Flight Rules and Regulations

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Chapter 1
The Federal Aviation Administration is responsible for establishing general regulations for all aviation activities in the United States. Federal Aviation Regulations – standardizes its policies for the FAA. FAR Part 91 – The regulatory publication issued by the FAA which most concerns the Navy Aircrew Members. Flight Information Publications (FLIPS) – DOD manuals for use by all branches of the military. Includes en route charts, en route supplements, instrument approach plates, general planning guides, and area planning guides. OPNAVINST 3710.7 – The regulations set forth by the by the Navy that governs the operation of all naval aircraft throughout the world. It supplements the regulations set forth by the FAA. Aircraft NATOPs Flight Manuals are individual manuals available for every aircraft in the Naval Inventory. Shows specific limitations of each craft and are more restrictive than the FAR or the OPNAVINST 3710.7. Priority of Regulations : NATOPS Flight Manual, OPNAVINST 3710.7, Flight Information Publications, and then FAR Part 91

Wording: The Air Traffic Control agency is the only agency of the FAA that can grant an IFR clearance. The four sub agencies of the Air Traffic Control and their functions: The control tower is responsible for the movement of air and ground traffic at and around the airport. As the Pilot in Command, you are responsible for the: You can deviate from the FAR Part 91 only during emergency situations. PreFlight Planning is required (as stated by OPNAVINST 3710.7) for Urgent Combat Missions, Local Training Flights, and Flight departing uncontrolled airports with no control tower (ALWAYS). Flights should be planned to circumvent areas forecasting atmospheric icing and thunderstorms. Before any flight is commenced, the pilot shall be familiar with all available information appropriate to the intended operation Flight Planning consist of: The Flight Plan’s primary purpose is to establish a baseline for lost communication and missing aircraft procedures. It is a way of relaying important information about the flight from departure to destination and all intermediate agencies. NOTAMs (notice to airmen) are time critical aeronautical information which is of temporary nature or not known sufficiently in advance to publication. The pilot is responsible for reviewing and being familiar with weather conditions for the area in which flight is contemplated (obtaining weather briefs). Safety Belts and Shoulder Harnesses shall be worn and tightened prior to takeoff and shall be worn until completion of the flight except when necessary activities require temporary removal. Inertial reels shall be manually locked for all takeoffs and landings. All crewmen are required to wear two identification tags on or around their necks.
 * Shall – Mandatory
 * Should – Recommended
 * May – Optional
 * Will - Futurity
 * Flight Service Station / Base Operations – facility that provides pilot briefings, en route communication, assist in search and rescue of lost aircraft, relay ATC clearances, originate NOTAMs, broadcast aviation weather, receive and process flight plans, provide some flight following, monitors navigational aids. Some FSSs provide en route flight advisory services, take weather observations, issue airport advisories, and advise Customs and Immigration for trans-border flights
 * Control Tower – the agency responsible for the safe, orderly, and expeditious flow of traffic operating on and in the vicinity of an airport.
 * Clearance Delivery – relays ATC clearances to departing aircraft and has no control or surveillance capabilities.
 * Ground – responsible for aircraft movement on the ground up to the hold short line. Provides clearances to taxi when traffic permits. It does not allow the pilot clearance to enter final runway.
 * Tower – maintains efficient flow of airport traffic in its assigned airspace. Tower is the sole source of clearance to take off and to land.
 * Approach Control – controls IFR traffic in the terminal area (area of airspace in which approach control service or airport traffic control service is provided and includes all instrument procedures into and out of the control tower’s airspace.
 * Air Route Traffic Control Center – established primarily to control en route IFR traffic between terminal areas.
 * Operations and safety of the aircraft
 * Safe and orderly conduct of the flight
 * Well-being of the crew
 * Available weather reports
 * NOTAMs
 * Fuel Requirements
 * Alternates available
 * Any Anticipated Traffic Delays

All occupants shall use supplemental oxygen on any flight above FL100. If no oxygen, then from FL100-130 shall be no longer than 3 hours in length. If unpressurized, max altitude is FL 250. Tactical Jets shall use oxygen from takeoff to landing. Parachutes shall be provided to all occupants except for multiengine transport and utility aircraft, fleet air reconnaissance aircraft and helicopters.

