Air Law Flashcards
Public vs Private International Law
Public International Law govern how states behave.
Private International Law governs how individuals act, their responsibilities and liabilities (including corporations).
Territorial waters definition
Within 12NM of shore.
Suzerainty
Authority of a dominant State over a subordinate State.
Convention which ratified ICAO and its objectives
Chicago Convention 1944
Chicago Convention Annexes
1 to 6
1) Licensing
2) RotA
3) Meteorological Services
4) Charts
5) Units of measurement
6) Operation of Aircraft
Chicago Convention Annexes
7 to 12
7) Nationality & Registration marks
8) Airworthiness
9) Facilitation
10) Telecommunications
11) ATS
12) S&R
Chicago Convention Annexes
13 to 18
13) Accident investigation
14) Aerodromes
15) Aeronautical Information Services
16) Environment
17) Security
18) Dangerous Goods
3 sections of PANS
PANS-ABC: ICAO Abbreviations & Codes
PANS-OPS: Aircraft operations
PANS-ATM: Air traffic management
3 sub-sections of PANS-OPS
Vol 1: Flight procedures
Vol 2: Construction of visual and instrument procedures
Vol 3: Aircraft operating procedures
SARPs
Standards and Recommended Procedures, part of the 19 annexes to the Chicago Convention.
Member states are expected to incorporate the standards into their aviation law, and recommended to adopt the recommended practices.
PANS
PANS (procedures for air navigation services) don’t have the same weight as the SARPs, but in practice these are the rules that countries follow.
There is no requirement to inform ICAO from deviation from PANS.
SUPPs
These are regional updates to the PANS which amend the SOPs in the PANS to cater for different needs of regions of the world.
Requirement for state unable to comply with annexes or SARPs
Advise ICAO in writing and publish deviations in their AIP.
ECAC
- Stands for
- Members
- Purpose
European Civil Aviation Conference
44 members including all 28 EU states, 31 of 32 EASA states and all 41 Eurocontrol states.
Promotes development of safe, efficient and sustainable European air transport.
Eurocontrol
Coordinates and plans ATC for all 41 states across Europe.
SES
Single European Sky.
First version (SES 1) organised European airspace into traffic based blocks, rather than on a country basis.
SES 2 is performance oriented, aims to improve economic, financial and environmental performance of air space.
EASA
European Aviation Safety Agency
Responsible for aviation safety through setting standards, carrying out inspections of member states and providing technical expertise, training and research.
EASA hard law vs soft law
Hard law: Regulations, Delegated Acts, Implementing acts, Implementing rules
Soft law: Certification Specifications (CS), Acceptable Means of Compliance (AMC), Guidance Material (GM)
Certification Specifications (CS)
Developed in consultation with industry bodies and interested parties, these must be followed in order to achieve regulatory approval of certification.
Acceptable Means of Compliance (AMC)
Serves as a way of meeting requirements set out in basic regulation. Not binding, other means may be used to meet the basic regulation. Competent National Aviation Authorities (NAAs) can come up with their own AMC.
EASA documents
- CS 23 and CS 25
- CS 27 and CS 29
- PART-FCL
- PART-CAT
CS 23/25: Airworthiness requirements for small and large aircraft
CS 27/29: Airworthiness requirements for small and large rotorcraft
PART-FCL: Flight crew licensing
PART-CAT: Commercial Air Transportation
EASA definition
- Commercial Operation
Operation of aircraft in return for remuneration (or other valuable consideration), which is either available to the public or performed under a contract where the customer has no control over the operator.
EASA definition
- Complex motor powered aircraft
i) Aeroplane either over 5700kg, OR certificated for over 19 passengers, OR certificated for minimum crew of at least 2 pilots, OR equipped with turbojet or turboprop engines.
ii) Helicopter either over 3175kg, OF certificated for over 9 passengers, OR certificated for minimum crew of at least 2 pilots.
iii) Rotor tilt aircraft
ICAO definition
- Competency element & unit
Competency element: A task that has a triggering element and terminating event that defines its limits, and an observable outcome.
Competency unit: A discrete function consisting of a number of competency elements.
ICAO definition
- Co-pilot
Licensed pilot serving in any capacity other than PIC, but excluding a pilot on board for the sole purpose of receiving instruction.
