Max FledglingFacts: "The Basic IF Rules of the Airways" (Revised fr 2016/Updated)

MaxSez: This is a compelation of many regulation. Pls note inaccuracies by comment. i suggest you file a copy in your flight bag:

As in all aspects of life there are rules and regulations that affect flying. Some rules are just good common sense practices while others are habits based on training/tech education acquired through specific training or practice. All of these rules exist because safety of flight is the most important consideration of all.

There are some basic flying common sense rules in which all pilots and air traffic controllers are trained. Some are given below:

Spend 70% of pilot time scanning the skies using a series of short, regularly spaced eye movements in 10° sections alternately looking both near and far, horizontally and vertically.
If there is no apparent motion between the aircraft you are piloting and another aircraft, then both are probably on a collision course.
Be aware of your aircraft’s blind spots.
Before beginning a manoeuvre, make clearing turns while carefully scanning the area for other aircraft.
When faced with an aircraft approaching head-on, both aircraft are required to alter the course to the right.
When overtaking another aircraft flying in the same direction and on the same course, the aircraft being overtaken has the right-of-way, therefore pass well clear of it on the right.
When two aircraft are converging or approaching from the side, the aircraft to the left must give way to the aircraft on the right.
A general right-of-way rule states that the least manoeuvrable aircraft has the right-of-way.
Over congested areas (city or metropolitan area), aircraft are required to fly 1,000 feet above any obstruction (tall building, for example) within a horizontal radius of 2,000 feet of that aircraft.
Over uncongested areas (rural land, not open water), aircraft are required to fly at least 500 feet above the surface.
For most small aircraft flying outside controlled airspace in good weather, the pilots are responsible for maintaining a safe distance from other aircraft. This is the “see and be seen” principle otherwise known as VFR or Visual Flight Rules. In this mode of operation, a pilot must keep a continual watch for other aircraft in the sky. When flying above 3,000 feet above ground level (AGL), the pilot must follow cruising altitudes/headings as given below (east/west cruising altitudes):

Flying a magnetic course of 0° - 179°, fly at odd thousands plus 500 feet. For example, 3,500; 5,500; 7,500.
Flying a magnetic course of 180° - 359°, fly at even thousands plus 500 feet. For example, 4,500; 6,500; 8,500.
( Suggest: Flying Commercial Craft use the AIRWAYS. Vector via an Intersection to your Destination Aerodrome, same separation rules apply)

For jetliners flying inside controlled airspace, pilots are still responsible for maintaining a safe distance from other aircraft. They also must strictly follow IFR or Instrument Flight Rules. In this mode of operation, pilots are flying under reduced visibility and must depend on ATC and their instruments for additional guidance and information. Though rules of separation vary depending on the airspace in which an aircraft is flying, in general, when under positive ATC control the responsibly for separation and terrain clearance rests with the Controller, by rule, a horizontal distance of 5 nautical miles between 2 aircraft flying at the same altitude is required. (The PF retains Command and may deviate from directions in Safety of Flight Conditions as encountered). For altitudes at and below 29,000 feet, vertical separation must be maintained at a minimum 1,000 feet. For altitudes above 29,000 feet vertical separation must be maintained at a minimum of 2,000 feet. (FAR/AIM/ICAO/Various)

Your Comment, add on’s, omissions, corrections or observation/experience is encouraged for inclusion by comment. Thanks

(Note: See the recent Topic “Rule of Thumb” for a great memory aid for your flying kit.)

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Found several things interesting that you noted.

Is this regarding aircraft during approach or climb out? I know for a fact that SJC in the Bay Area has an approach directly over downtown, and a after a quick check, planes fly over downtown at roughly 1,200ft, with buildings being max 20 stories or so (roughly 250 - 300ft). So at least in this example, the rule seems to have been broken. [quote=“Maxmustang, post:1, topic:126351”]
Flying a magnetic course of 0° - 179°, fly at odd thousands plus 500 feet. For example, 3,500; 5,500; 7,500.
Flying a magnetic course of 180° - 359°, fly at even thousands plus 500 feet. For example, 4,500; 6,500; 8,500.
Flying Commercial Craft use the AIRWAYS. Vector via an Intersection to your Destination Aerodrome.
[/quote]

^Both of these never get the attention they deserve and are critical for the success of Global flight. And of course, following the airways in the FPL maps.

Great posts as always!

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I find the title of this topic to be very misleading. Here you are talking about IFR and VFR traffic as well as see and avoid rules with over taking rules in there as well. I do not see anything about the use of airways (Victor or Jet) discussed here.

@Javier_Blancas… in the Approach and Clime Out phase of flight as describe a Trash Hauler or GA for that matter are routinely under positive ATC control. Their on a calibrated flight path clearly described in the Approach or Departure Plate . Haulers fly the localizer. This is not a departure from the norm. It’s prescribed. Watch an old video of a KaiTak landing at old Hong Kong with a checker board Approach. We’re talking yards of clearance above the metro in some cases, Appreciate you input, your a savvy sky voyager. Regards, Max

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@N1RG… Agree airways are excluded since IF has failed to activate them under there “KISS” principle approach, I and many other have harped on FDS, recommending activate of the V/J’s. Consider your comment a nitpick , but I’ll humor your desire for RW accuracy and add IF to the title. Thanks for the input. Regards, Max

Same with EGLC, but there are often tighter regs where AC get so close. Aircraft at EGLC require 2 engines, 2 pilots and 2 autopilot as a failsafe because the approach travels directly over the city

Thanks max for helping educate the community!

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No problem. If the community knows how to flight plan like the pros, then finding certain airways is not a problem. I do alot of real world routes in Southern California and always try and find the correct fixes for the airways but sometimes have to adjust as some fixes arent their

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@N1RG… Thank you for that follow up. I’ve advocated numbering/identifying the airways on the IF Chart as numbered V/J’s for some time. My position has always been Grade 4/5 must nav via airways &/or VOR’s for long hauls. Global shall tell the tail, Flow Control will be simplified if implemented.
Regards, M

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Alot of flights in SoCal use the V airways as a mean to remain clear of the LA bravo and SAN bravo. I wish FDS still had then numbered

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@N1RG… Next Step “VFR Corridors” thru Controlled Airspace… Max

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Thats a great one. Let me know if you need help with that one. I know a little but about the two main LA VFR corridors through the Bravo along the coast line

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Enlighten me please! Fly out of KVNY regularly and departing south is hell, having to avoid LAX airspace. (Going east is even worse, gotta avoid the mountains to the north and KONT, KRIV and KSBD airspace, all bravos)

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Let me pull this link up really quick. It is called the Costal Route southbound. If you go to the LA TAC chart on skyvector.com, it explains it there

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@N1RG @Insertusernamehere… We’re getting way off Topic fella’s pls go to PM to chat, Thanks, Max

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No problem. Feel free to make a PM

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MaxSez: Ok, we are now back on track! All BS & off topic aside. This one fir the Fledglings. The data here will make ya or brake ya when you get to the Expert, So pay attention and Fly with the Eagles or moulder in the nest!

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That one was helpful

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@Aussie_Wombat… If you have a problem ordering the Rule card from the states, PM me. Regards, Max

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