The Rules of the Air Regulations 2007

EXPLANATORY NOTE

(This note is not part of the Regulations)

These Regulations revoke and replace the Rules of the Air Regulations 1996, as amended. In addition to some minor drafting amendments, the following changes are made:

1.  The exemption from the 500 ft rule for aircraft taking-off or landing in accordance with normal aviation practice is extended to aircraft that are air-taxiing (which is defined). (Rule 6(a)(ii)).

2.  VFR flight in Class C airspace above flight level 195 or along a Class C ATS route (which is defined) at any level is prohibited unless authorised by the Civil Aviation Act 1982. (Rule 19).

3.  The filing of a flight plan for a VFR flight above flight level 195 or to fly under VFR along a Class C ATS route at any level is prohibited. (Rule 29(4)).

4.  A helicopter flying under the Visual Flight Rules in Class C, Class D or Class E airspace at or below 3,000 feet above mean sea level must keep the surface in sight and in a flight visibility of at least 1,500 metres except where the helicopter is air-taxiing or conducting manoeuvres in accordance with Rule 6(i). (Rule 27).

5.  A helicopter flying under the Visual Flight Rules outside controlled airspace below 3,000 feet above mean sea level must keep the surface in sight and in a flight visibility of at least 1,500 metres except where a helicopter is air taxiing or conducting manoeuvres in accordance with Rule 6(i). (Rule 28).

6.  An aircraft may fly at a height of less than 1,000 feet above the highest obstacle within a distance of five nautical miles of the aircraft if it is flying at a altitude not exceeding 3,000 feet above mean seal level and remains clear of cloud with the surface in sight and in a flight visibility of at least 800 metres. (Rule 33).

7.  References in the Rules to “in sight of the surface” or “in sight of the ground” have been replaced by “with the surface in sight” which is defined in article 155(1) of the Air Navigation Order 2005.

A regulatory impact assessment in respect of these changes has been produced and a copy placed in the library and a copy placed in the library of both Houses of Parliament. Copies may be obtained from the Department for Transport, Great Minster House, 76 Marsham Street, London SW1P 4DR. Alternatively copies can be obtained from the Department’s website which is www.dft.gov.uk.