IATA
International Air Transport Association
Association of air transport operators dealing with issues outside of ICAO such as:
- Airport slots
- Commercial Fuel Policy
- Consumer protection
- Environmental policy
- Unruly passengers
- Security
- Taxation
SERA - who is covered?
Airspace users and aircraft either operating into/within/out of EU or bearing nationality/registration marks of a member state of the union (although rules of territory flying through take precedence).
Status of ICAO standards
ICAO publishes standards and recommended practices which states can opt out of, or adopt in full.
1st & 2nd freedoms
Aircraft of any signatory power can fly over territory of any other signatory, or land there for technical reasons (e.g. refuelling).
Created under the International Air Transport TRANSIT Agreement in the Chicago convention.
3rd, 4th & 5th freedoms
Allows carriage of traffic (passengers & freight):
- from state of registration to any other signatory state (3rd)
- from any signatory state to the state of registration (4th)
- from any signatory state to any other signatory state (5th)
Created under the International Air Transport Agreement
Cabotage
Operating commercially entirely within a single signatory state (other than state of registration). This isn’t included in the 5 freedoms and can be unlawful.
i.e. domestic flight
The 8th freedom
Consecutive cabotage
Members states within the EU permitted to carry passengers or cargo between two points in one foreign country.
[Not part of chicago convention]
Structure of ICAO
The Assembly consists of members of the 191 contracting states, meets every 3 years to review the organisation and set policy for next 3 years.
They elect a Council of 36 states for a 3 year term. The council adopts SARPs.
The Air Navigation Commission made up of 19 individuals (nominated by states, appointed by council) considers, finalises and recommends SARPs and PANS to the council.
Assembly = Sovereign body
Council = GOVERNING body
ICAO Secretariat
5 divisions, headed by secretary general
- Air Navigation Bureau
- Air Transport Bureau
- Technical Cooperation Bureau
- Legal Bureau
- Bureau of Administration and Services
ICAO regions
Provision for air navigation facilities and ground services split up into regions:
- SAM - South America
- NAM - North America
- EUR - European
- ASIA - Asia
- MID - Middle East
- CAR - Caribbean
- NAT - North Atlantic
- PAC - Pacific
- AFI - African-Indian Ocean
Article
- Right of non-scheduled flight
Civilian aircraft not engaged in scheduled international services (i.e. GA) can fly over states territory and land for non-traffic purposes without prior permission.
State being overflown may require aircraft to land.
States can define prescribed routes over inaccessible regions or where air navigation facilities are limited, or require permission for such flights.
Article
- Scheduled air services
Scheduled international air services require approval of states they operate over or into.
Article
- Cabotage
States can refuse permission for cabotage to aircraft of other contracting states.
However they can’t enter into contracts allowing it exclusively to any other single state or airline of a state.
Article
- Landing at customs airport
Unless permitted to cross a state without landing, all aircraft entering territory must land and depart at customs airport.
States must publish and transmit to ICAO details of their customs airports.
Article
- Applicability of Air Regulations
Aircraft operating in a states territory must comply with the states laws and regulations.
Article
- Rules of the Air
States must prosecute breaches of regulations of aircraft in their territory.
They must ensure their regulations comply with ICAO SARPs to “greatest extent possible”.
Over high seas ICAO SARPs apply.
Article
- Search of Aircraft
Appropriate authorities of states are allowed (without undue delay) to search aircraft of other states on landing or departure and to inspect certificates or documents prescribed in the convention.
Article
- Nationality
- Dual Registration
Aircraft nationality is nation in which they are registered.
Aircraft can change nation of registration but can’t be registered in 2 nations.
Allocation of registration marks
International Telecommunications Union (ITU) allocates codes to ICAO.
ICAO distributes to states of registration.
State of registration allocate to aircraft.
Article
- Report of Registrations
States must supply to ICAO or other states information regarding registration and ownership of any aircraft registered there.
Article
- Facilitation of formalities
- Customs & immigration procedures
States agree to facilitate and expedite navigation of aircraft between contracting states and avoid unnecessary delays, especially in administration of laws around immigration, quarantine, customs and clearance.
States should establish (as far as possible) customs & immigration procedures in line with ICAO. This does NOT prevent customs free airports.
