AIR NAVIGATION _gS.L.232.05 1
SUBSIDIARY LEGISLATION 232.05
AIR NAVIGATION ORDER
1st November, 1990;
1st May, 1991
LEGAL NOTICE 176 of 1990, as amended by Legal Notices 57 of 1991,
34 of 1992, 202 of 1998, 52 of 2001, 339 of 2002, 130 of 2003 and 124 of
2004.
PART I
Preliminary
Title.
Interpretation.
Amended by:
L.N. 57 of 1991;
L.N. 34 of 1992;
L.N. 202 of 1998;
L.N. 52 of 2001;
L.N. 339 of 2002.
Cap. 232.
2. (1) In this Order, unless the context otherwise requires:
"the Act" means the Civil Aviation Act;
"aerial work" means any purpose, other than public transport, for
which an aircraft is flown if payment or reward is given or
promised in respect of the flight or the purpose of the flight;
"aerial work aircraft" means an aircraft, other than a public
transport aircraft, flying, or intended by the operator to fly, for the
purpose of aerial work;
"aerial work undertaking" means an undertaking whose business
includes the performance of aerial work;
"aerobatic manoeuvres" includes loops, spins. rolls, bunts, stall
turns, inverted flying and any other similar manoeuvre;
"aerodrome" means any area of land or water designed,
equipped, set apart or commonly used for affording facilities for
the landing and departure of aircraft and includes any area or space,
whether on the ground, on the roof of a building or elsewhere,
which is designed, equipped or set apart for affording facilities for
the landing and departure of aircraft capable of descending or
climbing vertically, but shall not include any area the use of which
for affording facilities for the land and departure of aircraft has
been abandoned and has not been resumed;
"aerodrome operating minima" in relation to the operation of an
aircraft at an aerodrome means the cloud ceiling and runway visual
range for take-off and the decision height, runway visual range and
visual reference for landing, specified by the operator in, or
ascertainable by reference to, the operations manual as being the
minima for the operation of that aircraft at that aerodrome;
"aerodrome traffic zone" means -
(a) in relation to an aerodrome other than one which is an
offshore installation, the airspace extending from the
surface to a height of 2,000 feet above the level of the
aerodrome and within the distance of 1½ nautical
miles of its boundary;
2 _gS.L.232.05 AIR NAVIGATION
(b) in relation to an aerodrome which is an offshore
installation, the airspace extending from mean sea
level to 2,000 feet above mean sea level and within 1½
nautical miles of the offshore installation except any
part of that airspace which is within the aerodrome
traffic zone of another aerodrome which is notified for
the purposes of this Order as being the controlling
aerodrome;
"aeronautical ground light" means any light established for the
purpose of aiding air navigation, other than a light displayed on an
aircraft;
"aeronautical radio station" means a radio station on the surface,
which transmits or receives signals for the purpose of assisting
aircraft;
"air traffic unit" means a person appointed by the Director or by
any other person maintaining an aerodrome or place to give
instructions or advice or both instructions and advice by means of
radio or visual signals to aircraft in the interests of safety but does
not include apron management service provided by an apron
management unit, and "air traffic control service" shall be
construed accordingly;
"air transport undertaking" means an undertaking whose business
includes the carriage by air of passengers or cargo for payment or
reward;
"approach to landing" means that portion of the flight of the
aircraft in which it is descending below a height of 1,000 feet above
the decision height of the relevant minimum for landing;
"appropriate aeronautical radio station" means, in relation to an
aircraft, an aeronautical radio station serving the area in which the
aircraft is for the time being;
"appropriate air traffic control unit" means, in relation to an
aircraft, the air traffic control unit serving the area in which the
aircraft is for the time being;
"apron management unit" means a person appointed by the
Director or by any other person maintaining an aerodrome or place
to give instructions relating to aircraft operations on the apron, or
advice or both instructions and advice, by means of radio or visual
signals to aircraft in the interests of safety, and "apron management
service" shall be construed accordingly;
"cargo" includes mail and animals;
"certificate of airworthiness" includes any validation thereof and
any flight manual, performance schedule or other document,
whatever its title, incorporated by reference in that certificate
relating to the certificate of airworthiness;
"Class A airspace", "Class B airspace", "Class C airspace",
"Class D airspace", "Class E airspace", "Class F airspace" and
"Class G airspace" mean airspace respectively notified as such;
"cloud ceiling" in relation to an aerodrome means the vertical
distance from the elevation of the aerodrome to the lowest part of
AIR NAVIGATION _gS.L.232.05 3
any cloud visible from the aerodrome which is sufficient to obscure
more than one-half of the sky so visible;
"commander" in relation to an aircraft means the member of the
flight crew designated as commander of that aircraft by the
operator thereof, or, failing such a person, the person who is for the
time being the pilot in command of the aircraft;
"competent authority" means, in relation to Malta, the Director
of Civil Aviation, and in relation to any other country the authority
responsible under the law of that country for promoting the safety
of civil aviation;
"congested area" in relation to a city, town or settlement, means
any area which is substantially used for residential, industrial,
commercial or recreational purposes;
"Contracting State" means any State, including Malta, which is a
party to the Convention on International Civil Aviation signed at
Chicago on the 7th December, 1944;
"controlled airspace" means airspace which has been notified as
Class A, Class B, Class C, Class D or Class E airspace;
"control area" means controlled airspace which has been further
notified as a control area and which extends upwards from a
notified altitude or flight level;
"control zone" means controlled airspace which has been further
notified as a control zone and which extends upwards from the
surface;
"co-pilot" in relation to an aircraft means a pilot who, in
performing his duties as such, is subject to the direction of another
pilot carried in the aircraft;
"crew" has the meaning assigned to it by subarticle (3);
"decision height" in relation to the operation of an aircraft at an
aerodrome means the minimum height specified by the operator in,
or ascertainable by reference to the operations manual as being, the
minimum height to which an approach to landing can safely be
made by that aircraft at that aerodrome without visual reference to
the ground;
"Director" means the Director of Civil Aviation and, to the
extent of the authority given, any person authorised in that behalf
by the Director;
"flight" and "to fly" have the meaning respectively assigned to
them by subarticle (2);
"flight crew" in relation to an aircraft means those members of
the crew of the aircraft who respectively undertake to act as pilot,
flight navigator, flight engineer and flight radio operator of the
aircraft;
"flight level" means one of a series of levels of equal
atmospheric pressure, separated by notified intervals and each
expressed as the number of hundreds of feet which would be
indicated at that level on a pressure altimeter calibrated in
accordance with the International Standard Atmosphere and set to
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1013.2 hectopascals;
"flight recording system" means a system comprising either a
flight data recorder or cockpit voice recorder or both;
"flight simulator" means apparatus by means of which flight
conditions in an aircraft are simulated on the ground;
"flight visibility" means the visibility forward from the flight
deck of an aircraft in flight;
"instrument flight rules" means Instrument Flight Rules
contained in the Rules of the Air and Air Traffic Control;
"instrument meteorological conditions" means weather
precluding flight in compliance with the Visual Flight Rules;
"JAA" or "Joint Aviation Authorities" means the associated body
of the European Civil Aviation Conference constituted by a number
of European States to develop and implement common safety
regulatory standards and procedures, and who have signed the
document entitled "Arrangements concerning the Development, the
Acceptance and the Implementation of Joint Aviation
Requirements (JAR)" concluded in Cyprus on l l September, 1990;
S.L. 232.07
"JAR" means the technical requirements and procedures in the
field of civil aviation safety published by the JAA and applicable in
Malta under the Civil Aviation (Joint Aviation Requirements)
Order, as amended;
"to land" in relation to aircraft includes alighting on the water;
"licence" includes any certificate of competency or certificate of
validity issued with the licence or required to be held in connection
with the licence by the law of the country in which the licence is
granted;
"licence for public use" has the meaning assigned to it by article
71(2);
"licensed aerodrome" means an aerodrome licensed under this
Order;
"life-jacket" includes any device designed to support a person
individually in or on the water;
"log book" in the case of an aircraft log book, engine log book or
variable pitch propeller log book, or personal flying log book.
includes a record kept either in a book, or by another means
approved by the Director in the particular case;
"maximum total weight authorised" in relation to an aircraft
means the maximum total weight of the aircraft and its contents at
which the aircraft may take off anywhere in the world, in the most
favourable circumstances in accordance with the certificate of
airworthiness in force in respect of the aircraft;
"military aircraft" includes the naval, military or air force
aircraft of any country and any aircraft in respect of which there is
in force a certificate issued by the Minister that the aircraft is to be
treated, for the purpose of this Order, as a military aircraft;
"Minister" means the Minister responsible for civil aviation and,
AIR NAVIGATION _gS.L.232.05 5
to the extent of the authority given, any person authorised in that
behalf by such Minister;
"nautical mile" means the International Nautical Mile, that is to
say, a distance of 1,852 metres;
"navigation services" includes information, directions and other
facilities furnished, issued or provided in connection with the
navigation and movement of aircraft and includes the control of
movement of vehicles in any part of an aerodrome used for the
movement of aircraft;
"night" means the time between half an hour after sunset and half
an hour before sunrise, sunset and sunrise being determined at
surface level;
"notified" means shown in any of the following publications
issued in Malta whether before or after the coming into operation of
this Order, that is to say, "notams (notices to airmen)",
"Information Circulars", or such other official publication issued
for the purpose of enabling any of the provisions of this Order to be
complied with;
"operator" has the same meaning assigned to it by subarticle (4);
"parascending parachute" means a parachute which is towed by
cable in such a manner as to cause it to ascend;
"pilot in command" in relation to an aircraft means a person who
for the time being is in charge of the piloting of the aircraft without
being under the direction of any other pilot in the aircraft;
"pressurised aircraft" means an aircraft provided with means of
maintaining in any compartment a pressure greater than that of the
surrounding atmosphere;
"public transport" has the same meaning assigned to it by
subarticle (5);
"public transport aircraft" means an aircraft flying or intended by
the operator of the aircraft to fly, for the purpose of public
transport;
"record" includes in addition to a record in writing -
(a) any disc, tape, sound-track or other device in which
sounds or signals are embodied so as to be capable
(with or without the aid of some other instruments) of
being reproduced therefrom;
(b) any film tape or other device in which visual images
are embodied so as to be capable (as aforesaid) of
being reproduced therefrom; and
(c) any photograph,
and any reference to a copy of a record includes, in the case of a
record falling within paragraph (a) only of this definition, a
transcript of the sound or signals embodied therein, in the case of a
record falling within paragraph (b) only of this definition, a still
reproduction of the images embodied therein, and in the case of a
record falling within both these paragraphs, such a transcript
together with such a still reproduction;
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"replacement" in relation to any part of an aircraft for its
equipment includes the removal and replacement of that part
whether or not by the same part, and whether or not any work is
done on it, but does not include the removal and replacement of a
part which is designed to be removable solely for the purpose of
enabling another part to be inspected, repaired, removed or
replaced or cargo to be loaded;
"Rules of the Air and Air Traffic Control" means the Rules
contained in the Thirteenth Schedule;
"runway visual range" in relation to a runway or landing strip
means the maximum distance in the direction of take-off or
landing, as the case may be, at which the runway or landing strip or
the markers or lights delineating it can be seen from a point five
metres above its centre line; and in the case of an aerodrome in
Malta the distance, if any, communicated to the commander of the
aircraft by or on behalf of the person in charge of the aerodrome as
being the runway visual range shall be taken to be the runway
visual range for the time being;
"scheduled journey" means one of a series of journeys which are
undertaken between the same two places and which together
amount to a systematic service;
"seaplane" shall be construed as including a flying boat and any
other aircraft designed to be used on the water;
"State aircraft" means aircraft used in the military, customs or
police services of State;
"special Visual Flight Rules flight" means a flight which is a
special VFR flight for the purposes of Rules of the Air and Air
Traffic Control;
"Visual Flight Rules" means Visual Flight Rules contained in the
Rules of the Air and Air Traffic Control;
"visual meteorological conditions" means weather permitting
flight in accordance with the Visual Flight Rules.
(2) An aircraft shall be deemed to be in flight -
(a) in the case of a piloted flying machine, from the
moment when after the embarkation of its crew for the
purpose of taking off, it first moves under its own
power, until the moment when it next comes to rest
after landing;
(b) in the case of a pilotless flying machine, or a glider,
from the moment when it first moves for the purpose
of taking off until the moment when it comes to rest
after landing;
(c) in the case of an airship or free balloon, from the
moment when it first becomes detached from the
surface until the moment when it next becomes
attached thereto or comes to rest thereon;
and the expressions "flight" and "to fly" shall be construed
accordingly.
AIR NAVIGATION _gS.L.232.05 7
(3) Every person employed or engaged in an aircraft in flight
on the business of the aircraft shall be deemed to be a member of
the crew thereof.
(4) References in this Order to the operator of an aircraft are,
for the purposes of the application of any provision of this Order in
relation to any particular aircraft, references to the person who at
the relevant time has the management of that aircraft:
Provided that for the purpose of the application of any
provision in Part IV of this Order, when by virtue of any lease or
other agreement for the hire or loan of an aircraft a person other
than an air transport undertaking or an aerial work undertaking has
the management of that aircraft for a period not exceeding fourteen
days, the foregoing provisions of this subarticle shall have effect as
if that agreement had not been entered into.
(5) (a) Subject to the provisions of this subarticle, an aircraft
in flight shall for the purposes of this Order be deemed
to fly for the purpose of public transport -
(i) if payment or reward is given or promised for
the carriage of passengers or cargo on that
flight; or
(ii) if any passengers or cargo are carried
gratuitously in the aircraft on that flight by an air
transport undertaking, not being persons in the
employment of the undertaking (including in the
case of a body corporate its directors), or
persons authorised by the Director to make an
inspection or witness any training practice or
test for any of the purposes of this Order, or
cargo intended to be used by any such
passengers as aforesaid. or by the undertaking;
or
(iii) for the purposes of Part IV of this Order, if
payment or reward is given or promised for the
right to fly the aircraft on that flight otherwise
than under a hire purchase agreement or similar
agreement; and the expression "public transport
of passengers" shall be construed accordingly:
Provided that, notwithstanding that an
aircraft may be flying for the purpose of public
transport by reason of subparagraph (a)(iii), it
shall not be deemed to be flying for the purpose
of the public transport of passengers unless
payment or reward is given for the carriage of
those passengers:
Provided further that an aircraft in flight shall not be
deemed to fly for the purpose of public transport if the
direct costs of the flight are shared proportionately
between the persons on board the aircraft and no more
than four persons (including the pilot) are carried on
such flight, no person acting as a pilot on such a flight
shall be employed as a pilot by or be a party to a
8 _gS.L.232.05 AIR NAVIGATION
contract for the provision of services as a pilot with the
operator of the aircraft being flown on the flight, and
no information concerning the flight shall have been
published or advertised prior to the commencement of
the flight. For this purpose "direct costs" means, in
respect of a flight, the costs actually and necessarily
incurred in connection with that flight without a view
to profit but excluding any remuneration payable to the
pilot for his services as such.
(b) Where under a transaction effected by or on behalf of a
member of an association of persons on the one hand
and the association of persons or any member thereof
on the other hand, a person is carried in, or is given the
right to fly, an aircraft in such circumstances that
payment or reward would be given or promised if the
transaction were effected otherwise than aforesaid,
payment or reward shall, for the purposes of this
Order, be deemed to have been given or promised,
notwithstanding any rule of law as to such
transactions.
(6) The expressions appearing in the Table of General
Classification of Aircraft set forth in Part A of the First Schedule
shall have the meanings thereby assigned to them.
PART II
Registration and Marking of Aircraft
Aircraft to be 
registered.
