SECTION III. FLIGHT RULES

(1) CTAF (Common Traffic Advisory Frequency)

Every Pilot or Student Pilot who operates an Aircraft within the Airspace of the State of San Andreas must utilize the CTAF frequency of 122.800 MHz  ((/ATC)). CTAF MUST be used for the following:
 

• Taxi, takeoff, or landing at any Airport, Airfield, or marked helipad.
• Prolonged operation of an Aircraft within a particular area, Airfield, Airport, or marked helipad.
• Communication with other Aircraft to avoid a mid-air collision.
• Communication with Air Traffic Control.

NOTE: A Pilot is not required to compulsively report their position if they are above 3,000 feet, although it is recommended. A Pilot is only required to report their position above 3,000 feet for the purpose of mid-air collision avoidance or if requested by an Air Traffic Controller. A Pilot must communicate their intentions over CTAF, for any purpose of Flight, when they are planning to descend below 3,000 feet. A Pilot must comply with all instructions given by an Air Traffic Controller. If A Pilot is unable to comply with an instruction given by an Air Traffic Controller, the Pilot must inform the controller over CTAF.

(2) MSA (Minimum Safe Altitude)

Every Pilot who operates an Aircraft or Ultralight Vehicle within the Airspace of the State of San Andreas must remain above all minimum safe altitudes. The applicable minimum safe altitudes are the following:
 

• 1,000 feet above densely populated areas (cities or towns).
• 500 feet above law enforcement, firefighting, or military Aircraft.
• 500 feet above any vessel.
• 500 feet above mountainous terrain.
• 500 feet above the highest obstacle along the route of Flight.

NOTE: When operating an Aircraft in any area not listed in this section, a Pilot must operate their Aircraft in a manner that if their engine(s) fail, an emergency landing can safely be made without creating a hazard to persons or property on the ground. A Pilot must not operate an Aircraft below any published minimum safe altitude unless it is for the purpose of takeoff or landing. A Pilot may descend their Aircraft below 500 feet over the oceans surrounding the State of San Andreas, but must also remain at least 500 feet away horizontally from the nearest obstacle, building, or structure. A Pilot must not operate an Aircraft less than 500 feet horizontally from a vessel unless it is for the purpose of takeoff or landing. Law enforcement, firefighting, and military Aircraft are exempt from MSA’s whilst performing their duties. Helicopters may land in open terrain such as mountain tops, local islands, and other non-densely populated areas. The Pilot or Student Pilot of a helicopter must ensure that landing in such an area will cause no damage to the surrounding area or pose risk to human life. Landing or taking off in these areas does not require communication over CTAF, however it is recommended.  

(3) TFR (Temporary Flight Restriction)

Every Pilot who operates an Aircraft or Ultralight Vehicle within the Airspace of the State of San Andreas must adhere to all Temporary Flight Restrictions. A Temporary Flight Restriction may be issued by an authorized government agency for the following:

• A natural disaster that endangers Aircraft (wildfire or volcanic eruption).
• Events such as large gatherings, protests, or ceremonies.
• VIP situations such as Presidential or dignitary movement.
• Emergency situations where government aircraft will be operating continuously.
• Criminal threats to any Airfield, Airport, building, or structure.

NOTE: Every Pilot, except those who are authorized and flying for an authorized government agency, must not operate an Aircraft within a Temporary Flight Restriction at any time. When a Temporary Flight Restriction is issued, it will be announced over CTAF. When a Temporary Flight Restriction is lifted, it will be announced over CTAF. Authorized government agencies may issue a Temporary Flight Restriction for a reason not listed in this section. 

(4) Interception

Every Pilot who operates an Aircraft or Ultralight Vehicle within the Airspace of the State of San Andreas is subject to interception by law enforcement. If a Pilot is believed to be committing a misdemeanor or felony, or is operating an Aircraft in a reckless manner that endangers human life or property, they have the potential of being intercepted. Should a Pilot or Aircraft be identified and hailed over CTAF by a law enforcement or military Aircraft, they must do the following: 

• Acknowledge and respond by stating their call sign and Flight intentions.
• Comply with orders given, which could be any of the following:
  • Leave a particular area in which the Pilot is operating an Aircraft.
  • Land at the nearest suitable Airport, Airfield, or helipad, as directed.
  • Present a Pilot License or Student Pilot Certificate if requested.
  • Comply with an investigation once safely at an Airport, Airfield, or helipad.

