fly IFR

PPL AIR LAW

CLASSIFICATION OF AIRSPACE

Uncontrolled Airspace
CLASS A
Airways Controlled Airspace
Terminal Manoeuvring Areas (TMA).
Controlled Zones (CTR)
Controlled Areas (CTA)
CLASS B
Upper Airspace
FL245 (24,500 ft) and above
CLASS F
CLASS C Advisory Routes
FL195 (19,500 ft) and above Requires Flight Plan
VFR Lanes available All aircraft receive ATC Advisories
CLASS D
CLASS G
Some CTR / CTAs
Open FIR
Scottish TMA 6000 ft +
Everything Else
Some ATZs

CLASS E
Scottish TMA below 6000 ft PPL AIR LAW
Belfast TMA
CLASSIFICATION OF AIRSPACE

CLASS A IFR only and all flights controlled and separated

by ATC at all times

CLASS C IFR & VFR. Flights controlled. Separation

provided for IFR traffic only. VFR gets information.

CLASS D IFR & VFR. Flights controlled. Separation

provided for IFR/IFR only. Information for and
about VFR flights
CLASS D IFR & VFR. Flights controlled. Separation
provided for IFR/IFR only. Other information available if
practicable
CLASS F IFR & VFR. Participating IFR get advisory
service. All others get information as requested
CLASS G IFR & VFR. Traffic Information available if
requested

PPL AIR LAW

Note there is no Class B airspace in the UK
AIRSPACE AIRWAYS
Airways are a form of Control Area but in a corridor
Always based on navigational aids (usually as a centreline of the airway)

Airways are identified (e.g. A25, R8) and is 5nm either side of a centreline

All Airways are Class A airspace

PPL AIR LAW

AIRSPACE TERMINAL CONTROL ZONE (TMA)

A TMA (from previous terminal manoeuvring area) is established where many

airspace routes converge in the vicinity of a major aerodrome

4 in the UK London (Class A)

Manchester (Class A)
Belfast (Class E)
Scottish (Class D)

PPL AIR LAW

AIRSPACE CONTROL ZONE (CTR)

A CTR is airspace around certain aerodromes where ATC is provided to all flights

CTRs extend from ground level to a specified level

Minimum dimension is 5nm either side of the centre of the aerodromes

approach path

Example: Edinburgh CTR,

Newcastle CTR, Belfast CTR

PPL AIR LAW

AIRSPACE CONTROL AREA (CTA)

Airspace which begins above ground level from a specified level to a

specified level

Examples in UK Daventry and Worthing CTA

PPL AIR LAW

AIRSPACE AERODROME TRAFFIC ZONES (ATZ)

ATZs take on the airspace classification from the airspace they are found

Standard dimensions 2000 ft above ground level, 2nm radius from longest r/w

If longest r/w is over 1850m then radius is 2.5nm

Traffic must have permission to fly in an ATZ and maintain a

listening watch

2000 ft agl

PPL AIR LAW

2nm or 2.5nm radius
AIRSPACE MILITARY AERODROME TRAFFIC ZONES
(MATZ)
Specified airspace around a military aerodrome
Clearance is not required to enter a MATZ but it is poor airmanship

The ATZ within a MATZ is still controlled airspace

Dimensions: 5 nm radius, 5nm long stub

4nm wide stub 5, 5, 4, 3, 2, 1!
3,000 ft agl
2,000 ft deep stub
1,000 ft from ground to base of stub

2,000 ft
3,000 ft agl

4 nm wide

5nm radius 5 nm long PPL AIR LAW

AIRSPACE DEPICTIONS ON CHART EXAMPLE

Class D CTAs Standard 2nm ATZ

Class A LTMA

Class D CTR

It is worthwhile
taking the time to
study your chart and
the legend!