3. (1) Subject to the provisions of subregulation (2), an
aircraft shall not fly over Malta unless it is registered in -
(a) a Contracting State; or
(b) some other country in relation to which there is in
force an agreement between the Government of Malta
and the Government of that country which makes
provision for the flight over Malta of aircraft
registered in that country:
Provided that:
(i) any aircraft may fly unregistered on any flight
which -
(a) begins and ends in Malta without passing
over any other country, and
(b) is in accordance with the "B Conditions"
set forth in the Second Schedule;
(ii) this paragraph shall not apply to any kite or
captive balloon.
(2) If an aircraft flies over Malta in contravention of subarticle
(1) in such a manner or circumstances that if the aircraft had been
registered in Malta an offence against this Order or any regulations
made thereunder would have been committed, the like offence shall
be deemed to have been committed in respect of that aircraft.
AIR NAVIGATION _gS.L.232.05 9
Registration of 
aircraft in Malta.
Amended by:
L.N. 52 of 2001.
4. (1) The Minister shall be the authority for the registration
of aircraft in Malta and shall cause such registration to be recorded
in a register to be kept by the Director.
(2) Subject to the provisions of this article, an aircraft shall not
be registered or continue to be registered in Malta if it appears to
the Minister that -
(a) the aircraft is registered outside Malta and that such
registration does not cease, by operation of law, upon
the aircraft being registered in Malta; or
(b) an unqualified person holds any interest by way of
ownership in the aircraft or any share therein; or
(c) the aircraft could more suitably be registered
elsewhere; or
(d) it would be inexpedient in the public interest for the
aircraft to be or to continue to be registered in Malta.
(3) The following persons and no others shall be qualified to
hold any interest by way of ownership in an aircraft registered in
Malta or a share therein:
(a) the Government of Malta;
(b) a Maltese citizen who is habitually resident in Malta;
(c) a body corporate established by or under the laws of
Malta, having its principal place of business in Malta
and in which:
(i) the Government of Malta directly or indirectly
holds any shares, or
(ii) not less than two thirds of its share holding is
owned directly or indirectly by Maltese citizens
who are habitually resident in Malta and not less
than two thirds of its directors are Maltese
citizens who are habitually resident in Malta:
Provided that paragraph (c)(ii) does not
apply to a body corporate whose sole business is
that of leasing aircraft;
Cap. 217.
Cap. 330.
(d) in the case of aircraft to be used for the purpose other
than public transport or aerial work, persons in favour
of whom a permit of residence has been issued in
accordance with the provisions contained in article 7
of the Immigration Act, and any body corporate
established by or under the laws of Malta and having
its principal place of business in Malta or a body
corporate established under Part II of the Malta
Financial Services Authority Act and having a place of
business in Malta.
(4) If an aircraft is chartered under a lease agreement to a
person qualified as aforesaid the Minister may, whether or not an
unqualified person holds any interest therein by way of ownership,
register the aircraft in Malta in the name of the charterer upon
being satisfied that the aircraft may otherwise be properly so
registered, and subject to the provisions of this Article the aircraft
10 _gS.L.232.05 AIR NAVIGATION
may remain so registered for the duration of the charter.
(5) Application for the registration of an aircraft shall be made
in writing to the Director, and shall include or be accompanied by
such particulars and evidence relating to the aircraft and the
ownership and chartering thereof as he may require to enable him
to determine whether the aircraft may properly be registered and to
issue the certificate referred to in subarticle (7). In particular, the
application shall include the proper description of the aircraft
according to column 4 of the Table of General Classification of
Aircraft set forth in Part A of the First Schedule.
(6) Upon receiving an application for the registration of an
aircraft and after being satisfied that the aircraft may be so
registered, the Minister shall register the aircraft. wherever it may
be, and shall include in the register referred to in subarticle (1) the
following particulars:
(a) the number of the certificate;
(b) the nationality mark of the aircraft, and the registration
mark assigned to it by the Director;
(c) the name of the constructor of the aircraft and its
designation;
(d) the serial number of the aircraft;
(e) the name and address of every person who holds any
interest by way of ownership in the aircraft or a share
therein, or, in the case of an aircraft which is the
subject of a charter under a lease agreement, the name
and address of the charterer under such a lease
agreement and in the case of aircraft registered in
pursuance of subarticle (4), an indication that it is so
registered.
(7) The Minister shall furnish to the person in whose name the
aircraft is registered (hereinafter in this article referred to as the
"registered owner") a certificate of registration which shall include
the foregoing particulars and the date of issue of such certificate.
(8) Subject to subarticle (4), if at any time after an aircraft has
been registered in Malta an unqualified person becomes entitled to
hold any interest by way of ownership in the aircraft or a share
therein, the registration of the aircraft shall thereupon become void
and the certificate of registration shall forthwith be returned by the
registered owner to the Minister.
(9) Any person who is the registered owner of an aircraft
registered in Malta shall forthwith inform the Minister in writing
of -
(a) any change in the particulars which were furnished to
the Minister upon application being made for the
registration of the aircraft;
(b) the destruction of the aircraft, or its permanent
withdrawal from use;
(c) in the case of an aircraft registered in pursuance of
subarticle (4), the termination of the charter under a
AIR NAVIGATION _gS.L.232.05 11
lease agreement.
(10) Any person who becomes the owner of an aircraft
registered in Malta shall forthwith inform the Minister in writing to
that effect.
(11) The Minister may, whenever it appears to him necessary or
appropriate to do so for giving effect to this Part of this Order or
for bringing up to date or otherwise correcting the particulars
entered on the register, amend the register or, if he deems fit, may
cancel the registration of the aircraft, and shall cancel such
registration if he is satisfied that there has been a change in the
ownership of the aircraft.
(12) In this Article references to any interest in an aircraft do
not include any references to an interest in an aircraft to which a
person is entitled only by virtue of his membership of a flying club
and the references in subarticle (11) to the registered owner of an
aircraft includes in the case of a deceased person, his heirs at law,
and in the case of a body corporate which has been dissolved, its
liquidator or, until a liquidator is appointed, each of the directors at
the time of the dissolution.
(13) Nothing in this article shall require the Minister to cancel
the registration of an aircraft if in his opinion it would be
inexpedient in the public interest to do so.
(14) The registration of an aircraft which is the subject of an
undischarged mortgage shall not become void by virtue of
subarticle (8), nor shall the Minister cancel the registration of such
an aircraft pursuant to this article unless all mortgages of that
aircraft have consented to the cancellation. 
Nationality and 
registration marks.
5. (1) An aircraft, other than an aircraft permitted by or under
this Order to fly without being registered, shall not fly unless it
bears painted thereon or affixed thereto, in the manner required by
the law of the country in which it is registered, the nationality and
registration marks required by that law.
(2) The marks to be borne by aircraft registered in Malta shall
comply with Part B of the First Schedule.
(3) An aircraft shall not bear any marks which purport to
indicate -
(a) that the aircraft is registered in a country in which it is
not in fact registered; or
(b) that the aircraft is a State aircraft of a particular
country if it is not in fact such an aircraft, unless the
appropriate authority of that country has sanctioned
the bearing of such marks.
PART III
Fees
Fees to be charged.
Amended by:
L.N. 124 of 2004.
6. There shall be charged for the issue, validation, licence or
other document, including the issue of a copy thereof, or the
undergoing of any examination, test, inspection or investigation or
12 _gS.L.232.05 AIR NAVIGATION
the grant of any permission or approval, required by, or for any of
the purposes of this Order, the fees established in Parts I to III of
the Sixteenth Schedule.
PART IV
Airworthiness and Equipment of Aircraft
Certificate of 
airworthiness to be 
in force.
Amended by:
L.N. 57 of 1991;
L.N. 339 of 2002.
7. (1) An aircraft shall not fly unless there is in force in
respect thereof a certificate of airworthiness duly issued or
rendered valid under the law of the country in which the aircraft is
registered, and any conditions subject to which the certificate was
issued or rendered valid are complied with:
Provided that the foregoing prohibition shall not apply to
flights beginning and ending in Malta, without passing over any
other country, of -
(a) a balloon, if it is not being used for the public transport
of passengers;
(b)a kite;
(c) an aircraft flying in accordance with the "A
Conditions" or the "B Conditions" set forth in the
Second Schedule;
(d) an aircraft flying in accordance with the conditions of
a permit to fly issued by the Director in respect of that
aircraft:
Provided further that the foregoing prohibition shall not
apply to the flight of a Maltese registered aircraft for which a
specific authorisation has been granted by the Director.
(2) In the case of an aircraft registered in Malta the certificate
of airworthiness referred to in subarticle (1) shall be a certificate
issued or rendered valid in accordance with the provisions of article
8.
Issue, renewal, 
etc., of certificates 
of airworthiness.
8. (1) The Director may issue in respect of any aircraft a
certificate of airworthiness if he is satisfied that the aircraft is fit to
fly having regard to:
(a) the design, construction, workmanship and materials
of the aircraft (including in particular any engines
fitted therein), and any equipment carried in the
aircraft which he considers necessary for the
airworthiness of the aircraft; and
(b) the results of flying trials and such other tests of the
aircraft as he may require.
(2) Every certificate of airworthiness shall specify such
categories as are, in the opinion of the Director, appropriate to the
aircraft in accordance with the Third Schedule and the certificate
shall be issued subject to the condition that the aircraft shall be
flown, only for the purposes indicated in the said Schedule in
relation to those categories.
(3) The Director may issue the certificate of airworthiness
subject to such other conditions relating to the airworthiness of the
AIR NAVIGATION _gS.L.232.05 13
aircraft as he thinks fit.
(4) The Director may, subject to such conditions as he deems
fit, issue a certificate of validation rendering valid for the purposes
of this Order a certificate of airworthiness issued in respect of any
aircraft under the law of any country other than Malta.
(5) Subject to the provisions of this article and of article 60, a
certificate of airworthiness or validation issued under this article
shall remain in force for such period as may be specified therein
and may be renewed from time to time by the Director for such
further period as he deems fit.
(6) A certificate of airworthiness or a certificate of validation
issued in respect of an aircraft shall cease to be in force -
(a) if the aircraft, or such of its equipment as is necessary
for the airworthiness of the aircraft, is overhauled,
repaired or modified, or if any part of the aircraft or of
such equipment is removed or is replaced, otherwise
than in a manner and with material of a type approved
by the Director either generally or in relation to class
of aircraft or to the particular aircraft; or
(b) until the completion of any inspection of the aircraft or
of any such equipment as aforesaid, being an
inspection made for the purpose of ascertaining
whether the aircraft remains airworthy and -
(i) classified as mandatory by the Director; or
(ii) required by a maintenance schedule approved by
the Director in relation to that aircraft; or
(c) until the completion to the satisfaction of the Director
of any modification of the aircraft or of any such
equipment aforesaid, being a modification required by
the Director for the purpose of ensuring that the
aircraft remains airworthy.
(7) Without prejudice to any other provision of this Order, the
Director may, for the purpose of this article accept reports
furnished to him by a person whom he may approve, either
absolutely or subject to such conditions as he deems fit, as
qualified to furnish such reports.
Certificate of 
maintenance 
review and 
technical log.
Amended by:
L.N. 57 of 1991;
L.N. 202 of 1998;
L.N. 339 of 2002;
L.N. 130 of 2003.
9. (1) An aircraft registered in Malta in respect of which a
certificate of airworthiness in any category except the special
category is in force shall not fly unless -
(a) the aircraft, including in particular its engines,
together with its equipment and radio station is
maintained in accordance with a maintenance schedule
approved by the Director in relation to that aircraft;
(b) there is in force a certificate, in this Order referred to
as a "certificate of maintenance review", issued in
respect of the aircraft in accordance with the
provisions of this article and such certificate shall
certify the dates on which the maintenance review was
carried out and the date thereafter when the next
14 _gS.L.232.05 AIR NAVIGATION
review is due:
Provided that such a certificate is not required
where an aircraft is being operated to the requirements
of JAR OPS 1 or JAR OPS 3.
(2) The approved maintenance schedule referred to in
subarticle (1) shall specify the occasions on which a review must be
carried out for the purpose of issuing a certificate of maintenance
review.
(3) A certificate of maintenance review may be issued for the
purpose of this article only by:
(a) the holder of an aircraft maintenance engineer’s
licence -
(i) granted under this Order being a licence which
entitles him to issue that certificate, or
(ii) granted under the law of a country other than
Malta and rendered valid under this Order in
accordance with the privileges endorsed on the
licence, or
(iii) granted under the law of any such country as
may be prescribed in accordance with the
privileges endorsed on the licence and subject to
any conditions which may be prescribed; or
(b) the holder of an appropriate and valid JAR 66 Aircraft
Maintenance Licence suitably authorised under an
approved JAR 145 Approved Maintenance
Organisation Certifying Staff Procedure;
(c) a person whom the Director has authorised to issue a
certificate of maintenance review in a particular case,
and in accordance with that authority; or
(d) a person approved by the Director as being competent
to issue such certificates, and in accordance with that
approval:
Provided that in approving a maintenance schedule, the
Director may direct that certificates of maintenance review relating
to that schedule, or to any part thereof specified in his direction,
may be issued only by the holder of such a licence as is so
specified.
(4) A person referred to in subarticle (3) shall not issue a
certificate of maintenance review unless he has first verified that -
(a) maintenance has been carried out on the aircraft with
the maintenance schedule approved for that aircraft;
and
(b) inspections and modifications required by the Director
as provided in article 8 have been completed as
certified in the relevant certificate of release to service
issued in accordance with article 10; and
(c) defects entered in the technical log of the aircraft in
accordance with subarticles (7) to (10) have been
AIR NAVIGATION _gS.L.232.05 15
rectified or the rectification thereof has been deferred
in accordance with procedures approved by Director;
and
(d) certificates of release to service have been issued in
accordance with article 10,
and for this purpose the operator of the aircraft shall make available
to that person such information as is necessary.
(5) A certificate of maintenance review shall be issued in
duplicate. One copy of the most recently issued certificate shall be
carried in the aircraft when article 57 so requires, and the other
shall be kept by the operator elsewhere than in the aircraft.
(6) Subject to the provisions of article 59, each certificate of
maintenance review shall be preserved by the operator of the
aircraft for a period of two years after it has been issued.
(7) A technical log shall be kept in respect of an aircraft
registered in Malta being an aircraft in respect of which a
certificate of airworthiness in either the transport or in the aerial
work category is in force.
(8) At the end of every flight by an aircraft to which the
provisions of this Article apply the commander of the aircraft shall
enter -
(a) the times when the aircraft took off and landed; and
(b) particulars of any defect which is known to him and
which affects the airworthiness or safe operation of the
aircraft, or if no such defect is known to him, an entry
to that effect; and
(c) such other particulars in respect of the airworthiness or
operation of the aircraft as the Director may require,
in a technical log, or, in the case of an aircraft of which the
maximum total weight authorised does not exceed 2730kg, in such
other record as the Director shall approve and he shall sign and date
such entries:
Provided that in the case of a number of consecutive flights
each of which begins and ends -
(a) within the same period of twenty-four hours; and
(b) at the same aerodrome, except where each such flight
is for the purpose of dropping or projecting any
material for agriculture, public health or similar
purposes; and
(c) with the same person as commander of the aircraft,
the commander of an aircraft may, except where he becomes aware
of a defect during an earlier flight, make the entries as aforesaid in
a technical log at the end of the last of such consecutive flights.
(9) Upon the rectification of any defect which has been entered
in a technical log in accordance with subarticle (8) a person issuing
a certificate of release to service required by article 10 in respect of
that defect shall enter the certificate in the technical log in such a
16 _gS.L.232.05 AIR NAVIGATION
position as to be readily indefinable with the defect to which it
relates.
(10) The technical log referred to in this article shall be carried
in the aircraft when article 57 so requires and copies of the entries
referred to in this article shall be kept on the ground:
Provided that, in the case of an aeroplane of which the
maximum total weight authorised does not exceed 2,730kg., or a
helicopter, if it is not reasonably practicable for the copy of the
technical log to be kept on the ground it may be carried in the
aeroplane or helicopter, as the case may be, in a box approved by
the Director for that purpose.