NOTE: Airborne law enforcement agencies and the military are required to identify themselves as law enforcement or military Aircraft. If a Pilot of an Aircraft is being intercepted and the intercepting Aircraft fails to identify themselves as law enforcement or military, the Pilot of the intercepted Aircraft is not required to comply. If a Pilot experiences an unidentified Aircraft trying to intercept them, contact law enforcement over CTAF or by dialing 911 when or if practical. Failure to comply with Section III Clause 4 subjects a Pilot or Student Pilot to civil penalties, imprisonment, loss of their Student Pilot License or Pilot License, and temporary seizure of the Aircraft(s) being intercepted.

(5) Collision Avoidance

Every Pilot who operates an Aircraft or Ultralight Vehicle within the Airspace of the State of San Andreas must avoid Flight (airborne) within close proximity of another Aircraft. Each Pilot of an Aircraft must maintain ½ mile in horizontal distance from other Aircraft, except for the following:

• Planned aerial demonstrations or formation flying between more than one Aircraft.
• Planned aerial photography between more than one Aircraft.
• News Aircraft operating in close proximity (altitude only) to law enforcement or fire department Aircraft.
• Mid-Air refueling operations between military Aircraft.
• Interception by a law enforcement Aircraft, as defined in Section III Clause 4.
• Law enforcement and fire department joint operations.

NOTE: A Pilot of an Aircraft must be in continuous communication with the Pilot(s) of another Aircraft if invoking any of the exemptions listed in this Section. A prior Flight briefing must be conducted on the ground before performing any aerial demonstrations, formation flying, or aerial photography. News Aircraft must announce their presence to law enforcement or fire department Aircraft if they intend on operating in their close proximity. For the purpose of safety, news or media agency Aircraft must remain well clear of law enforcement, firefighting, or military Aircraft. News or media agency Aircraft must remain at least 500 feet above law enforcement, firefighting, or military Aircraft at all times. 

(6) Reckless Operation of an Aircraft

Every Pilot who operates an Aircraft or Ultralight Vehicle within the Airspace of the State of San Andreas is expected to operate their aircraft safely in accordance with the State of San Andreas Aviation Code Any Pilot who partakes in Flight with an Aircraft must not do any of the following:

• Fly an Aircraft within close proximity to a building, structure, bridge, tunnel, municipality, or obstacle.
• Perform aerobatic maneuvers within close proximity to a building, structure, bridge, tunnel, municipality, or obstacle.
• Operate an Aircraft outside of its procedural and structural limitations.
• Taxi, takeoff, or land an Aircraft on an unsuitable surface, such a street, road, or highway.
• Operate an Aircraft in a manner that puts the Pilot, passengers, human life, Aircraft, or property in danger.
• Knowingly declare a fake Emergency and deviate from any Section of this Code. 

(7) Alcohol & Drug Use

Every Pilot who operates an Aircraft or Ultralight Vehicle within the Airspace of the State of San Andreas must not operate an Aircraft when under the influence of drugs, alcohol, or any medication that would prohibit the Pilot from operating an Aircraft safely. A Pilot may not operate an Aircraft if they are subject to the following:

• Have a blood alcohol content above 0.00.
• Have used any psychedelic or hallucinogenic drug(s).
• Have used any illegal drugs as defined by the San Andreas Penal Code.
• Have used any medication that impairs their ability to operate machinery.

(8) Aircraft Tail Number Markings

Every Aircraft or Ultralight Vehicle that operates within the Airspace of the State of San Andreas must have a registered and unique tail number. This tail number must be clearly affixed upon each Aircraft on both sides of the Aircraft’s tail. The requirements for tail numbers are as follows: 

• A tail number must be in the following format: N12345. Examples: N357CA, N879CB, N406MT, N313GH, etc.. 
• Tail numbers must be clearly identifiable with light paint or stickers.
• Tail numbers must not be obstructed by any adhesive or covering, such as tape or paint.

Air Ambulance Flights: Because of the priority afforded air ambulance flights in the ATC system, extreme discretion is necessary when using the term “MEDEVAC.” It is only intended for those missions of an urgent medical nature and to be utilized only for that portion of the flight requiring priority handling. It is important for ATC and other traffic to be aware of the flight's MEDEVAC status.
 
To receive priority status, the pilot must state "MEDEVAC" prior to the aircraft callsign.

NOTE: Commercial Air Carriers may utilize call signs in lieu of tail numbers. Commercial Air Carriers may use one word followed by two, three, or four numbers. The following are examples: Grizzly 406, Hang 10, Luxury 4256, Sandy 790, Beauty 14, Invader 467. 