Airports use the following lights: Runway Orientation – numbers that determine direction of an aircraft’s approach. They are in Magnetic Direction.
 * Green for Landing Thresholds
 * White for Runway edges
 * Blue for Taxiways
 * Red or Flashing White for Obstructions
 * Airport Rotating Beacon – indicates the position or location of a lighted airport at night. Civilian is solid white alternating green. Military is a dual peaked white with solid green.
 * Runway Centerline Lights… White every 50’… than 3000’ to 1000 alternating red and white… than last 1000’ is red
 * Aldis Lamp Signals - In the event of lost communication, the Control Tower may communicate with the pilot using the Aldis lamp. Colored green, red, or white, and will be steady or flashing.

The Tetrahedron Star points to direction of landing and takeoffs at an airport and not necessarily the direction into the wind. It is colored with red on the left and green on the right. The Wind Sock is a free swing indicator installed near the operational area of an airport to indicate wind direction and approximate velocity. The Waveoff Signal tells the pilot DO NOT LAND. These include the use of pyrotechnic flares, hand paddles/flags, or ALDIS lights used by the Runway Duty Officer, Landing Signal Officer, or the Wheels Watch. Another type is a high intensity red runway wave off lights within the approach lighting system and operated by control tower.

Chapter 2
Visual Meteorological Conditions (VMC) – conditions expressed in terms of visibility, distance from clouds, ceiling, equal to or better than specified minimum. VMC are flight weather conditions.

Instrumental Meteorological Conditions (IMC) - conditions expressed in terms of visibility, distance from clouds, ceiling, less than the specified minimum. Exist anytime a visible horizon is not distinguished

Visual Flight Rules (VFR) – defined as rules governing the procedures for conducting flight under visual conditions. It indicates weather conditions equal to or greater than minimum VFR requirements which are 1000’ ceilings and 3sm visibility.

Instrumental Flight Rules (IFR) – defined as rules governing the procedures for conducting flight under instrumental conditions. Operating under less than the minimums or 1000/3.

Air Traffic Control may grant a special VFR clearance. Special Visual Flight Rules – permit some VFR aircraft to operate within controlled airspace designated for an airport below the VFR minimum

See and Avoid – if weather permits, regardless of flight plan type, pilots are required to observe the presence of, and maneuver to avoid other aircrafts. The Navy include: 1) Multi Seat aircraft, electronic equipment such as airborne radar should be used when feasible, 2) all aircraft shall request radar advisory services when available

VFR Minimums: Weather Conditions Precluding VFR flight if weather is encountered: Instrumental Flight Rules – enable a pilot to fly below minimum weather conditions. Pilots will not be able to provide their own visual separation and it must be achieved by external sources. ATC is responsible. Special VFR Operations – granted by ATC for the following:
 * Takeoff – the ceiling at the point of departure must be at least 1,000’ AGL and the ground visibility must be at least 3sm. There are provisions for flights that will remain in the traffic pattern for an airport under conditions less than stated above, provided they stay clear of clouds
 * En Route – Maintain VMC throughout flight
 * Destination – must have minimums of 1000/3 one hour prior to and after scheduled landing (in forecast)
 * Alter Route of flight to continue VFR
 * Remain in VMC until a change in flight plan is filed and IFR clearance is obtained
 * Remain in VMC and land in suitable alternative
 * To decrease the probability of midair collisions, all flights in naval aircrafts shall be conducted in accordance with IFR to the maximum extent practicable
 * Flights shall not be made in IFR conditions within controlled airspace until ATC clearance has been obtained
 * Operation must be approved by ATC in B,C,D, or E airspace for airport
 * Aircraft must remain clear of clouds
 * Fix Wing must have visibility of at least 1 sm
 * OPNAVINST 3710.7 adds that a pilot must be certified for instrumental flight and there must be a minimum ceiling of 500’

VFR/IFR Cruising Altitudes / Semicircular Rules(VIEW):


