ATPL Air Law cheat sheet

Chicago Convention (1944) Article 1: every State has complete and exclusive sovereignty over the airspace above its territory, including territorial waters.

Territorial sea extends 12 NM from the baseline; the airspace over it is sovereign. The high seas and airspace above them are open to all States.

Article 5 (non-scheduled flights) allows transit and stops for non-traffic purposes without prior permission; Article 6 requires special permission for scheduled international air services.

Article 8: no manned aircraft may fly over a State's territory without its permission; pilotless aircraft require special authorisation.

Article 12: rules of the air over the high seas are those established under the Chicago Convention (Annex 2), with no exception for State aircraft.

Five Freedoms: (1) overfly, (2) technical stop, (3) set down traffic, (4) take on traffic, (5) carry traffic between two foreign States; only 1 and 2 are Convention-granted, 3-5 need bilateral agreement.

Warsaw/Montreal Convention: carrier liability for death or injury is capped at 128,821 SDR (2019 revision); baggage 1,288 SDR; cargo 22 SDR/kg; delay 5,346 SDR.

Tokyo Convention 1963: the State of registry has jurisdiction over offences committed on board; the aircraft commander may restrain a person posing a threat to safety.

Rome Convention 1952 governs third-party surface damage caused by foreign aircraft; the operator is liable, with limits set by the aircraft's weight.

ICAO Annex 8 sets minimum airworthiness standards; the State of Registry issues the Certificate of Airworthiness (C of A) for aircraft on its register.

A C of A remains valid only if the aircraft is maintained per the approved maintenance programme and all mandatory airworthiness directives are complied with.

The C of A is not transferable between registrations; a new State of Registry may validate the existing certificate or issue its own.

A Permit to Fly may be issued for aircraft not meeting full airworthiness requirements, subject to restrictions stated on the permit.

An aircraft must carry its C of A and, where required, its noise certificate on board; the C of A is a document listed in Annex 8 and typically inspected at ramp checks.

Type Certificate and Certificate of Airworthiness are distinct: the type certificate approves the design; the C of A approves the individual aircraft.

An airworthiness directive is mandatory; non-compliance invalidates the C of A and renders flight unlawful.

Aircraft must be maintained by approved organisations or licensed personnel per the State's maintenance regulations (e.g., EASA Part-M / Part-145).

Every aircraft engaged in international navigation must have its nationality and registration marks; the State of Registry issues the certificate of registration.

Nationality mark: the letter(s) identifying the State (e.g., G- United Kingdom, D- Germany, N- United States, F- France).

Registration mark: a group of letters/numbers following the nationality mark; it must be unique within the State of Registry.

Marks must be painted or affixed so they are clearly visible; the location and size (heights of letters) are specified in Annex 7 and national rules.

For fixed-wing aircraft the marks appear on the fuselage (or equivalent) and on the upper and lower surfaces of the wings; the wing marks are placed on the left half of the lower surface and the right half of the upper surface.

The hyphen between nationality and registration marks is part of the marking and must be displayed.

The certificate of registration must be carried on board and is a document subject to inspection.

Change of ownership or registration requires the marks to be changed accordingly; the aircraft may not be flown internationally under invalid marks.

ICAO Annex 1 sets the standards for flight crew, air traffic controllers and maintenance personnel licensing; States issue licences per their national regulations.

A pilot licence requires a valid medical certificate of the appropriate class; the medical certificate is part of the licence privileges.

Class 1 medical is required for commercial pilots and ATPL holders; Class 2 for private pilots; Class 3 for air traffic controllers.

ATPL minimum age 21; CPL minimum 18; PPL minimum 17 (17 for glider/balloon).

ATPL knowledge and experience requirements include 1,500 hours total flight time (or approved reductions) and specific night/instrument experience.

A rating (type, class, instrument) is endorsed on the licence and defines the privileges; the licence alone does not authorise flight in types not covered.

Recency: a pilot may not act as pilot-in-command carrying passengers unless they have completed 3 take-offs and landings in the preceding 90 days in the same type/class.

Licences are not valid without the holder meeting the currency and medical requirements; a lapsed medical suspends the privileges.

An aircraft may not be operated in a negligent or reckless manner so as to endanger life or property; the pilot-in-command is responsible for the safe conduct of the flight.

Right-of-way: converging aircraft of the same category - the one on the right has right of way; head-on - both turn right; overtaking - the overtaken aircraft has right of way.

Power-driven aircraft give way to gliders, balloons, airships and aircraft towing; landing aircraft have right of way over aircraft on the ground.

