Flight Limitations and Light Signals

Limitations on Flight Operations

Flight Over Public Gatherings

Flying over public gatherings is tightly regulated to ensure safety. The restrictions are informed by considerations under the Civil Aviation Safety Regulations (CASR) by CASA.

Limitations

• Prohibition of Overflight: Drones and manned aircraft are prohibited from flying directly over people, including actors, athletes, or the general public, without necessary permissions and safety assessments.
• Minimum Safe Distance: Typically, aircraft should not approach closer than a 30 meters distance from any non-participants.
• Exceptions: Operations within 30 meters may be allowed if the operator has a remotely piloted aircraft operator’s certificate (ReOC) and CASA’s explicit approval.
• Approval Requirement: Flying over populous areas requires written permission from CASA, with applications including detailed risk assessments.

Reference

• Flying over and near people | Civil Aviation Safety Authority

Aerobatic Flight

Aerobatic flight entails specific limitations to ensure operations are conducted safely, owing to the increased risks associated with such maneuvers.

General Limitations

• Visual Meteorological Conditions (VMC): Aerobatic maneuvers must be conducted in VMC and during daylight hours.
• Aircraft Suitability: Only aircraft with a Certificate of Airworthiness or clearance for aerobatic capability in their flight manual are permitted.
• Altitude Restrictions: Aerobatics below 3000 feet above ground level require prior authorization from CASA.
• Operations near Populous Areas: Written permission from CASA is mandatory for conducting aerobatic maneuvers over densely populated areas or public assemblies.

Reference

• CASA Guidelines – Australian Aerobatic Club

Light Signals Directed at an Aircraft

In circumstances where radio communication is compromised, Air Traffic Control (ATC) utilizes light signals to communicate with aircraft. Understanding these signals is crucial for maintaining safety and efficient operations.

Steady Light Signals

Steady Green Light

• On the Ground: Cleared for takeoff, pending the pilot’s confirmation of no collision risks.
• In Flight: Cleared to land, provided the pilot confirms no imminent collision hazards.

Steady Red Light

• On the Ground: Instruction to STOP immediately.
• In Flight: Instructs aircraft to give way and continue circling.

Flashing Light Signals

Green Flash

• On the Ground: Authorizes the aircraft to taxi. It also permits takeoff if no collision risk is perceived by the pilot.

Red Flash

• In Flight: Indicates the aerodrome is unsafe for landing; thus, the aircraft should not attempt to land.

Note on Gaps

Existing sources do not provide explicit meanings for ‘steady green and red’ signals or ‘green, red, and white flashes.’ For accurate interpretations and further details on these signals, consult CASA’s official publications or accredited resources as emphasized in CASR 91 MOS Table 2.04 (1).

Recommendations

• Verification: Always confirm signal interpretations with up-to-date official legislative documents.
• Consultation and Research: Refer to CASA’s publications for comprehensive insights on light signals not fully covered here.

Reference

• Light Gun Signals - FAA Safety.gov
• Light signals - VFRG

This structured approach should adequately prepare candidates for understanding and adhering to the necessary regulations and procedures concerning these operational situations.