Article
- Customs duty
Aircraft travelling to or through states are temporarily free of duty, along with spare parts, fuel, oils, regular equipment and aircraft stores on board if retained on board [subject to customs regulations of the state].
Articles taken off (e.g. spare parts for another aircraft) may require keeping under customs supervision, but should be customs free [subject to customs regulations of the state].
Article
- Aircraft in distress
States must provide assistance to aircraft in distress in their territory.
They must permit (subject to control by their authorities) owners of the aircraft or authorities of state of registration to provide assistance.
In searching for missing aircraft states must collaborate as required by ICAO.
Article
- Air navigation facilities and standard systems
States must provide airports, radio services, met services and air navigation services in accordance with ICAO standards and practices.
States must adopt standard ICAO codes, markings, signals, lighting, communication procedures and operational practices.
States must cooperate with international measures to publish maps to ICAO standards.
Article
- Documents to be carried on board
- Certificate of Registration
- Certificate of Airworthiness
- Licenses for each crew
- Journey log book
- Radio license (if it has a radio)
- Passenger list (names, embarkation, destination)
- Cargo manifest and detailed declarations of cargo
Article
- Recognition of certificates and licenses
States must recognise certificates of airworthiness and licenses issued by the state in which the aircraft was registered, provided they are up to ICAO standards.
BUT they reserve the right to refuse to recognise for flight above their own territory, licenses issued to their own nationals by a contracting state.
Article
- Cargo restrictions
No munitions of war to be carried in a states territory without its permission. Can define this themselves, but must be guided by ICAO recommendations.
Can prohibit other items if their own aircraft meet the restrictions on international flights AND safety not affected.
Article
- Endorsed licenses and certificates
Aircraft or crew not meeting ICAO standards must have certificates of airworthiness or licenses endorsed.
Endorsed aircraft or crew require permission of states entered to operate international flights.
ICAO objectives
- Ensure safe and orderly growth of civil aviation
- Encourage aircraft design & operation for peaceful purposes
- Encourage development of airways, airports & air nav facilities
- Meet the needs of people of the world for safe, regular, efficient, economical air transport
- Prevent economic waste by unreasonable competition#
- Ensure rights of contracting states respected and every states has opportunity for international airlines
- Avoid discriminating between states
- Promote safety of flight
- Promote development of civil aviation
Permanent seat of ICAO
Montreal
Article
- Legal capacity of ICAO
ICAO to be granted in each state legal capacity as may be required for performance of its functions.
Article
- Assembly meetings
Meetings at least every 3 years or extraordinary at request of 1/5th of states.
Each contracting state gets one vote on a majority basis (unless otherwise noted in articles).
Quorum requires majority.
Article
- Council permitted functions
- Create subordinate air transport commissions on a regional or other basis…
- Delegate or revoke delegation to air navigation commission
- Conduct research into air transport and navigation and share with states
- Study matters affecting the organisation and submit plans to the Assembly
- Investigate situations blocking air navigation at request of states and issue reports
Tokyo Convention
State of registry has jurisdiction over offences and acts committed on board.
PIC can use reasonable measures including restraint in protecting aircraft, persons & objects on board. Can remove persons or refuse entry to allow handover to authorities.
In hijacking situation state must provide navaids, ATC and landing clearance.
Isolated parking positions must be 100m from other aircraft.
Hague Convention
Unlawful seizure of aircraft
Defines rules for establishing jurisdiction over the offenders.
Montreal Convention
Deals with air rage and other acts which could endanger aircraft safety, other than hijacking
Beijing Convention
Includes using civil aircraft as weapons and using dangerous materials to attack other aircraft or targets on ground. Unlawful transport of biological, chemical and nuclear weapons covered.
Making a threat or organising acts may be an offense even if they don’t go ahead.
Human rights of suspects is also a focus.
Warsaw convention
- Liability
Created 2 year time limit and $10,000 (in gold) liability limit to passengers except in gross negligence. Since changed from gold standard and time limit can be unlimited in some circumstances.
Carriers liable for damage to luggage and for delays.
Warsaw convention
- Ticketing
Carrier must issue paper or electronic ticket, which is a contract, but loss of ticket doesn’t nullify contract.