VFR minima in controlled airspace (Class C/D/E) at and above 3,050 m AMSL: 8 km flight visibility, 1,500 m horizontal and 300 m vertical distance from cloud.

Below 900 m AMSL in Class G: 5 km flight visibility, clear of cloud and in sight of the surface (for aircraft at 140 kt or less).

VMC minima at or above 3,050 m: 8 km visibility, 1,500 m horizontally and 300 m vertically from cloud.

Minimum safe altitude: 1,000 ft above the highest obstacle within 600 m (2,000 ft in mountainous terrain) for IFR; VFR must remain clear of obstacles.

Aircraft on the ground must give way to aircraft landing or in the final stages of an approach; taxiing must yield to aircraft taking off.

Anti-collision lights and navigation lights must be used at night and in conditions of poor visibility; landing lights when taking off or landing.

ICAO airspace classes A-G: A-E are controlled; F is advisory; G is uncontrolled. A = IFR only; B = IFR and VFR with separation for all; C = IFR and VFR with separation IFR/IFR and IFR/VFR; D = IFR and VFR with separation IFR/IFR only; E = IFR and VFR, separation IFR/IFR only.

Class F: IFR and VFR, advisory service, no separation; Class G: IFR and VFR, no separation, no clearance required.

A clearance is an authorisation to proceed under specified conditions; it does not relieve the pilot of responsibility for terrain clearance or collision avoidance.

The pilot-in-command has final authority over the aircraft; ATC instructions must be followed unless an emergency requires deviation, which must be reported.

Separation minima: 1,000 ft vertically in RVSM airspace (FL290-FL410); 2,000 ft elsewhere; 5 NM lateral/horizontal in radar environment typically.

Position reporting: compulsory reporting points must be reported; the pilot reports when passing a reporting point, on entering/leaving controlled airspace, and when requested.

SSR codes: 7700 emergency, 7600 radio failure, 7500 unlawful interference; 7000 VFR in Europe (not universally).

ATC clearances and instructions must be read back, including runway, altitude, heading and frequency instructions.

ICAO Annex 15 governs aeronautical information services; the AIP, NOTAM and AIC are the primary publications.

The AIP contains permanent information; NOTAMs contain temporary or urgent information; AICs contain information of a temporary nature not covered by NOTAM.

Charts: the World Aeronautical Chart (1:1,000,000) and ICAO 1:500,000 charts are standard for navigation; aerodrome charts show runway data and approach procedures.

A NOTAM is identified by a series letter and number, and includes the location indicator, validity period and description; it must be checked before flight.

The aeronautical information cycle: AIP amendments are issued on a fixed AIRAC cycle (28 days), with effective dates published in advance.

Altimeter setting: QNH gives altitude above mean sea level; QFE gives height above the aerodrome reference point; QNE is the standard pressure 1013.25 hPa (29.92 inHg).

Transition altitude/level: below the transition altitude use QNH; above the transition level use standard pressure (1013.25 hPa); the transition layer is the space between them.

Chart symbols for controlled airspace, prohibited/restricted/danger areas, and radio navigation aids must be interpreted correctly; prohibited areas may not be entered.

The operator must ensure the aircraft is airworthy, properly equipped and maintained, and that crew are licensed and current before flight.

Operational flight plan, fuel policy and mass-and-balance must be completed before departure; the pilot-in-command signs the flight plan.

Fuel: sufficient fuel for the flight plus reserves (typically 5% trip fuel contingency, alternate fuel, final reserve of 30 minutes holding for turbine aircraft).

Crew duty and flight time limitations: the operator must comply with the State's FTL scheme; records must be kept and made available to the authority.

The operator must carry the documents listed in Annex 6: certificate of registration, C of A, licences, journey log, and, where required, the operations manual.

Passenger briefing and safety equipment checks are mandatory before take-off; emergency equipment must be serviceable and accessible.

The operator must report accidents and serious incidents to the authority; the pilot-in-command reports occurrences per the State's mandatory occurrence reporting scheme.

Security: the operator must implement a security programme and ensure screening of passengers and baggage in accordance with Annex 17.

National law implements ICAO standards; the State's civil aviation authority issues licences, certificates and approvals and enforces compliance.

The State of Registry has jurisdiction over the aircraft and its crew; the State of the Operator has jurisdiction over operations and the operator's certificate.

Enforcement actions include warnings, fines, suspension or revocation of licences and certificates, and, in serious cases, criminal prosecution.

The pilot-in-command is responsible for compliance with the law and for reporting any accident or serious incident to the authority without delay.

Licences may be revoked or suspended for breaches such as flying without a valid medical, operating without a valid C of A, or failing to comply with ATC instructions.