2.5 nm ATZ PPL AIR LAW

AIRSPACE PROHIBITED, RESTRICTED AND DANGER
AREAS
PROHIBITED AREAS are areas in which flight is prohibited
Defined upper limit is given on the chart

RESTRICTED AREAS are areas in which flight is restricted according to

certain criteria (for example, apply only to helicopters)

DANGER AREAS are areas in which activities dangerous to flight occur

A Danger Area Crossing Service

(DACS) is available for some
Danger Areas and all have a
Danger Area Activity Information
Service (DAAIS)

Solid Lines indicate permanent

airspace, pecked lines are activated
by NOTAM
PPL AIR LAW
AIRSPACE OTHER HAZARDS

Areas of Intense Aerial Activity (AIAAs) known

busy areas. A contact frequency will be indicated

High-Intensity Radio Transmission Area (HIRTA)

can lead to interference and damage to radio and
navigation equipment and may be hazardous to
health (but only for the boys!)

Parachute Drop Site freefall parachutists can be

expected in a circle radius 1.5 or 2nm up to FL150.
Night operations are also likely

Gas Venting pilots are advised to avoid

PPL AIR LAW

AIRSPACE OTHER HAZARDS

Permanent Laser emission sites advised to avoid

Gliding Site with maximum height agl winch launch

Gliding site with winch launch and other activity

Gliding site without winch launch but with other activity

Hang-gliding or Para-gliding activity

PPL AIR LAW

Lecture I Complete
Any Questions?

PPL AIR LAW

AIR LAW II

PPL AIR LAW

LECTURE TWO: ATC, ALTIMETERS, AERODROMES, ACCIDENTS &
LICENCES
1. Air Traffic Services

2. Basic, Traffic, Deconfliction & Procedural RT

Services
3. Air Traffic Services Emergencies

4. Altimeter Setting Procedures

5. Aerodromes: Approach and Definitions

6. Aerodromes: Signals

7. Accidents & Incidents, Search & Rescue

8. Licensing

PPL AIR LAW

AIR TRAFFIC SERVICES Prevention of Collision
between aircraft on the
So why do we need Air Traffic ground or in the air
Control?
Prevention of Collision
between aircraft and objects at
aerodromes

Expedite and maintain an

orderly flow of traffic

Provide advice and

information for the safe and
efficient conduct of flights

Notification of and Cooperation

with Search and Rescue

Plus someone to talk to!

PPL AIR LAW
AIR TRAFFIC SERVICES
Area Control Centre (ACC) Services:
Air Traffic Control Service for IFR traffic in airways
Air Traffic Advisory Service for traffic on advisory routes
Flight Information Service and Alerting Service
Distress and Diversion Service

Aerodrome Traffic Services:

Air Traffic Control for traffic in ATZ or in the vicinity
Aerodrome Control / Approach Control on busy aerodromes

Flight Information Services: (FIS)

Air / Ground Radio Stations
Safetycom (134.75)
Open FIR Air Traffic Services
Lower Airspace Radar Service (LARS)
Available up to and including FL195 within 30nm of
the nominated unit PPL AIR LAW
FLIGHT INFORMATION REGIONS

UK airspace is divided into 2 Flight

Information Regions Scottish and London

FIRs extend up to 24,500 ft (FL245)

Upper Information Regions (UIRs)

extend above this with the same sub-
divisions

Within this, airspace is sub-divided

into 7 classes (A-G) and then also
other areas and zones

PPL AIR LAW

AIR TRAFFIC SERVICES

The type of ATC provision depends upon types of traffic involved, density of
traffic and meteorological conditions

At Wycombe Air Park we have a full tower provision due to the mix of traffic
high wing light aircraft, low wing light aircraft, helicopters and gliders

At weekends and on other busy days / periods there are two frequencies in
use Ground and Tower

Wycombe Air Park is regularly logged as being

busier than London Heathrow airport!

