By

V. UDAY KUMAR
Trainee pilot , B25
 ARRIVALS
0 1 A P P L I C AB I L I T Y O F R U L E S O F A I R

0 2 G E N E R A L R U L E S

0 3 A I R T R AF F I C C O N T R O L S E R V I C E

0 4 V I S U A L ME T E O R O L O G I C A L C O N D I T I O N S

0 5 V I S I B I L I T Y F L I G H T R U L E S

0 6 I N S T R U ME N T F L I G H T R U L E S

0 7 S I G N A L S

0 8 S I G N A L S F O R A E R O D R O M E T R A F F I C

0 9 V I S U A L GR O U N D S I G N A L S

1 0 C R U I S I NG L E V E L S

1 1 C V S M - F EE T

1 2 R V S M - F EE T
 Applicability of rules of air

These rules apply to all aircraft flying over Indian territory and aircraft with Indian nationality and registration marks,
wherever they are. They must also follow the rules of the country they are flying over. Over international waters, the rules
of the State responsible for air traffic services in that region apply. Aircraft operations must follow general rules. In flight,
aircraft must follow either:

• Visual flight rules (VFR)

• Instrument flight rules (IFR)
• Local flights or training flights may be exempted and allowed to operate at night under Visual Meteorological Conditions
by Air Traffic Control (ATC).

 Pilot in Command :-

• The pilot-in-command is responsible for operating the aircraft according to the rules of the air. The pilot can deviate from
these rules if absolutely necessary for safety.
• Before a flight, the pilot-in-command must gather all relevant information for the operation like studying current weather
reports, forecasts, fuel requirements, and planning an alternative course of action if needed.
• The pilot-in-command has the final authority over the aircraft while in command.
• Pilots, air traffic controllers, and maintenance workers) must not use any drugs or substances that affect their ability to
 General rules

Protection of Persons and Property

• Aircraft must not be flown in a way that endangers people or property.

• Aircraft should not fly over congested areas or gatherings of people unless high enough to land safely in an emergency, except during
take-off, landing, or with special permission.
• Nothing should be dropped or sprayed from an aircraft except under regulated conditions and with the necessary clearances.
• Aircraft cannot be towed by another aircraft. Other objects can be towed if it meets the Director General's requirements and receives
proper clearance.

• Parachuting from aircraft is only allowed in emergencies or under specific

written orders from the Central Government.
• Acrobatic flying is allowed under certain conditions, including:
A licensed pilot must fly the aircraft.
Passengers must give written consent.
 All persons on board must be secured by safety belts.
The manoeuvres must start at a minimum height of 600 meters (2000 feet).
• Civil aircraft are not allowed to fly in formation in India.
• Aircraft should not fly too close to other aircraft to avoid creating a collision hazard.
• The aircraft with the right-of-way must maintain its heading and speed. Other aircraft must avoid passing over, under, or in front of it
unless clear it is called as Right-of-Way
• Both aircraft should alter their course to the right to avoid a collision is called as Approaching Head-on
• When two aircraft are converging, the one on the right has the right-of-way, with exceptions for different types of aircraft .
Power driven aircraft< aircraft towing < airships < gliders < balloons.

• An overtaking aircraft is a air craft which approaches another from the rear with an angle of less than 70 degrees. The aircraft being
overtaken has the right-of-way. The overtaking aircraft must alter its heading to the right and stay clear until it has fully passed.

Surface Movement of Aircraft

• When two aircraft taxiing on the ground are heading towards each other, both should stop or, if possible, turn right to avoid a
collision. If two aircraft are on a converging path, the aircraft with the other on its right should give way. An aircraft being overtaken
has the right-of-way. The overtaking aircraft must keep clear.
• Runway Holding Positions: Aircraft must stop and hold at all runway holding positions unless the aerodrome control tower gives
other instructions.
• Lighted Stop Bars: Aircraft must stop at lighted stop bars and can only proceed when the stop bar lights are turned off.
Lights to be Displayed by Aircraft:

1. Aircraft in Flight: From sunset to sunrise (or other times as directed by the Director General), all aircraft must display:
• Anti-collision lights to attract attention to the aircraft.
• Navigation lights to show the aircraft's path to observers.
• Other lights should not be displayed if they might be mistaken for these lights. Additional lights like landing lights can be used to
enhance visibility.
2. Aircraft on the Ground (at an Aerodrome): From sunset to sunrise (or other times as directed by the Director General):
• Navigation lights must be displayed to indicate the aircraft's path.
• Position lights must be displayed on the extremities of the aircraft.
• Attention lights must be displayed to make the aircraft visible.
(These lights should also be used outside these times if the aircraft is fitted with anti-collision lights.)
Flight plan

A flight plan is a detailed outline that a pilot files before a flight, describing the planned route, altitude, speed, and other
important information about the trip. It helps air traffic control track and guide the aircraft, ensuring safety and coordination with other
flights.