 * V VFR +500(lowest is 3500')
 * I IFR +000 (lowest is 2000')
 * E East 0-179 Magnetic Course= odd thousand altitude
 * W West 180-359= even thousand altitude

If above FL 180 in Class A airspace, you must be in IFR flight at the assigned altitude IFR semicircular rules are used only for preflight planning and when the aircraft is flying in uncontrolled airspace

Formation Flying – the FAR places two restrictions on formation flights: OPNAVINST 3710.7 states that formation flying is authorized only for those units and types of aircraft for which a valid requirement exist. Aerobatic Flight is defined as an intentional maneuver involving abrupt bank angles greater than 60°, pitch angles greater than +/- 45° , or accelerations greater than 2.0g. A break maneuver, which conforms, to the model NATOPs flight manual is not considered to be aerobatic flight.
 * The formation must have been prearranged by the pilots in command of the aircraft
 * There must be no passengers for hire in the aircraft

Aerobatic Flight (FAR Part 91) – no person may operate an aircraft in aerobatic flight: Aerobatic Flight (OPNAVINST 3710.7) shall not be performed:
 * Over any congested area of city, town or settlement
 * Over an open air assembly of persons
 * Within Class B, C D, or E airspace or Federal Airways
 * Below an altitude of 1,500’ AGL
 * Visibility less than 3 sm
 * If prohibited by a particular aircraft’s NATOPs
 * Unless aircraft remains in VFR conditions and at an altitude of at least 1,500’ AGL within a horizontal distance of 3 sm
 * Pilots are not to request clearance to perform unusual maneuvers such as low passes, unscheduled flybys, steep climbs, altitudes below minimums, or flat hatting