PPL AIR LAW

AIR TRAFFIC SERVICES

There are 4 levels of service you can request from a controller:

BASIC SERVICE

TRAFFIC SERVICE

DECONFLICTION SERVICE

PROCEDURAL SERVICE

Which service you ask for depends on the level of service you require,
your flight conditions and the station you are communicating with

PPL AIR LAW

BASIC SERVICE

Advice and information useful to the safe and efficient

conduct of flights

Aimed to give the pilot maximum autonomy

Pilot responsible for: ATC responsible for:

Avoidance of Traffic No requirements for

monitoring flights or giving
Terrain Clearance traffic information
Change heading, route or Have pressure setting
level without advising information if asked
the controller

Available to IFR and VFR but probably not appropriate for IMC PPL AIR LAW
TRAFFIC SERVICE

Radar Based Service where the basic service is added to

by radar-derived traffic information

Only available from controllers with radar

Pilot responsible for: ATC responsible for:

Traffic Avoidance Identification of Aircraft

Terrain Clearance Relevant traffic information
Navigation Headings / Levels for
sequencing but not
Level selection
deconfliction

Available to IFR and VFR advise controller if you are VMC if PPL AIR LAW
given a heading or level that requires flight into cloud
DECONFLICTION SERVICE
Surveillance based service so controller can control traffic
through heading or level instruction and to achieve
separation minima

Requires 5nm lateral separation ad 3,000 feet vertically.

Pilot responsible for: ATC responsible for:

Terrain Avoidance Identification of aircraft

Traffic Avoidance (if
instructions are not
followed)
Own navigation or
controlled nav
Traffic information and
avoiding action
Heading and Level
instructions

Available to IFR and VFR you will need to accept any heading PPL AIR LAW
or level instruction so not really suitable if you are VMC-only
PROCEDURAL SERVICE
Controller provides additional heading, level and time instructions
to achieve deconfliction from PARTICIPATING traffic

No radar facility so not all traffic will be avoided

Pilot responsible for: ATC responsible for:

Terrain Clearance No identification required

Obtain clearance to change Deconfliction minima for
heading or level participating traffic
May issue squawks for
other radar controllers

PPL AIR LAW

Available to IFR and VFR but may require IMC flight do not
accept a procedural service if IMC is not legal
AIR TRAFFIC SERVICES

Remember that ATC are there for your benefit and not the
other way around!

You think a radar controller is seeing this

The radar controller sees

ATC is like Tetris the sooner the

screen is clear the better!

If ATC instruct you to do something you are unable to do, would be illegal to
comply with, or you dont want to tell them!
PPL AIR LAW
AIR TRAFFIC SERVICES
However, if you need assistance, ask as soon as you can

A good example is the Avianca Flight 52 example:

Boeing 707 in January 1990 travelling from Bogota to New York
Running out of fuel
Controller asks are you declaring a fuel emergency on a number of occasions
Each time Pilot says no
First approach went wrong in windshear and the aircraft
went around ATC Climb 2000 feet
Pilot We are running out of fuel, sir
ATC You need to climb
Pilot No, we are running out of fuel
ATC Avianca 52 are you declaring a fuel emergency?
ATC Avianca 52?
ATC Avianca 52 do you read me?
ATC Avianca 52 how do you read

PPL AIR LAW

73 people killed
AIR TRAFFIC SERVICES: EMERGENCIES

The transponder in the aircraft sends

information regarding the aircraft position to
an interrogating ground station

If mode C is selected, it also sends

altitude information

7000 is used as the code in the UK for

conspicuity

7500 Hijack / Unlawful Interference 75 taken alive

7600 Radio Failure 76 in a fix
7700 Emergency 77 going to heaven

PPL AIR LAW

ALTIMETER SETTING PROCEDURES: BASICS

As an aircraft gains altitude the

atmospheric pressure it is subjected to
DECREASES

The altimeter senses pressure and

converts it to a scale displayed as feet

An altimeter is only as accurate as the

setting that has been selected

A subscale knob allows the pilot to

select a datum above which a vertical
displacement is shown

PPL AIR LAW

ALTIMETER SETTING PROCEDURES
The UK has 20 altimeter setting regions

Regional Pressure Setting (RPS) is used rather than airfield pressure settings

Leads to better conformity of aircraft altimeter settings and reduces pilot workload

The actual QNH will always make the aircraft indicate higher than it is this is on
the safe side

