Rules of the Air

What do the Rules of the Air cover?

The big picture

Four groups of rules. Tap a box with + to see the parts.

• Rules of the Air Annex 2 and CAR Section 9 The rules for operating aircraft in flight and on the movement area: the general rules, plus either the visual or the instrument flight rules when in flight.
  • PIC and general rules Who is responsible under the rules, and the general rules that protect persons and property: no impaired or reckless flying, and limits on towing, parachuting, aerobatics and formation.
    • Where they apply India, and Indian aircraft abroad Abroad, Indian-registered aircraft follow these rules where they do not conflict with the local State's rules.
    • PIC is responsible at the controls or not May depart from the rules only when absolutely necessary for safety.
    • PIC has final authority over the aircraft While they are in command, the pilot-in-command has the last word on everything done with the aircraft.
    • No impaired or negligent flying substances; risk to life No duty under psychoactive substances; no negligent flying that endangers life or property.
    • Restricted activities towing, parachutes, aerobatics Activities allowed only under set conditions, or not at all in India: towing, parachute descents and drops, aerobatics and formation flying.
      • Towing not permitted in India An aircraft may never tow another aircraft, and in India towing aircraft is banned. Towing objects is allowed only within dangerous-goods rules and with an ATS clearance.
      • Parachute descents emergency or Government order No parachute jumps and nothing dropped from the aircraft, unless it is an emergency or the Central Government has allowed it in writing (Rule 26).
      • Aerobatics conditions apply Licensed pilot (or trainee with a licensed instructor), written consent of passengers, everyone strapped in. Over cities or public gatherings needs DG written permission.
      • Formation flying pre-arranged among PICs No civil aircraft may fly in formation in India. ICAO Annex 2 allows it only by pre-arrangement among the PICs, the formation acting as a single aircraft for navigation and reporting.
  • Flight plan and ATC When a flight plan is filed, changed and closed, the ATC clearance a controlled flight needs, and what to do if it deviates from its plan.
    • Filing window 180 min to 120 h before EOBT Submit the flight plan at least 180 minutes (3 hours) and not earlier than 120 hours before EOBT. RPA flight plans need at least 24 hours before departure.
    • Delay 15 min: tell ATC If departure is delayed 15 minutes or more after filing, the PIC or a representative tells ATC the revised ETD, amending or refiling the plan where applicable.
    • Closing arrival report Once on the ground, tell the ATS unit at the arrival aerodrome that you have arrived, as soon as you can: in person, by radio or by data link.
    • Off track regain track at once If a controlled flight drifts off its track, turn straight away to get back on it as soon as you sensibly can.
    • Speed or time change inform ATC Mach or TAS change of 0.02 Mach or 19 km/h (10 kt) or more; estimate change over 2 minutes.
  • VFR and IFR The two sets of flight rules: VFR keeps the aircraft within visibility and cloud-distance minima; IFR covers equipment, minimum levels and cruising levels.
    • VFR hours SR minus 20 min to SS plus 20 min Starts 20 minutes before sunrise and ends 20 minutes after sunset.
    • VFR ceiling FL 150 without ATS authority Unless the appropriate ATS authority authorises it, VFR flights are not operated above FL 150.
    • VFR out to sea within 100 NM of shore (controlled) 100 NM from the shoreline is the limit within controlled airspace.
    • VFR minimum height 1,000 ft congested; else 500 ft Apart from take-off and landing, or with DG's permission: over towns and crowds stay 300 m (1,000 ft) above the tallest obstacle within 600 m of you; anywhere else stay 150 m (500 ft) up.
    • IFR rules minimum level, changing to IFR Rules for all IFR flights: suitable instruments and navigation equipment, minimum levels, and the procedures for changing between VFR and IFR.
      • IFR minimum level 600 m high terrain, 300 m elsewhere Clear the tallest obstacle within 8 km of where you think you are.
      • VFR to IFR change the plan, get a clearance A VFR flight changing to IFR passes the changes to its flight plan, or files one when required, and obtains a clearance before proceeding IFR in controlled airspace.
  • Lights and signals The lights aircraft must show, distress and urgency signals, interception procedures, and the light and ground signals used at aerodromes.
    • Aircraft lights navigation and anti-collision Anti-collision lights attract attention to the aircraft; navigation lights show its relative path to an observer.
      • Sunset to sunrise anti-collision and navigation From sunset to sunrise, or any other period the DG prescribes, all aircraft in flight show anti-collision and navigation lights, and no lights that could be mistaken for them.
      • Anti-collision by day if fitted The pilot may switch them off or dim them if they dazzle.
    • Distress and urgency MAYDAY, PAN PAN Distress (SOS, MAYDAY, red rockets or flares) means grave and imminent danger needing immediate help. Urgency (PAN PAN, XXX, switching landing or navigation lights on and off) signals difficulty or a very urgent message.
    • Interception 121.5 and 243 MHz Two-way contact is attempted on 121.5 MHz, repeated on 243 MHz if practicable, and the intercepted aircraft selects transponder Mode A Code 7700 unless told otherwise.
    • Tower lights green, red, white Light and pyrotechnic signals from the aerodrome control tower, with one meaning for aircraft in flight and another for aircraft on the ground.
    • Ground signals panels, dumbbell, T Signals laid out in the signal area, such as a red panel with yellow diagonals (landing prohibited), a white dumbbell (runways and taxiways only) and the landing T.

