Rules of the Air and Air Traffic Services
Applicable rules
Annex 2 rules of the air apply over Pakistan, supplemented by the AIP and the CARs. Annex 11 governs ATS. Airspace is classified A to G; controlled airspace requires a clearance, and class G provides no separation service.
Key operational rules
- VFR minima above 10,000 ft: 8 km visibility, 1,500 m horizontal and 300 m vertical distance from cloud. Below 10,000 ft: 5 km, 1,500 m and 300 m. At or below 900 m AMSL: 5 km, clear of cloud and in sight of the surface.
- Speed: 250 kt below 10,000 ft unless a clearance or procedure authorises otherwise.
- Cruising levels follow the semicircular rule based on magnetic track; RVSM applies from FL290 to FL410 at 1,000 ft intervals.
- Right of way: converging aircraft of the same category give way to the one on the right; head-on both turn right; overtaking gives way; landing aircraft have priority over airborne and ground traffic.
- SSR codes: 7700 emergency, 7600 radio failure, 7500 unlawful interference.
Worked example
A Cessna and a Piper converge at the same level. Both are aeroplanes, so the aircraft on the left gives way. If they meet head-on, both turn right. If a glider is involved, the aeroplane gives way to the glider.
Traps
VFR minima change with altitude, not with the transition level; QNH is used below transition altitude and standard pressure above it; and a clearance is not the same as an instruction.