The RPS is updated every hour

PPL AIR LAW

ALTIMETER SETTING REGIONS

The chart of the UK Regional

Pressure Setting Regions can
be found in the UK AIP En-
route Section

If things are going really

badly and you are really lost
there is one final option the
colour code option

PPL AIR LAW

ALTIMETER SETTING REGIONS

PPL AIR LAW

ALTIMETER SETTING PROCEDURES: DEFINITIONS

QNH
Nautical Height
Mean Sea Level Pressure
Altimeter reads Altitude

QFE
Field Elevation
Aerodrome Surface Pressure
Altimeter reads Height (above that particular airfield)

Standard Pressure
1013.2 mb Pressure Level
Used when terrain clearance is no longer an issue
Altimeter reads Flight Level (FL)

PPL AIR LAW

ALTIMETER SETTING PROCEDURES: EXAMPLE
Different altimeter settings / readings but consistent level

ALT ALT ALT

Altitude Flight Height

4,000 ft Level 35 2,500 ft

QNH Standard QFE PPL AIR LAW

1030mb 1013mb 980mb
ALTIMETER SETTING PROCEDURES: TRANSITION
ALTITUDE

Aircraft Flying on 1013 mb (FL)

Transition Level

TRANSITION Unavailable only for passage through

LAYER

Transition Altitude
Aircraft Flying on QNH

PPL AIR LAW

ALTIMETER SETTING PROCEDURES: FLIGHT LEVEL
GRAPH
Step 1 Draw a vertical line up from the QNH until it meets a slanted FL line

Step 2 Read horizontally across to the equivalent altitude

Minimum Altitude (ft)

Magnetic Track
PPL AIR LAW
 ALTIMETER SETTING REGIONS
Complex Cross-country Flight Above transition
Set 1013 mb Descent below
MATZ set transition set
More than airfield RPS
20nm away QFE
set RPS
Land on
Take off on airfield QFE
airfield QNH

PPL AIR LAW

 ALTIMETER SETTING REGIONS
Simple Cross-country Flight

More than Change to

20nm away next RPS Change to
set RPS next RPS
Take off on Land on
airfield QNH airfield QFE

PPL AIR LAW

 PRACTICE QUESTION!

In the vicinity of an airfield, what pressure setting should be on the altimeter

Airfield QNH

PPL AIR LAW

FLIGHT IN THE VICINITY OF AN AERODROME
(Rules of the Air Regulations 2007, regulations 12, 13)

An aircraft shall conform to, or keep clear of, the circuit pattern
All turns to the left unless otherwise indicated

ATC nominated landing order shall be followed

An aircraft on final approach has right of way over other

airborne or ground-based aircraft

Emergency traffic always has right of way and any previous

clearances are cancelled

PPL AIR LAW

AERODROME APPROACH

When arriving at an airfield you

should make RT contact and comply
with instructions given

The normal method of joining a circuit

is the standard overhead join more
of which later

Other methods of joining are:

downwind join, base leg join, long
final approach

In the US joining procedures are very different make sure you understand the
procedures for the country you are flying in and for the airfield you are approaching

Information is available direct from each airfield, or use an

airfield guide such as Pooleys
PPL AIR LAW
AERODROME APPROACH

PPL AIR LAW

NOTIFICATION OF ARRIVAL OR DEPARTURE
(Rules of the Air Regulations 2007, regulation 17)

If an aerodrome knows you are on your

way and you change your mind or are
going to be more than 45 minutes late you
MUST inform them of this whatever the
reason

You must tell your

departure airfield where
you intend landing

If you are exiting UK

airspace you must file a
flight plan

PPL AIR LAW

RUNWAY SURFACE CONDITIONS

DAMP
Change in colour due to moisture

WET
Surface soaked but no standing water

WATER PATCHES
Significant standing water visible

FLOODED
Extensive standing water visible
PPL AIR LAW
 PRACTICE QUESTION!

What does WET mean when applied to a runways condition?

