Air Law and ATC Procedures
The Air Law and ATC Procedures paper checks whether you can apply the Chicago Convention framework as implemented in Mauritius, and whether you can operate lawfully and safely inside the Plaisance control zone and the Mauritius FIR. Expect questions on licence privileges, documents, rules of the air, airspace classes, clearances and radio-failure procedures.
Licence, documents and privileges
ICAO Annex 1 sets the PPL standard; MCAR and the AIP Mauritius give the local detail. A PPL lets you act as PIC of a suitably endorsed aircraft carrying passengers, but not for remuneration or hire. You need a valid Class 2 medical, current experience and a personal logbook. The aircraft must carry registration and airworthiness certificates, radio licence, insurance and journey log; the pilot carries licence, medical and photo ID. Know the documents before flight, not after a ramp check.
Airspace and clearances
Controlled airspace around FIMP is published in the AIP; do not guess dimensions. Class C requires ATC clearance and provides separation between IFR and VFR; Class D also requires clearance but VFR receives traffic information rather than full separation. A VFR flight in controlled airspace needs a clearance, two-way radio, transponder as directed, and position reports. Entering a control zone without clearance is a serious violation.
Worked example
You plan a VFR leg on magnetic track 135° at 5,500 ft. The semicircular rule for VFR above 3,000 ft allocates magnetic tracks 000-179 to odd thousands plus 500 ft. 5,500 ft is therefore the correct level; 6,500 ft would suit a track of 180-359. If ATC assigns another level, fly the assigned level.
Traps
Common traps: treating a PPL as a commercial licence; forgetting medical validity; assuming Class D gives VFR-IFR separation; mixing QNH and QFE; using heading when the rule is based on magnetic track; and entering the CTR after a radio call without a clearance.