(11) Subject to the provisions of article 59, a technical log or
such other approved record required by this Article shall be
presumed by the operator of the aircraft to which it relates until a
date two years after the aircraft has been destroyed or has been
permanently withdrawn from use, or for such shorter period as the
Director may permit in a particular case.
Inspection, 
overhaul, repair, 
replacement and 
modification.
Amended by:
L.N. 202 of 1998;
L.N. 130 of 2003.
10. (1) Except as provided in subarticle (2), an aircraft
registered in Malta, being an aircraft in respect of which a
certificate of airworthiness issued or rendered valid under this
order is in force, shall not fly unless there is in force a certificate of
release to service issued in accordance with this article if the
aircraft or any part of the aircraft or such of its equipment as is
necessary for the airworthiness of the aircraft has been overhauled,
repaired, replaced, modified, maintained, or has been inspected as
provided in article 8(6)(b), as the case may be:
Provided that if a repair or replacement of a part of an
aircraft or its equipment is carried out when the aircraft is at such a
place that it is not reasonably practicable -
(a) for the repair or replacement to be carried out in such a
manner that a certificate of release to service can be
issued under this article in respect thereof; or
(b) for such certificate to be issued while the aircraft is at
that place,
it may fly to a place at which such a certificate can be issued, being
the nearest place -
(i) to which the aircraft can, in the reasonable
opinion of the commander thereof, safely fly by
a route for which it is properly equipped; and
(ii) to which it is reasonable to fly having regard to
any hazards to the liberty or health of any person
on board,
and in such case the commander of the aircraft shall cause written
particulars of the flight, and the reasons for making it, to be given
to the Director within ten days thereafter.
(2) Nothing in subarticle (1) shall require a certificate of
release to service to be in force in respect of an aircraft of which
the maximum total weight authorised does not exceed 2,730 kg.,
and in respect of which a certificate of airworthiness of the special
AIR NAVIGATION _gS.L.232.05 17
category is in force, unless the Director gives a direction to the
contrary in a particular case. 
(3) Nothing in subarticle (1) shall prevent an aircraft in respect
of which there is in force a certificate of airworthiness in the
private or special categories and whose maximum total weight
authorised does not exceed 2,730 kg., from flying if the only
repairs or replacements in respect of which a certificate of release
to service is not in force are of such a description as are prescribed
in paragraph 6 of the Fourteenth Schedule and have been carried
out personally by the owner or operator of the aircraft, being the
holder of a pilot’s licence granted or rendered valid under this
Order. In that event the owner or operator, as the case may be, of
the aircraft, shall keep in the aircraft log book kept in respect of the
aircraft pursuant to article 14 a record which identifies the repair or
replacement and shall sign and date the entries and, subject to the
provisions of article 59, shall preserve the log book for the period
specified in article 14. Any equipment or parts used in carrying out
such repairs or replacements shall be of a type approved by the
Director whether generally or in relation to a class of aircraft or one
particular aircraft.
(4) Neither -
(a) equipment provided in compliance with the Fifth
Schedule, except paragraph (4) thereof; nor
(b) radio apparatus provided for use in an aircraft or in
any survival craft carried in an aircraft, whether or not
such apparatus is provided in compliance with this
Order or any regulations made thereunder,
shall be installed or placed on board for use in an aircraft registered
in Malta after being overhauled, repaired, modified or inspected,
unless there is in force in respect thereof at the time when it is
installed or placed on board a certificate of release to service issued
in accordance with this article.
(5) A certificate of release to service shall -
(a) certify that the aircraft or any part thereof or its
equipment has been overhauled, repaired, replaced,
modified or maintained, as the case may be, in a
manner and with material of a type approved by the
Director either generally or in relation to a class of
aircraft of the particular aircraft and shall identify the
overhaul, repair, replacement, modification or
maintenance to which the certificate relates and shall
include particulars of the work done;
(b) certify in relation to any inspection required by the
Director that the aircraft or the part thereof or its
equipment, as the case may be, has been inspected in
accordance with the requirements of the Director and
that any consequential repair, replacement or
modification has been carried out as aforesaid.
(6) A certificate of release to service may be issued for the
purpose of this article only by -
18 _gS.L.232.05 AIR NAVIGATION
(a) the holder of -
(i) an appropriate and valid JAR 66 Aircraft
Maintenance Licence authorised under an
approved JAR 145 Approved Maintenance
Organisation Certifying Staff Procedure;
(ii) an appropriate and valid JAR 66 Aircraft
Maintenance Licence that permits the issue of
such certificates in accordance with the JAR 66
requirements;
(iii) an aircraft maintenance licence granted under
the law of a country other than Malta and
rendered valid under this Order, in accordance
with the privileges endorsed on the licence, or
(iv) an aircraft maintenance licence granted under
the law of any such country as may be
prescribed in accordance with the privileges
endorsed on the licence and subject to any
conditions which may be prescribed; or
(b) the holder of an aircraft maintenance engineer’s
licence or authorisation as such an engineer granted or
issued by or under the law of any Contracting State
other than Malta in which the overhaul, repair,
replacement, modification or inspection has been
carried out, but only in respect of aircraft of which the
maximum total weight authorised does not exceed
2,730 kg., and in accordance with the privileges
endorsed on the licence; or
(c) a person approved by the Director as being competent
to issue such certification, and in accordance with that
approval; or
(d) a person whom the Director has authorised to issue the
certificate in a particular case, and in accordance with
that authority; or
(e) in relation only to the adjustment and compensation of
direct reading magnetic compasses, the holder of an
Airline Transport Pilot’s Licence (Aeroplanes), or a
Flight Navigator’s Licence granted or rendered valid
under this Order.
(7) Subject to the provisions of article 59, a certificate of
release to service shall be preserved by the operator of the aircraft
to whom it relates for the period of time for which he is required to
preserve the log book relating to the same part of the aircraft or to
the same equipment or apparatus as the case may be.
(8) In this article, the expression "repair" includes, in relation
to a compass, the adjustment and compensation thereof and the
expression "repaired" shall be construed accordingly.
AIR NAVIGATION _gS.L.232.05 19
Licensing of 
maintenance 
engineers.
Amended by:
L.N. 57 of 1991.
Substituted by:
L.N. 130 of 2003.
11. (1) The Director may grant JAR 66 Aircraft Maintenance
Licences, subject to such conditions as specified within the JAR 66
requirement, upon his being satisfied that the applicant is a fit
person to hold the licence and has furnished such evidence and
passed such examinations and tests as the Director may require of
him for the purpose of establishing that he has sufficient
knowledge, experience, competence and ability.
(2) The continuity of each granted JAR 66 Aircraft
Maintenance Licence shall, subject to the provisions of article 59,
remain in force for the period specified therein, and may be
renewed by the Director from time to time upon his being satisfied
that the applicant is a fit person, and satisfies the applicable JAR 66
Certifying Staff Maintenance Requirements.
(3) The Director may issue a certificate rendering valid for the
purpose of this Order any licence as an aircraft maintenance
engineer, aircraft maintenance licence or aircraft radio maintenance
engineer granted under the law of any country other than Malta.
Such certificate may be issued subject to such conditions, and for
such period, as the Director thinks fit.
(4) Upon receiving a licence granted under this article, the
holder shall forthwith sign his name thereon in ink with his
ordinary signature.
Equipment of 
aircraft.
Amended by:
L.N. 57 of 1991;
L.N. 202 of 1998.
12. (1) An aircraft shall not fly unless it is so equipped as to
comply with the law of the country in which it is registered, and to
enable lights and markings to be displayed, and signals to be made,
in accordance with this Order.
(2) In the case of aircraft registered in Malta, the equipment
required to be provided, in addition to any other equipment
required by or under this Order, shall be that specified in such parts
of the Fifth Schedule as are applicable in the circumstances and
shall comply with the provisions of that Schedule. The equipment
except that specified in paragraph (4) of the said Schedule, shall be
of a type approved by the Director either generally or in relation to
a class of aircraft or in relation to that aircraft and shall be installed
in a manner as approved.
(3) In any particular case the Director may direct that an
aircraft registered in Malta shall carry such additional or special
equipment or supply as he may specify for the purpose of
facilitating the navigation of the aircraft, the carrying out of search
and rescue operations, or the survival of the persons carried in the
aircraft.
(4) The equipment carried in compliance with this article shall
be so installed or stowed and kept stowed, and so maintained and
adjusted, as to be readily accessible and capable of being used by
the person for whose use it is intended.
(5) The position of equipment provided for emergency use
shall be indicated by clear markings in or on the aircraft. In
particular in every public transport aircraft registered in Malta
there shall be -
(a) provided individually for each passenger; or
20 _gS.L.232.05 AIR NAVIGATION
(b) if the Director so permits in writing, exhibited in a
prominent position in every passenger compartment,
a notice relevant to the aircraft in question containing pictorial -
(i) instructions on the brace position to be adopted
in the event of an emergency landing;
(ii) instructions on the method of use of the safety
belts and safety harnesses as appropriate;
(iii) information as to where emergency exits are to
be found and instructions as to how they are to
be used;
(iv) information as to where the life-jackets, escape
slides, life rafts and oxygen masks, if required to
be provided by subarticle (2) are to be found and
instructions as to how they are to be used.
(6) All equipment installed or carried in an aircraft, whether or
not in compliance with this article, shall be so installed or stowed
and kept stowed and so maintained and adjusted as not to be a
source of danger in itself or to impair the airworthiness of the
aircraft or the proper functioning of any equipment or services
necessary for the safety of the aircraft.
(7) Without prejudice to subarticle (2), all navigational
equipment, other than radio apparatus, of any of the following
types, namely -
(a) equipment capable of establishing the aircraft’s
position in relation to its position at some earlier time
by computing and applying the resultant of the
acceleration and gravitational forces acting upon it;
and
(b) equipment capable of establishing automatically the
altitude and relative bearing of selected celestial
bodies,
when carried in an aircraft registered in Malta, whether or not in
compliance with this Order or any regulations made thereunder,
shall be of a type approved by the Director either generally or in
relation to a class of aircraft or in relation to that aircraft and shall
be installed in a manner so approved.
(8) This article shall not apply in relation to radio apparatus
except that specified in the Fifth Schedule. 
Radio equipment 
of aircraft.
Amended by:
L.N. 202 of 1998.
13. (1) An aircraft shall not fly unless it is so equipped with
radio and radio navigation equipment as to comply with the law of
the country in which the aircraft is registered and to enable
communications to be made and the aircraft to be navigated, in
accordance with the provisions of this Order.
(2) Without prejudice to subarticle (1), the aircraft shall be
equipped with radio and radio navigation equipment in accordance
with the Sixth Schedule unless the aircraft is being operated for
public transport, in which case it has to comply with the radio and
radio navigation equipment requirements set out in JAR OPS 1 and
JAR OPS 3.
AIR NAVIGATION _gS.L.232.05 21
(3) In any particular case the Director may direct that an
aircraft registered in Malta shall carry such additional or special
radio or radio navigation equipment as he may specify for the
purpose of facilitating the navigation of the aircraft, the carrying
out of search and rescue operations or the survival of the persons
carried in the aircraft.
(4) Subject to such exceptions as may be prescribed, the radio
and radio navigation equipment provided in compliance with this
article in an aircraft registered in Malta shall always be maintained
in serviceable condition.
(5) All radio and radio navigation equipment installed in an
aircraft registered in Malta or carried on such an aircraft for use in
connection with the aircraft, whether or not in compliance with this
Order, shall be of a type approved by the Director in relation to the
purpose for which it is to be used, and shall be installed in a manner
approved by the Director. Neither the equipment nor the manner in
which it is installed shall be modified except with the approval of
the Director.
Aircraft, engine 
and propeller log 
books.
14. (1) In addition to any other log books required by or under
this Order, the following log books shall be kept in respect of
aircraft registered in Malta -
(a) an aircraft log book; and
(b) a separate log book in respect of each engine fitted in
the aircraft; and
(c) a separate log book in respect of each variable pitch
propeller fitted to the aircraft.
The log books shall include the particulars respectively
specified in the Seventh Schedule.
(2) (a) Each entry in the log book, other than such an entry as
is referred to in sub-paragraphs 2(d)(ii) or 3(d)(ii) of
the Seventh Schedule shall be made as soon as is
practicable after the occurrence to which it relates, but
in no event more than seven days after the expiration
of the certificate of maintenance, if any, in force in
respect of the aircraft at the time of the occurrence.
(b) Each entry in the log book, being such an entry as is
referred to in sub-paragraph 2(d)(ii) or 3(d)(ii) of the
Seventh Schedule shall be made upon each occasion
that any maintenance, overhaul, repair, replacement,
modification or inspection is undertaken on the engine
or propeller as the case may be.
(3) Entries in a log book may refer to other documents, which
shall be clearly identified, and any other document so referred to
shall be deemed, for the purposes of this Order, to be part of the log
book.
(4) It shall be the duty of the operator of every aircraft in
respect of which log books are required to be kept as aforesaid to
keep them or cause them to be kept in accordance with the
foregoing provisions of this article.
22 _gS.L.232.05 AIR NAVIGATION
(5) Subject to the provisions of article 59, every log book shall
be preserved by the operator of the aircraft until a date two years
after the aircraft, the engine or the variable pitch propeller, as the
case may be, has been destroyed or has been permanently
withdrawn from use.
Aircraft weight 
schedule.
15. (1) Every flying machine and glider in respect of which a
certificate of airworthiness issued or rendered valid under this
Order is in force shall be weighed, and the position of its centre of
gravity determined, at such times and in such manner as the
Director may require or approve in the case of that aircraft.
(2) Upon the aircraft being weighed as aforesaid the operator
of the aircraft shall prepare a weight schedule showing -
(a) either the basic weight of the aircraft, that is to say, the
weight of the aircraft empty together with the weight
of unusable fuel and unusable oil in the aircraft and of
such items of equipment as are indicated in the weight
schedule, or such other weight as may be approved by
the Director in the case of that aircraft; and
(b) either the position of the centre of gravity of the
aircraft when the aircraft contains only the items
included in the basic weight or such other position of
the centre of gravity as may be approved by the
Director in the case of that aircraft.
(3) Subject to the provisions of article 59, the weight schedule
shall be preserved by the operator of the aircraft until the expiration
of a period of six months following the next occasion on which the
aircraft is weighed for the purposes of this article.
Access and 
inspection for 
airworthiness 
purposes.
16. The Director may cause such inspections, investigations,
tests, experiments and flight trials to be made as he deems
necessary for the purpose of this Part of this Order and any person
authorised to do so in writing by the Director may at any reasonable
time inspect any part of, or material intended to be incorporated in
or used in the manufacture of any part of, an aircraft or its
equipment or any documents relating thereto and may for that
purpose go upon any aerodrome or enter any aircraft factory.
PART V
Aircraft Crew and Licensing
Composition of 
crew of aircraft.
17. (1) An aircraft shall not fly unless it carries a flight crew
of the number and description required by the law of the country in
which it is registered. 
(2) An aircraft registered in Malta shall carry a flight crew
adequate in number and description to ensure the safety of the
aircraft and of at least the number and description specified in the
certificate of airworthiness issued or rendered valid under this
Order or, if no certificate of airworthiness is required under this
Order to be in force, the certificate of airworthiness, if any, last in
force under this Order, in respect of that aircraft.
(3) A flying machine registered in Malta and flying for the
AIR NAVIGATION _gS.L.232.05 23
purpose of public transport, having a maximum total weight
authorised exceeding 5,700 kg., shall carry not less than two pilots
as members of the flight crew thereof.