Chapter 3
AirSpace: Airspace Classifications: VFR Weather Minimums must be maintained! Special Use Airspace – Six divisions of airspace designated as special use which are important to military and government operations. Positional Lights are used 30 minutes prior to sunset to 30 minutes after sunrise or when prevailing visibility is less than 3 sm. They consist of a red light on left wing, green on right wing and a white light on the tail. No more than two lights can be seen at the same time Anti Collision Lights are bright strobes or rotating beacons colored in red or white which will be turned on from engine start up till shutdown. Right of Ways – Priority of Airplane Categories – Altitude Restrictions – OPNAVINST 3710.7 states that during VFR operations, the flights of the fixed wing aircraft shall not be conducted below an altitude of 500’ above the terrain or water surface and during IFR operation, the flight should not be flown less than 1000’ above the highest terrain or obstacle withing 22 miles of the intended flight path. Over mountains, maintain 2000’ with IFR Airspeed Restrictions- Careless flying is prohibited. The FAR prohibits pilots from operating an aircraft in a careless or reckless manner so as to endanger the life or property of another. OPNAVINST states that a the ground must not believe that they are endangered in any way Noise Sensitive Areas – Wilderness, Wildlife Preserves, beaches, resorts, and parks must have a minimum AGL of 3000’ Temporary Flight Restrictions are like games, parades, large gatherings where flights will be prohibited for a certain time period from a NOTAM Flat Hatting is prohibited for any maneuver or high-speed rate for thrill purposes. There will be no zooming of vessels except for surveillance rigging, photography procedures etc.
 * Controlled – A generic term that covers the different classifications of airspace (A, B, C, D and E) and defined dimensions within which air traffic control service is provided in accordance with the airspace classification
 * Uncontrolled – A generic term for all airspace under FAA jurisdiction that is not controlled and in which no air traffic control service is provided
 * Class A is all airspace from 18,000 MSL to FL 600 overlying the continental US including 12 nm of the coast. Unless otherwise authorized, ALL AIRCRAFT MUST BE IN IFR flight!
 * The pilot and the aircraft must be instrument rated
 * 4096 Class C Transponder (automatic altitude reporting)
 * Prior permission in the for of an IFR clearance by must be received from ATC before entering
 * Must have 2 Way Communication prior/during
 * Class B generally consist of airspace surrounding the busiest airports in terms of IFR operations and resembles an upside down wedding cake
 * The pilot must have a Private Pilots Certificate or designated aviator in the military
 * For IFR operations, must have VOR or TACAN
 * 4096 Class C Transponder (automatic altitude reporting)
 * Prior permission in the for of an IFR clearance by must be received from ATC before entering
 * Must have 2 Way Communication prior/during
 * Class C is from the surface to 4000’ AGL surrounding airports that have an operational control tower, are serviced by a radar approach and have a certain number of IFR operations or passenger boarding. 5nm radius from ground to 1200’ AGL and 10nm radius from 1200-4000’ AGL
 * 4096 Class C Transponder (automatic altitude reporting)
 * Must have 2 Way Communication prior/during
 * Class D is from the surface to 2500’ AGL and surrounds airports with operational control towers. The radius is 4nm.
 * Must have 2 Way Communication prior/during
 * Class E has no defined vertical limits. It extends upward to the overlying or adjacent controlled airspace. It is controlled airspace, but you must volunteer for control.
 * Extensions of Class B, C, and D surface areas providing controlled airspace to contain standard instrument approach procedures, without imposing a communications requirement on pilots operating VFR
 * Transition airspace used for transition to/from the terminal or en route environments
 * Federal Airways: include the colored airways based on NAVAIDs and the ‘Victor’ based VOR NavAids
 * Class G is uncontrolled airspace and is found where there is no radar converage
 * Mode C Veil is for aircraft operating within the following areas and must have a 4096 Class C Transponder (automatic altitude reporting)
 * All airspace at and above 10,000’ MSL
 * All airspace within 30nm of Class B airports from the surface to 10,000’ MSL
 * All airspace above the ceiling and within the lateral boundaries of Class B or C airspace and upwards to 10,000’ MSL
 * Class A – VFR is not allowed
 * Class B, C, D, E<10,000’ – 3 sm visibility and cloud clearances of 500 below, 1000 above, and 2000 horizontal
 * Class E>10,000’ – 5 sm visibility and cloud clearances of 1000 below, 1000 above and 1sm horizontal
 * Prohibited – flight is a no go due to security or national welfare
 * Restricted – denote the existence of unusual, often invisible hazards to aircraft such as artillery, aerial gunnery or guided missiles. Must have previous approval to use from controlling authority
 * Warning Area – are airspace’s that may contain hazards to non participating aircraft in international airspace.
 * Military Operations Area – airspace that must separate certain military training activities from IFR flight
 * Alert Area – inform nonparticipating pilots of areas that may contain high volumes of pilot training or unusual type of aerial activity
 * In distress – has the right of way over all traffic
 * Landing – which ever aircraft is lower in altitude has right of way
 * Overtaking – aircraft in front has right of way and the faster craft must take a course well to the right of the front plane
 * Approaching Head On – if at same altitude, each pilot will steer their plane to the right
 * Converging – if in same category, the plane on the right has the right of way
 * Balloons
 * Gliders
 * Blimps
 * Planes
 * Helicopters
 * Over Congested Areas – when over any city, town or settlement, a pilot shall maintain 1000’ above the highest obstacle within a horizontal distance of 2000’
 * Over other than congested areas – 500 AGL is the minimum altitude and must not get within 500 feet to any person, vessel or vehicle
 * Anywhere a plane is flying, he must have time to land if he has engine failure
 * <10,000’ MSL is 250 kts
 * Under Class B and within lateral limits 200 kts
 * Class C and D – within 4 nm of primary airport of a Class C or D airspace, surface up to 2,500’ AGL is 200 kts
 * If a aircraft’s minimum safe airspeed is above any of these values, FAR Part 91 states that you can fly at minimum

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CHAPTER 1 - FEDERAL AVIATION ORGANIZATION
FAA - Federal Aviation Administration Aviation Publications
 * Federal Aviation Regulations (FAR) - Operation Rules and guidelines for domestic aviation. Naval Aviators - FAR Part 91 “General Operating and Flight Rules”
 * Aeronautical Information Manual (AIM) - Official Guide to basic flight information and Air Traffic Control procedures. Easier to Read.
 * Flight Information Publications (FLIPs) - DOD publishes these for use by all branches of the military - en route charts and supplements, general and area planning guides, and instrument approach plates.
 * NATOPS General Flight and Operating Instructions - OPNAVINST 3710.7 - Naval Air Training and Operating Procedures Standardization - “Naval aircraft shall be operated in accordance with applicable provisions of FAR Part 91 except where this manual prescribes more stringent requirements.” Unless a requirement is specifically waived, compliance with NATOPS procedures is mandatory.
 * Aircraft NATOPS Flight Manual - Aircraft specific - Limitations imposed by NATOPS may be more restrictive than those delineated by 3710.7 or the FAR.

