Air Law
Air Law tests the regulatory framework that makes a PPL flight legal: licensing and privileges, aircraft and pilot documents, rules of the air, airspace classification and meteorological minima. Questions often turn on precise limits rather than general principles.
Licensing and privileges
- A PPL(A) permits non-commercial operation as PIC, including carrying passengers, but not flying for remuneration or hire.
- A valid Class 2 medical certificate is required; the licence itself is administered by the competent authority.
- Passenger-carrying recent experience: three take-offs and three landings in the same class or type within the preceding 90 days. Night passenger carrying requires the same at night.
- The SEP class rating is normally valid for 24 months and is revalidated by experience plus instruction, or by a proficiency check.
Rules of the air and airspace
- SERA rules apply: converging aircraft of the same category give way to the aircraft on the right; head-on both turn right; the overtaking aircraft keeps clear.
- Controlled airspace entry requires a clearance. Class A is IFR-only; Classes C and D mix IFR and VFR with different service levels.
- VMC minima change with altitude and airspace class. In Class F/G at and below 900 m AMSL, VFR can be 5 km visibility, clear of cloud and in sight of the surface.
- Documents to carry normally include licence, medical, certificate of registration, certificate of airworthiness, insurance, radio licence, flight manual and mass-and-balance record.
Worked example
A pilot last flew 100 days ago and now wants to carry two passengers. The three take-offs and three landings are outside the 90-day window, so the pilot is not passenger-current. A solo flight or a checkout with an instructor does not by itself restore the privilege: three take-offs and landings in the same class/type must be completed within the preceding 90 days.
Traps that cost marks
Do not confuse a clearance with traffic information. Do not assume Class D is always clear of cloud: the VMC table must be applied at the correct altitude band. Read questions carefully for 'at and above 3050 m' versus 'below 3050 m'. 'Roger' acknowledges receipt but is not a readback of a clearance. Medical validity and rating validity are separate dates.
Key points
- PPL(A): non-commercial PIC privileges with passengers, subject to medical and recent experience.
- Passenger recent experience: 3 take-offs and 3 landings in 90 days, same class/type.
- Converging same-category aircraft: give way to the right; head-on: both turn right.
- Controlled airspace needs a clearance; Class A is IFR-only.
- VMC minima depend on airspace class and altitude band.
- Carry licence, medical, aircraft certificates, insurance and mass-and-balance documentation.