The surface is soaked but there is no standing water

PPL AIR LAW

AERODROMES ICAO TERMINOLOGY
TORA, TODA, Clearway

Clearway

Take-off run available

(TORA)

Take-off distance available 1st

significant
(TODA) obstruction

PPL AIR LAW

AERODROMES ICAO TERMINOLOGY
Take-off run available
(TORA) No stopway
available

Accelerate-Stop Distance Available

(ASDA)

Take-off run available

Stopway
(TORA)

1st
significant
Accelerate-Stop Distance Available obstruction
(ASDA) PPL AIR LAW
AERODROMES ICAO TERMINOLOGY

50ft

Landing Distance Available

(LDA)

PPL AIR LAW

 PRACTICE QUESTION!

What is the take-off run available plus the clearway also known as?

Take-off distance available

PPL AIR LAW

SIGNALS SQUARE
These are becoming rarer each year but this is what you are looking for!

PPL AIR LAW

 AERODROME SIGNALS AND MARKINGS SIGNALS
SQUARES
(Rules of the Air Regulations 2007, regulations 56-60)

White Signals T
Signifies landing direction land towards the
cross arm parallel to the long section

White Signals T with white ball

Take-off and Landing directions not
necessarily the same

PPL AIR LAW

AERODROME SIGNALS AND MARKINGS

WHITE DUMBELL
Movement of aircraft shall be confined to
paved, metalled or hard surfaced areas

WHITE DUMBELL WITH BLACK STRIPES

Landing on a runway but other movement of
aircraft shall NOT be confined to paved,
metalled or hard surfaced areas

PPL AIR LAW

AERODROME SIGNALS AND MARKINGS

RED AND YELLOW ARROW

Signifies a right hand circuit is in force

RED SQUARE, YELLOW DIAGONAL

Signifies the state of the manoeuvring
area is poor and pilots should take
precautions

PPL AIR LAW

AERODROME SIGNALS AND MARKINGS

RED SQUARE, YELLOW CROSS

Signifies aerodrome is unsafe. Landing prohibited.

WHITE H
Helicopters must only land within the area
specified

PPL AIR LAW

AERODROME SIGNALS AND MARKINGS

RED L
Light aircraft may land on the runway or on
another (specified) area

WHITE DOUBLE-CROSS
Gliding is in progress

PPL AIR LAW

AERODROME SIGNALS AND MARKINGS

BLACK C ON YELLOW BACKGROUND

Indicates where the person in charge of the aerodrome
and/or ATC can be found. This is where you go to book
in/out of an airfeld and to pay landing fees

BLACK BALL ON MAST

Direction of Landing and take off may not coincide

RED / YELLOW CHEQUERED FLAG

Traffic may only move with permission of ATC

DOUBLE RED BALL

Glider flying is in progress PPL AIR LAW
AERODROME SIGNALS AND MARKINGS TAXIWAY
MARKING

DOUBLE WHITE CROSSES (or more)

Section of runway or taxiway marked is
unavailable

DOUBLE YELLOW SOLID, DOUBLE YELLOW

BROKEN LINES
Signify a runway entrance / exit. Do not cross the
solid lines first without permission. Can cross
broken line first to exit runway without permission

PPL AIR LAW

AERODROME SIGNALS AND MARKINGS TAXIWAY
MARKING

YELLOW LADDER
A holding point that requires permission from
ATC to cross

ORANGE AND WHITE FENCES

Signifies the edge of the usable area.
Beyond this area is unfit for the movement
of aircraft

PPL AIR LAW

AERODROME SIGNALS AND MARKINGS TAXIWAY
MARKING

ORANGE AND WHITE MARKERS

Signifies the edge of the usable area.
Beyond this area is unfit for the movement
of aircraft. Used on unpaved areas.

ORANGE AND WHITE MARKINGS

ON STRUCTURES
Signifies boundary of aerodrome

PPL AIR LAW

AERODROMES - BEACONS

Civil Aerodrome beacons are GREEN

Military Aerodrome beacons are RED

They both flash in Morse code a 2-letter identifier for the airfield

For example, at Wycombe Air Park the green beacon

flashes WP

PPL AIR LAW

AERODROME GROUND LIGHTS & MARKINGS

Surface markings are WHITE for runways and YELLOW for taxi-ways and aprons

Runway end
Taxi-way edge lighting lights are
is BLUE unidirectional
and RED

Runway side
Runway start
lights are WHITE
lights are
unidirectional and At large airfields
they colour code to
GREEN indicate
approaching the end

PPL AIR LAW

 PRACTICE QUESTION!