Takeaway: The PIC is responsible and has final authority; around that sit the flight plan, VFR and IFR limits, and lights and signals.

Who gives way?

Answer the questions in order. The first yes gives the answer.

• Are the two aircraft head-on?
• Are you overtaking the other aircraft?
• Is the other aircraft landing or on final approach?
• Is the other a balloon, glider, airship or towing?
• Converging, with the other on your right?
• Both turn right
• Turn right, keep clear
• Landing aircraft first
• Give way by type
• You give way
• You have right-of-way

Memory hook: Balloon, glider, airship, power: the less you can steer, the more right-of-way you get.

Takeaway: Head-on both turn right, the overtaker keeps clear, landing aircraft come first, then less manoeuvrable types; otherwise traffic on your right has priority.

What must you do before and during every flight?

Every flight

The general rules that apply to every flight, VFR or IFR.

• General rules every flight
  • Pre-flight action all available information Away from the aerodrome vicinity, and on every IFR flight: current weather reports and forecasts, fuel requirements and an alternative plan if the flight can't be completed.
  • Minimum safe heights land safely if needed Over congested areas or open-air crowds, only at a height allowing a safe emergency landing, unless taking off, landing or permitted by the DG. The DG may permit spraying, crop dusting or mining exploration lower.
  • Dropping, towing, parachutes Rule 26 and ATS Dropping or spraying is allowed only under Rule 26 (Aircraft Rules, 1937) with an ATS clearance. No towing of aircraft in India. Parachute jumps only in an emergency or with Government approval.
  • Aerobatics and formation 600 m; no civil formation Aerobatics must finish no lower than 600 m (2000 ft) above the ground, and never within 2 NM of an aerodrome when below 1800 m (6000 ft). Civil formation flying is banned in India.
  • Remotely piloted aircraft Annex 2 Appendix 4 Must be flown so it puts people, property and other aircraft at as little risk as possible, following the conditions set out in Appendix 4 of Annex 2.
  • Collisions and proximity PIC stays responsible The pilot-in-command must always act to avoid a collision, including following an ACAS resolution advisory. Never get so close to another aircraft that you could hit it.
  • Simulated instrument flight dual controls and safety pilot Only with fully working dual controls and a qualified safety pilot in a control seat, with good forward and side view, or an observer helping the safety pilot.
  • Time UTC, 24-hour day Hours and minutes (and seconds when needed) of the 24-hour day from midnight. Get a time check before a controlled flight. ATS clocks within ±30 s of UTC; data link within 1 s.

Takeaway: Study all information first, keep safe heights, drop or spray only under Rule 26 with ATS, avoid collisions (ACAS RA included), use UTC.

Who gives way on the ground?

Taxiing right-of-way

Two aircraft taxiing towards trouble. Tap each scene.

• Head-on stop, or turn right Both aircraft stop, or if they can, both turn to the right and keep well apart.
• Converging other on your right: give way Whoever sees the other aircraft on their right gives way. Here the yellow aircraft sees the white one on its right, so yellow gives way.
• Overtaking overtaken has right-of-way The aircraft being overtaken has right-of-way; the overtaking aircraft keeps well clear.
• Holding positions and stop bars Stop and hold at every runway-holding position unless the tower authorises otherwise. Stop at every lit stop bar; proceed when the lights are switched off.
• Lights on the movement area sunset to sunrise Navigation lights; lights showing extremities unless parked and well lit; lights to attract attention; and lights showing engines are running. Anti-collision lights, if fitted, also by day.
• Taking off has priority An aircraft taxiing on the runways and taxiways gives way to any aircraft taking off or lining up to take off.

Memory hook: On the ground, the same three rules as in the air.