(4) An aircraft registered in Malta engaged on a flight for the
purpose of public transport shall carry a flight navigator as a
member of the flight crew in addition to any other person who is
carried in accordance with this article to perform other duties if on
the route or any diversion therefrom, being a route or diversion
planned before take-off, the aircraft is intended to be more than 500
nautical miles from the point of take-off measured along the route
to be flown, and to pass over part of an area specified in the
Fifteenth Schedule:
Provided that the navigator need not be carried if
navigational equipment approved by the Director and used in
accordance with any conditions subject to which that approval may
have been given is installed on board the aircraft.
(5) An aircraft registered in Malta which is required by the
provisions of article 13 to be equipped with radio communication
apparatus shall carry a flight radio operator as a member of the
flight crew. Where however radiotelegraphy apparatus is required
to be operated a flight radio operator shall be carried specifically
for this purpose in addition to any other person who is carried in
accordance with this article to perform other duties.
(6) If it appears to him to be expedient to do so in the interests
of safety, the Director may direct any particular operator that the
aircraft operated by him or any such aircraft shall not fly in such
circumstances as the Director may specify unless that aircraft
carries in addition to the flight crew required to be carried therein
by the foregoing provisions of this article such additional persons
as members of the flight in the direction.
(7) (a) When an aircraft registered in Malta carries twenty or
more passengers on a flight for the purposes of public
transport, the crew of the aircraft shall include cabin
attendants carried for the purposes of performing in the
interests of safety of passengers duties to be assigned
by the operator or the person in command of the
aircraft, but who shall not act as members of the flight
crew.
(b) The Director may give a direction to the operator of
any aircraft registered in Malta requiring him to
include among the crew thereof whenever the aircraft
is flying for the purpose of public transport at least one
cabin attendant. notwithstanding that the aircraft may
be carrying fewer than twenty passengers.
(c) In the case of an aircraft with total seating capacity of
not more than two hundred, the number of cabin
attendants carried on such a flight as is mentioned in
paragraph (a) shall be not less than one cabin attendant
for every fifty, or fraction of fifty, passengers carried.
(d) In the case of an aircraft with a total seating capacity
of more than two hundred, the number of cabin
24 _gS.L.232.05 AIR NAVIGATION
attendants carried on such a flight as aforesaid, shall be
not less than half the number of main exits in the
aircraft, and in addition, when more than two hundred
passengers are carried, one additional cabin attendant
for every twenty-five, or fraction of twenty-five, of
such passengers:
Provided that, if the number of cabin attendants,
calculated in accordance with this paragraph, exceeds
the number of main exits in the aircraft, it shall be
sufficient compliance with this article if the number of
cabin attendants carried is equal to the number of main
exits in the aircraft.
(e) For the purposes of this article a main exit means an
exit in the side of the aircraft at floor level intended for
the disembarkation of passengers whether normally or
in an emergency.
Members of flight - 
requirement of 
licences.
Amended by:
L.N. 57 of 1991;
L.N. 339 of 2002.
18. (1) Subject to the provisions of this article, a person shall
not act as a member of the flight crew of an aircraft registered in
Malta unless he is the holder of an appropriate licence granted or
rendered valid under this Order:
Provided that a person may within Malta without being the
holder of such a licence -
(a) act as a flight radiotelephony operator if -
(i) he does so as the pilot of a glider not flying for
the purpose of public transport or aerial work, or
as a person being trained in an aircraft registered
in Malta to perform duties as a member of the
flight crew of an aircraft; and
(ii) he is authorised to operate the radiotelephony
station by the holder of the licence granted in
respect of that station under any enactment; and
(iii) messages are transmitted only for the purposes
of instruction, or of the safety or navigation of
the aircraft; and
(iv) messages are transmitted only on frequency
exceeding 60 MHz assigned by the Director for
use on flight on which a flight radiotelephony
operator acts in one of the capacities specified in
sub-paragraph (i); and
(v) the transmitter is pre-set to one or more of the
frequencies so assigned and cannot be adjusted
in flight to any other frequency; and
(vi) the operation of the transmitter required the use
only of external switches; and
(vii) the stability of the frequency radiated is
maintained automatically by the transmitter;
(b) subject to the provisions of article 19(7), act as pilot in
command of an aircraft for the purpose of becoming
qualified for the grant or renewal of a pilot’s licence or
the inclusion or variation of any rating in a pilot’s
AIR NAVIGATION _gS.L.232.05 25
licence if -
(i) he is at least seventeen years of age; and
(ii) he is the holder of a valid medical certificate to
the effect that he is fit so to act, issued by a
person approved by the Director; and
(iii) he complies with any conditions subject to
which that medical certificate was issued; and
(iv) no other person is carried in the aircraft; and
(v) the aircraft is not flying for the purpose of public
transport or aerial work other than aerial work
which consists of the giving of instruction in
flying; and
(vi) he so acts in accordance with instructions given
by a person holding a pilot’s licence granted or
rendered valid under this Order being a licence
which includes a flying instructor’s rating
entitling him to give instructions in flying the
type of aircraft being flown.
(2) Subject to the foregoing provisions of this article, a person
shall not act as a member of the flight crew required by or under
this Order to be carried in an aircraft registered in a country other
than Malta unless -
(a) in the case of an aircraft flying for the purpose of
public transport or aerial work he is the holder of an
appropriate licence granted or rendered valid under the
law of the country in which the aircraft is registered;
or
(b) in the case of any other aircraft, he is the holder of an
appropriate licence granted or rendered valid under the
law of the country in which the aircraft is registered or
under this Order, and the Director does not in the
particular case give a direction to the contrary.
(3) For the purposes of this article:
(a) a licence granted under the law of a Contracting State
other than Malta (but which is not a JAA licence)
purporting to authorise the holder thereof to act as a
member of the flight crew of an aircraft, not being a
licence purporting to authorise him to act as a student
pilot only, shall, unless the Director in the particular
case gives a direction to the contrary, be deemed to be
a licence rendered valid under this Order but does not
entitle the holder: 
(i) to act as a member of the flight crew of any
aircraft for the purpose of public transport or
aerial work or on any flight in respect of which
he receives remuneration for his services as a
member of the flight crew; or 
(ii) in the case of a pilot’s licence, to act as pilot of
any aircraft flying in circumstances requiring
compliance with Instrument Flight Rules or at
26 _gS.L.232.05 AIR NAVIGATION
night or to give any instruction in flying; 
(b) a JAR FCL licence issued by a JAA member State in
accordance with the requirements of JAR FCL shall,
unless the Director either generally or in the particular
case gives a direction to the contrary, be deemed to be
a licence rendered valid under this Order.
(4) Notwithstanding the provisions of subarticle (1), a person
may, unless the certificate of airworthiness in force in respect of
the aircraft otherwise requires, act as pilot of an aircraft registered
in Malta for the purpose of undergoing training or tests for the
grant or renewal of a pilot’s licence or for the inclusion, renewal or
extension of a rating therein without being the holder of an
appropriate licence, if the following conditions are complied with:
(a) no other person shall be carried in the aircraft or in an
aircraft being towed thereby except a person carried as
a member of the flight crew in compliance with this
Order, a person authorised by the Director to witness
the aforesaid training or tests or to conduct the
aforesaid tests, or, if the pilot in command of the
aircraft is the holder of an appropriate licence, a
person carried for the purpose of being trained or
treated as a member of the flight crew or an aircraft;
and
(b) the person acting as the pilot of the aircraft without
being the holder of an appropriate licence holds a
pilot’s, a flight navigator’s or a flight engineer’s
licence granted under article 19 and the purpose of the
training or test is to enable him to qualify under this
Order for the grant of a pilot’s licence or for the
inclusion of an additional type in the aircraft rating in
his licence and he acts under the supervision of a
person who is the holder of an appropriate licence.
(5) Notwithstanding the provisions of subarticle (1), a person
may act as a member of the flight crew, otherwise than as a pilot, of
an aircraft registered in Malta for the purpose of undergoing
training or tests for the grant or renewal of a flight navigator’s or a
flight engineer’s licence or for the inclusion, renewal or extension
of a rating thereon, without being the holder of an appropriate
licence if he acts under the supervision and in the presence of
another person who is the holder of the type of licence or rating for
which the person undergoing the training or tests is being trained or
tested.
(6) An "appropriate licence" for the purpose of this article
means a licence which entitles the holder to perform the functions
which he undertakes in relation to the aircraft concerned and the
flight on which it is engaged.
(7) This article shall not require a licence to be held by a
person by reason of his acting as a member of the flight crew of a
glider unless -
(a) he acts as a flight radio operator; or
AIR NAVIGATION _gS.L.232.05 27
(b) the flight is for the purpose of public transport or
aerial work, other than aerial work which consists of
the giving of instruction in flying in a glider owned
and operated by a flying club of which the person
giving and the person receiving instruction are both
members.
(8) Notwithstanding anything in this article -
(a) the holder of a licence granted or rendered valid under
this Order, being a licence endorsed to the effect that
the holder does not satisfy in full the relevant
international standard, shall not act as a member of the
flight crew of an aircraft registered in Malta in or over
the territory of a Contracting State other than Malta
except in accordance with permission granted by the
competent authorities of the State;
(b) the holder of a licence granted or rendered valid under
the law of a Contracting State other than Malta, being
a licence endorsed as aforesaid shall not act as a
member of the flight crew of any aircraft on or over
Malta except in accordance with permission granted
by the Director, whether or not the licence is or is
deemed to be rendered valid under this Order.
Grant. renewal and 
effect of flight 
crew licences.
Amended by:
L.N. 57 of 1991;
L.N. 34 of 1992;
L.N. 339 of 2002.
19. (1)(a)The Director may grant licences, subject to such
conditions as he deems fit, of any of the classes
specified in Part A of the Eighth Schedule authorising
the holder to act as a member of the flight crew of an
aircraft registered in Malta, upon his being satisfied
that the applicant is a fit person to hold the licence, and
is qualified by reason of his age, knowledge,
experience, competence, skill, physical and mental
fitness to act in the capacity to which the licence
relates, and for that purpose the applicant shall furnish
such evidence and undergo such examinations and
tests, including in particular medical examinations, as
the Director may require of him.
(b) A licence granted under this article shall not be valid
unless it bears thereon the ordinary signature of the
holder in ink.
(c) A licence shall, subject to the provisions of article 60,
remain in force for the periods indicated in the licence,
not exceeding those respectively specified in the said
Eighth Schedule, and its period of validity may be
renewed by the Director from time to time upon his
being satisfied that the applicant is a fit person and
qualified as aforesaid.
(2) The Director may include in a licence a rating, subject to
such conditions as he deems fit, of any of the classes specified in
Part B of the said Schedule, upon his being satisfied that the
applicant is qualified as aforesaid to act in the capacity to which the
rating relates, and such rating shall be deemed to form part of the
licence.
28 _gS.L.232.05 AIR NAVIGATION
(3) Subject to any conditions of the licence and the provisions
of this Order, a licence of any class shall entitle the holder thereof
to perform the functions specified in respect of that licence in Part
A of the said Schedule under the heading "privileges", and a rating
of any class shall entitle the holder of the licence in which such
rating is included to perform the functions specified in respect of
that rating in Part B of the said Schedule.
(4) The holder of a pilot’s licence shall not be entitled to
exercise the privileges of an aircraft rating contained therein unless
his licence includes a valid rating, renewed or revalidated in
accordance with the requirements of JAR FCL 1 or JAR FCL 2.
(5) The holder of a flight engineer’s licence shall not be
entitled to exercise the privileges of an aircraft rating contained
therein unless his licence bears a valid certificate of test issued
under Part C of the Eighth Schedule to this Order.
(6) A person, who on the last occasion when he took a test for
the purposes of subarticles (4) and (5), failed that test shall not be
entitled to fly in the capacity for which that test would have
qualified him had he passed it.
(7) (a) The holder of a licence, other than a flight
radiotelephony operator’s licence, granted under this
article shall not be entitled to perform any of the
functions to which his licence relates unless it includes
a valid medical certificate.
(b) A medical examination required under subarticle (1)
shall be performed by a qualified person approved by
the Director either generally or in a particular case who
shall make a report to the Director and may issue a
medical certificate subject to such conditions which he
may deem fit to the effect that he has assessed the
holder of the licence as fit to perform the functions to
which the licence relates.
(c) The medical certificate shall, without prejudice to
subarticle (7), be valid for such periods as therein
specified.
(8) (a) A person shall not be entitled to act as member of the
flight crew of an aircraft registered in Malta if he
knows or has reason to believe that his physical or
mental condition renders him temporarily or
permanently unfit to perform such functions or to act
in such capacity.
(b) Every holder of a medical certificate issued under
article 18 or 19 who -
(i) suffers any personal injury involving incapacity
to undertake his functions as a member of the
flight crew; or
(ii) suffers any illness involving incapacity to
undertake those functions throughout a period of
twenty days or more; or
(iii) in the case of a woman, has reason to believe
AIR NAVIGATION _gS.L.232.05 29
that she is pregnant,
shall inform the Director in writing of such injury,
illness or pregnancy, as soon as possible in the case of
injury or pregnancy, and as soon as the period of
twenty days has elapsed in the case of illness. The
medical certificate shall be deemed to be suspended
upon the occurrence of such injury or the confirmation
of the pregnancy or the elapse of such period of illness,
and such suspension shall cease in the case of injury or
illness upon the holder being medically examined
under arrangements made by the Director and
pronounced fit to resume his functions as a member of
the flight crew or upon the Director exempting, subject
to such conditions as he deems fit, the holder from the
requirement of a medical examination and, in the case
of pregnancy upon the holder being medically
examined, under arrangements made by the Director
after the pregnancy has ended and pronounced fit to
resume her functions as a member of the flight crew.
(9) Nothing in this Order shall prohibit the holder of a pilot’s
licence from acting as pilot of an aircraft having a maximum total
weight authorised not exceeding 5,700 kg., when, with the
permission of the Director, he is testing any person for the purposes
of subarticles (1), (2) or (4), notwithstanding that the type of
aircraft in which the test is conducted is not specified in the aircraft
rating included in his licence or that the licence or personal flying
log book, as the case may be, does not include a valid certificate of
test or a valid certificate of experience in respect of the type of
aircraft.
(10) Where any provision of Part C of the Eighth Schedule or
Part B of the Tenth Schedule to this Order permits a test to be
conducted in a flight simulator approved by the Director, that
approval may be granted subject to such conditions as the Director
deems fit.
(11) Without prejudice to any other provision of this Order, the
Director may, for the purpose of this Article, either absolutely or
subject to such conditions as he deems fit -
(a) approve any course of training or instruction;
(b) authorise a person to conduct such examinations or
test as he may specify;
(c) approve a person to provide any course of training or
instruction; and
(d) approve a person as qualified to furnish reports to him
and to accept such reports.
Validation of 
licences.
20. The Director may issue a certificate of validation rendering
valid for the purposes of this Order any licence as a member of the
flight crew of aircraft granted under the law of any country other
than Malta. A certificate of validation may be issued subject to
such conditions and for such periods as the Director deems fit.
30 _gS.L.232.05 AIR NAVIGATION
Personal flying log 
book.
Amended by:
L.N. 57 of 1991.
21. (1) Every member of the flight crew of an aircraft
registered in Malta and every person who engages in flying for the
purpose of qualifying for the grant or renewal of a licence under
this Order shall keep a personal flying log book in which the
following particulars shall be recorded:
(a) the name and address of the holder of the log book;
(b) particulars of the holder’s licence, if any, to act as a
member of the flight crew of an aircraft;
(c) the name and address of his employer, if any.
(2) Particulars of each flight during which the holder of the log
book acted as a member of the flight crew of an aircraft or for the
purpose of qualifying for the grant or renewal of a licence under
this Order, as the case may be, shall be recorded in the log book at
the end of each flight or as soon thereafter as is reasonably
practicable, including -
(a) the date, the places at which the holder embarked on
and disembarked from the aircraft and the time spent
during the course of a flight when he was acting in
either capacity;
(b) the type and registration marks of the aircraft;
(c) the capacity in which the holder acted in flight;
(d) particulars of any special conditions under which the
flight was conducted, including night flying and
instrument flying;
(e) particulars of any test or examination undertaken
whilst in flight.