What colour are taxi-way markings and what colour are runway markings?

Yellow for taxi-ways and white for runways

PPL AIR LAW

 AERODROME SIGNALS LIGHT SIGNALS
(Rules of the Air Regulations 2007, regulation 61)

PPL AIR LAW

AERODROME SIGNALS LIGHT SIGNALS

PPL AIR LAW

AERODROME SIGNALS LIGHT SIGNALS

PPL AIR LAW

AERODROME SIGNALS LIGHT SIGNALS

PPL AIR LAW

AERODROME SIGNALS MARSHALLING
There are many marshalling signals used here are the main ones

Straight ahead Turn Left Turn Right

Stop Emergency Stop Brakes on / release

PPL AIR LAW
ACCIDENTS AND INCIDENTS

Incident An occurrence other than an accident

which affects or could affect the safety
of aircraft operation

Accident An event in which the aircraft

sustains significant damage or causes
personal injury

Not considered an accident:

Injuries are from natural causes or self-inflicted
Any injury to a stowaway
Engine failure
Damage limited to propellers, wing tips,
antennae, tyres, brakes, fairings, dents
and punctures to aircraft skin
Aircraft is missing (SAR terminated) PPL AIR LAW
ACCIDENTS AND INCIDENTS

In the UK, the aircraft commander must notify:

Chief Inspector of Air Accidents
Local Police
as soon as possible

PPL AIR LAW

REPORTING HAZARDOUS CONDITIONS
(Rules of the Air Regulations 2007, regulation 4)

Any aircraft encountering hazardous conditions shall notify the

nearest air traffic control unit as soon as possible

That unit is then responsible for giving the

information to any other traffic that may be affected

Examples of hazardous conditions windshear,

clear air icing, un-forecast electrical storms etc.

PPL AIR LAW

 PRACTICE QUESTION!

What does a red square with a yellow diagonal cross in a signals area signify
to an overflying aircraft?

Landing prohibited

PPL AIR LAW

FIRE & RESCUE SERVICES
You will soon become familiar with Wycombe Air Parks fire crew because they
are also responsible for Fuelling and Aircraft handling
Hopefully for no other reason!

Their real job, however, is fire-fighting and rescue from aircraft

Our fire crew have to be able to get to any point on the airfield, following
an alarm, within 2 minutes all kitted up and ready to assist

PPL AIR LAW

FLIGHT PLANS
Required for flight in
Class A airspace
Controlled airspace IMC / Night
Controlled airspace IFR (IMC or VMC)
Class D IFR or VFR (usually done via RT)
Scottish or London UIRs
Crossing an FIR boundary

Think of a flight plan as a wish list it is

what you want to happen on a flight

ATC may have other ideas!

Now submitted via the internet direct to

Eurocontrol

PPL AIR LAW

ALERTING SERVICE

The alerting service is only put into a ready state

if a pilot files a flight plan

When an aircraft gets airborne on a flight plan it is

essential that the parent unit gets the departure time.
This means the alerting service is now armed

If the aircraft fails to arrive within 30 minutes of the

flight-plan arrival time, the alerting service is
activated

An active alert leads to search and rescue

PPL AIR LAW

SEARCH AND RESCUE

Alerting service available to all traffic known to Air Traffic Service Units (ATSU)

Action is normally initiated by the ATSU last in communication with the

missing aircraft

All action controlled by a Rescue Coordination Centre (joint civil / military)

The emergency frequency 121.5 MHz is constantly monitored

Auto-triangulation is available on this frequency

PPL AIR LAW

SEARCH AND RESCUE
There are 3 phases of an operation:
UNCERTANTY
as soon as action is initiated.
Rescue Coordination Centre begins to coordinate all
parties
ALERT
All Search and Rescue Units notified
Any necessary action notified