Takeaway: Head-on: stop or turn right. Converging: other on your right, you give way. Overtaken has right-of-way. Hold at holding positions and lit stop bars.

How do you operate at an aerodrome?

At the aerodrome

Inside or outside an ATZ, the same four rules. Tap each number.

• Observe and conform watch, then join or avoid Watch the other traffic at the aerodrome so you do not hit anyone, and either join their circuit pattern or keep out of it, inside or outside the traffic zone.
• All turns to the left unless instructed otherwise Turn left in the circuit, both on the way in to land and after take-off, unless told otherwise. A right-hand arrow shown in the signal area means turn right instead.
• Into wind Take off and land facing into the wind. Use another direction only when safety, the runway layout or the traffic make it better.
• Tower open: listen out Keep a continuous listening watch on tower frequency (unless with another approach unit), or watch for visual signals. Get authorisation by radio or signal before taxi, take-off or landing manoeuvres.
• Local night flying Local flights exempted by ATC, and flying club training flights cleared by ATC, may fly at night in VMC. A local flight stays in the immediate vicinity of the aerodrome.

Memory hook: Left turns, into wind, ears open.

Takeaway: Watch traffic, join or avoid the pattern, turn left, land and take off into wind. With a tower open: listen out and get authorisation.

What do another aircraft's lights tell you at night?

Navigation lights

Each light shines over a fixed sector. The colours you see show which way it points.

Memory hook: 110 + 110 + 140 = 360. Half of 140 is 70: the overtaking angle.

Takeaway: Red 110° left, green 110° right, white 140° behind; the white sector is the overtaking zone. A light that doesn't move across your view means collision risk.

Which way is that aircraft going?

Read the lights

You see these lights ahead at night. Sort each one.

• Red and green together
• White light only
• Red and white
• Green and white
• A red light that stays at the same bearing
• You are on its 100° relative bearing

Memory hook: Red to red is safe; green to green is safe.

Takeaway: Red and green: coming at you. White only: going away. Red and white: right to left. Green and white: left to right.

Do I need to file a flight plan?

File a plan?

Read each case and press the stamp that applies.

• Must this flight file a flight plan? Press a stamp.
• File a plan
• You must send in a flight plan before any flight, or part of a flight, that will get air traffic control service.
• Inform ATS
• Every flight in Indian airspace has to be made known to the air traffic service unit concerned.
• Exempt
• An IFR flight will fly airways under air traffic control from Delhi to Mumbai.
• A flight that will receive air traffic control service files a flight plan.
• A light aircraft flies VFR from Kolkata to Dhaka.
• Any flight that crosses an international border files a flight plan.
• An IFR flight uses the air traffic advisory service in advisory airspace.
• IFR flights in advisory airspace file a flight plan.
• A local VFR flight stays outside controlled airspace and needs no ATC service.
• No flight plan is required, but information on any flight in Indian airspace still goes to the ATS unit.
• A nano drone films a wedding at 40 ft inside a walled garden.
• Nano and micro RPA within their height limits, in uncontrolled airspace or enclosed premises, need not inform ATS.
• A flight enters a designated area where a plan is required to coordinate with military units.
• Flights in designated areas or routes file a plan, for FIS, alerting and SAR, or to coordinate with military units.

Memory hook: Control, advisory IFR, designated, border: file.

Takeaway: File for ATC service, IFR in advisory airspace, designated areas or routes, and any international border crossing.

How do I complete and change a flight plan?

Change a plan

From filling it in to closing it after landing.

1. Complete it up to the alternate Whatever the reason for filing, a flight plan always has the items needed up to and including the alternate aerodrome(s) for the route, or the part of it, being flown.
2. Report changes all, or significant ones IFR and controlled VFR: every change, as soon as practicable. Other VFR: significant changes. Wrong fuel endurance or persons on board at departure is always significant.
3. Request a change what to include Level: ident, new level, Mach/TAS, revised estimates. Speed: ident, new Mach/TAS. Route: ident, flight rules, new route, estimates; plus alternates if destination changes.
4. IFR to VFR say IFR cancelled Tell ATS 'IFR flight cancelled' and the changes. Only if you expect a reasonable period of uninterrupted VMC. VFR to IFR: change or file a plan, and get a clearance in controlled airspace.
5. Close it arrival report Report arrival in person, by radiotelephony or data link as soon as possible after landing, to the ATS unit at the arrival aerodrome.

Memory hook: Fuel and POB errors are always significant.