(3) For the purposes of this article, a helicopter shall be
deemed to be in flight from the moment the helicopter first moves
under its own power for the purpose of taking off until the rotors
are next stopped.
(4) Particulars of any test or examination undertaken whilst in
a flight simulator shall be recorded in the log book, including -
(a) the date of the test or examination;
(b) the type of simulator;
(c) the capacity in which the holder acted;
(d) the nature of the test or examination.
Instruction in 
flying.
Amended by:
L.N. 130 opf 2003.
22. (1) A person shall not give any instruction in flying to
which this article applies unless -
(a) he holds a licence, granted or rendered valid under this
Order, entitling him to act as pilot in command of the
aircraft for the purpose and in the circumstances under
which the instruction is to be given; and
(b) his licence includes a flying instructor’s rating
entitling the holder to give the instruction.
(2) This article applies to instruction in flying given to any
person flying or about to fly a flying machine for the purpose of
becoming qualified for -
AIR NAVIGATION _gS.L.232.05 31
(a) the grant of a pilot’s licence;
(b) the inclusion or variation of any rating in his licence.
Glider pilot - 
minimum age.
23. A person under the age of sixteen years shall not act as
pilot in command of a glider.
PART VI
Operation of Aircraft
Operations 
manual.
24. (1) This article shall apply to public transport aircraft
registered in Malta except aircraft used for the time being solely for
flights not intended to exceed sixty minutes in duration and which
are either -
(a) flights solely for training persons to perform duties in
an aircraft; or
(b) flights intended to begin and end at the same
aerodrome.
(2) (a) The operator of every aircraft to which this article
applies shall -
(i) make available to each member of his operating
staff an operations manual, and
(ii) ensure that each copy of the operations manual
is kept up to date, and
(iii) ensure that on each flight every member of the
crew has access to a copy of every part of the
operations manual which is relevant to his duties
on the flight.
(b) Each operations manual shall contain all such
information and instructions as may be necessary to
enable the operating staff to perform their duties as
such including in particular information and
instructions relating to the matters specified in Part A
of the Tenth Schedule to this Order:
Provided that the operations manual shall not be required
to contain any information or instructions available in a flight
manual accessible to the persons by whom the information or
instructions may be required.
(3) (a) An aircraft to which this article applies shall not fly
unless, not less than thirty days prior to such flight, the
operator of the aircraft has furnished to the Director a
copy of the whole of the operations manual for the time
being in effect in respect of the aircraft.
(b) Any amendments or additions to the operations manual
shall be furnished to the Director by the operator
before or immediately after they come into effect:
Provided that where an amendment or addition
relates to the operation of an aircraft to which the
operations manual did not previously relate, that
aircraft shall not fly for the purpose of public transport
32 _gS.L.232.05 AIR NAVIGATION
until the amendment or addition has been furnished to
the Director.
(c) Without prejudice to the foregoing subarticles, the
operator shall make such amendments or additions to
the operations manual as the Director may require for
the purpose of ensuring the safety of the aircraft or of
persons or property carried therein or the safety,
efficiency or regularity of air navigation.
(4) For the purposes of this article and of the Tenth Schedule,
"operating staff" means the servants and agents employed by the
operator’ whether or not as members of the crew of the aircraft, to
ensure that the flights of the aircraft are conducted in a safe
manner, and includes an operator who himself performs those
functions.
(5) If in the course of a flight on which the equipment
specified in the Fifth Schedule is required to be provided the said
equipment becomes unserviceable, the aircraft shall be operated on
the remainder of that flight in accordance with any relevant
instructions in the operations manual.
Training manual. 25. (1) The operator of every aircraft registered in Malta and
flying for the purpose of public transport shall -
(a) make a training manual available to every person
appointed by the operator to give or to supervise the
training, experience, practice or periodical tests
required under article 26(2); and
(b) ensure that each copy of that training manual is kept
up to date.
(2) Each training manual shall contain all such information
and instructions as may be necessary to enable a person appointed
by the operator to give or to supervise the training, experience,
practice and periodical tests required under article 26(2), to
perform his duties as such including in particular information and
instructions relating to the matters specified in Part C of the Tenth
Schedule.
(3) (a) An aircraft to which this article applies shall not fly
unless, not less than thirty days prior to such flight the
operator of the aircraft has furnished to the Director a
copy of the whole of his training manual relating to the
crew of that aircraft.
(b) Any amendment or additions to the training manual
shall he furnished to the Director by the operator
before or immediately after they come into effect:
Provided that where an amendment or addition
relates to training, experience, practice or periodical
tests on an aircraft to which the training manual did not
previously relate, that aircraft shall not fly for the
purpose of public transport until the amendment or
addition has been furnished to the Director.
(c) Without prejudice to paragraphs (a) and (b), the
AIR NAVIGATION _gS.L.232.05 33
operator shall make such amendments or additions to
the training manual as the Director may require for the
purpose of ensuring the safety of the aircraft or of
persons or property carried therein or the safety,
efficiency or regularity of air navigation.
Public transport - 
operator’s 
responsibilities.
26. (1) The operator of an aircraft registered in Malta shall not
permit the aircraft to fly for the purpose of public transport without
first -
(a) designating from among the flight crew a pilot to be
the commander for the flight; and
(b) satisfying himself by every reasonable means that the
aeronautical radio stations and navigational aids
serving the intended route or any planned diversion
therefrom are adequate for the safe navigation of the
aircraft; and
(c) satisfying himself by every reasonable means that the
aerodromes at which it is intended to take-off or land
and any alternate aerodromes at which a landing may
be made are suitable for the purpose and in particular
are adequately manned and equipped (including such
manning and equipment as is specified in regulation 5
in the Fourteenth Schedule) to ensure the safety of the
aircraft and its passengers:
Provided that the operator of the aircraft shall not be
required to satisfy himself as to the adequacy of fire fighting,
search, rescue or other services which are required only after the
occurrence of an accident.
(2) The operator of an aircraft registered in Malta shall not
permit any person to be a member of the crew thereof during any
flight for the purpose of public transport (except a flight for the
sole purpose of training persons to perform duties in aircraft)
unless such person has had the training, experience, practice and
periodical tests specified in Part B of the Tenth Schedule in respect
of the duties which he is to perform and unless the operator has
satisfied himself that such person is competent to perform his
duties, and in particular to use the equipment provided in the
aircraft for that purpose. The operator shall maintain, preserve,
produce and furnish information respecting records relating to the
foregoing matters in accordance with Part B of the said Tenth
Schedule.
(3) The operator of an aircraft registered in Malta shall not
permit any member of the flight crew thereof, during any flight for
the purpose of public transport of passengers, to simulate
emergency manoeuvres and procedures which the operator has
reason to believe will adversely effect the flight characteristics of
the aircraft.
Loading - public 
transport aircraft 
and suspended 
loads.
27. (1) The operator of an aircraft registered in Malta shall not
cause or permit it to be loaded for a flight for the purpose of public
transport or any load to be suspended therefrom, except under the
supervision of a person whom he has caused to be furnished with
written instructions as to the distribution and securing of the load
34 _gS.L.232.05 AIR NAVIGATION
so as to ensure that -
(a) the load may safely be carried on the flight, and
(b) any conditions subject to which the certificate of
airworthiness is in force in respect of the aircraft was
issued or rendered valid, being conditions relating to
the loading of the aircraft, are complied with.
(2) The instructions shall indicate the weight of the aircraft
prepared for service, that is to say the aggregate of the weight of
the aircraft (shown in the weight schedule referred to in article 15)
and the weight of such additional items in or on the aircraft as the
operator deems fit to include; and the instructions shall indicate the
additional items included in the weight of the aircraft prepared for
service, and shall show the position of the centre of gravity of the
aircraft at that weight:
Provided that this subarticle shall not apply in relation to a
flight if -
(a) the aircraft’s maximum total weight authorised does
not exceed 1,150 kg; or
(b) the aircraft’s maximum total weight does not exceed
2,730 kg and the flight is intended not to exceed sixty
minutes in duration and is either -
(i) a flight solely for training persons to perform
duties in an aircraft; or
(ii) a flight intended to begin and end at the same
aerodrome.
(3) The operator of an aircraft shall not cause or permit it to be
loaded in contravention of the instructions referred to in subarticle
(1).
(4) The person supervising the loading of the aircraft shall,
before the commencement of any such flight, prepare and sign a
load sheet in duplicate conforming to the specified requirements as
set out in regulation 1 in the Fourteenth Schedule and shall, unless
he is himself the commander of the aircraft, submit the load sheet
for examination by the commander of the aircraft who shall sign his
name thereon:
Provided that the foregoing requirements of this subarticle
shall not apply if -
(a) the load and the distributing and securing thereof upon
the next intended flight are to be unchanged from the
previous flight and the commander of the aircraft
makes and signs an endorsement to that effect upon the
load sheet for the previous flight, indicating the date of
the endorsement, the place of departure upon the next
intended flight and the next intended place of
destination; or
(b) subarticle (2) does not apply in relation to the flight.
(5) One copy of the load sheet shall be carried in the aircraft
when article 57 so requires until the flights to which it relates have
AIR NAVIGATION _gS.L.232.05 35
been completed and one copy of that load sheet and of the
instructions referred to in this article shall be preserved by the
operator until the expiration of a period of six months thereafter
and shall not be carried in the aircraft.
Public transport 
operating 
conditions.
28. (1) An aircraft registered in Malta shall not fly for the
purpose of public transport, except for the sole purpose of training
persons to perform duties in aircraft, unless such requirements in
regulation 2 in the Fourteenth Schedule in respect of its weight and
related performance are complied with.
(2) The assessment of the ability of an aircraft to comply with
subarticle (1) shall be based on the information as to its
performance contained in the certificate of airworthiness relating to
the aircraft. In the event of the information given therein being
insufficient for that purpose such assessment shall be based on the
first information available to the commander of the aircraft.
(3) A flying machine registered in Malta and flying over water
for the purpose of public transport shall fly, except as may be
necessary for the purpose of take-off or landing, at such an altitude
as would enable the aircraft -
(a) if it has one engine only, in event of the failure of that
engine;
(b) if it has more than one engine, in the event of the
failure of one of those engines and with the remaining
engine or engines operating within the maximum
continuous power conditions specified in the
certificate of airworthiness relating to the aircraft,
to reach a place at which it can safely land at a height sufficient to
enable it to do so.
Aircraft registered 
in Malta - 
aerodrome 
operating minima.
29.(1)(a) The operator of every aircraft to which article 24
applies shall establish and include in the operations
manual relating to the aircraft particulars of aerodrome
operating minima appropriate to every aerodrome of
intended departure or landing and every alternate
aerodrome:
Provided that in relation to any flight wherein it is
not practicable to include such information in the
operations manual the operator of the said aircraft
shall, prior to the commencement of the flight, cause to
be furnished, in writing, to the commander of the
aircraft particulars of the aerodrome operating minima
appropriate to every aerodrome of intended departure
or landing and every alternate aerodrome and
calculated in accordance with the specified methods
and the operator shall cause a copy of the said
particulars to be retained at one of his offices for a
minimum period of three months.
(b) The operator of every such aircraft shall include in the
operations manual relating to that aircraft such data
and instructions as will enable the commander of the
aircraft to calculate such aerodrome operating minima
36 _gS.L.232.05 AIR NAVIGATION
as are appropriate to aerodromes the use of which
could not reasonably have been foreseen by the
operator prior to the commencement of the flight.
(2) The aerodrome operating minima specified shall not, in
respect of any aerodrome, be less favourable than any declared in
respect of that aerodrome by the competent authority, unless that
authority otherwise permits in writing.
(3) In establishing aerodrome operating minima for the
purpose of this article the operator of the aircraft shall take into
account the following matters:
(a) the type and performance and handling characteristics
of the aircraft and any relevant conditions in its
certificate of airworthiness; and
(b) the composition of its crew; and
(c) the physical characteristics of the relevant aerodrome
and its surroundings; and
(d) the dimensions of the runways which may be selected
for use; and
(e) whether or not there are in use at the relevant
aerodrome any aids, visual or otherwise, to assist
aircraft in approach, landing or take-off, being aids
which the crew of the aircraft are trained and equipped
to use; the nature of any such aids that are in use; and
the procedures for approach, landing and take-off
which may be adopted according to the existence or
absence of such aids,
and shall establish in relation to each runway which may be
selected for use aerodrome operating minima appropriate to each
set of circumstances which can reasonably be expected.
(4) An aircraft to which article 24 applies shall not commence
a flight at a time when -
(a) the cloud ceiling or the runway visual range at the
aerodrome of departure is less than the relevant
minimum specified for take-off; or
(b) according to the information available to the
commander of the aircraft it would not be able,
without contravening subarticle (5), to commence or
continue an approach to landing at the aerodrome of
intended destination at the estimated time of arrival
there and at any alternate aerodrome at any time at
which according to a reasonable estimate the aircraft
would arrive there.
(5) An aircraft to which article 24 applies when making a
descent to an aerodrome shall not -
(a) descend below 1000 ft. above the height of the
aerodrome if the relevant runway visual range at the
aerodrome is at the time less than the specified
minimum for landing; or
AIR NAVIGATION _gS.L.232.05 37
(b) (i) continue an approach to landing at any
aerodrome by flying below the relevant
specified decision height, or
(ii) descend below the relevant specified minimum
descent height
unless from that height the specified visual reference
for landing is established and is maintained.
(6) If, according to the information available, an aircraft would
as regards any flight be required by the Rules of the Air and Air
Traffic Control to be flown in accordance with the Instrument
Flight Rules at the aerodrome of intended landing, the commander
of the aircraft shall select prior to take off an alternate aerodrome
unless no aerodrome suitable for that purpose is available.
(7) In this article "specified" in relation to an aircraft means
specified by the operator in, or ascertainable by a reference to, the
operations manual relating to that aircraft.
Aircraft not 
registered in Malta 
- aerodrome 
operating minima.
Amended by:
L.N. 57 of 1991.
30. (1) A public transport aircraft registered in a country other
than Malta shall not use any aerodrome in Malta as a destination or
alternate aerodrome unless the operator thereof shall have
furnished to the Director such particulars as he may from time to
time have required relating to the aerodrome operating minima
specified by the operator in relation to aerodromes in Malta for the
purpose of limiting their use by the aircraft for take-off or landing,
including any instructions given by the operator in relation to such
aerodrome operating minima. The aircraft shall not use any
aerodrome in Malta as a destination or alternate aerodrome unless
the operator shall have made such amendments or additions to the
aerodrome operating minima so specified and any instructions so
given as the Director may require for the purpose of ensuring the
safety of the aircraft or the safety, efficiency or regularity of air
navigation.
(2) The aircraft shall not take off or land at an aerodrome in
Malta in contravention of the aerodrome operating minima
specified by the operator in relation to that aerodrome or of the
instructions referred to in subarticle (1).
(3) Without prejudice to the provisions of subarticle (2), a
public transport aircraft registered in a country other than Malta
when making a descent to an aerodrome shall not -
(a) descend below 1000 ft. above the height of an
aerodrome if the relevant runway visual range at the
aerodrome is at the time less than the specified
minimum for landing; or
(b) (i) continue an approach to landing at any
aerodrome by flying below the relevant
specified decision height, or
(ii) descend below the relevant specified minimum
descent height
unless from that height the specified visual reference
for landing is established and is maintained.
38 _gS.L.232.05 AIR NAVIGATION
(4) In this article "specified" in relation to an aircraft means
specified by the operator in, or ascertainable by reference to, the
operations manual relating to that aircraft.
Pre-flight action by 
commander of 
aircraft.