1 luggage ticket for luggage, 1 for passenger.
3 air waybills for cargo (for carrier, consignee and consignor).
Rome convention
Defines and limits liability of aircraft operator for damage to third parties on the surface.
Also safeguards against aircraft being impounded as cover for liability and listed aircraft protected from precautionary arrest (e.g. state service or postal service, aircraft in regular public service).
Agreement on Trade in Civil Aircraft
Part of Rome Convention
Eliminates duty on all aircraft (except military) and other products such as engines, sub-assemblies, flight simulators and parts.
Joint financing agreement
Part of Rome Convention
Allows ICAO to provide funding (joint support) for financial or technical aid. Iceland and Greenland are given large sums for supporting transatlantic aviation which doesn’t stop there.
Additional EU passenger protection
Eur 125 to 600 denied boarding compensation.
Refund entitlement for 5 hour delay if they don’t travel.
Compensation for cancellation with less than 14 days notice, unless rescheduled at similar time or extraordinary circumstances.
Entitlement to assistance in the event of cancellation, delay or denied boarding.
Crediting of flight time as co-pilot for licensing
If aircraft is certificated to be operated with a co-pilot, co-pilot can claim full credit for flight time.
If aircraft is certificated to be operated by single pilot, but required by a Contracting State to be operated with co-pilot, co-pilot can claim up to 50% of flight time.
[Contracting State can allow up to 100%, which EASA does]
Definition of PIC under supervision
Crediting of flight time
PIC under supervision is a co-pilot carrying out PIC responsibilities under supervision of a PIC.
Full flight time can be credited.
Student Pilot in Command (SPIC)
Student acting as PIC with an instructor who will only observe the student and not influence or control the flight.
ICAO definition
- likely (medical)
Means a probability of occurring that is unacceptable to the medical assessor
ICAO definition
- medical examiner
- medical assessor
Both are physicians with aviation knowledge, designated by a licensing authority to:
Examiner - conduct medical examinations
Assessor - assess medical conditions (take reports from examiners)
What is rendering (a license) valid?
When a licensing authority accepts a foreign license as being equivalent to its own, rather than issuing its own license. Validity shall not extend beyond expiry of the original license.
Class ratings vs type ratings
There are 4 class ratings - combinations of SEP/MEP and land/sea.
Type ratings only established for:
i) Aircraft with minimum crew >= 2
ii) Single pilot helicopters (except where class rating issued)
iii) Any type at discretion of licensing authority
Rules on psychoactive substances
Exclude caffeine and tobacco.
Not only prohibit being under their influence whilst having a function critical to safety of aviation, but shall not engage in problematic usage of substances in general.
RotA
- minimum heights
Except TOL or with permission from appropriate authority:
i) Glide clear
ii) 1000ft above highest obstacle within 600m
iii) 500ft above ground or water.
RotA
- formation flying
Should be pre-arranged by PICs and:
i) Formation acts as a single aircraft for navigation and position reporting
ii) Separation is responsibility of flight leader and PICs, includes periods of transition
iii) Maximum distance of 1km laterally and 30m vertically from flight leader to be maintained
RotA
- Lights to be displayed
Sunset to sunrise:
i) Anti-collision lights (beacon) [can be switched off or dimmed to prevent problems for pilots or others]
ii) Navigation lights (110 deg, 110 deg, 140 deg) and no lights to confuse these
RotA
- Lights on the ground
Day and night:
Anti-collision lights to be used when engines are running [can be switched off or dimed to prevent problems for pilots or others]
Navigation lights when moving
Also need extremities of the aircraft to be lit
RotA
- requirement to file a flight plan
Submitted before operating:
i) Flight or portion thereof to be provided with an ATC service
ii) Flight across international borders (unless otherwise prescribed by the States)
iii) Night flight if leaving vicinity of aerodrome
iv) IFR flight in advisory space
Flight in areas or routes designated by competent authority to:
v) facilitate provision of flight information or SAR
vi) facilitate coordination with military units or ATS units in adjacent States, to prevent need for interception
RotA
- When to file flight plan
Pre-flight: 60 mins before departure
In-flight: 10 mins before reaching boundary or requiring service
Flight plan
- “Rules” codes
I for IFR
V for VFR
Y for IFR changing to VFR
Z for VFR changing to IFR
Flight plan
- Aerodrome without ICAO identifier
Put ZZZZ
In box 18 add “DEP/”, “DEST/” or “ALTN/” and the full aerodrome name
Flight plan
- Cruising speed codes
- Speed change increment to be reported
In TAS, code letter for units then 4 numbers.