1. General Rule: If you're flying in Indian airspace, you must inform the relevant air traffic service unit about your flight plan unless
you're flying very small drones (nano and micro RPA) up to 50 feet or 200 feet high in uncontrolled airspace or enclosed areas.

2. Ensuring Aircraft Approval

Special Requirements: If your flight route or area requires specific approvals make sure your aircraft has these approvals and that all
conditions for the approval are met before departure.

3. When to Submit a Flight Plan

• Normal Flights: Submit your flight plan to the appropriate air traffic service unit at least 3 hours before departure but no earlier
than 5 days before.
• Remotely Piloted Aircraft (RPA): Submit the flight plan at least 24 hours before departure.
4. Delays and Changes

• Delays: If you expect a delay of 15 minutes or more from your planned departure time, notify air traffic control (ATC) of the new
estimated departure time (ETD).
• Changes to the Flight Plan:
• IFR or Controlled VFR Flights: Report any changes as soon as possible to the appropriate air traffic service unit.
• Other VFR Flights: Report significant changes as soon as possible.
• Fuel and Passengers: If the fuel endurance or the number of passengers is different from what was reported before departure, this
must be reported as a significant change.

5. After Landing

After landing, report your arrival to the air traffic service unit at the destination aerodrome as soon as possible. This can be done in
person, by radio, or via data link, unless otherwise instructed by the relevant authority.
Time

Co-ordinated Universal Time (UTC) is the standard time used in aviation, expressed in hours, minutes, and sometimes seconds, starting
from midnight. It's used globally to ensure uniformity in timekeeping across different time zones. Prior to starting a controlled flight, and at
other necessary times during the flight, pilots must verify the current UTC time.

Accuracy Requirements

• Air Traffic Services Units: Clocks and time-recording devices at air traffic service units must be regularly checked to ensure they are
accurate to within plus or minus 30 seconds of UTC.
• Data Link Communications: For data link communications, time accuracy is crucial. It must be within 1 second of UTC to ensure
precision in aviation operations.
 Air traffic control service
 Air Traffic Control Clearances : You must get permission from air traffic control before starting or continuing a controlled flight.
This permission is obtained by submitting a flight plan.

 Following Your Flight Plan : During a controlled flight, you must follow your submitted flight plan unless you ask for changes and
get approval from air traffic control.

 If You Go Off Course : If your aircraft goes off its planned course ,Immediately adjust your heading to get back on track as soon as
possible.

 Speed and Time Changes : If you deviate from the speed assigned by air traffic control Inform them right away. If your estimated
time changes by more than two minutes from what you told air traffic control than Notify them as soon as possible unless automatic
updates are being sent via ADS-C (Automatic Dependent Surveillance - Contract).

 Requesting Changes to Your Flight Plan: If you need to change your flight plan during the flight For altitude or speed changes,
provide your aircraft ID, new levels or speeds, and revised time estimates and for route changes, specify if the destination remains
the same or if it changes, providing details of the new route and any alternate airports if necessary.
Weather Changes: In bad weather If you can't continue flying visually in good weather conditions (VMC) Request permission to
continue visually to your destination or an alternate airport. If permission isn't granted, either leave the controlled airspace or request to
fly under instrument flight rules (IFR).

Position Reports

During a controlled flight, you must report your position (time and altitude) when passing designated points unless you are exempted by
air traffic services. You may also need to report at other points if air traffic services request it.

Communications

You must maintain continuous voice communication with air traffic control on the correct channel. Establish two-way communication as
needed. Automatic signalling devices like SELCAL meet the requirement for continuous communication. This requirement remains even
after CPDLC (Controller-Pilot Data Link Communications) is established.
 Visual Meteorological Conditions.

To fly under Visual Flight Rules (VFR), the weather conditions must meet specific visual meteorological conditions (VMC). These
conditions are based on altitude (or Flight Level), the visibility from the aircraft, and the distance from clouds. Different classes of airspace
have their own rules and levels of air traffic control. It is crucial to be familiar with the VMC requirements to ensure safe VFR flying.