Takeaway: Fill items up to the alternate. Report every change on IFR or controlled VFR; significant changes otherwise. Cancel IFR only for uninterrupted VMC.

VMC is deteriorating on a controlled VFR flight: what now?

VMC going bad

Try each option in order until one works.

• Can you get an amended clearance to stay in VMC?
• Can you stay in VMC on your own?
• Are you in a control zone?
• Fly the amended clearance
• Stay VMC and notify ATC
• Request Special VFR
• Request an IFR clearance

Memory hook: Amend, stay VMC, Special VFR, IFR.

Takeaway: Ask for an amended clearance; else stay VMC and tell ATC; in a control zone ask for Special VFR; or ask for IFR.

What do you do when the radio dies in IMC?

Radio failure

In VMC: stay VMC, land at the nearest suitable aerodrome. In IMC, fly these steps.

1. Hold level and speed 20 min, 7 under radar Hold the last speed and level you were given (or the minimum flight altitude, if that is higher). Without radar, do this for 20 minutes after missing a compulsory report. Under radar, for 7 minutes from the latest of: reaching the level, squawking 7600, or missing a report.
2. Rejoin the route if you were being vectored Get back on your flight plan route by the next significant point at the latest.
3. Fly to destination aid hold until approach time Fly to the designated navaid or fix serving the destination and hold there if needed.
4. Start descent at expected approach time Use the last received and acknowledged EAT. With none, use the ETA from the flight plan.
5. Normal instrument approach at the destination aid Fly a normal instrument approach procedure at the destination aid.
6. Land within 30 min of ETA Within 30 minutes after the ETA or the last acknowledged EAT, whichever is later.

Memory hook: Radar 7, no radar 20: the more ATC can see, the shorter you wait.

Takeaway: Squawk 7600, hold level and speed 20 minutes (7 under radar), fly to the destination aid, descend at approach time, land within 30 minutes.

What do I report and monitor on a controlled flight?

Controlled flight

What applies inside and outside controlled airspace.

Takeaway: Report each compulsory point; keep a continuous voice watch (SELCAL counts, CPDLC doesn't end it). Tell ATS of Mach 0.02, 10 kt or 2-minute changes.

How much weather do you need for VFR?

VMC minima

Find your height band, then check visibility and your distance from cloud.

Memory hook: 8 high, 5 low; 1,500 m across, 1,000 ft up or down.

Takeaway: 8 km from 10,000 ft up, 5 km below; keep 1,500 m and 1,000 ft from cloud, except low in Classes F and G.

Which level do I cruise at?

Cruising levels

Magnetic track 000-179 odd, 180-359 even. Climb through the bands.

• Above FL410 odd: 450, 490 · 430, 470 Above RVSM, IFR levels are 4000 ft apart: 000-179 FL450, 490...; 180-359 FL430, 470.... A modified 1000 ft table may be prescribed above FL410.
• RVSM FL290 to FL410 IFR only, 1000 ft apart 000-179: FL290, 310... 410. 180-359: FL300, 320... 400. No VFR here: authorisation above FL290 is never granted where 1000 ft separation applies.
• Below FL290 IFR odd/even · VFR +500 000-179: IFR FL10, 30, 50...; VFR FL35, 55.... 180-359: IFR FL20, 40...; VFR FL45, 65.... VFR uses the table above 900 m (3000 ft) AGL.
• Altitudes at or below the TA Low down, under the lowest usable flight level (or at or under the transition altitude), cruising levels are stated as altitudes, not flight levels.

Memory hook: East is odd, west is even; VFR adds 500.

Takeaway: Below FL290: IFR odd or even thousands, VFR adds 500 ft. RVSM FL290-410: 1000 ft steps, no VFR. Above FL410: 4000 ft gaps.

Where and when may you fly VFR?

VFR limits

Three views: how low, how early to file, and the limits on VFR.

VFR (visual flight rules) means flying by looking outside, so the rules keep you clear of cloud, the ground and other traffic.