Amended by:
L.N. 57 of 1991.
31. The commander of an aircraft registered in Malta shall
reasonably satisfy himself before the aircraft takes off -
(a) that the flight can safely be made, taking into account
the latest information available as to the route and
aerodromes to be used, the weather reports and
forecasts available, and any alternative course of
action which can be adopted in case the flight cannot
be completed as planned;
(b) that the equipment (including radio apparatus)
required by or under this Order to be carried in the
circumstances of the intended flight is carried and is in
a fit condition for use;
(c) that the aircraft is in every way fit for the intended
flight and that where a certificate of maintenance
review is required by article 9(1) to be in force, it is in
force and will not cease to be in force during the
intended flight;
(d) that the load carried by the aircraft is of such weight,
and is so distributed and secured, that it may safely be
carried on the intended flight;
(e) in the case of a flying machine or airship, that
sufficient fuel, oil and engine coolant, if required, are
carried for the intended flight, and that a safe margin
has been allowed for contingencies, and, in the case of
a flight for the purpose of public transport, that the
instructions in the operating manual relating to fuel,
oil and engine coolant have been complied with;
(f) in the case of an airship or balloon, that sufficient
ballast is carried for the intended flight;
(g) in the case of a flying machine, that, having regard to
the performance of the flying machine in the
conditions to be expected on the intended flight, and to
any obstructions at the places of departure and
intended destination and on the intended route, it is
capable of safely taking off, reaching and maintaining
a safe height thereafter, and making a safe landing at
the place of intended destination;
(h) that the pre-flight check system established by the
operator and set forth in the operations manual or
elsewhere has been complied with by each member of
the crew of the aircraft.
Pilots to remain at 
controls.
32. (1) The commander of an aircraft registered in Malta
being a flying machine or glider, shall cause one pilot to remain at
the controls at all times while the aircraft is in flight. If the aircraft
is required by or under this Order to carry two pilots, the
commander shall cause both pilots to remain at the controls during
take-offs and landing. If the aircraft carries two or more pilots,
AIR NAVIGATION _gS.L.232.05 39
whether or not it is required to do so, and is engaged on a flight for
the purpose of the public transport of passengers the commander
shall remain at the controls during take-off and landing.
(2) Each pilot at the controls shall be secured in his seat by
either a safety belt with or without one diagonal shoulder strap, or a
safety harness except that during take-off and landing a safety
harness shall be worn if it is required by article 12 to be provided.
Public transport of 
passengers duties 
of commander.
33. (1) This article applies to flights for the purpose of the
public transport of passengers by aircraft registered in Malta.
(2) In relation to every flight to which this article applies the
commander of the aircraft shall -
(a) before the aircraft takes off take all reasonable steps to
ensure that all passengers are made familiar with the
position and method of use of emergency exits, safety
belt, safety harnesses, oxygen equipment, and
life-jackets, and all other devices required by or under
this Order and intended for use by passengers
individually in case of an emergency occurring to the
aircraft:
Provided that in relation to life-jackets this
requirement may, except in the case of a seaplane, be
complied with at any time before the aircraft reaches a
point beyond gliding distance from land;
(b) if the aircraft is not a seaplane but is intended in the
course of the flight to reach a point more than thirty
minutes flying time (while flying in still air at the
speed specified in the relevant certificate of
airworthiness as the speed for compliance with
regulations governing flights over water) from the
nearest land, take all reasonable steps to ensure that
before take-off, all passengers are given a practical
demonstration of the method of use of the life-jackets
required by or under this Order for the use of
passengers;
(c) if the aircraft is a seaplane, take all reasonable steps to
ensure that before the aircraft takes off all passengers
are given a practical demonstration of the method of
use of the equipment referred to in the preceding
paragraph;
(d) before the aircraft takes off, and before it lands, take
all reasonable steps to ensure that the crew of the
aircraft are properly secured in their seats and that any
persons carried in compliance with article 17(7) are
properly secured in seats which shall be in a passenger
compartment and which shall be so situated that those
persons can readily assist passengers;
(e) before the aircraft takes off, and before it lands, and
whenever by reason of turbulent air or any emergency
occurring during the flight he considers the precaution
necessary -
40 _gS.L.232.05 AIR NAVIGATION
(i) take all reasonable steps to ensure that all
passengers are properly secured in their seats by
safety belts or safety harnesses;
(ii) take all reasonable steps to ensure that those
items of baggage in the passenger compartment
which he reasonably considers ought by virtue
of their size, weight or nature to be properly
secured are properly secured and, in the case of
an aircraft capable of seating more than thirty
passengers, that such baggage is stowed in the
passenger compartment storage spaces approved
by the Director for the purpose;
(f) in an emergency, take all reasonable steps to ensure
that all passengers are instructed in the emergency
action which they should take;
(g) except in a case where a pressure greater than 700
hectopascals is maintained in all passenger and crew
compartments throughout the flight, take all
reasonable steps to ensure that -
(i) before the aircraft reaches flight level 130 the
method of use of the oxygen provided in the
aircraft in compliance with the requirements of
article 12 is demonstrated to all passengers;
(ii) on reaching such altitude all passengers are
recommended to use oxygen;
(iii) during any continuous period exceeding thirty
minutes when the aircraft is flying above flight
level 100 but not above flight level 130, and
whenever the aircraft is flying above flight level
130, oxygen is used by all the crew of the
aircraft.
Operation of radio 
in aircraft.
Amended by:
L.N. 57 of 1991.
34. (1) The radio station in an aircraft shall not be operated,
whether or not the aircraft is in flight, except in accordance with
the conditions of the licence issued in respect of that station under
the law of the country in which the aircraft is registered, and by a
person duly licensed or otherwise permitted to operate the radio
station under that law
(2) Whenever an aircraft is in flight in such circumstances that
is required by or under this Order to be equipped with radio
communications apparatus, a continuous radio watch shall be
maintained by a member of the flight crew listening to the signals
transmitted upon the frequency notified, or designated by a
message received from an appropriate aeronautical radio station for
use by that aircraft:
Provided that:
(a) the radio watch may be discontinued or continued on
another frequency to the extent that a message as
aforesaid so permits; and
(b) the watch may be kept by a device installed in the
aircraft if -
AIR NAVIGATION _gS.L.232.05 41
(i) the appropriate aeronautical radio station has
been informed to that effect and has raised no
objection; and
(ii) that station is notified, or in the case of a station
situated in a country other than Malta, otherwise
designated as transmitted a signal suitable for
that purpose.
(3) Whenever an aircraft is in flight in such circumstances that
is required by or under this Order to be equipped with radio or
radio navigation equipment a member of the flight crew shall
operate that equipment in such a manner as he may be instructed by
the appropriate air traffic control unit or as may be notified in
relation to any notified airspace in which the aircraft is flying.
(4) The radio station in an aircraft shall not be operated so as
to cause interference which impairs the efficiency of aeronautical
telecommunications or navigational services, and in particular
emissions shall not be made except as follows:
(a) emissions of the class and frequency for the time being
in use, in accordance with general international
aeronautical practice, in the air space in which the
aircraft is flying;
(b) distress, urgency and safety messages and signals, in
accordance with general international aeronautical
practice;
(c) messages and signals relating to the flight of the
aircraft, in accordance with general international
aeronautical practice;
(d) such public correspondence messages as may be
permitted by or under the aircraft radio station licence
referred to in subarticle (1).
(5) In every aircraft registered in Malta which is equipped with
radio communication apparatus a telecommunication log book shall
be kept in which the following entries shall be made:
(a) the identification of the aircraft radio station;
(b) the date and time of the beginning and end of every
radio watch maintained in the aircraft and of the
frequency on which it was maintained;
(c) the date and time, and particulars of all messages and
signals sent or received, including in particular details
of any distress signals or distress messages sent or
received;
(d) particulars of any action taken upon the receipt of a
distress signal or distress message;
(e) particulars of any failure or interruption of radio
communications and the cause thereof:
Provided that a telecommunication log book shall not be
required to be kept in respect of communication by radiotelephony
with a radio station on land or on a ship which provides a radio
service for aircraft.
42 _gS.L.232.05 AIR NAVIGATION
(6) The flight radio operator maintaining radio watch shall
sign the entries in the telecommunication log book indicating the
times at which he began and ended the maintenance of such watch.
(7) The telecommunication log book shall be preserved by the
operator of the aircraft until a date six months after the date of the
last entry therein.
(8) In any flying machine registered in Malta which is engaged
on a flight for the purpose of public transport the pilot and the
flight engineer, if any, shall not make use of a hand-held
microphone (whether for the purpose of radio communication or of
intercommunication within the aircraft) whilst the aircraft is flying
in controlled airspace below flight level l50 or is taking off or
landing.
Minimum 
navigation 
performance.
35. An aircraft registered in Malta shall not fly in airspace
prescribed for the purposes of this article unless - 
(a) it is equipped with navigation systems which enable
the aircraft to maintain the prescribed navigation
performance capability; and
(b) the navigation systems required by paragraph (a) are
approved by the Director and installed and maintained
in a manner approved by the Director; and
(c) the operating procedures for the navigation systems
required by paragraph (a) are approved by the
Director; and
(d) the equipment is operated in accordance with the
approved procedures while the aircraft is flying in the
said air space.
Use of flight data 
recorders and 
preservation of 
records.
36. (1) On any flight on which a flight data recorder is
required by paragraph 4(4), 4(5), 4(6) and 4(7) of the Fifth
Schedule to be carried in an aeroplane, it shall always be in use
from the beginning of the take-off run to the end of the landing run.
(2) The operator of the aeroplane shall at all times, subject to
the provisions of article 59, preserve -
(a) the last twenty-five hours of recording made by any
flight data recorder required by or under this Order to
be carried in an aeroplane; and
(b) a record of not less than one representative flight, that
is to say, a recording of a flight made within the last
twelve months which includes a take-off, climb,
cruise, descent, approach to landing, and landing,
together with a means of identifying the record with
the flight to which it relates,
and shall preserve such records for such period as the Director may
in a particular case direct.
Towing of gliders. 37. (1) An aircraft in flight shall not tow a glider unless the
certificate of airworthiness issued or rendered valid in respect of
the towing aircraft under the law of the country in which that
aircraft is registered includes an express provision that it may be
used for that purpose.
AIR NAVIGATION _gS.L.232.05 43
(2) The length of the combination of towing aircraft, tow rope
and glider in flight shall not exceed 150 metres.
(3) The commander of an aircraft which is about to tow a
glider shall satisfy himself, before the towing aircraft takes off -
(a) that the tow rope is in good condition and is of
adequate strength for the purpose, and that the
combination of towing aircraft and glider having
regard to its performance in the conditions to be
expected on the intended flight and to any obstructions
at the place of departure and on the intended route, is
capable of flying in the manner referred to in article
31(g);
(b) that signals have been agreed and communication
established with persons suitably stationed so as to
enable the glider to take off safely;
(c) that emergency signals have been agreed between the
commander of the towing aircraft and the commander
of the glider, to be used, respectively, by the
commander of the towing aircraft to indicate that the
tow should immediately be released by the glider, and
by the commander of the glider to indicate that the tow
cannot be released.
(4) The glider shall be attached to the towing aircraft by means
of the tow rope before the aircraft takes off.
Towing, picking up 
and raising of 
persons and 
articles.
38. (1) Subject to the provisions of this article, an aircraft in
flight shall not, by means external to the aircraft, tow any article
other than a glider, or pick up or raise any person, animal or article,
unless the certificate of airworthiness issued or rendered valid in
respect of that aircraft under the law of the country in which the
aircraft is registered includes an express provision that it may be
used for that purpose.
(2) An aircraft in flight shall not tow any article, other than a
glider, at night or when flight visibility is less than one nautical
mile.
(3) The length of the combination of towing aircraft, tow rope,
and article in tow, shall not exceed 150 metres.
(4) A helicopter shall not fly at any height over a congested
area of a city, town or settlement at any time when any article,
person or animal is suspended from the helicopter.
(5) A passenger shall not be carried in a helicopter at any time
when an article, person or animal is suspended therefrom, other
than a passenger who has duties to perform in connection with the
article, person or animal.
(6) Nothing in this article shall -
(a) prohibit the towing in a reasonable manner by an
aircraft in flight of any radio aerial, any instrument
which is being used for experimental purposes, or any
signal, apparatus or article required or permitted by or
under this Order to be towed or displayed by an
44 _gS.L.232.05 AIR NAVIGATION
aircraft in flight;
(b) prohibit the picking up or raising of any person,
animal or article in an emergency or for the purpose of
saving life;
(c) apply to an aircraft while it is flying in accordance
with the "B" conditions set forth in the Second
Schedule;
(d) be taken to permit the towing or picking up of a glider
otherwise than in accordance with article 37.
Dropping of 
articles and 
animals.
Amended by:
L.N. 57 of 1991;
L.N. 34 of 1992.
39. (1) Articles and animals, whether or not attached to a
parachute, shall not be dropped, or permitted to drop, from an
aircraft in flight so as to endanger persons or property. 
(2) Except under and in accordance with the terms of an aerial
application certificate granted under article 41, articles and
animals, whether or not attached to a parachute, shall not be
dropped, or permitted to drop, to the surface from an aircraft flying
over Malta:
Provided that this subarticle shall not apply to the dropping
of articles by, or with the authority of, the commander of the
aircraft in any of the following circumstances:
(a) the dropping of articles for the purpose of saving life;
(b) the jettisoning, in case of emergency, of fuel or other
articles in the aircraft;
(c) the dropping of ballast in the form of fine sand or
water;
(d) the dropping of articles solely for the purpose of
navigating the aircraft m accordance with ordinary
practice or with the provisions of this Order;
(e) the dropping at an aerodrome in accordance with
prescribed regulations of ropes, banners, or similar
articles towed by aircraft;
(f) the dropping of articles for the purposes of public
health or as a measure against weather conditions,
surface icing or oil pollution, or for training for the
dropping of articles for any such purposes, if the
articles are dropped with the permission of the
Director and in accordance with any conditions subject
to which that permission may have been given;
(g) the dropping of wind drift indicators for the purpose of
enabling parachute descents to be made if the wind
drift indicators are dropped with the permission of the
Director and in accordance with any conditions subject
to which that permission may have been given.
(3) For the purposes of this article dropping includes
projecting and lowering.
(4) Nothing in this article or in article 40 shall prohibit the
lowering of any person, animal or article from a helicopter to the
surface, if the certificate of airworthiness issued or rendered valid
AIR NAVIGATION _gS.L.232.05 45
in respect of the helicopter under the law of the country in which it
is registered includes an express provision that it may be used for
that purpose.
Dropping of 
persons.
40. (1) A person shall not drop, be dropped or be permitted to
drop to the surface or jump from an aircraft flying over Malta
except under and in accordance with the terms of a written
permission granted by the Director under this article.
(2) For the purpose of this article dropping includes projecting
and lowering.
(3) Notwithstanding the grant of a permission under subarticle
(1), a person shall not drop, be dropped or be permitted to drop
from an aircraft in flight so as to endanger persons or property.
(4) An aircraft shall not be used for the purpose of dropping
persons unless the certificate of airworthiness issued or rendered
valid in respect of that aircraft under the law of the country in
which the aircraft is registered includes an express provision that it
may be used for that purpose and the aircraft is operated in
accordance with the written permission granted by the Director
under this article.
(5) Every applicant for and every holder of a permission shall
make available to the Director if requested to do so a parachuting
manual and shall make amendments or additions to such manual as
the Director may require. The holder of a permission shall make
available to every employee or person who is or may engage in
parachuting activities conducted by him the manual which shall
contain all such information and instructions as may be necessary
to enable such employees or persons to perform their duties.
(6) Without prejudice to any other provision to this Order the
Director may, for the purpose of this article accept reports
furnished to him by a person whom he may approve, either
absolutely or subject to such conditions as he thinks fit, as qualified
to furnish such reports.
