Operational Procedures — PPL(A)

VFR (Visual Flight Rules) require you to maintain specific visibility and cloud clearances depending on airspace class and altitude. You are personally responsible for ensuring you remain in VMC at all times unless operating under a Special VFR clearance.

• Do not enter cloud or conditions below VMC without an appropriate rating and clearance.
• Transition to IMC accidentally: immediately turn 180°, descend if terrain permits, declare MAYDAY.
• Special VFR (SVFR): clearance from ATC to operate in a CTR below VMC — available at some aerodromes in specific conditions.
• Night VFR requires a Night Rating and appropriate aircraft lighting.

• 7700 — Emergency: any emergency requiring assistance.
• 7600 — Radio Failure: two-way communications failure.
• 7500 — Unlawful Interference (hijack): do not confirm if questioned.
• 2000 — Entering UK FIR from uncontrolled airspace (no previous squawk assigned).
• 7000 — Standard VFR conspicuity code in UK Class G.
• Assigned squawks take precedence over the above — follow ATC instructions.

Wake turbulence is generated at the wingtips of all aircraft in flight. It is most dangerous behind heavy aircraft at low speed (take-off and landing). Vortices sink at approximately 300–500 ft per minute and drift with the wind.

• ICAO wake turbulence categories: Super (A380), Heavy, Medium (MTOM 7,000–136,000 kg), Light (below 7,000 kg).
• Following a heavy aircraft on approach: stay above the glidepath, land beyond its touchdown point.
• Following a heavy aircraft departing: rotate before its rotate point, turn away from its flight path.
• In crosswind: upwind vortex may drift across the runway threshold.
• Minimum separation depends on the category pair — check AIP/ATC for specific requirements.

SARTIME is a time at which Search and Rescue action is automatically initiated if no message has been received. It protects VFR pilots landing at non-reporting aerodromes or making off-airfield landings.

• File with FIS or departure aerodrome ATC before departure.
• SARTIME must be cancelled promptly on arrival — contact ATC, LARS, or the filing unit.
• If the SARTIME expires without contact, SAR will be initiated — this is expensive and causes disruption.
• For cross-country flights, SARTIME should be set to ETA + 30 minutes as a minimum.

• Squawk 7600 immediately.
• Try all frequencies including 121.5 MHz (emergency).
• Check volume, switches, and headset connections.
• If in controlled airspace: fly to a conspicuous position, rock wings to signal.
• Continue to intended destination unless deviation is safer.
• At destination: check for light signals from ATC.
• Flash landing light to acknowledge light signals.

• Continuous green: cleared to land (airborne) / cleared to take-off (on ground).
• Flashing green: return to land (airborne) / cleared to taxi (on ground).
• Continuous red: give way and continue circling (airborne) / stop (on ground).
• Flashing red: aerodrome unsafe, do not land (airborne) / taxi clear of runway (on ground).
• Flashing white: land at this aerodrome (airborne — after receiving continuous green) / return to starting point on aerodrome (on ground).
• Red pyrotechnic: notwithstanding previous instructions, do not land for the time being.