VMC Criteria Classes A, B, C, D and E Airspace.

At and above 10000 ft (FL100) the flight visibility requirement is 8 km with 300 m (1000 ft) vertically, and 1500 m horizontally from cloud.
Below 10 000 ft (FL100) the flight visibility requirement is reduced to 5 km.
VMC Criteria Classes F and G Airspace.
At and above 10000 ft (FL100) the flight visibility requirement is 8 km with 300 m (1000 ft) vertically, and 1500 m horizontally from
cloud. Below 10 000 ft (FL100) but above 3000 ft, the flight visibility requirement is reduced to 5 km. Below 3000 ft AMSL and within
1000 ft of the surface (where surface elevation is above 3000 ft) the flight visibility remains 5 km but VMC would exist if the aircraft was
clear of cloud and within sight of the surface.
 Visibility flight rules (VFR)

Basic Requirements for VFR flights are they must maintain certain visibility and distance from clouds, as specified in regulations. VFR
flights cannot take off or land at controlled aerodromes or enter their traffic zones. if the cloud ceiling is below 450 meters (1,500 feet)
and ground visibility is less than 5 kilometres.

VFR flights are typically allowed from 20 minutes before sunrise to 20 minutes after sunset. Exceptions can be made for local flights or
training flights cleared by air traffic control.
Restrictions on VFR Flights:

• VFR flights should not go above FL150 (Flight Level 150 or 15,000 feet).
• VFR flights should not fly at transonic or supersonic speeds.
• VFR flights should not go more than 100 nautical miles (NM) seaward from the shoreline within controlled airspace.
• Over congested areas, VFR flights must fly at least 300 meters (1,000 feet) above the highest obstacle within a 600-meter radius.
• Elsewhere, VFR flights must fly at least 150 meters (500 feet) above the ground or water.
• Above 900 meters (3,000 feet) from the ground or water, VFR flights should follow specific cruising levels appropriate to their
direction.
• VFR flights must follow ATC rules in:
Class B, C, and D airspace.
when part of aerodrome traffic at controlled aerodromes.
VFR flights must follow ATC rules when operated as special VFR flights.

Communication Requirements:

VFR flights in certain areas or routes must maintain continuous communication with the relevant air traffic services (ATS) unit
and report positions as necessary. If a VFR flight wants to switch to IFR (Instrument Flight Rules), it must:
• Communicate changes to its current flight plan if one was submitted.
• Submit a new flight plan to the ATS unit and obtain clearance before proceeding IFR in controlled airspace.
 Instrument flight rules

To fly in IFR Aircraft must be equipped with appropriate instruments and navigation equipment suitable for the route to be flown.
Except during take-off or landing, or when specially authorized, IFR flights must adhere to minimum altitude requirements:

• Over high terrain or mountainous areas: at least 600 meters (2000 feet) above the highest obstacle within 8 km of the aircraft's
estimated position .
• Elsewhere at least 300 meters (1000 feet) above the highest obstacle within 8 km of the aircraft's estimated position.
• Changing from IFR to VFR: If a pilot decides to switch from IFR to VFR (Visual Flight Rules), they must notify the appropriate air
traffic services (ATS) unit and update their flight plan accordingly. An IFR flight encountering visual meteorological conditions should not
cancel IFR unless the pilot intends to continue in visual conditions for a significant period.

• Rules for IFR Flights within Controlled Airspace: IFR flights in controlled airspace must be flown at a cruising level selected from
the appropriate tables of cruising levels. If cruise climb techniques are authorized, flights can be flown between two levels or above a
specified level. Above FL 410, a modified table of cruising levels may be used, with the correlation of levels to track as prescribed
unless otherwise indicated by ATC clearances .
Communications:

Maintain air-ground voice communication on the appropriate channel. Establish two-way communication with the air traffic services (ATS)
unit providing flight information service as necessary.

Position Reports:

IFR flights outside controlled airspace must:

• Submit a flight plan if required by the appropriate ATS authority.
• Maintain air-ground communication and establish two-way communication with the ATS unit as needed.
• Report their position as specified for controlled flights.
 Signals

 marshaller:
• Only trained, qualified, and DGCA-approved personnel can guide aircraft.
• The signalman must wear a distinctive fluorescent identification vest for easy identification by the flight crew.
• During daylight hours, the signalman and participating ground staff must use Daylight fluorescent-coloured wands Table-tennis bats
• and Gloves
• During night or low visibility conditions, illuminated wands must be used for signalling.
Distress and Urgency Signals

1. Distress Signals Indicate grave and imminent danger requiring immediate assistance.

Radiotelegraphy/Morse Code: Signal SOS (..__...)