K for km/hr
N for knots
M for mach number (0750 is 0.750)
What speed deviations from flight plan need to be reported to ATC
0.02 M
10kt
(TAS +/- 5% under SERA)
Flight plan
- Estimated elapsed time
Take off up to…
VFR: Overhead aerodrome
IFT: Point established by navaids where instrument approach procedure will be commenced, or overhead aerodrome if no navaids.
What ETA deviations need to be reported
More than 2 minutes
Flight plan
- When is an amendment or new flight plan required (delay)
Delay of 30 minutes to OFF-BLOCK time for controlled flight, or 60 minutes for uncontrolled.
Flight plan
- Closing
If landing with ATC unit who observe your landing, nothing to do.
Otherwise need to communicate closure of plan ASAP after landing.
If no communications facilities at destination, close the plan with ATSU immediately prior to landing.
Flight plans
- European differences
Repetitive flight plans only for IFR flights on same day(s) of consecutive weeks on at least 10 occasions, or on at least 10 consecutive days.
Flights subject to air traffic flow control require flight plans 3 hours in advance and changes to off blocks time in excess of 15 mins to have flight plan updated or replaced.
RotA
- Transition altitude
As low as possible, not normally less than 3,000ft (rounded to 1000ft)
It is fixed and can be found in AIP and on charts (unlike the transition level which changes)
Air Traffic Advisory Service
Service provided within Advisory airspace to ensure separation (as far as practical) between aircraft on IFR flight plans.
Air Traffic Control Unit vs Air Traffic Services Unit
ATSU consists of:
i) ATCU
ii) Flight Information Centre
iii) ATS reporting office (receive flight plans)
ATCU consists of
i) Area control centre
ii) Approach control unit
iii) Aerodrome control tower
Approach Control Service
ATC service for arriving OR departing controlled flights
Ceiling
Height above ground of lowest layer of cloud covering half of the sky, below 20,000ft.
Landing area
Manoeuvring area
Movement area
Landing area: Take off & landing
Manoeuvring area: Take off, landing & taxiing (excludes apron)
Movement area: Manoeuvring area plus aprons
Safety sensitive personnel
Persons who if not doing their job properly put safety at risk.
Includes, flight crew, maintenance and ATC.
Control area vs control zone
Both are controlled airspace.
Control zone extends from surface of the Earth to a given level.
Control area extends from a level above the Earth to a given level.
Expected approach time
Time that ATC expects (after a delay) the aircraft will leave holding point to complete approach for landing
VMC
- Visibility
Above FL100/10,000ft: 8km
Below FL100/10,000ft: 5km
VMC
- Distance from cloud
1,500m horizontal
1,000ft vertical
Except below 3,000ft AMSL or 1,000ft above terrain in class F & G:
Clear of cloud & sight of surface
VMC
- Reductions in visibility rules
Competent authority may approve visibility to not less than 1.5km for flights below 140kt.
Helicopters not less than 800m if at an appropriate speed.
VFR
- Night requirements
Not below minimum flight altitude of the State overflow, or if not applicable not below 1,000ft over highest obstacle within 8km (2,000ft in mountainous areas).
SVFR flight
VFR flight cleared by ATC to operate in controlled airspace in conditions below VMC.
Only applies when entering or leaving a control zone (eg to reach a GA aerodrome) and in some States requires IFR equipped aircraft.
Daytime only, min 1500m (800m rotor) visibility, <140kt. Won’t be allowed if ceiling below 600ft.
VFR conditions to take off, land or enter circuit
Ceiling above 1,500ft
Ground visibility above 5km
Unless cleared by air traffic control unit
VFR
- High flight levels
Need authorisation from appropriate ATS authority to operate VFR over FL 195.
Authorisation above FL285 not to be granted where vertical separation minima of 1000ft applies from FL290.