(9) Carriage of Illegal Substances, Firearms or Explosives

Every Pilot who operates an Aircraft or Ultralight Vehicle within the Airspace of the State of San Andreas must not carry any illegal substances, firearms, or explosives, except for the following reasons:

• The Pilot or passengers are licensed by the State of San Andreas to carry or possess a firearm.
• The Pilot or passengers are law enforcement officers operating within the scope of their duties.
• The Aircraft is equipped for medical flights.
• The Aircraft is being operated by a branch of the military.
• The Aircraft is carrying supplemental crew and passenger oxygen, as prescribed by the Aircraft manufacturer.

NOTE: No Pilot or passenger can possess a medical oxygen bottle while operating within the Airspace of the State of San Andreas, excluding the exemptions within this Section. No Pilot or passenger may possess any corrosive or combustible materials on any Aircraft at any time. Commercial Air Carriers must not knowingly allow any passenger(s) to carry any illegal substance, firearm, or explosive on any Aircraft.  

(10) Skydiving

Every Pilot who operates an Aircraft or Ultralight Vehicle within the Airspace of the State of San Andreas must not conduct skydiving operations unless they abide by the following:
 

• The skydiving operation is conducted outside of city limits.
• The skydiving landing zone is a reasonable distance from the nearest building, structure, bridge, tunnel, municipality, or obstacle.
• The Pilot of the skydiving Aircraft announces that skydiving operations are about to commence within a particular area.
• The Pilot of the skydiving Aircraft announces when skydivers have vacated the aircraft.

NOTE: A Pilot of an Aircraft conducting skydiving operations must listen vigilantly to the CTAF frequency to ensure no other Aircraft are operating within their vicinity. The location at which skydivers vacate an Aircraft is the responsibility of the Pilot, and the Pilot may be held liable for damages, injury, or loss of life. Additionally, skydiving in and of itself is a personal risk that is assumed by the skydiver. Skydiving companies and their employees can only be held liable if they operate their Aircraft in a reckless manner or create an unsafe environment. 

(11) Commercial Air Carriers

Every Pilot or Aircraft that advertises the transport of passengers, cargo, or mail for hire or compensation must abide by the following:
 

• Every Aircraft must be equipped with seatbelts, life vests, emergency oxygen (if flying over 3,000 feet), fire extinguishers, safety information cards for the amount of passengers to be carried, a cockpit voice recorder, and a flight data recorder. 
• Every Flight conducted under Section III Clause 11 must retain a record of each passengers’ name for a maximum of 30 days.
• Every Pilot of an Aircraft operated under Section III Clause 11 must hold at the very least a Pilot License.
• Every Pilot of an Aircraft operated under Section III Clause 11 must have at the very least ten (10) hours logged as a Pilot.
• Every Commercial Air Carrier must have a location of business listed on a website, posting, or advertisement as well as a telephone number to contact the company.
• Must not knowingly allow any passenger(s) to carry any illegal substance, firearm, or explosive on any Aircraft as defined in Section III Clause 9. 

(12) Aircraft Rental

Every Pilot who rents an Aircraft or Ultralight Vehicle within the State of San Andreas must abide by the following: 
 

• Possess at the very least, for an Aircraft, a Student Pilot Certificate.
• Provide their Pilot License or Student Pilot Certification, full name, and telephone number to the rental company, if requested or required by the company.
• Be liable for any damage, injury, or loss of life while in possession of the rental Aircraft.
• Comply with all applicable Sections of the San Andreas Aviation Code.

NOTE: A Student Pilot may rent an Aircraft from a Aircraft Rental company. However, they must first be authorized to fly Solo by a Flight Instructor. A Student Pilot must only exercise the Flight privileges determined by their Flight Instructor. 

(13) Prohibited Areas

Every Pilot who operates an Aircraft or Ultralight Vehicle within the Airspace of the State of San Andreas must be familiar with and remain clear of all Prohibited Areas. The Prohibited Areas are the following:

• Twin Towers Correctional Facility
• Bolingbroke Penitentiary 
• Fort Zancudo
• Helipads at any police station or precinct 
• Helipads at any fire station or medical facility

and must not operate below the published minimum safe altitudes for populated areas in Section II. 202 in the following areas:

• Vespucci Canals waterways 
• Mirror Park Pond
   

NOTE: Landing at a police station, fire station, medical facility, or military area may only be allowed if prior permission is given by an authorized representative. Amphibious Aircraft must not make landfall on Vespucci Beach anywhere South of the Del Perro Pier. This includes the areas marked by buoys. For the purpose of safety, Amphibious Aircraft must not come within 500 feet horizontally of this particular area. 