The authority may conduct ramp inspections and audits; refusal to cooperate can lead to enforcement action.

Appeals against enforcement decisions are made through the national administrative or judicial process, with time limits set by national law.

Aircraft registration and airworthiness records must be kept and produced on request; failure to maintain records is an offence under national law.

Chicago Convention Article 1: complete and exclusive sovereignty over territory airspace, including territorial waters.

Article 5 permits non-scheduled transit and stops for non-traffic purposes without prior permission.

Article 6 requires special permission for scheduled international air services.

Article 8: no manned aircraft over a State's territory without permission; pilotless aircraft need special authorisation.

Five Freedoms: 1 overfly, 2 technical stop, 3 set down, 4 take on, 5 cabotage; only 1 and 2 are Convention-granted.

Montreal Convention 1999: carrier liability limited to 128,821 SDR for death/injury, 1,288 SDR baggage, 5,346 SDR delay.

Tokyo Convention 1963: State of registry has jurisdiction over on-board offences; commander may restrain a threat.

Rome Convention 1952: operator liable for third-party surface damage caused by foreign aircraft.

ICAO Annex 8 sets minimum airworthiness standards; the State of Registry issues the C of A.

The C of A is valid only if maintenance is per the approved programme and all airworthiness directives are complied with.

The C of A is not transferable; a new State of Registry may validate or reissue it.

A Permit to Fly may be issued for aircraft not meeting full requirements, with restrictions stated on the permit.

The C of A must be carried on board and produced on request; a noise certificate is required where applicable.

Type Certificate approves the design; C of A approves the individual aircraft.

An airworthiness directive is mandatory; non-compliance invalidates the C of A.

Maintenance must be by approved organisations or licensed personnel per the State's regulations.

Every aircraft in international navigation must carry nationality and registration marks; the State of Registry issues the certificate of registration.

Nationality mark identifies the State (G-, D-, N-, F-); registration mark is unique within the State.

Marks must be painted or affixed so they are clearly visible; letter heights are specified in Annex 7 and national rules.

Fixed-wing: marks on the fuselage (or equivalent) and on the upper and lower wing surfaces.

Wing marks are placed on the left half of the lower surface and the right half of the upper surface.

The hyphen between nationality and registration marks is part of the marking and must be displayed.

The certificate of registration must be carried on board and is subject to inspection.

Change of ownership or registration requires the marks to be changed accordingly.

ICAO Annex 1 sets standards for flight crew, ATC and maintenance personnel licensing.

A pilot licence requires a valid medical certificate of the appropriate class; the medical is part of the licence privileges.

Class 1 for commercial pilots and ATPL; Class 2 for private pilots; Class 3 for air traffic controllers.

ATPL minimum age 21; CPL 18; PPL 17.

ATPL experience includes 1,500 hours total flight time (or approved reductions).

A rating defines the privileges; the licence alone does not authorise flight in types not covered.

Recency: 3 take-offs and landings in the preceding 90 days in the same type/class before carrying passengers.

A lapsed medical suspends the licence privileges.

The pilot-in-command is responsible for the safe conduct of the flight; reckless operation endangering life or property is prohibited.

Converging same-category aircraft: the one on the right has right of way; head-on: both turn right; overtaking: the overtaken has right of way.

Power-driven aircraft give way to gliders, balloons, airships and aircraft towing; landing aircraft have right of way over aircraft on the ground.

VFR minima at and above 3,050 m AMSL in controlled airspace: 8 km visibility, 1,500 m horizontal and 300 m vertical from cloud.

Below 900 m AMSL in Class G: 5 km visibility, clear of cloud and in sight of the surface (for aircraft at 140 kt or less).

Minimum safe altitude: 1,000 ft above the highest obstacle within 600 m (2,000 ft in mountainous terrain) for IFR.

Aircraft on the ground give way to landing or approaching aircraft; taxiing yields to taking off.

Anti-collision and navigation lights must be used at night and in poor visibility.

ICAO airspace classes A-G: A-E controlled; F advisory; G uncontrolled.

Class A: IFR only; B: IFR and VFR with separation for all; C: IFR and VFR with separation IFR/IFR and IFR/VFR; D: separation IFR/IFR only; E: separation IFR/IFR only.

Class F: advisory service, no separation; Class G: no separation, no clearance required.

A clearance authorises flight under specified conditions; it does not relieve the pilot of terrain clearance or collision avoidance responsibility.

The pilot-in-command has final authority; deviations for emergencies must be reported.

RVSM: 1,000 ft vertical separation between FL290 and FL410; 2,000 ft elsewhere.

