Airspace Classification, Restrictions and Operating Limitations
The exam tests whether you can translate Philippine airspace structure into a go/no-go decision, and whether you can hold altitude references straight.
Structure
- The Manila FIR (RPHI) contains ICAO airspace classes A to G; A to E are controlled, F and G are uncontrolled or advisory. Most low-level drone work happens in Class G, which is uncontrolled - not unregulated.
- CTRs and TMAs surround international aerodromes such as NAIA, Clark, Mactan-Cebu, Davao, Iloilo, Kalibo and Puerto Princesa; boundaries and altitudes are published in the AIP Philippines.
- Special use airspace covers prohibited, restricted and danger areas, military training zones and NOTAM-activated temporary reservations.
Limits that follow from the airspace
400 ft AGL ceiling unless authorized; an aerodrome buffer (commonly 10 km) requiring prior coordination; visual line of sight; no flight over crowds; keep clear of emergency scenes and critical infrastructure; night, BVLOS, above 400 ft and object dropping all require specific approval.
Worked example
Aerodrome elevation is 15 m. The drone is at 120 m AGL, so it is at 135 m AMSL. If the clearance reads "not above 400 ft AMSL", that is roughly 122 m AMSL, leaving only about 107 m AGL - less than planned. Reasoning: convert clearance altitude to AMSL, subtract field elevation, then compare with your AGL plan. The published ceiling is AGL; the clearance may be AMSL.
Traps
Mixing AGL and AMSL; treating Class G as permission-free; assuming NOTAMs only matter at airports; believing a geofence database replaces a NOTAM and AIP check.