Afi 11-202 Vol 3 General Flight Rules

This person, regardless of rank, is responsible for, and is the final authority for the operation of the aircraft.

An ATC clearance is not authority to deviate from this instruction. A PIC may only deviate from this instruction, flight rule, or ATC clearance to protect life, for safety of flight, or when an in-flight emergency requires immediate action.

Potential hazards to aviation safety should be reported via the military

This is compulsory for aircrew members prior to performing any duties involving aircraft operations and is a minimum of 12 non-duty hours before the Flight Duty Period begins. This is free time and includes time for meals, transportation, and rest. This time must include an opportunity for at least 8 hours of uninterrupted sleep. This period cannot begin until after the completion of official duties.

This time begins when an aircrew member reports for a mission, briefing, or other official duty and ends at final engine shutdown after the final flight of the completed mission. For UAS aircrew member ends at final engine shutdown, final in-flight handover briefing, or final crew swap, whichever occurs last.

These duties are anticipated to exceed 2 hours, commanders should consider reducing the FDP to ensure the safe completion of those duties.

MAJCOMs establish these compensatory periods in keeping with mission requirements and risk management (RM).

56 flight hours per 7 consecutive days, 125 flight hours per 30 consecutive days, and 330 flight hours per 90 consecutive days.

72 hours after donating blood, plasma, or bone marrow

Within 12 hours after completion of a hypobaric (altitude) chamber

While self-medicating, except IAW the “Official Air Force Aerospace Medicine Approved Medications"

Anytime a physical or psychological condition is suspected or known

Within 24 hours of compressed gas diving

If any alcohol is consumed within 12 hours prior to takeoff

This rest may be implemented when the basic aircrew includes a second qualified pilot. All crewmembers must remain at their stations. This shall be limited to 45 minutes, taken by only one crewmember at a time, and must be restricted to non-critical phases of flight between cruise and one hour prior to planned descent.

Crewmembers that require corrective eyesight while performing aircrew duties must only use these. Crewmembers must also carry a spare set while performing aircrew duties

Crewmembers who desire to wear these must consult a flight surgeon, meet criteria, and follow guidelines outlined in AFI 48-123. While performing aircrew duty, comply with paragraph 2.9.1. (T-1).

MAJCOMs that permit aircrew to wear this protection will publish specific guidance on training and use prior to in-flight use. Aircrew will follow AFI 11-301, Volume, when potential laser hazards exists.

Crewmembers must undergo a MAJCOM-approved initial certification course IAW AFI 11-202, Volume 1, Aircrew Training, prior to their initial flight with NVDs (T-1).

Each crewmember must have an operable flashlight for night operations (T-2).

The PIC is responsible for ensuring the aircraft is not operated in a careless, reckless, or irresponsible manner that could endanger life or property.

Ensure personnel suspected to be under the influence of intoxicants or narcotics are not allowed to board a USAF aircraft except in an emergency or when authorized by command and control authority.

Using this in all forms, including electronic nicotine delivery systems, is prohibited on all aircraft (T-0).

The PIC will prohibit the use of these devices suspected of creating interference with systems on the aircraft (T-0).

The following may be used at any time or altitude: portable voice recorders, hearing aids, heart pacemakers, electric shavers, calculators, watches, or any other portable electronic device authorized by the MAJCOM.

MAJCOM/A3 may authorize use of PEDs at any altitude with transmitters ON or OFF. In the absence of MAJCOM guidance, the PIC may authorize use of PEDs at or above 10,000 ft. MSL. with transmitter OFF (e.g. Airplane Mode).

Pilot use of handheld photo or video recording devices is prohibited when that pilot is the only one with immediate access to the flight controls (T-2).

MAJCOMs may authorize electrical connection of PEDs to aircraft power, data, or antennae with aircraft Program Manager approval. MAJCOMs will provide any applicable restrictions.

Information displayed on PEDs used to facilitate operation of the aircraft (e.g. Tech Orders, takeoff and landing data (TOLD)) will only be used as approved IAW AFI 11-215, USAF Flight Manuals Program (FMP).

Obtain ____ from ATC before taxiing, taking a runway, takeoff or landing at an airport with an operating control tower (T-0). Precisely read back all taxi and hold short instructions (T-0). If a taxi route requires crossing any runway, hold short until obtaining specific clearance to cross each runway (T-0). Do not taxi across or onto the assigned runway without clearance from ATC (T-0).

Crewmembers must occupy their assigned duty stations from takeoff to landing unless absence is normal in the performance of crew duties or in connection with physiological needs (T-0). Pilots shall not leave their duty station unless another qualified pilot establishes control of the aircraft (T-0).

If a senior leader is occupying a pilot position when an aircraft emergency is experienced, a fully qualified pilot will replace the senior leader (time/circumstances permitting).

