Air Law and Philippine Civil Aviation Regulations
What the exam tests
Air Law and Philippine Civil Aviation Regulations tests the legal framework you operate under: RA 9497, CAAP CARs, ICAO Annex 2 rules of the air, licensing and document requirements, and accident/incident notification. Expect questions on PPL privileges, recency, aircraft documents, and right-of-way.
Core rules
- A PPL may act as PIC of an aircraft for non-commercial operations, carrying passengers but not for hire or reward unless the regulation permits it.
- Carry licence, medical, aircraft certificate of registration, certificate of airworthiness, and radio station licence as applicable; know the journey log and maintenance records.
- Right-of-way: converging aircraft give way to the one on the right; head-on both turn right; overtaking gives way to the aircraft being overtaken. Landing aircraft have priority; lower aircraft gives way, but not while on final approach.
- Report accidents/incidents to CAAP promptly; know the difference between an accident and an incident.
Worked example
Two aircraft converge at the same altitude: a Cessna 172 from your left and a Piper from your right. You are the Cessna. The Piper is on your right, so you give way; do not turn left across its path. If both are head-on, both turn right. Reasoning: the rule is based on right-of-way, not who is faster.
Traps
Confusing priority with clearance; assuming a PPL can carry passengers for hire; forgetting the medical and radio licence; using the wrong accident notification timeline. Read the CAR wording, not generic ICAO memory aids.