VFR
- Minimum altitude
At least 1000ft above highest obstacle within 600m
At least 500ft above ground or water
VFR
- Changing from and to IFR
To change to IFR need to file a flight plan in flight.
To change from IFR need to say “cancelling my IFR flight” and the required changes, only to be done if a reasonable time will be spent in uninterrupted VMC.
ATS will not suggest or request a change to VFR.
IFR
- Height requirements
Same as night.
1000ft above highest obstacle within 8km (2000ft in mountainous areas)
Need to take into account accuracy of position establishing equipment.
Time accuracy required for data comms
Time accuracy required for ATSU clocks
Data comms: 1 second
ATSU: 30 seconds
Exceptions to continuous air-ground voice communication for controlled flights
SELCAL and similar automatic signalling devices satisfy the requirement.
CPDLC does not, air-ground voice communication still required.
Action if communications lost
VMC - Stay in VMC, land at nearest aerodrome and report to ATC.
IFR & no radar service - Maintain last cleared speed & level (heading can change!) for 20 mins beyond failed reporting point, then follow flight plan.
IFR & radar service - Maintain cleared speed & level for 7 mins beyond failed reporting point (or 7600 setting time or time reaching last assigned level if later) then re-join flight plan.
[IFR head to nav point at destination, commence approach as close to EAT as possible]
EU differences from ICAO in case of lost communications
If IFR flight given clearance to a different altitude than flight plan, maintain that altitude for 3 mins then proceed with flight plan.
Cruising levels
MAGNETIC TRACK
000 to 179: 10, 30, …, 270
180 to 359: 20, 40, …, 260
VFR: 5 above from FL36 minimum
000 to 179: 290, 330, …
180 to 359: 310, 360, …
VFR: 10 above
RVSM
Reduced Vertical Separation Minima
Areas where vertical separation is only 1,000ft from FL290 to FL410
Fuel dumping
If required in an emergency in controlled airspace ATC must be informed and must coordinate including the route to be used, flight level (min 6000ft) and duration of dumping. [min level can be ignored in emergency].
Separation required of 10NM horizontally (but not behind), vertically if behind and within 50NM or 15 mins 1000ft above or 300ft below.
Distress signals
- SOS (e.g. in morse code)
- Radio with spoken “MAYDAY”
- Data link “MAYDAY”
- Rockets/shells showing red lights, one at a time with short intervals
- Red parachute flare
Radiotelephone and Radiotelegraph distress signasl
Radiotelephone - 12 x 4 second dashes with 1 second gaps
Radiotelegraph - 2 alternate audio frequency tones, for 30 secs to a minute if automatically generated
Urgency
- Visual signals when compelled to land but no immediate assistance required
- Switch landing lights on and off
- Switch nav lights on and off (distinctly from regular flashing nav lights)
Urgency
- Urgent message to transmit regarding safety of ship, aircraft, vehicle or person
- Signal via some method of “XXX”
- Radio with spoken word “PANPAN”
- Data link “PANPAN”
Ground signal to indicate you are heading into restricted, prohibited or danger area
Projectiles at 10 second intervals showing red and green lights or stars
ATC light signals
Acknowledging ATC light signals
In day time rock wings (NOT base or final), or move ailerons/rudder if on ground.
At night flash landing lights on and off twice (nav lights if no landing lights).
Prohibited to land
Precaution when landing due to bad state of manoeuvring area (or other reason)
Land, TO and taxy on runways and taxiways only
Land and TO on runways only, other manoeuvres not confined to taxiways and runways
Gliders in operation
This bay
Proceed to next marshaller
Move ahead
Turn left
[Having opposite arm out means forward turn]
Turn while backing
[Reverse left engine]
[Opposite arm down means reverse turn]
Stop
Open to clenched hand - Engage brakes
Clenched to open hand - Release brakes
[Start with hands above head]
Moving hands in - Chocks inserted
Moving hands out - Chocks removed
Show engines on indicated side
Move backwards
[Arms rolling in a forwards motion]
Affirmative/all clear
Negative
Land (helicopter)
Hold position/stand by
[arms at 45 degrees downwards]
Dispatch aircraft
[Keeps eye contact until taxi commenced]
Don’t touch controls
Ground power
Moving fingers up into palm is connect, moving fingers down is disconnect
Establish communications via interphone
Open/close stairs
Recommend evacuation
Recommend stop
All clear
Fire
Action to take on unlawful interference if no regional procedures established
Change flight level from normal IFR levels by 1,000 ft above FL290 or 500ft below FL290 (also 500ft in RVSM airspace)
Intercepted aircraft signal if aerodrome unsuitable
Raise landing gear and flash landing lights while passing over runway between 1,000 and 2,000 ft
Intercepted aircraft signal - “cannot comply”
Regular switching on and off of lights (dissimilar to flashing)
Intercepted aircraft signal - “disctress”
Irregular switching on and off of lights
Transponder code for intercepted aircraft
7700 - unless indicated otherwise by ATSU
Intercepted aircraft action with conflicting instructions
Attempt to resolve the conflict with ATSU but follow the intercepting aircraft primarily
Common mark and registration mark
Common mark is the first part of registration based on country of registration (assigned to country by ICAO).
