Air Law
Scope
Air Law in the CARC ATPL syllabus tests the legal framework of international and national flight: the Chicago Convention, ICAO Annexes, pilot-in-command authority, and the documents and notifications that make a flight lawful. Questions are usually applied: which rule applies, who is responsible, and what must be reported.
Core rules
- ICAO Standards are written with “shall”. A Contracting State that cannot comply must notify a difference to ICAO. Recommended Practices use “should” and are not binding in the same way.
- Know the Annex subjects: Annex 1 Personnel Licensing, Annex 2 Rules of the Air, Annex 6 Operation of Aircraft, Annex 8 Airworthiness of Aircraft, Annex 13 Aircraft Accident and Incident Investigation.
- The PIC has final authority for the aircraft and may depart from rules in an emergency to the extent necessary, but must report the deviation if required.
- Carry the licence, medical certificate, certificate of registration and certificate of airworthiness; the journey log and other documents are required by the applicable regulation.
- Accidents and serious incidents must be notified without delay; evidence must be protected.
Worked example
Aircraft A tracks 360° and aircraft B tracks 090°; they converge at the same level. A sees B on its right. Under Annex 2 the aircraft on the right has right of way, so A gives way. A must avoid crossing ahead of B, or passing above or below it, unless well clear. Reasoning: the rule is based on the geometry, not on who is faster or heavier.
Traps
Mixing up Annex 1 and Annex 2; treating a Recommended Practice as mandatory; assuming the PIC may break rules without any reporting duty.