SCHEDULES

SCHEDULE 4RULES OF THE AIR

SECTION 7AERODROME TRAFFIC RULES

Application of aerodrome traffic rules

38.

(1)

The rules in this Section which expressly apply to flying machines must also be observed, so far as is practicable, by all other aircraft.

Visual signals

39.

(1)

Subject to paragraph (2), the pilot-in-command of a flying machine on, or in the pattern of traffic flying at, an aerodrome must—

(a)

observe such visual signals as may be displayed at or directed to that pilot from the aerodrome by the authority of the person in charge of the aerodrome; and

(b)

obey any instructions which may be given by means of such signals.

(2)

The pilot-in-command of a flying machine is not required to obey such signals if it is inadvisable to do so in the interests of safety.

Movement of aircraft on aerodromes

40.

An aircraft must not taxi or air-taxi on the apron or the manoeuvring area of an aerodrome without the permission of either—

(a)

the person in charge of the aerodrome; or

(b)

the air traffic control unit or aerodrome flight information service unit notified as being on watch at the aerodrome.

Access to and movement of persons and vehicles on aerodromes

41.

(1)

Unless there is a public right of way over it, a person or vehicle must—

(a)

not go onto any part of an aerodrome without the permission of the person in charge of that part of the aerodrome; and

(b)

comply with any conditions subject to which that permission may be granted.

(2)

A person or vehicle must—

(a)

not go onto or move on the manoeuvring area of an aerodrome which has an air traffic control unit or an aerodrome flight information service unit without the permission of that unit; and

(b)

comply with any conditions subject to which that permission may be granted.

(3)

Any permission granted for the purposes of this rule may be granted whether in respect of persons or vehicles generally, or in respect of any particular person or vehicle or any class of person or vehicle.

Right of way on the ground

42.

(1)

This rule applies to flying machines and vehicles on any part of a land aerodrome provided for the use of aircraft.

(2)

Notwithstanding any air traffic control clearance it remains the duty of the pilot-in-command of a flying machine to take all possible measures to ensure that the flying machine does not collide with any other aircraft or vehicle.

(3)

Flying machines and vehicles must give way to aircraft which are taking off or landing.

(4)

Vehicles and flying machines which are not taking off or landing must give way to vehicles towing aircraft.

(5)

Vehicles which are not towing aircraft must give way to aircraft.

Action to be taken in case of danger of collision on the ground

43.

(1)

Subject to rules 42 and 14(3), this rule applies if there is any danger of collision between two flying machines on the ground.

(2)

If the two flying machines are approaching head-on, or approximately so, each must alter its course to the right.

(3)

If the two flying machines are on converging courses, the flying machine which has the other flying machine on its right must give way to that other flying machine and must avoid crossing ahead of it unless passing well clear of it.

(4)

A flying machine which is being overtaken by another flying machine has the right-of-way over the flying machine overtaking it.

(5)

A flying machine which is overtaking another flying machine must keep out of the way of the other flying machine by altering its course to the left until that other flying machine has been passed and is clear, notwithstanding any change in the relative positions of the two flying machines.

(6)

A vehicle must—

(a)

overtake another vehicle on the right hand side of that vehicle ; and

(b)

keep to the left when passing another vehicle which is approaching head-on or approximately so.

Launching, picking up and dropping of tow ropes, etc.

44.

(1)

Tow ropes, banners or similar articles towed by aircraft must not be launched at an aerodrome except in accordance with arrangements made with—

(a)

the air traffic control unit at the aerodrome; or

(b)

if there is no such unit, the person in charge of the aerodrome.

(2)

Tow ropes, banners or similar articles towed by aircraft must not be picked up by or dropped from aircraft at an aerodrome except—

(a)

in accordance with arrangements made with the air traffic control unit at the aerodrome or, if there is no such unit, with the person in charge of the aerodrome; or

(b)

in the area designated by the marking described in rule 59(9), but only when the aircraft is flying in the direction appropriate for landing.

Flights within aerodrome traffic zones

45.

(1)

Paragraphs (2) and (3) apply only in relation to those aerodromes described in Column 1 of Table 3 as are notified for the purposes of this rule and at such times as are specified in Column 2 of the Table.

Table 3

Column 1

Column 2

(a) A military aerodrome

At such times as are notified

(b) An aerodrome having an air traffic control unit or flight information service unit

During the notified hours of watch of the air traffic control unit or the flight information service unit

(c) A certificated aerodrome having a means of two-way radio communication with aircraft

During the notified hours of watch of the air/ground station

(2)

An aircraft must not fly, take off or land within the aerodrome traffic zone of an aerodrome unless the pilot-in-command of the aircraft has complied with paragraphs (3), (4) or (5), as appropriate.

(3)

If the aerodrome has an air traffic control unit, the pilot-in-command must obtain the permission of the air traffic control unit to enable the flight to be conducted safely within the zone.

(4)

If the aerodrome has a flight information service unit, the pilot-in-command must obtain information from the flight information service unit to enable the flight to be conducted safely within the zone.

(5)

If there is no flight information service unit at the aerodrome, the pilot-in-command must obtain information from the air/ground communication service to enable the flight to be conducted safely within the zone.

(6)

The pilot-in-command of an aircraft flying within the aerodrome traffic zone of an aerodrome must—

(a)

cause a continuous watch to be maintained on the appropriate radio frequency notified for communications at the aerodrome; or

(b)

if this is not possible, cause a watch to be kept for such instructions as may be issued by visual means; and

(c)

if the aircraft is fitted with means of communication by radio with the ground, communicate his position and height to the air traffic control unit, the flight information service unit or the air/ground communication service at the aerodrome (as the case may be) on entering the zone and immediately prior to leaving it.