The Rules of the Air (Amendment) Regulations 2009
Citation and Commencement1.
These Regulations may be cited as the Rules of the Air (Amendment) Regulations 2009 and come into force on 1st September 2009.
Test flying over congested areas2.
“Test flying over congested areas24A.
(1)
An aircraft to which this paragraph applies shall not fly over a congested area except to the extent that it is necessary to do so in order to take off or land in accordance with normal aviation practice.
(2)
Paragraph (1) does not apply if the CAA has given its written permission for a flight over the congested area.
(3)
Paragraph (1) applies to an aircraft that does not have a valid certificate of airworthiness in force and which is flying for the purpose of—
(a)
experimenting with or testing the aircraft or any engines or equipment installed or carried in the aircraft; or
(b)
enabling the aircraft to qualify for the issue or validation of a certificate of airworthiness or the approval of a modification of the aircraft or the issue of a permit to fly.”.
Amendment to rule 58 of the Rules of the Air 2007 (markings for paved runways and taxiways)3.
(1)
In rule 58(3) of the Rules of the Air 2007, before “Subject to paragraph (5)”, insert “(4)”.
(2)
Paragraphs (4) and (5) of rule 58 are re-numbered paragraphs (5) and (6).
Signed by authority of the Secretary of State for Transport
These Regulations further amend the Rules of the Air 2007. The new rule prohibits test flying of aircraft over congested areas in cases where the aircraft does not have a valid certificate of airworthiness in force and either the aircraft, its engines or equipment are being tested or the aircraft is seeking to qualify for the issue or validation of a certificate of airworthiness. The prohibition does not apply where the CAA has given its permission for the flight. A correction to the numbering of Rule 58 is also made. An impact assessment has been carried out in respect of rule 24A. A copy of the assessment has been placed in the library of both Houses of Parliament. Copies may be obtained from the Department for Transport, 76 Marsham Street, London SW1P 4DR or from www.dft.gov.uk.