Air Law and Regulations
Air Law and Regulations
This domain tests your command of the Philippine Civil Aviation Regulations (PCAR), ICAO Annex standards and the rules that govern a CPL holder in the Philippines. Expect licensing privileges, documents, rules of the air, airspace, medical validity and reporting.
Licensing and privileges. PCAR Part 61 sets licensing standards and Part 91 sets general operating rules. A CPL allows you to act as PIC or co-pilot of aircraft in commercial air transport and to carry persons or property for compensation, subject to the ratings, medical and recency conditions in your licence. It does not authorise you to conduct a public transport operation unless the operator holds the correct CAAP certificate.
Documents and rules of the air. Before flight, confirm the aircraft has its certificate of registration, certificate of airworthiness, radio licence and weight and balance documents; you carry your licence, valid medical and logbook. Right-of-way is fixed: converging aircraft at the same level - the one on the right has right of way; head-on - both turn right; overtaking - the overtaken aircraft has priority.
Worked example
A Cessna on a northerly track and a Piper on an easterly track converge at the same altitude. The Piper is on the Cessna's right, so the Cessna must give way. The Cessna should not simply turn right; it should alter course or speed to pass safely behind the Piper.
Traps
Do not confuse “right of way” with priority - nobody has absolute priority. Read VFR minima per airspace class, and never assume a CPL replaces an operator certificate or instrument rating.