DISTRESS
SAR units initiate action
Last known position and circle of uncertainty established
operator notified
all adjacent rescue and ATC notified
All local traffic requested early for likely assistance
notify state of registry
notify appropriate accident investigation authorities

PPL AIR LAW

SEARCH AND RESCUE
Standard ground-to-air Search and Rescue Visual Signals

V Require assistance

Understood by the
X Require medical assistance aircraft rocking wings
(day time) or flashing
lights (night)
Proceeding in this direction

Y Yes / Affirm

N No / Negative

PPL AIR LAW

AIR TRAFFIC SERVICES: EMERGENCIES
URGENCY
The aircraft has an urgent message to transmit concerning the safety of a ship,
aircraft, vehicle or property, or of a person on board or within sight of the aircraft

Pan call should be made on the frequency in use or on 121.5 MHz

Examples: low fuel, pilot unwell, pilot unsure of position (lost)

DISTRESS
The aircraft is in imminent danger and requires immediate help
Mayday call should be made on the frequency in use or on 121.5 MHz

Examples: engine failure, pilot incapacitation, fire

PPL AIR LAW

 PRACTICE QUESTION!

What is the transponder code for hijack?

7500

PPL AIR LAW

STUDENT PILOTS!
JAR-FCL states that each nations authority should ensure that the privileges
granted would not permit student pilots to constitute a hazard to aviation!

Students may begin logging flight-time towards licence

issue at the age of 14

Students must be at least 16 years of age to fly solo

Student solo flights must have been authorised by a

qualified flight instructor

Students must hold a valid Class 1 or Class 2 medical

in order to fly solo

PPL AIR LAW

INSTRUCTION IN FLYING

Instruction may only be given in flying by a pilot who holds a valid instructor rating

We will be talking with you about instructor

ratings later on in your course.

Some pilots may wish to complete their FI

rating following their CPL training and delaying
their IR until they have some more hours

This may be a better option dependent on the

airline industry at the time!

PPL AIR LAW

PRIVATE PILOT LICENCE

From driving licence to flying licence you need:

7 theoretical knowledge exams passed

45 hours total time
RT practical exam passed
10 hours solo
Flying Skill test passed
5 hours cross-country solo

150nm cross-country solo flight

with 2 away landings

Previous flight time in any aircraft or other type of aircraft

licence may adjust these requirements with some form of credit
PPL AIR LAW
You dont have to have a driving licence!
PRIVATE PILOT LICENCE

You must be at least 17 years of age and

hold a Class 1 or Class 2 medical

A PPL allows the holder to act as Pilot in

Command or Co-pilot of any aircraft
engaged on a non-revenue flight

You will also need a Class or Type Rating

that relates to the aircraft being flown

There are also currency and weather

requirements more of these later!

PPL AIR LAW

 PRACTICE QUESTION!

Who has ultimate responsibility for anything that occurs on a flight

The pilot in command

PPL AIR LAW

GOT YOUR LICENCE HOW DO YOU KEEP IT LEGAL?

All licences are issued for a maximum of 5 years

To get the licence re-issued you will need a valid class or type
rating and a valid medical. (And pay the CAA some money)

You will get your licence issued with a Single Engine Piston (Land) Rating
which is valid for 2 years.

To carry passengers you must have completed 3 take-offs and 3 landings in the
preceding 90 days

You need to keep this rating valid to fly single

engine aircraft on your licence.

There are a few ways of doing this:

PPL AIR LAW
GOT YOUR LICENCE HOW DO YOU KEEP IT LEGAL?
You must also keep your medical current

Class 2 medical is valid for 60 months if you are under 40

(24 months 40-49 and 12 months 50 and over)

Class 1 medical is valid for 12 months

Details are in JAR-FCL 3

PPL AIR LAW

GOT YOUR LICENCE HOW DO YOU KEEP IT LEGAL?

Medical is current but.

Do you need to tell the

CAA?

