PPL Air Law & Operational Procedures flashcards

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

Chicago Convention 1944

International treaty that established ICAO and the basic principles of international civil aviation, including sovereignty of states over their airspace and uniform rules.

Article 5 Chicago Convention

Permits non-scheduled flights by other contracting states over a state's territory without prior permission, subject to the state's right to require landing or clearance.

ICAO Annex 2

Contains the international Standards and Recommended Practices for rules of the air, including right-of-way, VFR/IFR, flight plans, and interception signals.

First freedom of the air

The right of an airline of one state to fly over the territory of another state without landing, granted through bilateral air services agreements.

PPL minimum age

ICAO Annex 1 sets the minimum age for a private pilot licence at 17 years, with a Class 2 medical certificate required.

PPL privileges

A private pilot may act as pilot-in-command of non-commercial flights and carry passengers, but may not receive remuneration or hire for the flight.

Class 2 medical validity

Under EASA Part-MED, a Class 2 medical certificate is valid for 5 years until age 40, 2 years from 40 to 50, and 1 year above 50.

Language proficiency endorsement

ICAO requires pilots to demonstrate English language proficiency at operational level 4 or higher for radiotelephony; the endorsement is shown on the licence.

Certificate of registration

Document proving an aircraft is registered in a state and showing its nationality and registration marks, owner, and operator; an aircraft can be registered in only one state.

Certificate of airworthiness

Document certifying that an aircraft meets the applicable airworthiness requirements and is safe for flight; its validity depends on continuing maintenance and inspections.

Nationality and registration marks

Marks painted on an aircraft showing its state of registry and unique registration, such as G-ABCD in the UK or N12345 in the United States.

EASA airworthiness review certificate

An ARC certifies the continuing airworthiness of an EASA aircraft and is valid for one year; it is issued after a review of maintenance records and a physical inspection.

VFR cloud clearance

In controlled airspace, VFR requires 5 km flight visibility, 1500 m horizontal distance from cloud, and 300 m vertical distance; at or above 10,000 ft visibility is 8 km.

VFR cruising levels

For magnetic tracks 000–179 degrees, VFR cruising levels are odd thousands plus 500 ft; for 180–359 degrees, even thousands plus 500 ft.

Right-of-way converging aircraft

When aircraft converge at the same level, the aircraft on the right has right-of-way; power-driven aircraft give way to gliders, airships, and balloons.

Minimum safe height

Over congested areas, aircraft must stay 1000 ft above the highest obstacle within 600 m; elsewhere 500 ft above ground or water, except for takeoff and landing.

Class A airspace

ICAO airspace class where only IFR flights are permitted; all flights are provided with air traffic control service and separated from each other.

Squawk 7700

The standard SSR transponder code selected to indicate a general emergency and request immediate assistance from air traffic control.

Flight plan filing

A flight plan must be submitted before departure; if filed in flight, at least 10 minutes before entering controlled airspace or crossing an advisory route.

Class G airspace

Uncontrolled airspace where IFR and VFR flights are permitted; ATC does not provide separation, though flight information service may be available.

Runway designator

A number from 01 to 36 showing the runway's magnetic heading rounded to the nearest 10 degrees and divided by 10; 27 means 270 degrees.

TORA

Take-off run available: the length of runway declared available and suitable for the ground run of an aircraft taking off.

TODA

Take-off distance available: the length of the take-off run available plus the length of any clearway, used for obstacle clearance planning.

ASDA

Accelerate-stop distance available: the length of the take-off run available plus any stopway, used to calculate the distance needed to accelerate and stop.

Engine failure after takeoff

Maintain control, pitch for best glide speed, select a landing site, attempt restart only if altitude permits, and land without attempting a turn back below safe height.

Go-around procedure

Apply full power, establish climb, retract flaps and drag as recommended, and follow the published missed approach or ATC instructions.

VFR fuel reserve

For VFR flights, plan a reserve of at least 30 minutes of fuel by day and 45 minutes at night, in addition to trip and contingency fuel.

Emergency frequency 121.5

The international aeronautical emergency frequency used for distress and urgency communications; ELTs also transmit on 121.5 MHz for homing.

ICAO accident definition

An occurrence in which a person is fatally or seriously injured, the aircraft sustains damage or structural failure, or the aircraft is missing or inaccessible.

Serious incident

An incident involving circumstances indicating that there was a high probability of an accident, such as a near collision or a runway incursion.

ELT 406 MHz

An emergency locator transmitter operating on 406 MHz that transmits to the COSPAS-SARSAT satellite system to alert search and rescue authorities.

Unlawful interference code

Selecting transponder code 7500 signals hijacking or unlawful interference to air traffic control and triggers security procedures.