CAA NZ Flight Instructor Theory - Instructor Air Law flashcards

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

Civil Aviation Act 1990 role

It establishes the CAA, the Minister's powers and the rule-making framework. Rules made under it are binding law, while advisory circulars merely describe acceptable ways of complying.

Advisory circular status

An advisory circular is guidance, not law. It describes one acceptable means of compliance; an operator may use an alternative method that achieves the same standard and can justify it.

Part 1 definitions effect

Definitions in CAR Part 1 apply across all other Parts. Terms such as pilot-in-command, flight time, solo flight and rating must be read from Part 1, not redefined locally.

Rule amendment commencement

An amendment comes into force on the date stated in the amendment instrument. The rule in force on the date of the flight governs that flight, not a later or earlier version.

Category A instructor privilege

A Category A instructor may supervise a student's first solo flight and subsequent solo flights. Lower categories have progressively restricted solo supervision and certification privileges under Part 61.

Solo authorisation requirements

Before solo flight the instructor must give written authorisation, confirm the student's licence and medical are valid, and ensure aircraft and weather are within the stated limits.

Instructor accountability for solo

The authorising instructor is accountable for judging the student competent for that specific flight, route and conditions. A general clearance to solo is not sufficient evidence of competence.

Training record retention

Instructional records must show date, aircraft, duration, exercises, instructor name and signature, and be retained for the period required by Part 61 or Part 141.

Class 1 versus Class 2 medical

A Class 1 medical is required for commercial privileges and instructor activity; a Class 2 medical supports a private licence. Any limitations on the certificate flow into licence privileges.

Passenger-carrying recency rule

A pilot may not carry passengers unless they have made three take-offs and three landings in the preceding 90 days on the same type or class, with night landings for night recency.

Type rating versus class rating

A type rating is specific to one aircraft type and is required for types listed in Part 61, such as multi-engine or turbine aircraft. A class rating covers the remaining aircraft in that class.

Logbook entry content

Entries must be in ink or approved electronic form and show date, aircraft type and registration, route, flight time, and separately any instructional or solo time, signed by the pilot.

VFR fuel reserve

For VFR fixed-wing flight, carry fuel for the planned flight plus a reserve of at least 30 minutes by day and 45 minutes by night, under Part 91.

Minimum safe altitude congested area

Over a congested area, remain at least 1,000 feet above the highest obstacle within 600 metres of the aircraft, and always high enough to glide clear if power fails.

VFR cloud clearance controlled

In controlled airspace VFR requires 1,500 metres horizontal and 600 metres vertical distance from cloud, with flight visibility of 8 km at or above 10,000 feet and 5 km below.

Mandatory readback items

Readback is required for clearances, runway assignments, hold-short instructions, altimeter settings and frequency changes. A clearance not read back is not confirmed.

Class C airspace requirement

In Class C airspace both IFR and VFR flights require an ATC clearance, and VFR flights must also meet the Class C meteorological minima before entering.

Special VFR conditions

Special VFR is available only within a control zone, requires an ATC clearance, and still requires the aircraft to remain clear of cloud and in sight of the surface.

Mandatory broadcast zone duty

In a mandatory broadcast zone the pilot must make the specified radio calls on the designated frequency at the prescribed points. Failure to broadcast is an offence.

Radio failure code and action

On radio failure in controlled airspace, squawk 7600, follow the published lost-communication procedure, and land as soon as practicable at the nearest suitable aerodrome.

Certificate of airworthiness validity

A valid certificate of airworthiness, or permit to fly where applicable, must be in force for the flight. The pilot in command must confirm currency before flight.

Mass and balance requirement

Mass and balance must be calculated before every flight against the approved envelope, including fuel, occupants, baggage and modifications. An out-of-envelope aircraft is unairworthy for that flight.

Defect recording duty

Defects affecting airworthiness must be recorded in the technical log and reported to the operator or maintenance organisation, with serious defects notified to the CAA under the occurrence scheme.

Documents carried on flight

Carry the certificate of registration, certificate of airworthiness, crew licences and medicals, the technical log as required, and the radio licence where applicable.

TAIC versus CAA roles

TAIC investigates accidents and serious incidents. The CAA investigates other incidents and administers the occurrence reporting scheme. The two functions are separate and independent.

Accident definition

An occurrence associated with aircraft operation in which a person is fatally or seriously injured, the aircraft sustains damage requiring major repair, or the aircraft is missing or inaccessible.

Incident definition

An occurrence other than an accident, associated with aircraft operation, that affects or could affect safety, such as a near miss, runway incursion, airspace infringement or serious defect.

Privileged safety information

Safety occurrence reports and investigation records are protected from disclosure and from use in enforcement proceedings, except where the law provides an exception such as deliberate acts or drug impairment.

Dangerous goods responsibility split

The shipper classifies, packs, marks and documents dangerous goods. The operator performs acceptance checks. Both duties derive from the ICAO Technical Instructions as adopted in NZ rules.

Lithium battery carriage limits

Lithium batteries are subject to watt-hour limits and specific packing rules. Spare batteries must be carried in the cabin, not in checked baggage, and damaged or recalled batteries are prohibited.

Aerodrome noise restrictions

Aircraft must meet applicable noise certification standards, and pilots must follow published curfews, preferential runways and noise-abatement procedures. Breach can lead to infringement action.

Alcohol limit for flight crew

The blood alcohol limit for flight crew is 20 mg per 100 mL, or 50 mg per 100 mL of urine. A crew member must not fly within 8 hours of drinking.

Instructor fitness-to-fly duty

An instructor must not instruct while impaired by fatigue, illness, alcohol or drugs, and must stop a student from flying when the student appears unfit, regardless of a valid medical.