Radiotelephony: Spoken word "MAYDAY".
Data Link: Message transmitting the intent of "MAYDAY".
Visual: Rockets or shells with red lights fired at short intervals, or a parachute flare showing a red light.

2. Urgency Signals Indicate difficulties compelling an aircraft to land without requiring immediate assistance.

Very Urgent Message Signals: Indicate a very urgent message concerning the safety of a ship, aircraft, vehicle, or person.
Radiotelegraphy/Morse Code: Signal XXX (....).
Radiotelephony: Spoken words "PAN, PAN".
Data Link: Message transmitting the intent of "PAN, PAN”.
Visual: Repeated switching on and off of landing lights or navigation lights in a distinct manner.
 Signals for aerodrome traffic

These signals are essential for maintaining safe and efficient movement of aircraft on the ground and in the vicinity of the airport,
especially in situations where radio communication might not be possible or effective.
 Visual ground signals

PROHIBITION OF LANDING: A horizontal red square panel with yellow diagonals when displayed in a signal area
indicates that landings are prohibited and that the prohibition is liable to be prolonged

NEED FOR SPECIAL PRECAUTIONS WHILE APPROACHING OR LANDING : A horizontal red square panel with
one yellow diagonal when displayed in a signal area indicates Yellow that owing to the bad state of the
manoeuvring area, or for any other reason, special precautions must be observed in approaching to land or in
landing

USE OF RUNWAYS AND TAXIWAYS: A horizontal white dumbbell when displayed in a signal area indicates that
aircraft are required to land, take off and taxi on runways and taxiways only.

The same horizontal white dumbbell but with black bar placed perpendicular to the shaft across each circular
portion of the dumbbell when displayed in a signal area indicates that aircraft are required to land and take off on
runways only, but other manoeuvres need not be confined to runways and taxiways.
DIRECTION FOR LANDING OR TAKE OFF: A horizontal white or orange landing “T” indicates the direction to be used
by aircraft for landing and take off , which shall be in a direction parallel to the shaft of the T towards the cross arm

A set of two digits displayed vertically at or near the aerodrome Control tower indicates to air craft on the
manoeuvring area the direction for take-off, expressed in units of 10 degrees to the nearest 10 degrees of the
magnetic compass.

RIGHT HAND TRAFFIC : When displayed in a signal area, or horizontally at the end of the Runway or strip in use ,a
right-hand arrow of conspicuous colour indicates that turns are to be made to the right before landing and after take
off.

AIR TRAFFIC SERVICES REPORTING OFFICE: The letter 'C' displayed vertically in black against a yellow background
indicates the location of the air traffic services reporting office.
GLIDER FLIGHTS IN OPERATIONS: A double white cross displayed horizontally in the signal area indicates that the
aero-drome is being used by gliders and that glider flights are being performed.

CLOSED RUNWAYS OR TAXIWAYS: Two or more white crosses indicate that the section of the runway or taxiway
(where they would be yellow crosses) is unfit for aircraft movement.
CRUISING LEVELS

BELOW F290 FOR CVSM

 CVSM-FEET

Conventional Vertical Separation Minimum (CVSM), also known as non-RVSM, is the standard vertical separation distance
applied universally in air navigation to avoid collision. In conventional airspace, this minimum separation is typically 1,000 feet up to
FL 290 and 2,000 feet between FL 290 to FL 410 and above FL 410 .
 RVSM- FEET

Reduced Vertical Separation Minimum (RVSM) is a specific reduced separation distance of 300 meters (1,000 feet) that is
implemented between flight levels FL 290 and FL 410. In Indian airspace. In RVSM airspace, the vertical separation between aircraft is
reduced from the conventional 2,000 feet to 1,000 feet between FL290 and FL410, which corresponds to approximately 29,000 to
41,000 feet.
 REFERENCES

 AIR REGULATIONS AND HUMAN FACTORS – WG.CDR.R.K. BALI

 AIR LAW – OXFORD
 https://chatgpt.com
 https://www.google.com/
 CANVAS
 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7siioLHPigg
 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=192awDd6xgU
 https://copilot.microsoft.com https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Mb8iw-aXsgk
 THANK YOU!
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