1. Uncontrolled copy not subject to amendment
Airmanship Knowledge for Air Cadets Learning Outcome 2 Know the Rules of the Air
Revision 2.00

2. Rules of the Air

3. Contents Right of Way Rules at night Navigation lights
Converging at night
The Clock Code
Airspace
Airways

4. 1. Right of Way
Without the Highway Code road users would find it impossible to move about safely
There must also be rules to govern the way aircraft move about the sky so that accidents can be avoided
They are called Right of Way rules

5. The Rights of Way are different for each type of aircraft

6. Balloons
All types of aircraft must give way to balloons

7. Gliders
Gliders have the right of way over both powered aircraft and airships

8. Airships
Airships must give way to both gliders and balloons

9. Powered Aircraft
Powered conventional aircraft must give way to balloons, gliders and airships

10. Approaching aircraft
When approaching head on, each aircraft must alter course to the right

11. Converging Aircraft
When on converging courses at the same height, the aircraft which has the other on its Starboard (right) must give way

12. When overtaking, the aircraft being overtaken has the right of way
The overtaking aircraft must avoid the other by turning right
NOTE: If both are gliders, the one overtaking may turn right or left

13. Landing
An aircraft landing or on final approach to land has right of way over aircraft in flight or on the ground
When two or more aircraft are approaching to land, the lower one has right of way (unless the captain of the lower aircraft becomes aware that one of the others has an emergency)

14. Aircraft on the ground
Aircraft and vehicles being taxied give way to aircraft being towed
Vehicles not towing aircraft give way to aircraft being taxied

15. 2. Rules at Night

16. At night it can be difficult for a pilot to see another aircraft
When it is seen, its heading may still be unknown

17. Most modern aircraft carry one or more flashing anti-collision lights so that they can be seen easily
They also carry navigation lights

18. 3. Navigation Lights

19. Starboard side (right) Green Rear White
Powered Aircraft
Navigation lights:
Port side (left) Red
Starboard side (right) Green
Rear White
110
degrees
140
degrees

20. Gliders
Gliders may carry the same type of lights as powered aircraft
They may carry this this type …

21. Airships
Moving Airship Stationary Airship

22. Balloons
Balloons carry a red light hung 9 metres below the basket

23. 4. Converging at Night

24. If the pilot of the Harrier (A) looks out to starboard and sees a Red light moving alongside (B)

25. He knows that the other aircraft has right of way and he must take action to avoid a collision

26. In this scenario:
The pilot of the Jaguar (A) sees a Green light crossing from port (left) to starboard (right) and therefore knows that the Hawk (B) should give way

27. In this scenario:
The pilot of the Jaguar (A) must be aware that the Hawk (B) pilot might not have seen him and should therefore be ready to take avoiding action if necessary

28. Staying alert
It is the responsibility of all in the aircraft to check for hazards – including other aircraft
Use your eyes!!

29. 5. The Clock Code

30. Alert the captain to position using the
Clock Code system

31. Indicate HIGH, LEVEL or LOW, relative to the aircraft

32. 6. Airspace

33. Airspace is divided into classes, or functional areas and is used to safely control and manage air traffic
Some have strict rules on the conduct of flying within them. They are termed “Controlled Airspace”

34. 7. Airways

35. One important class is a network of imaginary “tunnels” in the air called Airways
These facilitate safe passage of large numbers of aircraft in congested airspace

36. The UK Controlled Airspace

37. Aircraft can use Airways providing that:
The pilot has a valid instrument rating (IR)
The aircraft is fitted with appropriate radio and navigational equipment (IFR Equipped)
The flight is made in accordance with Instrument Flight Rules (IFR)

38. Features of Airways
They are between 10 and 20 nautical miles (18.5 to 37km) wide
Have Upper and Lower height limits
They do NOT touch the ground

39. 4. The centre of an Airway is marked by beacons
Aircraft fly from beacon to beacon reporting to ATCC their position, time and height
(This is all out of date!)

40. Clearance for Airways
Clearance is always required for flights along Airways
Routes taken must be planned and submitted to ATCC before takeoff
Contact with ATCC must be established before an aircraft can enter the Airway

41. 4. The aircraft is tracked on radar all through the Airway (in the UK)
5. It is the pilot’s responsibility to maintain planned tracks and timings

42. Crossing Airways
If an aircraft wishes to cross an airway there are two ways to do so:
If the base of the airway is above the ground, the aircraft can fly underneath with no permission needed.

43. 2. The aircraft can be flown through the Airway providing that clearance and radar control is obtained

45. Any questions?