Air Law: Rules of the Air, Licences and Aircraft Status
Core concepts
Air law questions test the regulatory framework that governs every flight: the privileges and limitations of the CPL, rules of the air (right of way, cruising levels, minimum heights), aircraft nationality and registration marks, and the documents that must be carried. Know the difference between registration (nationality, e.g. a country prefix) and airworthiness (the certificate confirming the aircraft meets its type design and is safe to fly). Understand certificate of airworthiness validity, maintenance release, and the meaning of ARC where applicable.
Traps
- Confusing privileges of the licence with ratings/endorsements; a CPL does not automatically allow instruction or commercial operations on all types.
- Right-of-way questions: the aircraft on the right has priority in converging head-on-ish paths; the lower aircraft gives way when overtaking is not involved but remember powered vs glider/balloon hierarchies.
- Minimum height rules over congested areas vs open country, and the landing/take-off exemption.
- Validity periods: medical, licence, and rating renewals differ; questions often swap them.
Worked example
Two aircraft converge at similar altitude, one approaching from your right. Rule of thumb: "traffic on your right has right of way" - you alter course to pass behind and below unless a specific category rule (balloon, glider, towing) overrides.
Study tip
Build a one-page table of validity periods and document requirements; memorise the right-of-way hierarchy in order.