• VFR (visual flight rules) means flying by looking outside, so the rules keep you clear of cloud, the ground and other traffic.
• Heights
• How low may a VFR flight go?
• Drag to a height above the ground. Take-off and landing, or DG permission, are the exceptions.
• ground
• higher
• Too low
• below 500 ft anywhere
• Below 150 m (500 ft) above ground or water is too low for VFR anywhere, except when taking off or landing or with DG permission.
• Open country only
• at least 500 ft
• Away from towns and crowds: keep at least 150 m (500 ft) above the land or water.
• Over towns too
• 1000 ft above obstacles
• Over towns and crowds: keep at least 300 m (1000 ft) above the tallest obstacle within 600 m of you.
• Filing
• When can I file my flight plan?
• Drag to how many hours before the estimated off-block time (EOBT) you are filing.
• at EOBT
• days ahead
• Too late
• less than 180 minutes
• A flight plan must be in at least 180 minutes (3 hours) before EOBT. Once filed, a delay of 15 minutes or more is reported to ATC.
• File now
• 3 h to 120 h before
• Submit the flight plan at least 180 minutes (3 hours) and not earlier than 120 hours before EOBT. RPA flight plans need at least 24 hours before departure.
• Too early
• more than 120 hours
• Not earlier than 120 hours (5 days) before EOBT. RPA flight plans need at least 24 hours before departure.
• Limits
• The limits on VFR flight
• Eight limits on when and where you may fly VFR. Spin to find them all.
• Hours
• 1
• sunrise −20 min to sunset +20 min
• Unless ATC exempts local flights or flying club training flights.
• Not without authority
• 2
• FL150, transonic, 100 NM seaward
• VFR is not flown above FL150, at transonic or supersonic speed, or more than 100 NM seaward within controlled airspace, unless the ATS authority allows. Never above FL290 where RVSM applies.
• Not without ATC clearance
• 3
• ceiling 1500 ft, visibility 5 km
• In a control zone, no VFR take-off, landing or ATZ entry when the ceiling is below 450 m (1500 ft) or ground visibility below 5 km, without ATC clearance.
• Minimum heights
• 4
• 1000 ft in 600 m; 500 ft
• Over towns and crowds: 300 m (1000 ft) above the tallest obstacle within 600 m. Anywhere else: 150 m (500 ft) above land or water.
• Under ATC control
• 5
• B, C, D, aerodrome traffic, SVFR
• VFR flights comply with ATC in Class B, C and D, at controlled aerodromes, and as Special VFR. In designated areas they keep a watch with the FIS unit.
• VMC footnotes
• 6
• 3000 m, helicopters, FL100
• TA below 10,000 ft: use FL100. Visibility may drop to 3000 m for slow flight or low traffic; helicopters 1500 m. India, low in F and G: 3000 m, helicopters 1000 m.
• Special VFR
• 7
• 1500 m ground visibility
• Approved by approach control, to enter, leave, cross or fly locally in a control zone. Class I and II helicopters: 1000 m, stated in field 18. Pilot needs IR, AFI or FI rating.
• IFR minimum levels
• 8
• 600 m / 300 m within 8 km
• If the country has set no figure: over high ground, 600 m (2000 ft) above the tallest obstacle within 8 km; elsewhere 300 m (1000 ft).

Takeaway: No VFR above FL150, at transonic speed, or beyond 100 NM out to sea without authority. Special VFR needs 1500 m and approach control approval.

When is your Air Defence Clearance valid?

ADIZ clearance

Minutes either side of EOBT. Tap each marker.

• Window opens ADC validity starts 15 minutes before EOBT in the RPL or FPL (or its DLA/CHG revision).
• EOBT Get ADC before take-off through ATC. Local flights within 5 NM of the ARP and below 1000 ft AGL are exempt.
• Return flight delay limit A same-day return ADC lapses if the return departure is delayed more than 30 minutes; get a fresh one.
• Scheduled window closes Scheduled flights: ADC valid to 45 minutes after EOBT.
• Non-scheduled domestic closes Non-scheduled domestic flights: valid from 15 minutes before to 3 hours after EOBT.

Memory hook: Minus 15, plus 45: the ADC window.

Takeaway: ADC valid from EOBT −15 to +45 min; non-scheduled domestic to +3 h. Entering India: from the FIC 10 min before.

What is the tower telling you with a light?

Tower lights

The same signal means different things in the air and on the ground.

Takeaway: Steady green means go, steady red means stop or keep circling, and red flashes in the air mean the aerodrome is unsafe.

What is the marshaller telling you?

Marshalling

Pick a group or test yourself with the names hidden.