(7) Nothing in this article shall apply to the descent of persons
by parachute from an aircraft in an emergency.
Issue of aerial 
application 
certificates.
41. (1) An aircraft shall not be used for the dropping of
articles for the purposes of agriculture, horticulture or for training,
for the dropping of articles for any of such purposes, other than
under and in accordance with the terms of an aerial application
certificate granted to the aircraft under subarticle (2).
(2) The Director shall grant to any person applying therefor an
aerial application certificate if he is satisfied that that person is a fit
person to hold the certificate and is competent, having regard in
particular to his previous conduct and experience, his equipment,
organisation, staffing and other arrangements to secure the safe
operation of the aircraft specified in the certificate on flights for the
purposes specified in subarticle (1). The certificate may be granted
subject to such conditions as the Director thinks fit including
without prejudice to the generality of the foregoing conditions for
ensuring that the aircraft and any article dropped from it does not
endanger persons or property in the aircraft or elsewhere, and shall,
46 _gS.L.232.05 AIR NAVIGATION
subject to the provisions of article 60, remain in force for the period
specified in this certificate.
(3) Every applicant for and the holder of an aerial application
certificate shall make available to the Director upon application
and to every member of his operating staff upon the certificate
being granted, an aerial application manual which shall contain all
such information and instructions as may be necessary to enable the
operating staff to perform their duties as such. The holder of a
certificate shall make such amendments of, or additions to, the
manual as the Director may require.
(4) For the purposes of this article "operating staff’ has the
meaning ascribed to it in article 24(4).
Carriage of 
weapons and of 
munitions of war.
42. (1)An aircraft shall not carry any munitions of war
unless -
(a) such munition of war is carried with the written
permission of the Director and in accordance with any
conditions relating thereto, and
(b) the commander of the aircraft is informed in writing
by the operator before the flight commences of the
type, weight or quantity and location of any such
munition of war on board the aircraft and any
conditions of the permission of the Director.
(2) Notwithstanding subarticle (1) it shall be unlawful for an
aircraft to carry any weapon or munition of war in any
compartment to which passengers have access.
(3) It shall be unlawful for a person to carry or have in his
possession or to take or cause to be taken on board an aircraft or to
deliver or cause to be delivered for carriage thereon any weapon or
munition of war unless -
(a) the weapon or munition of war -
(i) is either part of the baggage of a passenger on
the aircraft or consigned as cargo to be carried
thereon, and
(ii) is carried in a part of the aircraft inaccessible to
passengers, and
(iii) in case of a firearm, is unloaded, and
(b) particulars of the weapon or munition of war have
been furnished by that passenger or by the consignor
to the operator before the flight commences; and
(c) without prejudice to subarticle (1), the operator
consents to the carriage of such weapon or munition of
war on the aircraft.
(4) Nothing in this article shall apply to any weapon or
munition of war taken or carried on board an aircraft registered in a
country other than Malta, if the weapon or munition of war, as the
case may be, may under the law of the country in which the aircraft
is registered be lawfully taken or carried on board for the purpose
of ensuring the safety of the aircraft or of persons on board.
AIR NAVIGATION _gS.L.232.05 47
(5) For the purpose of this article a "munition of war" means
any weapon, ammunition or article containing an explosive or any
noxious liquid, gas, or other thing which is designed or made for
use in warfare or against persons including parts, whether
components or accessories, for such weapon, ammunition or
article.
Carriage of 
dangerous goods.
43. (1) Dangerous goods shall not be carried in an aircraft
except as follows:
(a) goods carried in accordance with any regulations
which the Minister may make to permit dangerous
goods to be carried either in aircraft generally or in
aircraft of any class specified in the regulations;
(b) goods carried with the written permission of the
Director, and in accordance with any conditions to
which such permission may be subject;
(c) goods carried in aircraft with the consent of the
operator thereof for the purpose of ensuring the proper
navigation or safety of the aircraft or the well-being of
any person on board;
(d) goods permitted to be carried under the laws of the
country in which the aircraft is registered, if there is in
force in relation to such country an agreement between
the Government of Malta and the Government of that
country permitting the carriage of dangerous goods
within Malta in aircraft registered in that country.
(2) Dangerous goods permitted by or under this Order to be
carried in an aircraft shall not be loaded as cargo therein unless -
(a) the consignor of the goods has furnished the operator
of the aircraft with particulars in writing of the nature
of the goods and the danger to which they give rise;
and
(b) the goods or any container in which they are packed
are clearly marked so as to indicate that danger to the
person loading the goods in the aircraft.
The operator of the aircraft shall before the flight begins,
inform the commander of the aircraft of the identity of the goods,
the danger to which they give rise and the weight or quantity of the
goods.
(3) It shall be unlawful for any person to take or cause to be
taken on board an aircraft, or to deliver or cause to be delivered for
loading thereon, any goods which he knows or has reason to
believe or suspect to be dangerous goods the carriage of which is
prohibited by or under this article.
(4) The provisions of this article shall be additional to and not
in derogation of the provisions of article 42.
Method of carriage 
of persons.
44. A person shall not be in or on any part of an aircraft in
flight which is not a part designed for the accommodation of
persons and in particular a person shall not be on the wings or
undercarriage of an aircraft. A person shall not be in or on any
48 _gS.L.232.05 AIR NAVIGATION
object, other than a glider or flying machine, towed by or attached
to an aircraft in flight:
Provided that a person may have temporary access to -
(a) any part of an aircraft for the purpose of taking action
necessary for the safety of the aircraft or of any
person, animal or goods therein;
(b) any part of an aircraft in which cargo or stores are
carried, being a part which is designed to enable a
person to have access thereto while the aircraft is in
flight.
Exits and break-in 
markings.
Amended by:
L.N. 339 of 2002.
45. (1)  This article shall apply to every public transport
aircraft registered in Malta
(2) Whenever an aircraft to which this article applies is
carrying passengers, every exit therefrom and every internal door
in the aircraft shall be in working order, and during take-off and
landing and during an emergency, every such exit and door shall be
kept free of obstruction and shall not be fastened by locking or
otherwise so as to prevent, hinder or delay its use by passengers:
Provided that:
(a) an exit may be obstructed by cargo if it is an exit
which, in accordance with arrangements approved by
the Director either generally or in relation to a class of
aircraft or a particular aircraft, is not required for use
by passengers;
(b) a door between the flight crew compartment and any
adjacent compartment to which passengers have access
may be locked or bolted if the commander of the
aircraft so determines, for the purpose of preventing
access by passengers to the flight crew compartment;
(c) nothing in this subarticle shall apply to any internal
door which is so placed that it cannot prevent, hinder
or delay the exit of passengers from the aircraft in an
emergency if it is not in working order.
(3) Every exit from the aircraft, being an exit intended to be
used by passengers in normal circumstances, shall be indicated
with the words "EXIT" in capital letters and every exit, being an
exit intended to be used by passengers in an emergency only, shall
be indicated with the words "EMERGENCY EXIT" in capital
letters.
(4) (a) Every exit from the aircraft shall be marked with
instructions in English and with diagrams to indicate
the correct method of opening the exit.
(b) The markings shall be placed on or near the inside
surface of the door or other closure of the exit and, if it
is openable from the outside of the aircraft, on or near
the exterior surface.
(5) (a) Every aircraft to which this article applies, being an
aircraft of which the maximum total weight authorised
exceeds 3,600 kg, shall, as declared by the aircraft
AIR NAVIGATION _gS.L.232.05 49
manufacturer, be marked upon the exterior surface of
its fuselage with markings to show the areas (in this
paragraph referred to as “break-in areas") which can,
for the purposes of rescue in an emergency, be most
readily and effectively broken into by persons outside
the aircraft.
(b) The break-in areas shall be rectangular in shape and
shall be marked by right-angled corner markings, each
arm of which shall be 10 centimetres in length along its
outer edge and 2.5 centimetres m width.
(c) The words "CUT HERE IN EMERGENCY" shall be
indicated across the centre of each break-in area in
capital letters.
(6) On every flight by an aircraft to which this article applies,
being an aircraft of which the maximum total weight authorised
exceeds 5,700kg, every exit from such an aircraft intended to be
used by passengers in an emergency shall be marked upon the
exterior of the aircraft by a band not less than 5 centimetres in
width outlining the exit.
(7) The markings required by this article shall -
(a) be painted or affixed by other equally permanent
means;
(b) be red in colour and, in any case in which the colour of
the adjacent background is such as to render red
markings not readily visible, be outlined in white or
some other contrasting colour in such a manner as to
render them readily visible;
(c) be kept at all times clean and unobscured.
(8) If one, but not more than one, exit from an aircraft
becomes inoperative at a place where it is not reasonably
practicable for it to be repaired or replaced, nothing in this article
shall prevent that aircraft from carrying passengers until it next
lands at a place where the exit can be repaired or replaced:
Provided that -
(a) the number of passengers carried and the position of
the seats which they occupy is in accordance with
arrangements approved by the Director either in
relation to the particular aircraft or to a class of
aircraft; and
(b) in accordance with arrangements so approved, the exit
is fastened by locking or otherwise, the words "EXIT"
or "EMERGENCY "EXIT" are covered and the exit is
marked by a red disc at least twenty-three centimetres
in diameter with a horizontal white bar across it
bearing the words "NO "EXIT" in red letters.
Imperilling safety 
of aircraft.
46. A person shall not recklessly or negligently act in a manner
likely to endanger an aircraft, or any person therein.
50 _gS.L.232.05 AIR NAVIGATION
Imperilling safety 
of any person or 
property.
47. A person shall not recklessly or negligently cause or permit
an aircraft to endanger any person or property.
Acting in a 
disruptive manner.
Added by:
L.N. 52 of 2001.
48. No person shall while in an aircraft -
(a) use any threatening, abusive or insulting words
towards a member of the crew of the aircraft;
(b) behave in a threatening, abusive, insulting or
disorderly manner towards a member of the crew of
the aircraft; or
(c) intentionally interfere with the performance by a
member of the crew of the aircraft of his duties.
Drunkenness in 
aircraft.
49. (1) A person shall not enter any aircraft when drunk, or be
drunk in any aircraft.
(2) A person shall not, when acting as a member of the crew of
any aircraft or being carried in any aircraft for the purpose of so
acting, be under the influence of drink or a drug to such an extent
as to impair his capacity so to act.
Smoking in 
aircraft.
50. (1) Notices indicating when smoking is prohibited shall be
exhibited in every aircraft registered in Malta so as to be visible
from each passenger seat therein.
(2) A person shall not smoke in any compartment of an aircraft
registered in Malta at a time when smoking is prohibited in that
compartment by a notice to that effect exhibited by or on behalf of
the commander of the aircraft.
Authority of 
commander of 
aircraft.
51. Every person in an aircraft registered in Malta shall obey
all lawful commands which the commander of the aircraft may give
for the purpose of securing the safety of the aircraft and of persons
or property carried therein, or the safety, efficiency or regularity of
air navigation.
Stowaways. 52. A person shall not secret himself so as to be carried in an
aircraft without the lawful consent of either the operator or the
commander thereof or of any other person entitled to give consent
to that person being carried in the aircraft.
PART VII
Fatigue of Crew
Application and 
interpretation of 
Part VII.
Amended by:
L.N. 339 of 2002.
53. (1) Articles 54 and 55 apply in relation to any aircraft
registered in Malta which is either -
(a) engaged on a flight for the purpose of public transport;
or
(b) operated by an air transport undertaking:
Provided that the said articles shall not apply in relation to
a flight made only for the purpose of instruction in flying given by
or on behalf of a flying club or flying school, or a person who is not
an air transport undertaking.
(2) In this Part, unless the context otherwise requires -
(a) "flight time" in relation to a person, means all time
AIR NAVIGATION _gS.L.232.05 51
spent by that person in an aircraft whether or not
registered in Malta (other than aircraft of which the
maximum total weight authorised does not exceed
1600kg and which is not flying for the purpose of
public transport or aerial work) from the time the
aircraft first moves from its parking place for the
purpose of taking off until it comes to rest on the
designated parking position or until all engines are
stopped and he is carried therein as a member of the
crew thereof;
(b) "day" means a continuous period of twenty-four hours
beginning at midnight Universal Coordinated Time.
(3) For the purpose of this Part, a helicopter shall be deemed to
be in flight from the moment the helicopter first moves under its
own power for the purpose of taking off until the rotors are next
stopped.
Fatigue of crew - 
operator’s 
responsibilities.
Amended by:
L.N. 339 of 2002.
54. (1) The operator of an aircraft to which this article applies
shall not cause or permit that aircraft to make a flight unless -
(a) he has established a scheme for regulation of flight
times for every person flying in that aircraft as a
member of its crew; and
(b) the scheme is approved by the Director subject to such
conditions as he thinks fit; and
(c) (i) either the scheme is incorporated in the
operations manual required by article 24;
(ii) or in a case where an operations manual is not
required by the article, the scheme is
incorporated in a document, a copy of which has
been made available to every person flying in
that aircraft as a member of its crew; and
(d) he has taken all such steps as are reasonably
practicable to ensure that the provisions of the scheme
will be complied with in relation to every person
flying in that aircraft as a member of its crew.
(2) The operator of an aircraft to which this article applies
shall not cause or permit any person to fly therein as a member of
its crew if he knows or has reason to believe that that person is
suffering from, or having regard to the circumstances of the flight
to be undertaken, is likely to suffer from, such fatigue while he is
so flying as may endanger the safety of the aircraft or of its
occupants.
(3) The operator of an aircraft to which this article applies
shall not cause or permit any person to fly therein as a member of
its crew unless the operator has in his possession an accurate and
up-to-date record in respect of that person and in respect of the
twenty-eight days immediately preceding the flight showing -
(a) all his flight times; and
(b) brief particulars of the nature of the functions
performed by him in the course of his flight times.
52 _gS.L.232.05 AIR NAVIGATION
(4) The record referred to in subarticle (3) shall, subject to the
provisions of article 59, be preserved by the operator of the aircraft
until a date fifteen months after the flight referred to in that
subarticle.
Fatigue of crew - 
responsibilities of 
crew.
55. (1) A person shall not act as a member of the crew of an
aircraft to which this article applies if he knows or has reason to
believe that he is suffering from, or, having regard to the
circumstances of the flight to be undertaken, is likely to suffer
from, such fatigue as may endanger the safety of the aircraft or of
its occupants.
(2) A person shall not act as a member of the flight crew of an
aircraft to which this article applies unless he has ensured that the
operator of the aircraft is aware of his flight times during the period
of twenty-eight days preceding the flight.
Flight times - 
responsibilities of 
flight crew.
Substituted by:
L.N. 339 of 2002.
56. A person shall not act as a member of the crew of an
aircraft registered in Malta if at the beginning of the flight the
aggregate of all his previous flight times is as follows:
Flight Crew:
(a) during the period of twenty-eight consecutive days
expiring at the end of the day on which the flight
begins exceeds one hundred hours; or 
(b) during the period of twelve months expiring at the end
of the previous month exceeds nine hundred hours;
Cabin Crew: 
(a) during the period of twenty-eight consecutive days
expiring at the end of the day on which the flight
begins exceeds one hundred and fifteen hours; or
(b) during the period of twelve months expiring at the end
of the previous month exceeds nine hundred and
ninety hours:
Provided that this article shall not apply to a flight made -
(i) in an aircraft of which the maximum total weight
authorised does not exceed 1,600 kg and which
is not flying for the purpose of public transport
or aerial work; or 
(ii) in an aircraft not flying for the purpose of public
transport nor operated by an air transport
undertaking if at the time when the flight begins
the aggregate of all the flight times of the
aforesaid person since he was last medically
examined and found fit by a person approved by
the Director for the purpose of article 19(7) does
not exceed twenty-five hours.
PART VIII
Documents and Records
Documents to be 
carried and records 
to be kept.