(14) Airfield Vehicle Access & Trespassing

Every individual who operates a motor vehicle on any Airport or Airfield property within the State of San Andreas must abide by the following:
 

• Must possess a legitimate reason to enter, with or without a vehicle, an Airport or Airfield.
• Must be a Pilot, passenger, licensed Aircraft mechanic, Airport business employee, Airport business customer, licensed contractor, government official, state employee, or authorized individual by any thereof.
• At Los Santos International Airport: Vehicles must utilize marked vehicle service roads and must NOT cross any CMA (Controlled Movement Area), unless done by an authorized individual for the purpose of carrying out official duties, and must always be done while in contact with ATC or on CTAF frequency. All vehicles must travel at a reasonably safe speed while operating on vehicle service roads.
• At Sandy Shores Airfield: Vehicles must use dirt paths surrounding the Airfield and must give way to Aircraft at all times.
• At McKenzie Airfield: Vehicles may drive on the dirt strip, but must give way to Aircraft at all times.

NOTE: Any vehicle operating on or around any Airport or Airfield must yield to Aircraft at all times. The San Andreas Penal Code applies to all individuals, their vehicles, or vehicle operators while on Airport or Airfield properties.

(15) Ultralight Vehicles

Every individual who operates an Ultralight Vehicle within the State of San Andreas must abide by the following:
 

• Must not operate an Ultralight Vehicle within the city limits of Los Santos.
• Must not operate an Ultralight Vehicle near any Prohibited Areas listed in Section III Clause 13.
• Must not operate an Ultralight Vehicle over an altitude of 3,000 feet.
• Must have their Ultralight Vehicle equipped with a VHF radio capable of transmitting and receiving.

NOTE: Ultralight Vehicles are not required to communicate their Flight intentions unless it is for the purpose of traffic and collision avoidance. However, Ultralight Vehicle operators are required to announce a takeoff or landing from any documented Airport or Airfield. Individuals who operate Ultralight Vehicles are not required to have a Student Pilot License or Pilot License. Ultralight Vehicles are required to have a call sign and tail number as defined in Section III Clause 8. Ultralight Vehicle operators should try to avoid prolonged activity around Aircraft routes of Flight (e.g. Airport or Airfield departure or arrival corridors). 

(16) Emergencies

Every Pilot or Student Pilot who operates an Aircraft or Ultralight Vehicle within the Airspace of the State of San Andreas can be protected against violations of this Code by declaring an Emergency for situations similar to the following: 
 

• Declaring an Emergency for the purpose of landing due to a catastrophic mechanical failure of their Aircraft.
• Declaring an Emergency that results in a Pilot or Student Pilot deviating from any Section of this Code for the purpose of safety. 
• Declaring an Emergency for the purpose of a medical emergency for a Pilot, Student Pilot, or passenger(s).

NOTE: Declaring an Emergency could result in an investigation by the appropriate authority. A Pilot or Student Pilot should only declare an Emergency when they’ve determined that there is an active or impending risk to human life or property. If a Pilot or Student Pilot experiences a catastrophic mechanical failure of their Aircraft and are forced to land, they should pick out a suitable place for landing. They should attempt to land at the nearest suitable Airport or Airfield, but if this is not possible, they should try to land on an open, wide, and long surface. If this is not possible, they should make an effort to land in an area that will pose the least possible harm to human life or property (e.g. a highway, parking lot, a beach, desert, or even an open body of water.). A Pilot or Student Pilot must use extreme caution when landing on any surface other than an Airport or Airfield. Declaring a false Emergency is a violation of this Section and Section III Clause 6. 

(17) Civil Penalties, License Revocation, and Imprisonment

Every Pilot, Student Pilot, or individual who operates an Aircraft or Ultralight Vehicle within the Airspace of the State of San Andreas is required to comply with every Section of this Code. Should a Pilot, Student Pilot, or individual violate any Section of this Code. they will be subject to the following: 

• Civil penalties as described in their applicable Section(s).
• Pilot License or Student Pilot License suspension or revocation. 
• Imprisonment as described in their applicable Section(s). 
• Seizure of their Aircraft(s) or Ultralight Vehicle(s).

NOTE: Violating the San Andreas Aviation Code is a serious offense. The appropriate authority will investigate events of non-compliance and may motion for civil penalties, Pilot License or Student Pilot License revocation, imprisonment, or any reasonable combination thereof. If the appropriate authority deems it appropriate, they may file for criminal charges through the Judiciary of San Andreas, Criminal Division.