• 1 · Wingwalker / guide right wand up, left down From the wingtip: the aircraft's movement on or off the stand is unobstructed. Right hand above head, wand up; left wand pointing down toward the body.
• 2 · Identify gate both wands straight up Fully extended arms straight above the head, wands pointing up.
• 3 · Go to next signalman arms up, then point Point both arms up, then move them out to the side and point the wands toward the next signalman or the taxi area.
• 4 · Straight ahead wands up and down Arms out and bent at the elbows; move the wands up and down between chest and head.
• 5a · Turn left pilot's view Right arm and wand out at 90°, 'come ahead' with the left hand. The speed of the motion tells the pilot the rate of turn.
• 5b · Turn right pilot's view Left arm and wand out at 90°, 'come ahead' with the right hand. The speed of the motion tells the pilot the rate of turn.
• 6a · Normal stop arms out, slowly up to cross Fully extend arms and wands at 90° to the sides and slowly move them above the head until the wands cross.
• 6b · Emergency stop abruptly cross above head Abruptly extend arms and wands to the top of the head, crossing the wands.
• 7a · Set brakes open palm, then fist Raise hand just above shoulder height, open palm; with eye contact, close it into a fist. Don't move until the crew gives a thumbs up.
• 7b · Release brakes fist, then open palm Raise hand just above shoulder height as a fist; with eye contact, open the palm. Don't move until the crew gives a thumbs up.
• 8a · Chocks inserted wands jab inward above head Arms and wands fully extended above the head; jab the wands inward until they touch. Make sure the crew acknowledges.
• 8b · Chocks removed wands jab outward above head Arms and wands above the head; jab the wands outward. Don't remove chocks until the flight crew authorises it.
• 9 · Start engine(s) circle right, point left Right arm at head level, wand up, circling; left arm raised above the head pointing at the engine to be started.
• 10 · Cut engines slice across the throat Wand held forward at shoulder height, brought to the left shoulder and swept across to the right, like a cut across the throat.
• 11 · Slow down patting, waist to knees Arms out, patting downwards: the wands move up and down between waist and knees.
• 12 · Slow down engines one side wave one wand Arms down with the wands pointing at the ground; wave the right or the left wand up and down to slow the engines on that side.
• 13 · Move back rotate arms forward Arms in front at waist height, rotate them forward. To stop the rearward movement use signal 6a or 6b.
• 14a · Backing, tail to starboard left wand down; right arm sweeps Point the left wand down and bring the right arm from overhead to horizontal forward, repeating the right-arm movement.
• 14b · Backing, tail to port right wand down; left arm sweeps Point the right wand down and bring the left arm from overhead to horizontal forward, repeating the left-arm movement.
• 15 · Affirmative / all clear right wand up Right arm at head level, wand up, or a thumbs up; left arm at the side by the knee. Also a technical/servicing signal.
• 16 · Hover arms out at 90° Fully extend arms and wands at 90° to the sides. Signals 16 to 20 are for hovering helicopters.
• 17 · Move upwards arms out, lift Arms out at 90°, palms up, move the hands upwards. The speed shows the rate of ascent.
• 18 · Move downwards arms out, lower Arms out at 90°, palms down, move the hands downwards. The speed shows the rate of descent.
• 19a · Move horizontally left pilot's view Extend an arm horizontally at 90° to the right side; sweep the other arm the same way.
• 19b · Move horizontally right pilot's view Extend an arm horizontally at 90° to the left side; sweep the other arm the same way.
• 20 · Land arms crossed low, wands down Cross the arms with wands downwards in front of the body.
• 21 · Hold position / stand by arms down at 45° Arms and wands straight down and out to the sides at 45°. Hold this until the aircraft is clear to move on.
• 22 · Dispatch aircraft salute A standard salute with the right hand or wand. Keep eye contact with the crew until the aircraft starts to taxi.
• 23 · Do not touch controls fist above head Right arm fully above the head, fist closed or wand horizontal; left arm at the side by the knee.
• 24 · Connect ground power make a T above head Arms above the head, left hand open flat, right fingertips touching its palm to form a T. At night illuminated wands may form the T.
• 25 · Disconnect power break the T Form the T above the head, then move the right hand away from the left. Don't disconnect until the flight crew authorises it.
• 26 · Negative right arm out, wand down Right arm straight out at 90°, wand pointing down, or thumbs down; left hand at the side by the knee.
• 27 · Interphone hands cup the ears Extend both arms at 90°, then move the hands to cup both ears.
• 28 · Open/close stairs sweep to left shoulder Right arm at the side, left arm raised at 45° above the head; sweep the right arm toward the top of the left shoulder. Mainly for aircraft with front integral stairs.
• ARFF 1 · Recommend evacuation beckoning arm Arm out horizontal, hand raised at eye level, beckoning backward; other arm against the body. Given from the left front of the aircraft.
• ARFF 2 · Stop wrists crossed in front of head Arms crossed at the wrists in front of the head. Halt an evacuation in progress, or stop aircraft movement or other activity.
• ARFF 3 · Emergency contained umpire's 'safe' Arms out and down at 45°, moved inward below the waist until the wrists cross, then back out. No outside evidence of danger: all clear.
• ARFF 4 · Fire fan one wand, point the other Fan the right wand from shoulder to knee while pointing the left wand at the fire.
• Pilot · Brakes engaged fingers out, then fist Raise arm and hand, fingers extended, horizontally in front of the face, then clench the fist.
• Pilot · Brakes released fist, then fingers out Lift an arm in front of your face with the fist closed and held flat, then open the fingers.
• Pilot · Insert chocks hands cross in front of face Arms out with palms facing away, then bring the hands in so they cross in front of the face.
• Pilot · Remove chocks crossed hands move apart Start with both hands crossed before your face, palms facing away, then swing the arms out.

