Title
PART 19 – RULES OF THE AIR
- Regulation Number : 1122
- Year : 2018
- Date of Gazette : 23/11/2018
- Classification : Administrative Directives
Introduction
Part 19 requires among other things a set of internationally agreed rules of the air to make a
travel safe and efficient. It consists of general rules, visual flight rules and instrument flight
rules. And these apply without exception over the high seas and over the territory of Ghana to
the extent that they do not conflict with the rules of the State being overflown. The pilot-incommand
of an aircraft is responsible for compliance with the rules of the air.
An aircraft must be flown in accordance with the general rules and either the visual flight rules
(VFR) or the instrument flight rules (IFR). Flight in accordance with visual flight rules is
permitted if a flight crew is able to remain clear of clouds by a distance of at least 1 500 m
horizontally and at least 300 m (1 000 ft) vertically and to maintain a forward visibility of at
least 8 km. For flights in some portions of the airspace and at low altitudes, and for
helicopters, the requirements are less stringent. An aircraft cannot be flown under VFR at
night or above 6 100 m (20 000 ft) except by special permission. Balloons are classified as
aircraft, but unmanned free balloons can be flown only under specified conditions detailed in
these Directives.
Instrument flight rules must be complied with in weather conditions other than those
mentioned above. They shall be applied in designated airspaces regardless of weather
conditions, or a pilot may choose to apply them even if the weather is good.
Most airliners fly under IFR at all times. Depending upon the type of airspace, these aircraft
are provided with air traffic control service, air traffic advisory service or flight information
service regardless of weather conditions. To fly under IFR, an aircraft must be equipped with
suitable instruments and navigation equipment appropriate to the route to be flown. When
operating under air traffic control the aircraft must maintain precisely the route and altitude
that have been assigned to it and keep air traffic control informed about its position.
A flight plan must be filed with air traffic services units for all flights that will cross
international borders, and for most other flights that are engaged in commercial operations.
The flight plan provides information on the aircraft's identity and equipment, the point and
time of departure, the route and altitude to be flown, the destination and estimated time of
arrival, and the alternate airport to be used should landing at destination be impossible. The
flight plan must also specify whether the flight will be carried out under visual or instrument
flight rules.
Regardless of the type of flight plan, the pilots are responsible for avoiding collisions when in
visual flight conditions, in accordance with the principle of see-and-avoid. However, flights
operating under IFR are either kept separated by air traffic control units or provided with
collision hazard information.
Right-of-way rules in the air are similar to those on the surface, but, as aircraft operate in
three dimensions, some additional rules are required. When two aircraft are converging at
approximately the same level, the aircraft on the right has the right of way except that
aeroplanes must give way to airships, gliders and balloons, and to aircraft which are towing
objects. An aircraft which is being overtaken has the right of way and the overtaking aircraft
must remain clear by altering heading to the right. When two aircraft are approaching each
other head on they must both alter heading to the right.
Loading. Please wait....