VFR and IFR specific rules (Law) Flashcards
Where are the visual flight rules laid down?
SERA 5001.
What is flight visibility?
Visibility forwards from the cockpit of an aircraft in flight.
What is ground visibility?
The distance it is possible to see along the ground, as reported by an accredited observer or an automatic system.
What is the cloud ceiling?
The height above ground or water of the base of the lowest cloud level below 20,000ft which covers more than half of the sky in octares.
What are the minima for VFR flights taking off or landing?
VFR flights may not take off or land at any aerodrome, or enter the traffic circle of an aerodrome, if the meteorological conditions are worse than:
Ceiling of less than 1,500ft,
Ground visibility of less than 5,000m.
How far must VFR flights by from the ground?
500ft above the nearest obstacle within 150m laterally, except over built up or congested areas or congregations of people, in which case 1,000ft over the nearest obstacle within 600m laterally.
How fast may VFR flights travel?
Anything lower than transonic speeds.
What additional criteria are required for night VFR?
Two-way radio contact must be constantly maintained, ground must be kept in sight, minimum ground visibility 5,000m, minimum ceiling of 1,500ft.
What is the highest VFR flights may operate?
FL195, unless in specially designated airspace.
How high up are VFR flights assigned cruising altitudes?
VFR flights above 3,000ft should be assigned cruising altitudes according to the SSCL system.
Under what conditions may special VFR flights take place?
The aircraft must remain clear of cloud, with the surface in sight. Flight and ground visibility must both be 1,500m or greater. Speed must be 140kt or less. The ceiling must be at least 600ft.
What are the minimum obstacle clearances for IFR flights?
At least 1000ft above the height of the closest obstacle within 8km, or at least 2000ft in mountainous areas.
What are the rules surrounding switching from IFR to VFR mid flight?
It shall only be done if VMC are expected to continue for a reasonable period, it shall always be communicated by the use of the phrase “cancelling my IFR flight”, and ATC shall not attempt to persuade or encourage pilots to cancel IFR.