In the absence of MAJCOM guidance, aircrew of fixed-wing aircraft shall minimize non-essential cockpit conversations and other extraneous activities which could interfere with flight duties when below 10,000 ft. MSL, during critical phases of flight, and during all taxi operations.

Declare “minimum fuel” or “emergency fuel” to the appropriate controlling agency when the aircraft may land at the intended destination with less than the MDS-specific minimum or emergency fuel reserves.

Ensure sufficient oxygen for the planned mission is available to all occupants before takeoff (T-0). Normally, aircrew will use supplemental this any time the cabin altitude exceeds 10,000 ft. MSL.

When mission essential, aircrew trained IAW AFI 11- 403, Aerospace Physiological Training Program, may operate aircraft unpressurized up to Flight Level (FL) 250 IAW MAJCOM guidance and the following restrictions Without supplemental oxygen. Altitude is limited to 14,000 ft. MSL. Flight time between 10,000 and 12,500 ft. MSL is unrestricted, but shall not exceed 1 hour if any portion of the flight is conducted in IMC, at night (with or without NVDs), while employing weapons, conducting airdrop, air-refueling, or if performing high-g maneuvers. Flight time between 12,500 and 14,000 ft. MSL shall not exceed 30 minutes. If any occupant is not trained IAW AFI 11-403, altitude and flight time are limited to 13,000 ft. MSL and 3 hours. Supplemental oxygen must be used by all occupants between 14,000 ft. MSL and FL250. Do not exceed FL250 unless occupants are wearing functional pressure suits

Pilots flying will normally maintain a cabin altitude below 10,000 ft. and comply with the supplemental oxygen requirements

Initiate an immediate descent to the lowest practical altitude, preferably below 18,000 ft. MSL. Do not allow cabin altitude to remain above FL250 unless occupants are wearing functional pressure suits (T-1). If any occupant lacks functioning oxygen equipment, descend to an altitude of 13,000 ft. MSL or less (terrain or fuel requirements permitting)

If any occupant exhibits DCS symptoms, descend as soon as practical and land at the nearest suitable installation where medical assistance can be obtained (T-1). Individuals suspected of DCS shall be administered and remain on 100% oxygen (using tight-fitting mask or equivalent) until evaluated by an aviation medical authority (T-1). Decompression sickness may occur up to 12 hours after landing. Aircrew will not fly after a DCS event without specific authorization from a flight surgeon

If anyone on the aircraft experiences hypoxia symptoms, descend immediately to the lowest practical altitude and land at a suitable location to obtain medical assistance (T-1). Aircrew will not fly after a hypoxia event without specific authorization from a flight surgeon

Illuminate these lights (one per side minimum) between official sunset and sunrise

If equipped, these lights should be turned on when takeoff clearance is received, when commencing takeoff roll at an airport without an operating control tower, or when operating below 10,000 ft. MSL within normal MDS-specific operating procedures.

MAJCOMs may authorize reduced or lights-out operations in restricted areas, warning areas, host-nation approved areas, or designated airfields. Designated airfields shall be documented in a Letter of Agreement

Each pilot must take whatever action is necessary to avoid collision, regardless of who has the right-of-way. The yielding aircraft must not pass over, under, abeam, or ahead of the other aircraft until well clear.

Pilots under instrument flight rules (IFR) or visual flight rules (VFR), whether or not under radar control, are responsible for avoiding traffic, terrain/obstacles, and environmental hazards.

Do not allow the aircraft to be flown so close to another that it creates a collision hazard. Use 500 ft. of separation as an approximate guide except for: Authorized formation flights. Emergency situations requiring assistance from another aircraft

Aircraft equipped with this shall operate in the mode that provides both Traffic Alerts (TAs) and Resolution Advisories (RAs) unless otherwise dictated by the aircraft manual, formation flight requirements, MAJCOM guidance, mission requirements, or host-nation agreements.

Tactics which involve aerobatic type maneuvering must be performed in SUA, ATC-Assigned Airspace (ATCAA), military training routes (MTRs) or host-nation approved airspace IAW the guidelines in AFI 11-214, Air Operations Rules and Procedures (T-0).

On all departures to or from a foreign location, use extra vigilance when checking passenger manifest, cargo, and likely areas aboard the aircraft where drugs, contraband, stowaways, or other illegal substances may be concealed. Immediately report any suspected customs, agriculture, or immigration violations to the proper authorities

Flying unit commanders will ensure off-station training is planned to achieve valid training requirements, presents a positive view of the USAF, and does not create an appearance of government waste or abuse.

Reports apply to all takeoffs, landings, and approaches to the runway and take precedence over any other visibility report for that runway.

Operational commanders are responsible for providing their crews with access to appropriate aeronautical information and publications for flight (T-1).