Memory hook: Arms cross above the head: stop.

Takeaway: Every signalman is DGCA-approved and wears a fluorescent vest; wands or bats by day, lit wands at night.

What do the ground signals mean?

Ground signals

Panels and shapes in the signal area. Test yourself with names hidden.

• Landing prohibited red square, yellow diagonals No landing allowed, and the ban may go on for some time.
• Special precautions red square, one yellow diagonal The runways and taxiways are in poor shape (or there is another reason): take extra care on the approach and when landing.
• Runways and taxiways only white dumbbell Stay on the runways and taxiways for landing, take-off and taxiing.
• Runways only for landing dumbbell with black bars Only take off and land on runways; when taxiing you do not have to stay on runways and taxiways.
• Closed area white or yellow cross Crosses of one contrasting colour, white or yellow, on runways or taxiways: that area is unfit for aircraft movement.
• Landing T land along the shaft toward the bar White or orange T: land and take off parallel to the shaft, toward the cross arm. At night it is lit or outlined in white lights.
• Take-off direction two digits, nearest 10° Two digits displayed vertically at or near the tower: take-off direction in tens of degrees, magnetic.
• Right-hand traffic arrow of conspicuous colour Turns before landing and after take-off are to the right.
• ATS reporting office black C on yellow Shows where the air traffic services reporting office is.
• Gliders flying double white cross Gliders use this aerodrome and are flying right now.

Memory hook: Two yellow diagonals: no landing. One: take care.

Takeaway: Red panels warn about landing; dumbbells limit where you move; crosses close areas; T, digits and arrow show direction.

How do interceptor and intercepted aircraft talk?

Interception

Phrases are spoken twice when there is no common language.

• CALL SIGN KOL SA-IN What is your call sign?
• FOLLOW FOL-LO Follow me.
• DESCEND DEE-SEND Descend for landing.
• YOU LAND YOU LAAND Land at this aerodrome.
• PROCEED PRO-SEED You may proceed.
• WILCO VILL-KO Understood, will comply.
• CAN NOT KANN NOTT Unable to comply.
• REPEAT REE-PEET Repeat your instruction.
• AM LOST AM LOSST Position unknown.
• MAYDAY MAYDAY I am in distress.
• HIJACK HI-JACK I have been hijacked. Circumstances may not always permit its use.
• LAND LAAND (place) I would like to land at (name the place).
• DESCEND DEE-SEND I require descent.
• Series 4 · gear up, lights flashing over the runway Intercepted aircraft: raise the gear and flash landing lights passing over the runway between 1000 and 2000 ft (helicopters 170-330 ft), and keep circling. Means: this aerodrome is not adequate.
• Series 5 · regular on-off lights cannot comply Turning all your lights on and off at a steady rhythm (not the same as flashing). It means: I cannot do what you ask. The interceptor replies with Series 2: understood.
• Series 6 · irregular flashing in distress Irregular flashing of all available lights. Means: in distress. The interceptor answers with Series 2: understood.

Memory hook: Conflict? Do what the interceptor shows.

Takeaway: Call on 121.5 (repeat on 243), squawk 7700, set ADS-B/C emergency. If radio and visual orders conflict, obey the interceptor while asking ATC.

How are you warned off, and how do you acknowledge?

Warnings

Ground warnings, distress and urgency, and how to say 'understood'.

Memory hook: Rock by day, flash twice by night.

Takeaway: Red and green projectiles every 10 s: leave the area. Acknowledge by rocking wings by day, flashing lights twice at night.

Unlawful interference in flight: what does the crew do?

Unlawful interference

When you must leave your track or level without talking to ATS.