Registration mark is the series of alphanumeric characters assigned by the state of registry (OR “common mark registering authority”).
Confusing registration marks
Combinations of registration marks which could be confused with the following not allowed:
- Q codes
- SOS, PAN, XXX, TTT
- 5 letter combinations in international Code of Signals part II
Size of registration marks on aircraft
50cm on wings
30cm on fuselage or vertical tail
[Unless aircraft is too small]
Identification Plate
To be inscribed at least with:
- Common or nationality mark
- Registration mark
Responsibility for issuing CofA and passing on information about faults or defects for a type
[>5700kg TOM only!]
Responsibility of the state of registry.
State of registry needs to tell state of design when they register an aircraft type for the first time.
State of design responsible for passing on information about faults or defects including a continuing integrity programme (e.g. corrosion prevention) and passing information on to states of registry.
State of registry then responsible for passing info on to operators.
Validity of CofA
Determined by the state of registry.
Usually remain valid indefinitely as long as inspection requirements are met.
Assessment of damaged aircraft
State of registry determines whether the aircraft remains airworthy.
If sustained whilst in territory of another state, that state can prevent resumption of flight but must inform state of registry.
In exceptional circumstances state of registry can allow a non commercial flight to an aerodrome for repairs (subject to limitations). State where it is located must allow it, but can make limitations.
Fireproof
Ability to withstand heat of a flame for 15 minutes
Fire resistant
Ability to withstand heat of a flame for 5 minutes
Aircraft Equipment
Includes first aid, survival equipment and commissary supplies.
Does NOT include spare parts or stores.
Facilitation
- Sojourn rules
An aircraft which is not engaged in scheduled international air services, is allowed to stay in a state for a period determined by the state, without security for customs duty being required.
Facilitation
- Advance notification of arrival rules
For aircraft not engaged in scheduled international air services, states are limited in the advanced notification they can demand.
Minimum notification is the information from a flight plan at least 2 hours in advance of arrival at a designated international airport.
Facilitation
- Documentation for arriving aircraft
States are limited in the documentation they can demand for arriving aircraft.
Maximum of 3 copies each of:
- Passenger manifest
- Cargo manifest
- General Declaration
- Stores list (for stores being offloaded)
Facilitation
- Requirement for General Declaration
States shouldn’t demand a general declaration if the information is available elsewhere.
If they do demand one it should be limited to set items and a set format.
Facilitation
- Passenger documents demanded
States can only demand:
- Travel document (usually passport)
- Entry/re-entry visa
- Exit visa
- Certificate of Vaccination
- Embarkation/disembarkation card (blank copies must be provided for free which the passenger can fill in)
Facilitation
- Rules for transiting passengers
Passengers staying in a country for up to 2 days before another flight who can’t remain in the airport (due to facilities) must be allowed to stay in the country without needing a visa.
Facilitation
- Disruptive passengers
PIC has authority and can remove a person from a flight without coordinating with local authorities
Facilitation
- Inadmissible passengers
Will be returned to the operator who will bear the cost of returning them to state of departure (can recover costs from the passenger).
Facilitation
- Segregation of passengers
State must ensure security screened and non-security screened passengers aren’t mixed, and if they get mixed all must be re-screened.
Facilitation
- Crew Members Certificates
Cards used by flight crew and cabin attendants instead of identification or licenses for temporary admission to a state.