Priority of Regulations
 * Aircraft NATOPS Flight Manual
 * OPNAVINST 3710.7
 * FLIPs
 * FAR Part 91

Aviation Terminology
 * Air Traffic Clearance (clearance) - Authorization from ATC to proceed under specific traffic conditions within controlled airspace to prevent collision between known aircraft.
 * Notice to Airman (NOTAM) - Information that is temporary in nature or not known sufficiently in advance to publicize by other means.
 * Transponder - Receiver/Transmitter that receives radio from the ground and transmits a specific reply. Mode 3 (civilian mode A) identifies the specific aircraft, and Mode C provides automatic pressure altitude reporting.

Wording
 * Shall - procedure is mandatory
 * Should - procedure is recommended
 * May and Need Not - procedure is optional
 * Will - indicates futurity and never indicates any degree of requirement for application of a procedure


 * Flight Service Station (FSS) - “Base Ops” Pilot Briefings, en route comms, and SAR services. En route Flight Advisory Service (Flight Watch) 1-800-WX-BRIEF
 * Control Tower - Responsible for the safe, orderly, and flow of traffic operating on and in the vicinity of an airport.
 * Clearance Delivery - relays ATC clearances to departing aircraft and has no control or surveillance capabilities
 * Ground - Responsible for aircraft movement on the ground up to the hold short line. A clearance to “taxi to” a runway is a clearance to cross all intersecting runways, but is not clearance to “taxi on” or “across” the runway named in the clearance. Ground does not clear aircraft onto the active runway for takeoff or for landing.
 * Tower - Sole source of clearance to take off and to land. Tower’s permission is required for aircraft to cross runways, although Ground usually relays this clearance.
 * Approach Control (APC) - control IFR traffic in the terminal area. Terminal area is the airspace in which Approach Control service or airport traffic control service is provide and includes all instrument procedures into and out of the Control Tower’s airspace.  Typically has 2 frequencies - Approach and Departure.
 * Air Route Traffic Control Center (ARTCC) - “Center or Flight Following” controls en route IFR traffic between terminal areas. Services may be provided to VFR aircraft.

Policy Guidance
 * Pilot in Command (PIC) - FAR - The pilot responsible for the operation and safety of an aircraft during flight time and is directly responsible for, and is the final authority as to, the operation of that aircraft. 3710.7 - Assigned by the unit commander or delegated authority and is responsible for the safe, orderly flight of the aircraft and well being of the crew.
 * Deviations - Allows pilots to deviate from established rules during emergencies requiring immediate action. Authorized when in the judgment of the PIC.

Flight Authorization, Planning, and Approval Flight Plan Forms Exceptions:
 * Preflight Planning - Before a flight, PIC shall be familiar all information for the flight. Includes: Weather Report and Forecasts, NOTAMs, fuel requirements, available alternatives (airports), and anticipated traffic delays.
 * Flight Plans - A way to relay important information about the flight tot he departure airport, destination airport, and all intermediate agencies. Establishes a baseline for lost communication and missing aircraft procedures.
 * DD Form 175 -“Dash 1” Military Flight Plan in accordance with FLIP General Planning
 * FAA Form 7233-1 - in lieu of a DD-1175 at airfield without a military operations department
 * Weather Brief - Responsible for knowing the weather conditions for the area of the flight
 * Oxygen/Cabin Pressurization - All occupants aboard naval aircraft shall use supplemental oxygen on flights in which the cabin altitude exceeds 10,000 feet.
 * Unpressurized Aircraft - pilot at the controls shall use supplemental oxygen continuously when cabin altitude exceeds 10,000 feet. When oxygen is not available to other occupants flight between 10K-13K ft shall not exceed 3 hours.  +13K ft is prohibited.
 * Tactical Jet and Tactical Jet Training Aircraft - Oxygen shall be used by all aircrew from takeoff to landing, and must wear a pressure suit above 25K ft.