1. Keep track and level until you can notify If you can't reach an aerodrome by the rules, continue on the assigned track and level at least until you can notify ATS or are in radar or ADS-B coverage.
2. Squawk 7500, or 7700 Use transponders and data links too, when they help (Chapter 12 lists the codes).
3. Broadcast warnings VHF in use and emergency Broadcast on the VHF channel in use, the VHF emergency frequency and other channels, unless conditions on board prevent it.
4. Doc 7030 contingency if published Follow the region's special in-flight contingency procedures, which are published in Doc 7030 (Regional Supplementary Procedures).
5. Otherwise offset level 500 ft or 1000 ft Fly a level offset from normal IFR levels by 150 m (500 ft) where 1000 ft separation applies, or 300 m (1000 ft) where 2000 ft applies.

Memory hook: Half the separation: 500 for 1000, 1000 for 2000.

Takeaway: Keep track and level until ATS knows. Forced off: broadcast, follow Doc 7030, else offset 500 ft (1000 ft in 2000 ft airspace).

Numbers to know

Numbers

The figures examiners like, in one list.

Pairs that catch students out

Don't mix up

Each pair looks alike. The line underneath tells them apart.

• Head-on: Both turn right. Converging: Only one gives way. When converging, only the aircraft with the other on its right gives way.
• Radio failure, no radar: 20 minutes. Radio failure, radar: 7 minutes. Without radar you wait longer.
• Steady red, in flight: Give way and keep circling. Red flashes, in flight: Aerodrome unsafe, do not land. Steady red is a wait; flashing red is a no.
• VFR hours: 20 min before sunrise to 20 min after sunset. Night: 30 min after sunset to 30 min before sunrise. Two different definitions: VFR uses 20 minutes, night uses 30.
• Flight plan delay: 15 minutes. Return flight ADC delay: 30 minutes needs a fresh ADC. Two separate rules: 15 for the flight plan, 30 for the ADC.

Test yourself

Ten questions from this chapter.

1. Two aircraft converge at about the same level. Which one gives way?

   • The one that sees the other on its right
   • The one that has the other on its left
   • The faster one
   • The higher one

   Answer: The one that sees the other on its right. When two aircraft converge, the one that sees the other on its right gives way.

2. Radio failure in IMC, in radar airspace. How long do you keep your last level and speed?

   • 20 minutes
   • 7 minutes
   • 30 minutes
   • 15 minutes

   Answer: 7 minutes. 7 minutes under radar; 20 minutes without radar.

3. What flight visibility does VFR need at or above 10,000 ft AMSL?

   • 5 km
   • 1,500 m
   • 8 km

   Answer: 8 km. 8 km at or above 10,000 ft; 5 km below it.

4. The tower shows you a steady red light while you are in flight. What does it mean?

   • Return for landing
   • Aerodrome unsafe, do not land
   • Cleared to land
   • Give way and continue circling

   Answer: Give way and continue circling. Steady red in flight means give way and keep circling; red flashes mean the aerodrome is unsafe.

5. Your estimated off-block time is 1400 UTC. What is the latest you should file your flight plan?

   • 1100 UTC
   • 1200 UTC
   • 1300 UTC
   • 1330 UTC

   Answer: 1100 UTC. File at least 180 minutes (3 hours) before EOBT, and no more than 120 hours before.

6. Two aircraft taxi head-on. What do they do?

   • Both stop or turn right
   • Both turn left
   • The smaller one gives way

   Answer: Both stop or turn right. On the ground, head-on: each stops or, where practicable, turns right.

7. Circling an unfamiliar aerodrome, you see two white crosses laid flat in the signal square. What should you expect?

   • The manoeuvring area is unserviceable
   • Glider flying is in progress
   • Land on hard surfaces only
   • Use the runways only

   Answer: Glider flying is in progress. The double white cross shows glider flights are in progress.

8. What is the lowest ground visibility at which an aeroplane can be given a Special VFR clearance?

   • 800 m
   • 1000 m
   • 1500 m
   • 5 km

   Answer: 1500 m. Special VFR needs at least 1500 m ground visibility; only Performance Class I and II helicopters may go at 1000 m.

9. At night another aircraft shows you a red light with a white light beside it. Which way is it going?

   • Straight towards you
   • Straight away from you
   • Across your path, from your right to your left
   • Across your path, from your left to your right

   Answer: Across your path, from your right to your left. Red is its left (port) wingtip and white its tail, so it is crossing from your right to your left.

10. Hijacked and forced off your level with no ATS contact, where 1000 ft separation applies. Offset by:

    • 500 ft
    • 1000 ft
    • 2000 ft

    Answer: 500 ft. 500 ft where 1000 ft applies; 1000 ft where 2000 ft applies.