Rules of IFR

[northernbloke]

Hello,
can any one remember what the Five Rules of IFR are?

Thanks.

[dusk2dawn]

Try DOC 4444

[Spitoon]

Or maybe Annex 2!

[Old Smokey]

Are there only 5 rules ? Boy oh boy, they've simplified the syllabus since I did it.

Regards,

Old Smokey

[BizJetJock]

As I recall, there are actually only two rules - altough it makes five when you split it up into subsections.

1: You must fly at a FL appropriate to the direction of flight. What that level is varies from country to country, but most often is the (ICAO) semi-circular rule:- Odd levels Ebound and even Wbound. Note that there is no prescribed altitude below transition.

2: You must fly more than 1000ft above the highest obstacle within 5NM unless:
a) You are taking off or landing
b) You are flying within sight of the surface below 3000ft amsl
c) Unless on a route notified as exempt (??!)

All the rest of the rules that make IFR flying such fun are actually airspace rules relating to the categorey of airspace in use.

The most interesting result of these rules is that if you are flying around VFR below 3000ft and the visibility deteriorates below VFR minima, it is perfectly legal to carry on below MSA as long as you have ground contact without any speed restriction - although it may not be terribly sensible

I should say that these are the UK rules, which I believe are the ICAO ones apart from the levels for IFR.

Hope this helps!

[Mark 1]

It sounds like you are after the 5 rules in the UK Rules of the Air.
They can be found in CAP393 (search the CAA site).

Rules 28-32
Rule 28 just splits the rules according to CAS and non-CAS
29 is minimum height
30 is quadrantal/semi-circular rule
31 is Flight plans and clearances
32 is position reporting

[Permafrost_ATPL]

Interesting, the AIP rules (ENR 1-3-2) are a bit different from the CAP393...


1) Must have suitable instruments to fly the route
2) Must maintain terrain clearance (1000 ft / 5 NM etc.)
3) Must only cancel IFR if able to maintain VFR for reasonable time
4) Must be at correct FL (OCA)
5) Must maintain at least a listening watch to the appropriate frequency (OCA)
6) Must give position reports if flight plan was filed (OCA)

P

[bookworm]

5) Must maintain at least a listening watch to the appropriate frequency (OCA)

3.2.1 An IFR flight operating outside controlled airspace but within or into areas, or along routes, designated by the appropriate ATS authority in accordance with ICAO Annex 2, paragraph 3.3.1.2 (a) or (b), shall maintain a listening watch on the appropriate radio frequency and establish two-way communication, as necessary, with the air traffic services unit providing flight information service.

Annex 2 says:
3.3.1.2 A flight plan shall be submitted prior to operating:
a) any flight or portion thereof to be provided with air
traffic control service;
b) any IFR flight within advisory airspace;

Hence it applies only to class F according to ENR 1.3.2.1.

However, it appears to be inconsistent with the ANO, which requires no radiocommunication from IFR flights in class F. ENR 1.4.2.6 makes it clear that radiocommunication is required only of participating IFR flights.