Lighting and Visual Aids
 * Airport Marking Aids and Signs
 * Runway Numbers (Orientation) - Determined from the direction an aircraft approaches. Numbered in relation to the magnetic direction of their centerline rounded off to the nearest ten degrees.
 * Aldis Lamp Signals - In the event of lost communication, the Control Tower may communicate with the pilot using the Aldis lamp. Colored green, red, or white, and will be steady or flashing.

Visual Wind/Landing Indicators
 * Wind Sock - The large end of the wind sock points into the wind. If you approach runway 09 and you see the big end of the wind sock, the wind is from 270.  If you approach runway 09 and you see the big end of the wind sock to your left and the small end to your right, then the wind is from 360.
 * Tetrahedron - Near the operational runway to indicate the direction of landing and takeoffs.

CHAPTER 2 - VISUAL / INSTRUMENT FLIGHT RULES
Weather Condition
 * Visual Meteorological Conditions (VMC) - Expressed in terms of visibility, distance from clouds, and ceiling, equal or better than specified minima (VMC are Flight Weather Conditions)
 * Instrument Meteorological Condition (IMC) - Expressed in terms of visibility, distance from clouds, and ceiling, less than specified minima for VMC (3710.7 IMC exists any time a visible horizon is not distinguishable)
 * Visual Flight Rules (VFR) - Equal to or greater than minimum VFR requirements 1000/3 (statue miles)
 * Instrument Fight Rules (IFR) - Weather is less than 1000/3

Visual Flight Rules -Electronic equipment such as airborne radar should be used when feasible. -All aircraft shall request radar advisory services when available (Flight Folllowing) Takeoff - Ceiling at the point of departure must be at least 1,000 feet AGL and ground visibility must be 3 sm or greater En route - maintain VMC throughout fight Destination - weather minimums must also be 1000/3 or above established minimums Alternatives when encountering weather conditions -Alter route of flight so as to continue VMC -Remain in VMC until a change of flight plan is filed and IFR clearance is obtained -Remain in VMC and land at a suitable alternate
 * See and Avoid - Navy Additions for multi-seat aircraft:
 * VFR Weather Minimums
 * Weather Conditions Precluding VFR Flight

Instrument Flight Rules General Requirements
 * During flight in IMC, pilots are unable to provide their own visual separation and is the responsibility of ATC.
 * Increased use of IFR Filing and Positive Control - To decrease the probability of midair collisions, all flights in naval aircraft shall be conducted in accordance with instrument flight rules tot he maximum extent practicable.
 * ATC Clearance Requirement - Flights shall not be made in IFR conditions within controlled airspace until an ATC clearance has been obtained.

VFR/IFR Cruising Altitudes/Semicircular Rules VFR Cruising Altitudes IFR Cruising Altitudes
 * Magnetic Courses of 0o - 179 o is East and 180 o - 359 o is West and is only used for planning purposes
 * Above 3,000 ft AGL and below 18,000 ft MSL
 * East - Odd thousand foot MSL altitude plus 500 ft
 * West - Even thousand foot MSL altitude plus 500 ft
 * Below 18,000 ft MSL
 * East - Odd thousand foot MSL altitude
 * West - Even thousand foot MSL altitude


 * V = 	VFR	+500
 * I = 	IFR	+000
 * E = 	East	Odd
 * W = 	West	Even

Sea Level to 18,000' MSL
 * IFR East	1000	3000	5000 …	17,000
 * VFR East		3500	5500 …	17,500
 * IFR West	2000	4000	6000 …	FL 180
 * VFR West		4500	6500 …	FL 185