SSR codes: 7700 emergency, 7600 radio failure, 7500 unlawful interference.

Clearances and instructions must be read back, including runway, altitude, heading and frequency.

ICAO Annex 15 governs aeronautical information services; AIP, NOTAM and AIC are the primary publications.

AIP contains permanent information; NOTAMs contain temporary or urgent information; AICs contain temporary information not covered by NOTAM.

Standard charts: World Aeronautical Chart 1:1,000,000 and ICAO 1:500,000 charts; aerodrome charts show runway and approach data.

A NOTAM includes the location indicator, validity period and description; it must be checked before flight.

AIP amendments are issued on the AIRAC cycle (28 days) with effective dates published in advance.

QNH gives altitude above mean sea level; QFE gives height above the aerodrome reference point; QNE is 1013.25 hPa (29.92 inHg).

Below the transition altitude use QNH; above the transition level use standard pressure; the transition layer lies between them.

Prohibited areas may not be entered; restricted and danger areas carry conditions or warnings.

The operator must ensure the aircraft is airworthy, properly equipped and maintained, and that crew are licensed and current.

Operational flight plan, fuel policy and mass-and-balance must be completed before departure; the pilot-in-command signs the flight plan.

Fuel reserves include contingency fuel, alternate fuel and a final reserve (typically 30 minutes holding for turbine aircraft).

Crew duty and flight time limitations must comply with the State's FTL scheme; records must be kept.

Documents to be carried include the certificate of registration, C of A, licences, journey log and, where required, the operations manual.

Passenger briefing and safety equipment checks are mandatory before take-off.

Accidents and serious incidents must be reported to the authority; the pilot-in-command reports occurrences.

Security: the operator implements a security programme and screening per Annex 17.

National law implements ICAO standards; the civil aviation authority issues licences, certificates and approvals.

The State of Registry has jurisdiction over the aircraft and crew; the State of the Operator has jurisdiction over operations and the operator's certificate.

Enforcement actions include warnings, fines, suspension or revocation of licences and certificates, and criminal prosecution.

The pilot-in-command must comply with the law and report accidents or serious incidents without delay.

Licences may be revoked or suspended for breaches such as flying without a valid medical or C of A, or failing to comply with ATC instructions.

Ramp inspections and audits may be conducted; refusal to cooperate can lead to enforcement action.

Appeals against enforcement decisions follow the national administrative or judicial process within set time limits.

Registration and airworthiness records must be kept and produced on request; failure is an offence.

Chicago Convention Article 1: complete and exclusive sovereignty over territory airspace, including territorial waters.

Article 5 permits non-scheduled transit and stops for non-traffic purposes without prior permission.

Article 6 requires special permission for scheduled international air services.

Article 8: no manned aircraft over a State's territory without permission; pilotless aircraft need special authorisation.

Five Freedoms: 1 overfly, 2 technical stop, 3 set down, 4 take on, 5 cabotage; only 1 and 2 are Convention-granted.

Montreal Convention 1999: carrier liability limited to 128,821 SDR for death/injury, 1,288 SDR baggage, 5,346 SDR delay.

Tokyo Convention 1963: State of registry has jurisdiction over on-board offences; commander may restrain a threat.

Rome Convention 1952: operator liable for third-party surface damage caused by foreign aircraft.

ICAO Annex 8 sets minimum airworthiness standards; the State of Registry issues the C of A.

The C of A is valid only if maintenance is per the approved programme and all airworthiness directives are complied with.

The C of A is not transferable; a new State of Registry may validate or reissue it.

A Permit to Fly may be issued for aircraft not meeting full requirements, with restrictions stated on the permit.

The C of A must be carried on board and produced on request; a noise certificate is required where applicable.

Type Certificate approves the design; C of A approves the individual aircraft.

An airworthiness directive is mandatory; non-compliance invalidates the C of A.

Maintenance must be by approved organisations or licensed personnel per the State's regulations.

Every aircraft in international navigation must carry nationality and registration marks; the State of Registry issues the certificate of registration.

Nationality mark identifies the State (G-, D-, N-, F-); registration mark is unique within the State.

Marks must be painted or affixed so they are clearly visible; letter heights are specified in Annex 7 and national rules.

Fixed-wing: marks on the fuselage (or equivalent) and on the upper and lower wing surfaces.

Wing marks are placed on the left half of the lower surface and the right half of the upper surface.

The hyphen between nationality and registration marks is part of the marking and must be displayed.

The certificate of registration must be carried on board and is subject to inspection.

Change of ownership or registration requires the marks to be changed accordingly.

ICAO Annex 1 sets standards for flight crew, ATC and maintenance personnel licensing.

