# Rules of the Air: PIC Responsibility, Preflight Duties, and Collision Avoidance

> Study core rules of the air, including pilot-in-command authority, required preflight preparation, territorial applicability, and collision avoidance duties.

- **Subject:** 010 — Air Law
- **Section:** 010-05 — Rules of the Air According to ICAO Annex 2 and SERA
- **Topic code:** 010-05-02
- **Last reviewed:** 2026-03-27
- **Author:** Pablo Asensio Martínez
- **HTML version:** https://pilotsyllabus.com/en/air-law/rules-of-the-air-according-to-icao-annex-2-and-sera/rules-of-the-air/

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The Rules of the Air establish the fundamental standards for the safe operation of aircraft.

## Responsibility of Pilot-in-Command (PIC)
The PIC is responsible for the operation of the aircraft in accordance with the rules of the air. However, the PIC may **depart from these rules** in circumstances that render such departure **absolutely necessary in the interests of safety** (**SERA.2010**).

The PIC has **final authority** as to the disposition of the aircraft while in command.

## Pre-flight Action
Before beginning a flight, the PIC shall become familiar with all available information appropriate to the intended operation. For flights away from the vicinity of an aerodrome and for **all IFR flights**, required information includes:
1.  A careful study of available **current weather reports and forecasts**.
2.  Consideration of **fuel requirements**.
3.  An **alternative course of action** if the flight cannot be completed as planned.

## Safety and Collision Avoidance
Nothing in the rules relieves the PIC of the responsibility to take action to avoid collisions, including maneuvers based on ACAS/TCAS resolution advisories. Vigilance shall be maintained on board the aircraft **regardless of the type of flight or class of airspace**.

## Territorial Application
The rules of the air apply to aircraft bearing the nationality and registration marks of a Contracting State, wherever they may be, to the extent that they do not conflict with the rules of the State overflown.
*   If an aircraft registered in Europe flies over the USA, the rules of the USA apply.
*   If it flies over the high seas, the rules of ICAO Annex 2 apply.

## Psychoactive Substances
No person whose function is critical to the safety of aviation (safety-sensitive personnel) shall undertake that function while under the influence of any psychoactive substance, by reason of which human performance is impaired (alcohol, opioids, sedatives, etc.).

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