Aerobatic Flight Aerobatic Flight Precautions FAR Part 91 states than no person may operate an aircraft in aerobatic flight: * Over any congested area of a city, town, or settlement * Over an open air assembly of persons 3710.7:	* If prohibited by a particular aircraft’s NATOPS Manual Unusual Maneuvers within Class B, C, and D Airspace
 * Intentional Maneuver involving abrupt bank angles greater than 60 o, pitch angles greater than +/-45 o, or accelerations greater than *0 g. A “break” maneuver which conforms to the model NATOPS Flight Manual is not considered to be aerobatic flight.
 * Within Class B, C, D, or E airspace designated for an airport, or within the limits of Federal airways
 * Below an altitude of 1,500 ft AGL
 * When visibility is less than 3 sm
 * Unless the aircraft remains in VFR conditions and at an altitude of at least 1,500 ft about the highest obstruction to flight or cloud tops within a horizontal distance of 5 sm
 * 3710.7 pilots shall not perform or request clearance to perform unusual maneuvers within Class B, C, or D airspace if such maneuvers are not essential tot he performance of the flight. ATC personnel are not permitted to approve a pilot’s request or ask a pilot to perform these maneuvers.  Unusual maneuvers include unnecessary low passes, unscheduled flybys, climbs at very steep angles, or “flat hatting”

CHAPTER 3 - AIRSPACE AND GENERAL FLIGHT RULES
Airspace
 * Controlled - Airspace that has air traffic control service provided in accordance with the airspace classification
 * Uncontrolled - Airspace that is under FAA jurisdiction that is not Class A, B, C, D, or E, and which no air traffic control services are provided

Airspace Classification - Dimensions and Requirements **Transponder with Mode C	**Establish two-way radio communications with ATC prior to entry and maintain thereafter “Established - when ATC responds with the aircraft’s specific call sign” **Establish two-way radio communications with ATC prior to entry and maintain thereafter Lower Altitude Class E is controlled airspace but you must volunteer for control. Jet Routes - Class A designated by “J” extend from 18,000 feet MSL to FL 450 no width. Upper limit is established to prevent interference between stations with similar frequencies. Mode C Veil All airspace at and above 10,000 feet MSL Within 30 NM of a Class B airport from the surface to 10,000 feet MSL VFR Weather Minimums - In order to remain VMC, a pilot must maintain the cloud clearances and flight visibilities required by the FAR Special Use Airspace * Prohibited Area - Flight of aircraft is prohibited, for security or national interest or welfare
 * Class A Airspace 18,000 feet MSL up to and including FL 600, overlying continental US, and including the airspace within 12 NM of the coast. Must operate under IFR
 * Pilot and aircraft must be instrument certified
 * Transponder with Mode C (automatic altitude reporting)
 * Prior permission in the form of an IFR clearance must be received from ATC before entering
 * Establish two-way radio communications with ATC prior to entry and maintain thereafter
 * Class B Airspace
 * “Upside down wedding cakes” From the surface to 10,000 feet MSL surrounding the nation’s busiest airports in terms of IFR operations or passenger boardings.
 * Pilot must have at least a Private Pilot Certificate (designated aviator for military aircraft)
 * IFR operations, an operable VOR or TACAN receiver
 * Transponder with Mode C
 * ATC Clearance prior to operations
 * Establish two-way radio communications with ATC prior to entry and maintain thereafter
 * Class C Airspace “Common airfields” 5 NM radius core from the surface to 4,000 feet AGL (charted in MSL) above the airport elevation and a 10 NM radius that extends from 1,200 feet to 4,000 feet. Area surrounding those airports that have an operational control tower, are serviced by a radar approach control, and have a certain number of IFR operations or passenger boardings.
 * Class D Airspace “Dinky” *4 NM core radius extending from the surface to 2,500 AGL surrounding airports with an operational control tower.
 * Class E Airspace “Everything Else” Except for 18,000 feet MSL, no defined vertical limit. Unless designated at a “lower altitude,” Class E begins at 14,500 feet MSL, excluding airspace less than 1500 feet AGL.
 * The surface in the case of a surface area designated for an airport without an operating control tower.
 * 700 feet AGL or higher when designated in conjunction with an airport for which an approved instrument approach procedure has been prescribed.
 * 1200 feet AGL or higher when designated in conjunction with segments of airways or routes.
 * Extensions to Class B, C, and D, surface areas providing controlled airspace to contain standard instrument approach procedures, without imposing a communications requirement on pilots operating VFR.
 * Transition airspace used for transition to/from the terminal or en route environment.
 * Federal Airways - Colored airways based on L/MF NAVAIDs and the “Victor” Airways based on VOR Navaids.
 * Class G Airspace Uncontrolled Airspace - Found where radar coverage is incomplete or where air traffic is minimal
 * Airways and Route Systems “Highways in the Sky”
 * VOR Airways “Victor” - extend from 1200 feet AGL to, but not including, 18,000 feet MSL. 4 NM either side of centerline (8 NM total) - East/West - Even, North/South - Odd
 * Restricted Area - Subject to restriction - existence of unusual, often invisible, hazards to aircraft: artillery firing, aerial gunnery, or guided missiles. Aircraft have prior approval granted by the controlling authority.
 * Warning Area - May contain hazards to nonparticipating aircraft in international airspace. Beyond tahe 3 mile limit over international waters.  FAA has no jurisdiction, aircraft does not need to receive permission prior to entering.
 * Military Operations Area (MOA) - Vertical and lateral limits established for the purpose of separating certain military training activities from IFR traffic. Nonparticipating IFR traffic may be cleared through the MOA if IFR separation can be provide by ATC.  Pilots do not need to receive permission to fly VFR through a MOA.
 * Alert Area - Inform nonparticipating pilots of areas that may contain a high volume of pilot training or an unusual type of aerial activity. Pilots do not need permission to fly through these areas.

