RA-Aus Air Law flashcards

32 cards. Read the term and the definition here. The deck at the top of this page is optional.

RA-Aus Operations Manual

The primary document issued by Recreational Aviation Australia setting out operational rules, procedures, and standards that members must follow when flying RA-Aus registered aircraft.

Pilot in command responsibility

The pilot in command is directly responsible for the safety and operation of the aircraft and may deviate from rules only to the extent necessary in an emergency.

CASA authority

The Civil Aviation Safety Authority is the national regulator; its Act and Regulations override RA-Aus operational documents where a conflict exists between the two.

Maintenance authority levels

RA-Aus maintenance is performed by authorised persons at defined levels; Level 2 and above may certify maintenance, while owners may perform limited owner-maintenance tasks.

Reportable occurrence

An accident or serious incident that must be reported to RA-Aus and, where required by the ATSB, to the Australian Transport Safety Bureau.

Documents carried on board

The aircraft registration certificate and maintenance documentation must be carried on board, and the pilot certificate must be produced on request.

VFR cloud clearance

Below 10,000 ft in Class G: 5,000 m visibility, 1,500 m horizontally and 1,000 ft vertically from cloud; above 10,000 ft visibility increases to 8,000 m.

Right-of-way converging aircraft

When aircraft converge at the same level, the aircraft with the other on its right gives way; overtaking aircraft pass on the right and head-on aircraft both turn right.

Landing right-of-way

Aircraft on final approach or landing have right-of-way over aircraft on the ground or in the pattern; a lower aircraft on final has priority over a higher one.

Day VFR fuel reserve

Plan to land with at least 30 minutes fixed reserve for day VFR, plus variable reserve and taxi fuel; night VFR requires a 45-minute fixed reserve.

Hemispherical cruising levels

Magnetic tracks 000 to 179 degrees use odd thousands plus 500 ft; tracks 180 to 359 degrees use even thousands plus 500 ft, e.g. 3,500 and 4,500 ft.

CTAF position report

A broadcast on the common traffic advisory frequency giving aerodrome name, aircraft type, position, altitude, and intentions, such as inbound, joining, base, or final.

500 ft separation rule

Aircraft must not operate closer than 500 ft vertically or horizontally to a person, vessel, vehicle, or structure except with permission or as permitted by regulation.

Standard circuit direction

The traffic pattern is left-hand unless published otherwise; aircraft join on downwind at circuit height and avoid joining on base or final when the pattern is not clear.

Class G airspace

Uncontrolled airspace where no ATC clearance is required; most RA-Aus operations occur in Class G, and pilots self-separate using radio broadcasts and see-and-avoid.

CTAF purpose

The common traffic advisory frequency used at non-towered aerodromes for pilots to broadcast intentions and monitor traffic; it is not a control service.

Mandatory broadcast zone

Airspace around a specified aerodrome where radio-equipped aircraft must make required position broadcasts on the CTAF before entering and monitor while inside.

Displaced threshold markings

Arrows and a threshold bar indicate that the landing surface begins further along the runway; the area before it is not available for landing touchdown.

Restricted area

Airspace depicted on charts where entry requires permission because of hazardous activity; prohibited areas may not be entered and danger areas should be avoided.

Radio failure in Class G

Continue under VFR, remain clear of controlled airspace, maintain a listening watch and broadcast intentions, then land at the nearest suitable aerodrome.

Taxiing right-of-way

A taxiing aircraft must give way to landing aircraft and to aircraft on final approach, and must yield to vehicles and persons on the manoeuvring area.

Pilot certificate endorsements

RA-Aus pilot certificates carry endorsements such as cross-country and passenger carrying; each requires specified training and a flight test with an approved examiner.

Medical declaration

A current aviation medical declaration or permitted self-declaration is required for the pilot certificate to remain valid; pilots must not fly when unfit.

Aircraft registration

RA-Aus registration must be completed before flight; the registration certificate is carried on board and registration markings are displayed on the aircraft.

Pilot logbook

A record of all flights including date, aircraft type and registration, departure and arrival points, and flight time, kept as evidence of recency and experience.

Passenger-carrying recency

To carry passengers, a pilot must have completed at least three take-offs and three landings in the preceding 90 days in the same category of aircraft.

Maintenance release

A document certifying that required maintenance has been completed and the aircraft is airworthy; it must be current and signed before flight.

Passenger safety briefing

Before flight the pilot must brief passengers on harnesses, doors, safety equipment, and emergency procedures, and confirm the passenger-carrying endorsement is held.

Weight and balance

Calculated before every flight to confirm the aircraft remains within published maximum take-off weight and centre-of-gravity limits; exceeding limits makes the flight unairworthy.

Flight review requirement

A periodic flight review or proficiency check set by RA-Aus is required to maintain pilot certificate privileges, in addition to the 90-day passenger-carrying recency.

Registration markings

The aircraft registration letters and numbers must be displayed on the aircraft in the prescribed size and position so the aircraft is identifiable in flight and on the ground.

Alcohol and fitness to fly

A pilot must not fly while affected by alcohol, drugs, illness, fatigue, or medication that impairs performance; the medical declaration requires honest self-assessment.