A pilot licence requires a valid medical certificate of the appropriate class; the medical is part of the licence privileges.

Class 1 for commercial pilots and ATPL; Class 2 for private pilots; Class 3 for air traffic controllers.

ATPL minimum age 21; CPL 18; PPL 17.

ATPL experience includes 1,500 hours total flight time (or approved reductions).

A rating defines the privileges; the licence alone does not authorise flight in types not covered.

Recency: 3 take-offs and landings in the preceding 90 days in the same type/class before carrying passengers.

A lapsed medical suspends the licence privileges.

The pilot-in-command is responsible for the safe conduct of the flight; reckless operation endangering life or property is prohibited.

Converging same-category aircraft: the one on the right has right of way; head-on: both turn right; overtaking: the overtaken has right of way.

Power-driven aircraft give way to gliders, balloons, airships and aircraft towing; landing aircraft have right of way over aircraft on the ground.

VFR minima at and above 3,050 m AMSL in controlled airspace: 8 km visibility, 1,500 m horizontal and 300 m vertical from cloud.

Below 900 m AMSL in Class G: 5 km visibility, clear of cloud and in sight of the surface (for aircraft at 140 kt or less).

Minimum safe altitude: 1,000 ft above the highest obstacle within 600 m (2,000 ft in mountainous terrain) for IFR.

Aircraft on the ground give way to landing or approaching aircraft; taxiing yields to taking off.

Anti-collision and navigation lights must be used at night and in poor visibility.

ICAO airspace classes A-G: A-E controlled; F advisory; G uncontrolled.

Class A: IFR only; B: IFR and VFR with separation for all; C: IFR and VFR with separation IFR/IFR and IFR/VFR; D: separation IFR/IFR only; E: separation IFR/IFR only.

Class F: advisory service, no separation; Class G: no separation, no clearance required.

A clearance authorises flight under specified conditions; it does not relieve the pilot of terrain clearance or collision avoidance responsibility.

The pilot-in-command has final authority; deviations for emergencies must be reported.

RVSM: 1,000 ft vertical separation between FL290 and FL410; 2,000 ft elsewhere.

SSR codes: 7700 emergency, 7600 radio failure, 7500 unlawful interference.

Clearances and instructions must be read back, including runway, altitude, heading and frequency.

ICAO Annex 15 governs aeronautical information services; AIP, NOTAM and AIC are the primary publications.

AIP contains permanent information; NOTAMs contain temporary or urgent information; AICs contain temporary information not covered by NOTAM.

Standard charts: World Aeronautical Chart 1:1,000,000 and ICAO 1:500,000 charts; aerodrome charts show runway and approach data.

A NOTAM includes the location indicator, validity period and description; it must be checked before flight.

AIP amendments are issued on the AIRAC cycle (28 days) with effective dates published in advance.

QNH gives altitude above mean sea level; QFE gives height above the aerodrome reference point; QNE is 1013.25 hPa (29.92 inHg).

Below the transition altitude use QNH; above the transition level use standard pressure; the transition layer lies between them.

Prohibited areas may not be entered; restricted and danger areas carry conditions or warnings.

The operator must ensure the aircraft is airworthy, properly equipped and maintained, and that crew are licensed and current.

Operational flight plan, fuel policy and mass-and-balance must be completed before departure; the pilot-in-command signs the flight plan.

Fuel reserves include contingency fuel, alternate fuel and a final reserve (typically 30 minutes holding for turbine aircraft).

Crew duty and flight time limitations must comply with the State's FTL scheme; records must be kept.

Documents to be carried include the certificate of registration, C of A, licences, journey log and, where required, the operations manual.

Passenger briefing and safety equipment checks are mandatory before take-off.

Accidents and serious incidents must be reported to the authority; the pilot-in-command reports occurrences.

Security: the operator implements a security programme and screening per Annex 17.

National law implements ICAO standards; the civil aviation authority issues licences, certificates and approvals.

The State of Registry has jurisdiction over the aircraft and crew; the State of the Operator has jurisdiction over operations and the operator's certificate.

Enforcement actions include warnings, fines, suspension or revocation of licences and certificates, and criminal prosecution.

The pilot-in-command must comply with the law and report accidents or serious incidents without delay.

Licences may be revoked or suspended for breaches such as flying without a valid medical or C of A, or failing to comply with ATC instructions.

Ramp inspections and audits may be conducted; refusal to cooperate can lead to enforcement action.

Appeals against enforcement decisions follow the national administrative or judicial process within set time limits.

Registration and airworthiness records must be kept and produced on request; failure is an offence.