General Flight Rules Aircraft Lighting In distress - has right of way over all other air traffic Landing - Landing aircraft or aircraft on final approach to land have the right of way over other aircraft in flight or operating on the surface. 2 or more aircraft are landing, the aircraft at the lower altitude has the right of way. Overtaking - Aircraft being overtaken has the right of way, and the pilot of an overtaking aircraft shall alter course to the right to pass well clear. Approach Head-On - Each aircraft shall alter course to the right to pass well clear. Converging - Aircraft to the other’s right has the right of way. Balloon, Glider, Airship, Airplane, Rotorcraft Aircraft towing or refueling other aircraft has the right of way over all other engine-driven aircraft Altitude Restrictions FAR: Over Congested Areas - Shall maintain an altitude of 1,000 feet above the highest obstacle within a horizontal radius of 2,000 feet of the aircraft. Over other than Congested Areas - 500 feet AGL is the minimum altitude except over open water or sparsely populated areas. Anywhere - Should maintain an altitude such that if the engine fails, an emergency landing may be executed without undue hazard to persons or property on the surface 3710.7: During VFR Operations - Fixed-wing aircraft shall not be conducted below an altitude of 500 feet above the terrain or surface of the water During IFR Operations - Out of controlled airspace, aircraft shall not be flown less than 1,000 feet above the highest terrain, surface of the water, or obstacle within 22 miles of the intended flight. Mountain Terrain minimum altitude is 2,000 feet. Airspeed Restrictions FAR: * Below 10,000 Feet MSL - 250 kts * Underneath Class B - Below and within the lateral limits of Class B airspace - 200 kts
 * Position Lights - red - left wing, green - right wing, white - tail. Shall be used during the period 30 minutes prior to official sunset until 30 minutes after official sunrise or when the visibility from the cockpit is less than 3 sm.
 * Anti-Collision Lights - strobes or beacons, red or white. Shall be used before engine starts and remain on until engine shutdown.  3710.7 - may be turned off when the aircraft is flying through clouds (to prevent distraction of the pilot) and when the use of such lights adversely affect ground operations.
 * Right-Of-Way Rules
 * Class C and D - Within 4 NM of the primary airport of a Class C or D airspace, surface up to 2,500 feet AGL - 200 kts

Reducing Flight-Related Disturbances Careless or Reckless Flying

Noise Sensitive and Wilderness Areas

Temporary Flight Restrictions (Public Interest Areas)

Flat Hatting

Zooming Of Vessels