Paper publications and documents are not required if replicated by electronic means and authorized by the MAJCOM. Formats which are rendered from a database or which do not maintain the original size, scale, format, or color may be authorized by the MAJCOM.

Ensure sufficient fuel is available onboard the aircraft to comply with the requirements of this instruction and safely conduct the flight (T-0). Use MAJCOM-approved fuel efficiency techniques and procedures to the maximum extent practical. Before takeoff or immediately after in-flight refueling, the aircraft must have enough usable fuel to complete the flight

In the absence of MDS-specific guidance, multi-engine aircraft without the availability to in-flight refuel, operated for extended periods over large bodies of water or desolate land areas (outside gliding distance to a suitable landing site) shall calculate and plot on a navigational chart an ETP to a suitable alternate for that mission leg. Contingency fuel requirements shall also be planned (i.e. engine-out depressurized flight from an ETP to a suitable landing site)

Do not takeoff with ice, snow, frost, or other contamination adhering to the wings, control surfaces, propellers, engine inlets, or other critical surfaces of the aircraft, unless authorized by the flight manual

Do not takeoff where thunderstorms or other hazardous conditions are producing hail, strong winds, gust fronts, heavy rain, lightning, wind shear, or microbursts

Do not turn after a takeoff until at least 400 ft. above the Departure End of the Runway (DER) elevation, at a safe airspeed, and past the end of the runway (if visible) unless specifically cleared by the controlling agency, required by a published procedure, or when executing a closed pattern

Ensure the aircraft can vertically clear applicable published low close-in obstacles along the planned ground track. Low close-in obstacles may be listed in the Obstacle Departure Procedures

Follow SID procedures as published (T-0). Comply with applicable notes, low close-in obstacles, and climb gradients on the SID (T-0). SIDs without a published climb gradient have been assessed at 200 ft/NM. If the SID does not have published low close-in obstacles but has an ODP

Operate over congested areas (e.g., cities, towns, settlements) or groups of people at an altitude which ensures at least 1,000 ft. above the highest obstacle within a 2,000-ft. radius (T-0)

Do not operate aircraft at or above Mach l except as specified in AFI 13-201. See same guidance if inadvertent flight occurs above Mach 1.

Operate no less than 2,000 ft. AGL (mission permitting) over: National Park Service monuments, seashores, lake shores, recreation and scenic riverways; US Fish and Wildlife Service refuges; and US Forest Service wilderness and primitive areas

Do not operate within this area unless the aircraft is: assisting efforts, specifically cleared by ATC, or flying to or from an airport in the area without hampering or endangering relief activities (T-0). Check NOTAMs for disaster areas.

Unless conducting rescue operations, do not operate within 50 NM of known or reported hazardous volcanic ash. MAJCOMs may issue guidance on operations including procedures for inadvertent ash encounters and avoidance criteria.

BWC MODERATE. Operational commanders will consider restricting formation departures, approaches, and pattern work. To increase the chances of seeing and avoiding birds, avoid hard turns or excessive climb angles. During BWC Phase II periods accomplish one approach to a full stop unless mission needs warrant additional approaches and sufficient fuel exists to divert if BWC changes to SEVERE. BWC SEVERE. Do not conduct flight operations except in an emergency

If unable to display proper altimeter setting (i.e. pressure is lower than 28 or higher than 31 inches of mercury), obtain operations group commander approval for sustained flight in IMC below FL180.

If suitably equipped, monitor at least one emergency frequency at all times as mission and operational conditions permit (T-1). Report distress or emergency locator transmitter (ELT) transmissions to ATC

When in FAA airspace, adhere to the weather minimums. When outside of FAA airspace, comply with guidance in FLIP, FCG, or the ICAO VFR weather minimums

Retractable gear aircraft will report gear down status to ATC or runway supervisory unit after extending the landing gear. This report shall be made during any approach prior to crossing the runway threshold

A basic aircrew supplemented by additional aircrew members to permit in-flight rest. If the basic aircrew requires only one pilot and a second qualified pilot (includes pilots enrolled in an AETC formal aircrew training course) is designated an aircrew member to augment pilot duties, the crew can be considered augmented.

In the absence of MAJCOM guidance, this term should include: terminal area operations including taxi, takeoff and landing, low-level flight, air refueling, airdrop, weapons employment, flight using NVDs, tactical/air combat and formation operations (other than cruise), and all portions of any test or functional check flight or any aerial demonstration

A specified altitude during a precision approach at which a decision must be made to either continue the approach if the pilot acquires the required visual references, or immediately executes a missed approach.

The greatest horizontal visibility observed throughout at least half of the horizon circle. It need not be continuous throughout 180 consecutive degrees.

Any display or suite of displays and instruments used to present the basic flight information needed for immediate control of the aircraft.