You must not exercise the privileges of your licence if you are aware of any
decrease in your medical fitness which might render you unsafe

You must tell the CAA (via your AME usually) if you:
Are admitted into hospital for more than 12 hours
Have surgery or an invasive procedure
Are regularly using medication
Are newly needing corrective lenses
Any illness which means you are unfit to fly for more than 21 days
It is confirmed that you are pregnant
PPL AIR LAW
GOT YOUR LICENCE HOW DO YOU KEEP IT LEGAL?
Option 1

Year 1 do as much flying as you please but NONE of it will count

towards revalidating your SEP rating

Year 2 12 hours flight time of which 6 hours solo flight time, 12

take-offs and landings, a flight of 1 hour duration with a
flight instructor.
Option 2
No hour requirement just do a Skill Test with an examiner in the
second year.
This is also what you will need to do if your SEP rating expires.

Remember to get your SEP revalidated in your licence! PPL AIR LAW
LOGBOOKS!

You also must ensure that your logbook has your name and address written in it

You must total each page but ask an instructor how to do this most people do
it the wrong way!

Each page should then be signed

You must surrender your logbook to the CAA if they request it. ALWAYS take
a photocopy if you are going to send your logbook anywhere.

If you lose your logbook you will need to re-write it and

get an affidavit from a solicitor confirming that it is
correct. This can be expensive and time-consuming
PPL AIR LAW
 LOGBOOKS!
You must fill in your logbook at the earliest opportunity after a flight has taken place

01.01.12 C152 GWACH A. PILOT P/UT EGTB EGTB 1000 1042

0.7 1 1 Ex 7(1), 8(1) R/W 24R

Durations of flights in decimals (where 0.1 = 6 minutes.

Much easier to add up at the bottom of the page!

PPL AIR LAW

LOGBOOKS!
Pilots operating capacity:

Pilot in Command (PIC)

The person who, for the time being, is in charge of piloting the aircraft
without being under the direction of any other pilot in the aircraft

Pilot under Training (PuT)

A pilot undergoing training flying with a suitably qualified flying instructor

Pilot in Command under Supervision (PICUS)

Used by the CAA for denoting a test flight flown with an examiner which
was successful and where the examiner took no part in the control of
the aircraft

PPL AIR LAW

LOGBOOKS!

Day or night?
Night is considered to be:

30 minutes after sunset until 30 minutes

before sunrise

Or

From the end of evening civil twilight until the beginning of morning civil
twilight on the following day

And you thought it was just

when it got dark!
PPL AIR LAW
CLASS RATINGS

Single Engine Piston

(Land) Single Engine Piston
(Sea)
Touring Motor Glider

Multi Engine Piston

(Land)
Single Engine Turboprop
Single Engine Turboprop (Sea)
(Land)

Multi Engine Piston PPL AIR LAW

(Sea)
TYPE RATINGS

Type ratings are required for:

All multi-pilot aircraft

All single-pilot multi-engine turboprop / turbojet aircraft

All single-pilot single-engine turbojet aircraft

Any other aircraft considered necessary

Military, ex-military, experimental or vintage aircraft

PPL AIR LAW

INSTRUMENT RATINGS

JAR-FCL states that a pilot must not operate under IFR unless they hold an
instrument rating (or are a student flying with an instructor who holds an IR)

The UK disagrees!

In the UK on your PPL(A) you may fly under IFR outside controlled airspace
as long as you are VMC

You may add an IMC rating to your licence which will allow IFR flight in IMC under
certain conditions and in certain classes of airspace

This is all subject to

change under EASA

PPL AIR LAW

LICENSING STATE OF ISSUE

Your training may be completed in more

than one state

Your licence will be issued by one

member state who will then be the only
state who can alter your licence / add
ratings etc

You can change your state of issue to

another JAA state if that makes your life
easier!

This is most likely if you end up working

for an airline from another state

Eg. Ryanair = Irish Licence not UK

PPL AIR LAW
 PRACTICE QUESTION!

What are the requirements for a PPL(A) holder to carry passengers?

3 take-offs and landings in the preceding 90 days

PPL AIR LAW

Syllabus complete
Any Questions?

PPL AIR LAW