Air traffic rules, right of way and clearances
Right of way
The rules follow Annex 2: converging aircraft - the one with the other on its right gives way; head-on - both turn right; overtaking - the overtaken aircraft has right of way; landing aircraft have priority over aircraft on the ground, and a lower aircraft has priority over a higher one on final approach. An aircraft in distress has priority over all others.
Cruising levels
NZ uses the semicircular system on magnetic track. For IFR: tracks 000–179° use odd flight levels; 180–359° even flight levels. VFR uses the same split with 500 ft added (for example 4,500 ft, 6,500 ft). The transition altitude in NZ is 13,000 ft AMSL; above it, flight levels are used.
Clearances and reporting
A clearance is an authorisation, not advice; it must be read back where required and complied with unless an emergency requires deviation, in which case ATC must be told. Position reports are required at compulsory reporting points and on request. Radio failure: squawk 7600 and follow the nominated procedures; 7700 for emergency, 7500 for unlawful interference.
Worked example
Track 270°M at 6,500 ft. Track falls in 180–359°, so IFR uses even flight levels (for example FL 260), and VFR uses even thousands plus 500 (4,500, 6,500). 6,500 ft is therefore correct for VFR, and FL 270 would be wrong for IFR on that track.
Traps
Using true track instead of magnetic; adding 500 ft to IFR levels; treating a clearance as a suggestion; forgetting that VFR in controlled airspace needs both a clearance and the VFR minima.