Air Law — PPL(A)

The Air Navigation Order 2016 (as amended) is the primary UK legislation governing civil aviation. It covers who may fly, what aircraft may be flown, airspace rules, and the conditions under which licences are valid. The CAA enforces the ANO and can suspend or revoke licences.

For the exam, focus on the practical parts: what a PPL(A) holder is and is not permitted to do, currency requirements, and when a medical certificate is required.

• A PPL(A) allows flight as PIC of single-engine piston aeroplanes (SEP) as defined on the rating.
• Passengers may not be carried unless the pilot has 3 take-offs and 3 landings in the preceding 90 days.
• Night flight requires a night qualification.
• Commercial operations (receiving payment for carriage) are not permitted on a PPL.

The rules of the air define which aircraft must give way. The key rules for VFR flight are:

• Aircraft in distress have priority over all other aircraft.
• Balloons have right of way over all engine-driven aircraft.
• Gliders have right of way over airships, aeroplanes, and helicopters.
• Airships have right of way over aeroplanes and helicopters.
• Aeroplanes and helicopters give way to all of the above.
• Converging: aircraft to the right has right of way — give way to your right.
• Head-on: both alter course to the right.
• Overtaking: the overtaken aircraft has right of way; overtake to the right.
• Landing: aircraft on final approach or landing have right of way over those in the circuit.

UK airspace uses the ICAO classification A–G. The class determines whether ATC clearance is needed, whether VFR is permitted, and what services are provided.

• Class A: controlled, IFR only. VFR not permitted. Clearance required for all.
• Class B: not used in UK.
• Class C: controlled. VFR permitted with ATC clearance. Separation from all traffic.
• Class D: controlled. VFR permitted with ATC clearance. Separation from IFR only.
• Class E: controlled. VFR permitted — no clearance needed but requirements apply. IFR separated from IFR.
• Class F: not generally used in UK.
• Class G: uncontrolled. VFR on see-and-avoid. FIS available but not mandatory.

VFR minima specify the minimum visibility and cloud clearance required to fly VFR. They vary by airspace class and altitude. These are the most heavily examined numbers in Air Law.

• Class A–E above 3,000 ft AMSL or above 1,000 ft AGL (whichever is higher): 5 km visibility, 1,500 m horizontal / 1,000 ft vertical from cloud.
• Class F–G below 3,000 ft AMSL and below 1,000 ft AGL: 5 km visibility, clear of cloud (SVFR conditions).
• Special VFR (SVFR): clearance from ATC to operate in controlled airspace below VMC — not always available.
• At or below 3,000 ft AMSL at 140 KIAS or less in Class G: 1,500 m visibility, clear of cloud and in sight of surface (NVFR not applicable here — this is the 'below the line' rule).

• ATZ (Aerodrome Traffic Zone): 2 nm radius, SFC to 2,000 ft AAL. Radio contact and conformance required.
• MATZ (Military Aerodrome Traffic Zone): 5 nm radius, SFC to 3,000 ft AAL (plus a stub). Entry requires contact. Not prohibited for civilians, but strongly recommended.
• RMZ (Radio Mandatory Zone): two-way radio required before and during entry.
• TMZ (Transponder Mandatory Zone): transponder (Mode C or S) required.
• Danger Areas: activities hazardous when active. Check activation status in NOTAMs.
• Restricted Areas: entry restricted, conditions specified in AIP.
• Prohibited Areas: entry not permitted. e.g. P047 (Windsor Castle).