Facilitation
- Unaccompanied baggage
Treated in the same way as baggage, not as cargo.
Facilitation
- Cargo manifest max items
No more than the following 3 items of information for each line:
- Air waybill number
- Number of packages related to each waybill number
- Nature of the goods
Facilitation
- Acceptable writing method of entry/exit documents
Typewritten, computer printed or block handwritten all acceptable.
Facilitation
- Declaration of baggage
Oral declaration of baggage acceptable for passengers and crew
Facilitation
- Offloading of baggage or cargo at wrong airport
No taxes, fines, customs duties or penalties can be charged by the state (assuming no gross negligence or carelessness by operator)
Facilitation
- Requirements for mail on contracting state
To process in accordance with procedures as described in the Acts in force in the:
Universal Postal Union
Control Area vs Control Zone
CTA - CTR
Control zones (like ATZs) are from the ground to a given level.
Control areas are from a given level (at least 200m above ground) upwards.
2 circumstances where control areas have upper limits
- When no air traffic service is provided above a given level
- When there is another upper control area above, in which case the upper extent of the control area lines up with the lower extent of that area
Control zone size and location
Control zones are positioned around aerodromes to enable an air traffic service to be provided to IFR traffic.
They will extend at least 5NM from the centre of an aerodrome in the directions from which approaches may be made.
If there is a CTA above they will extend up to meet them.
Airspace classes:
- Airway
- CTR
- TMA
- CTA
- Upper airways
- Advisory areas & routes (ADR)
- Open FIR
Airway: Usually class A
CTR: A, D, E
TMA: A, D, E
CTA: A, D, E
Upper airways: C
ADR: F
Open FIR: G
Services in classes of airspace
A: No VFR, full separation
B: VFR allowed, full separation
C: No VFR/VFR separation, traffic info
D: IFR/IFR separation only, traffic info
E: IFR/IFR sep only, traffic info if possible
F: FIS + advisory service
G: FIS
Aircraft on a boundary between classes of airspace
Considered to be in the less restrictive airspace
Speed control in classes of airspace
INDICATED air speed
Area navigation (RNAV)
A method of navigation permitting operation on any desired flight path with use of navaids or onboard equipment.
ie. the ability to fly point-to-point, rather than by following radials (VOR, NDB)
Required RNAV to fly in ATS routes in Europe
RNP 5
This covers SIDs and STARs
This means accuracy within 2.5NM 95% of the time (for a 5NM radius).
Also need average continuity of service 99.99% of flight time.
Aircraft meeting RNP 5 but without RNAV equipment restricted to certain lower ATS routes.
Designator prefixes for ATS routes
- K
- U
- S
- R at end
K - (kopter) for low level helicopter routes
U - (upper)
S - (supersonic)
R at the end means RNAV equipment required
Designator prefixed for ATS routes
- Y
- Z
- F
- G
Y - For RNP 1 over FL200, all turns between 30 and 90 degrees should be made within 22.5NM radius
X - For RNP under FL190, all turns between 30 and 90 degrees should be made within 15NM radius
F - Advisory service only on part of the route
G - FIS only on part of the route
Changeover points
Switch between 2 ATS route segments.
Should be limited to segments of 60NM or more, unless complexity demands shorter segments.
Should ideally be at midpoint between facilities on straight segment, or intersection of radials if direction change between facilities.
Objectives of ATSUs
- Prevent collisions between aircraft
- Prevent collisions on the ground
- Expedite orderly flow of traffic
- Provide advice and information for safe and efficient conduct of flight
- Search and rescue
Ground to air rescue unit signals
Minimum runway width
Precision min of 30m
Braking action ratings
Runway threshold markings
(roughly a quarter)
1 - Last holding point (= Cat I)
2 - Cat II or III holding points
3 - Intermediate holding point
Holding pattern diagrams
- Outbound vs inbound
- Holding vs limiting outbound distances
Holding entry sectors
Holding entry sector 1 - Parallel
Holding entry sector 2 - Offset
Wake Turbulence Radar Separation
- General minima
Wake Turbulence Separation
- Light aircraft, arriving & departing
Wake Turbulence Separation
- Medium aircraft, arriving & departing
