Flight Rules
Overview
Aircraft must follow flight rules. They may be visual flight rules, which are with reference to visual references and instruments, or flight rules with reference to aircraft instruments. Visual flight rules are applicable only where weather and safety allow, and there is sufficient visibility.
With visual flight rules, the aircraft must operate with sufficient visibility in terms of the distance relative to speed. Air traffic control may allow special visible flight rules clearance if the weather is below the requisite standards at its discretion. There are requirements in relation to ground visibility, distance visibility and cloud cover.
Night flights must be operated in accordance with instrument flight rules. The regulations make requirements for the appropriate instruments, navigational equipment and radio for the area to be flown.
Aircraft must not operate below the minimum safe altitude stipulated for the relevant route, except in takeoff and landing. Certain distances must be kept above the mountain ranges.
Classifications of Air Space
Instrument flight is subject to different rules depending on whether it is within control or uncontrolled air space. The International Civil Aviation Organization has provided a standardized classification of air space in its states with letters from A to G.
A is the most controlled and G is the least controlled. Class G is uncontrolled space.
The classifications determine the degree of control and separation by air traffic control. There are different provisions for visual flight rules and instrument flight rules. There are control zones around aircraft within certain altitudes.
Flight levels. Altimeters facilitate flying at a constant level. There are altimeter setting procedures for different parts of the flight. They play a critical role in the descent and ascent phases.
Flying Rules
There are general rules on aviation equivalent to those in other fields of navigation. There are minimum heights relative to the terrain below and the type of aircraft.
An aircraft may not be flown in a negligent or reckless manner, which could endanger life. Articles may not be dropped from an aircraft save for life-saving purposes unless the permission of the Authority is obtained; Aircraft may not be used to tow unless permitted by their certificate road airworthiness; there are requirements applicable to helicopter slings.
The pilot has primary responsibility for avoiding collisions. An aircraft may not be operated close to other aircraft, such as to create a risk of collision. There are requirements in relation to flying in formation. It must not occur in congested areas.
There are rules with respect to the right of way. When two aircraft approach each other, they should turn to the right. If an aircraft which is overtaking has right of way, it must remain well clear of the aeroplane being overtaken
There are a range of rules applicable to taxiing and take-off. Lights are required at night, and they must follow a certain configuration.
Flight Plans
Flight plans are required to be given for a wide range of flights and must be supplied to air traffic control prior to the departure. They include details of the route, cruising speed, times, origin and destination, persons on board, emergency details, a pilot in command, et cetera, colour and markings.
A flight plan  may be filed during flight using a radio in which event it must be filed at least 10 minutes prior to entering controlled or advisory aerospace. Flight times must be closed by notification to air traffic control.
An aircraft may land and take only from
- a licensed aerodrome,
- a State aerodrome available for civil use,
- an aerodrome approved by the Authority
- a military aerodrome where the office in charge is authorized for landing.
- in the case of a non-public transport flight, in a balloon or helicopter, anywhere where the landowner has given permission, provided the take-off and landing can take place without undue hazard.
- in the case of a glider, anywhere where the landowner’s permission is provided, the landing can take place without undue hazard to persons or property.
Aerodrome
The authority licenses aerodromes. The licence specifies its use and the restrictions which may apply. When an aircraft is operating in the vicinity of an aerodrome, it must maintain visual separation from other traffic and use the required circuits
Where the aerodrome has an active tower control, it must maintain a listening watch on the tower or assigned frequency. If radio telephony is not available, it must follow light and other signals. The clearance of air traffic control is required to taxi land or take off.
There are right-of-way rules applicable to the movement area of an aerodrome. Pilots in command are responsible for avoiding collisions in taxiing. Various rights of ways of rules apply. Certain light signals may be followed if air radio contact is lost.
Signals
There are a range of ground signals similar to those used in road traffic. They may show areas to be avoided, rules on rights of way, the direction of takeoff and landing, and helicopter pads. Lights may be available in certain aerodromes to signal certain matters.
Ground signalmen may employ standard signals in the aircraft manoeuvring area. There is a standardized set of signals communicated between grand marshals and pilots.
Persons or vehicles may not enter the movement area of an aerodrome without the consent of the person in charge. They must abide by the instructions given.
Air Traffic Control
Before entering controlled airspace, clearance is required from air traffic control. If this is in addition to the flight plan notified, clearance may cover the entire route. The pilot may request amended clearance if he is not satisfied with it. The pilot must notify air traffic control once the controlled part of the flight terminates.
Aircraft on controlled flights must maintain radio communication on a designated frequency. There are procedures for where those communications fail.
Certain airspace is restricted. Areas may be prohibited in the vicinity of security-sensitive areas. Areas may be restricted around military aircraft. Certain areas are restricted due to the heavy concentration of birds.
The metrological office at Shannon airport is the prime source of aviation weather information for the Shannon flight information region. Metrological offices in Cork and Dublin offer less comprehensive service. In flight, metrological information is available through certain frequencies.
Communications take place through radio telephony and radio navigation services. Radio communication is in English and should be no more than required. There are designated frequencies for flights at aerodromes in Shannon FIR.
Navigation & Signals
A range of radio navigation aids exist. They include locators and various types of radar. There are designated procedures for emergencies. Shannon FIR controls, coordinates, and initiates certain rescue operations. There is a sub-centre at Dublin to which functions may be delegated.
There are standardized signals for distress and urgency. Designated emergency frequencies are maintained and monitored at Valentia and Malin Head.
There are procedures and protocols which would be followed by rescue aircraft. Procedures apply where the pilot in command intercepts a distress call.
There are standardized signals from aircraft to surface vehicles and signals from the surface vehicles vessels to aircraft in response. There are standardized ground-to-air visual signals for survivors and rescuers.
There are a range of protocols in respect of interception, typically by military aircraft. If radio contact cannot be made on an emergency frequency, there are certain methods for signalling basic communications.
Operations are covered by the Irish Aviation Authority operations order. They incorporate European regulations and standards.
Flight Preparation
Prior to undertaking the flight, the pilot in command must be satisfied that the relevant route can be flown and that the aerodromes can be used according to the applicable weather. He must be satisfied that the aircraft is airworthy and has suitable equipment, including communication navigation and safety equipment.
He must be satisfied that the aircraft complies with weight and balancing requirements and that the loads are secured. Sufficient fuel, oil, and electricity must be available. Frost and ice must be removed.
In the case of a public transport flight, the pilot in command must complete a flight preparation plan confirming that the above has been complied with. It must be retained for three months.
The pilot is responsible in flight for the operation and safety of the aircraft and of all persons onboard. He is obliged to ensure that all persons are instructed appropriately in an emergency. He must notify authorities of any emergency, unlawful interference or violations.
After the flight, the pilot is responsible for the completion of the journey logbook, reporting defects immediately and notifying any accident or incident resulting in injury or death or causing damage to the aircraft or property.
Pilot in Command
The pilot in command is responsible for ensuring that the crew members are fit and able to perform. During take-off and landing, the flight deck crew must be at their station and wearing seatbelts.
A public transport operator must designate a pilot in command for every flight. It must ensure that personnel are familiar with their duties and responsibilities. Records must be maintained for each crew member for a period of 12 months including details of flight time, rest periods and radiation dosages in the case of flight over 49,000 square meters.
The operator must ensure passengers are familiar with safety belts, emergency exits, life jackets and emergency oxygen. Passengers must be instructed in relation to life jackets, seatbelts, emergency exits and in flight safety. The operator must ensure that crew are aware of the obligation and comply with rules and laws applicable to other states and must ensure that they are familiar with laws and procedures applicable to their duties.