57. (1) An aircraft shall not fly unless it carries the documents
which it is required to carry under the law of the country in which it
AIR NAVIGATION _gS.L.232.05 53
is registered.
(2) An aircraft registered in Malta shall, when in flight, carry
documents in accordance with the Eleventh Schedule:
Provided that, if the flight is intended to begin and end at
the same aerodrome and does not include passage over the territory
of any country other than Malta, the documents may be kept at the
aerodrome instead of being carried in the aircraft.
(3) The operator of a public transport aircraft registered in
Malta shall in respect of any flight by that aircraft during which it
may fly at an altitude of more than 49,000 feet, keep a record in a
manner prescribed of the total dose of cosmic radiation to which
the aircraft is exposed during the flight together with the names of
the members of the crew of the aircraft during the flight.
Production of 
documents and 
records.
58. (1) The commander of an aircraft shall, when so requested
and within a reasonable time so specified by the Director, cause to
be produced to the Director:
(a) the certificates of registration and airworthiness in
force in respect of the aircraft;
(b) the licences of its flight crew;
(c) such other documents as the aircraft is required by
article 57 to carry when in flight.
(2) The operator of an aircraft registered in Malta shall, when
so requested and within a reasonable time specified by the Director,
cause to be produced to the Director such of the following
documents or records as may have been requested by him being
documents or records which are required, by or under this Order, to
be in force or to be carried, preserved or made available namely:
(a) the documents referred to in the Eleventh Schedule as
Documents A, B and G;
(b) the aircraft log book, engine log books and variable
pitch propeller log books required under this Order to
be kept;
(c) the weight schedule, if any, required to be preserved
under article 15;
(d) in the case of a public transport aircraft or aerial work
aircraft, the documents referred to in the Eleventh
Schedule as Documents D, E, F, H and J;
(e) any records of flight times, duty period and rest period
which he is required by article 54(4) to preserve, and
such other documents and information in the
possession or control of the operator, as the Director
may require for the purpose of determining whether
those records are complete and accurate;
(f) any such operations manuals as are required to be
made available under article 24(2)(a)(i);
(g) the record made by any flight data recorder required to
be carried by or under this Order;
(h) the record made from any cosmic radiation detection
54 _gS.L.232.05 AIR NAVIGATION
equipment together with the record of the names of the
members of the crew of the aircraft which are required
to be kept under article 57(3).
(3) (a) The holder of a licence granted or rendered valid under
this Order shall, when so requested and within a
reasonable time specified by the Director, cause to be
produced to the Director his licence, including any
certificate of validation.
(b) The foregoing provisions of this subarticle shall apply
to a medical certificate issued pursuant to article
18(1)(b)(ii) as they apply to a licence granted or
rendered valid under this Order.
(4) Every person required by article 21 to keep a personal
flying log book shall, when so requested and within a reasonable
time specified by the Director, cause it to be produced to the
Director within two years after the date of the last entry therein.
Preservation of 
documents, etc.
59. A person required by this Order to preserve any document
or record by reason of his being the operator of an aircraft shall, if
he ceases to be the operator of the aircraft, continue to preserve the
document or record as if he has not ceased to be the operator, and in
the event of his death the duty to preserve the document or record
shall fall upon his heirs:
Provided that if -
(a) another person becomes the operator of the aircraft
and it remains registered in Malta, he or his heirs shall
deliver to that other person upon demand the
certificates of maintenance, release and compliance,
the log books and the weight schedule and any record
made by a flight data recorder and preserved in
accordance with article 36(2) which are in force or
required to be preserved in respect of that aircraft;
(b) an engine or variable pitch propeller is removed from
the aircraft and installed in another aircraft operated
by another person and registered in Malta he or his
heirs shall deliver to that other person upon demand
the log book relating to that engine or propeller;
(c) any person in respect of whom a record has been kept
by him in accordance with article 54(4) becomes a
member of the flight crew of a public transport aircraft
registered in Malta and operated by another person he
or his heirs shall deliver those records to that other
person upon demand,
and it shall be the duty of that other person to deal with the
document or record delivered to him as if he were the
first-mentioned operator.
Revocation, 
suspension and 
variation of 
certificates, 
licences and other 
documents.
60. (1) The appropriate authority may, if it thinks fit,
provisionally suspend or vary any certificate, licence, approval,
permission, exemption, authorisation or other document issued,
granted or having effect under this Order, pending inquiry into or
consideration of the case. The appropriate authority may, on
AIR NAVIGATION _gS.L.232.05 55
sufficient grounds being shown to its satisfaction after due inquiry,
revoke, suspend or vary any such certificate, licence, approval,
permission, exemption, authorisation or other document.
(2) The holder or any person having the possession or custody
of any certificate, licence, approval, permission, exemption or
other document which has been revoked, suspended or varied under
this Order shall surrender it to the appropriate authority forthwith
after being required to do so by that authority.
(3) The breach of any condition subject to which any
certificate, licence, approval, permission, exemption or other
document, other than a licence issued in respect of an aerodrome,
has been granted or issued, or which has effect under this Order,
shall, in the absence of provisions to the contrary in the document,
render the document invalid during the continuance of the breach.
(4) In this article the "appropriate authority" means in relation
to a licence granted under article 71 and in relation to a permission
granted under article 80, the Minister and in relation to any other
document, the Director.
(5) Notwithstanding subarticle (1), a flight manual,
performance schedule or other document incorporated by reference
in the certificate of airworthiness may be varied on sufficient
grounds being shown to the satisfaction of the Director, whether or
not after due inquiry.
Offences in 
relation to 
documents and 
records.
61. (1) No person shall with intent to deceive -
(a) use any certificate, licence, approval, permission,
exemption or other document issued or required by or
under this Order which has been forged, altered,
revoked or suspended, or to which he is not entitled; or
(b) lend any certificate, licence, approval, permission,
exemption or other document issued, or having effect,
or required by or under this Order to, or allow it to be
used by, any other person; or
(c) make any false representation for the purpose of
procuring for himself or any other person the grant,
issue, renewal or variation of any such certificate,
licence, approval, permission or exemption or other
document,
and in this subarticle a reference to a certificate, licence, approval,
permission, exemption or other document includes a copy or
purported copy thereof.
(2) A person shall not intentionally damage, alter or render
illegible any log book or other record required by or under this
Order to be maintained or any entry made therein, or knowingly
make, or procure or assist in the making of, any false entry in or
material omission from any such log book or record or destroy any
such log book or record during the period for which it is required
under this Order to be preserved.
(3) All entries made in writing in any log book or record
referred to in subarticle (2) shall be made in ink or indelible pencil.
56 _gS.L.232.05 AIR NAVIGATION
(4) A person shall not wilfully or negligently make in a load
sheet any entry which is incorrect in any material particular, or any
material omission from such a load sheet.
(5) A person shall not purport to issue any certificate for the
purposes of this Order unless he is authorised to do so under this
Order.
(6) A person shall not issue any such certificate as aforesaid
unless he has satisfied himself that all statements in the certificate
are correct.
PART IX
Control of Air Traffic
Rules of the Air 
and Air Traffic 
Control.
62. (1) Every person and every aircraft shall comply with such
of the Rules of Air and Air Traffic Control contained in the
Thirteenth Schedule as may be applicable to that person or aircraft
in the circumstances of the case.
(2) Subject to the provisions of subarticle (3), it shall be an
offence to contravene, to permit the contravention of, or to fail to
comply with, the Rules of the Air and Air Traffic Control.
(3) It shall be lawful for the Rules of the Air and Air Traffic
Control to be departed from to the extent necessary -
(a) for avoiding immediate danger; or
(b) for complying with the law of any country other than
Malta within which the aircraft then is; or
(c) for complying with Flying Orders for Military Aircraft
in relation to an aircraft of which the commander is
acting as such in the course of his duty as a member of
the Armed Forces of Malta.
(4) If any departure from the Rules of the Air and Air Traffic
Control is made for the purpose of avoiding immediate danger, the
commander of the aircraft shall cause written particulars of the
departure, and of the circumstances giving rise to it, to be given
within ten days thereafter to the competent authority of the country
in whose territory the departure was made or if the departure was
made over the high seas, to the Director.
(5) Nothing in the Rules of the Air and Air Traffic Control
shall exonerate any person from the consequences of any neglect in
the use of lights or signals or of the neglect of any precautions
required by ordinary aviation practice or by the special
circumstances of the case.
Licensing of air 
traffic controllers, 
student air traffic 
controllers, apron 
controllers and 
student apron 
controllers.
Amended by:
L.N. 57 of 1991.
Substituted by:
L.N. 52 of 2001.
63. (1) The Director shall grant a licence, subject to such
conditions as he thinks fit, to any person to act as an air traffic
controller, or as a student air traffic controller, or as an apron
controller, or as a student apron controller, if he is satisfied that the
applicant is a fit person to hold the licence and is qualified by
reason of his knowledge, experience, competence, skill, physical
and mental fitness so to act, and for that purpose the applicant shall
furnish such evidence and undergo such examinations and tests,
including medical examinations, as the Director may require:
AIR NAVIGATION _gS.L.232.05 57
Provided that the Director shall not grant -
(a) a student air traffic controller’s licence, or a student
apron controller’s licence, to a person under the age of
twenty years; or
(b) an air traffic controller’s licence, or an apron
controller’s licence, to a person under the age of
twenty-one years.
(2) Every licence to act as an air traffic controller shall include
(a) ratings of one or more of the classes set forth in the Ninth
Schedule specifying the type of air traffic control service which the
holder of the licence is competent to provide, (b) a list of the places
at which, and (c) the type of radar equipment if any, with the aid of
which, he may provide the service. If throughout any period of one
hundred and twenty days, the holder of the licence has not, for a
minimum period of time to be specified by the Director, provided at
a particular place the type of air traffic control service specified in
the rating, the rating shall, without prejudice to the Director’s
powers under article 60, cease to be valid for that place at the end
of that period, and upon a rating ceasing to be valid for a place the
holder of the licence shall forthwith inform the Director to that
effect and shall forward the licence to the Director to enable him to
endorse it accordingly.
(3) Every licence to act as a student air traffic controller shall
be valid only for the purpose of authorising the holder to provide
air traffic control service under the supervision of another person
who is present at the time and is the holder of a valid air traffic
controller’s licence which includes a rating specifying the type of
air traffic control service which is being provided by the student air
traffic controller and valid at the place in question.
(4) Every licence to act as an apron controller shall include a
list of the places at which he may provide apron management
service. If throughout any period of one hundred and twenty days,
the holder of the licence has not, for a minimum period of time to
be specified by the Director, provided at a particular place apron
management service, the licence shall, without prejudice to the
Director’s powers under article 60, cease to be valid for that place
at the end of that period, and upon a licence ceasing to be valid for
a place the holder of the licence shall forthwith inform the Director
to that effect and shall forward the licence to the Director to enable
him to endorse it accordingly.
(5) Every licence to act as a student apron controller shall be
valid only for the purpose of authorising the holder to provide
apron management service under the supervision of another person
who is present at the time and is the holder of a valid apron
controller’s licence which is valid at the place in question.
(6) A licence to act as an air traffic controller, or as a student
air traffic controller, or as an apron controller, or as a student apron
controller, shall not be valid unless it bears the signature of the
holder.
(7) Subject to the provisions of article 60, a student air traffic
controller’s licence and an air traffic controller’s licence shall
58 _gS.L.232.05 AIR NAVIGATION
remain in force for maximum periods of two years and five years
respectively, and their validity may be renewed by the Director
from time to time, upon his being satisfied that the applicant is a fit
person and is qualified as aforesaid.
(8) Subject to the provisions of article 60, a student apron
controller’s licence and an apron controller’s licence shall remain
in force for maximum periods of two years and five years
respectively, and their validity may be renewed by the Director
from time to time, upon his being satisfied that the applicant is a fit
person and is qualified as aforesaid.
(9) Every applicant and holder of an air traffic controller’s
licence, or a student air traffic controller’s licence, or an apron
controller’s licence, or a student apron controller’s licence, shall
upon such occasions as the Director may require -
(a) submit himself to medical examination by a person
approved by the Director either generally or in a
particular case who shall make a report to the Director
in such form as the Director may require; and
(b) submit himself to such examinations and tests and
furnish such evidence as to his knowledge, experience,
competence and skill as the Director may require, and
such examinations and tests may be conducted by the
Director or by a person approved by the Director.
(10) On the basis of the medical examination referred to in
subarticle (9), the Director or any person approved by him as
competent to do so may issue a medical certificate subject to such
conditions as the Director or the person approved by him thinks fit
to the effect that the holder of the licence has been assessed as fit to
perform the functions to which the licence relates. The certificate
shall, without prejudice to article 66, be valid for such period as is
therein specified, and shall be deemed to form part of the licence.
(11) The holder of air traffic controller’s licence, or student air
traffic controller’s licence, or a apron controller’s licence, or
student apron controller’s licence, shall not provide any type of air
traffic control service or apron management service, as the case
may be, at any such aerodrome or place as is referred to in article
64(1) unless his licence includes a medical certificate issued and in
force under subarticle (10).
Prohibition of 
unlicensed and 
student air traffic 
controllers.
Amended by:
L.N. 57 of 1991;
L.N. 52 of 2001.
64. (1) A person shall not provide at any place any type of air
traffic control service or hold himself out, whether by use of a radio
call sign or in any other way, as a person who may provide any type
of air traffic control service unless he is the holder, and complies
with the terms of:
(i) a valid student air traffic controller’s licence
granted under this Order and he is supervised in
accordance with article 63(3); or
(ii) a valid air traffic controller’s licence so granted
authorising him to provide that type of service at
that place; or
(iii) a valid air traffic controller’s licence so granted
AIR NAVIGATION _gS.L.232.05 59
which does not authorise him to provide that
type of service at that place, but he is supervised
by a person who is present at the time and who is
the holder of a valid air traffic controller’s
licence so granted which authorises him to
provide at that place the type of air traffic
control service which is being provided.
(2) The holder of a licence shall not be entitled to perform any
of the functions specified in the Ninth Schedule in respect of a
rating at any place referred to in subarticle (1) unless -
(a) his licence includes that rating and the rating is valid
for the place at which, and the type of radar
equipment, if any, with the aid of which, the functions
are performed; or
(b) he is supervised by a person who is present at the time
and who is the holder of a valid air traffic controller’s
licence granted under this Order which authorises him
to provide at that aerodrome or other place the type of
air traffic control service which is being provided.
(3) Nothing in this article shall prohibit the holder of a valid
air traffic controller’s licence from providing at any place for
which the licence includes a valid rating, information to aircraft in
flight in the interests of safety.
(4) The holder of an air traffic controller’s licence shall not
provide any type of air traffic control service before he is familiar
with all pertinent and current information.
Prohibition of 
unlicensed and 
student apron 
controllers.
Added by:
L.N. 52 of 2001.
65. (1) A person shall not provide at any place any type of
apron management service or hold himself out, whether by use of a
radio call sign or in any other way, as a person who may provide
any type of apron management service unless he is the holder, and
complies with the terms of -
(i) a valid student apron controller’s licence granted
under this Order and he is supervised in
accordance with article 63(5); or
(ii) a valid apron controller’s licence so granted
authorising him to provide that type of service at
that place; or
(iii) a valid apron controller’s licence so granted
which does not authorise him to provide that
type of service at that place, but he is supervised
by a person who is present at the time and who is
the holder of a valid apron controller’s licence
so granted which authorises him to provide at
that place the type of apron management service
which is being provided.
(2) The holder of an apron controller’s licence shall not
provide an apron management service before he is familiar with all
pertinent and current information.
60 _gS.L.232.05 AIR NAVIGATION
Incapacity of air 
traffic controllers.
Amended by:
L.N. 52 of 2001.
66. (1) Every holder of an air traffic controller’s licence or an
apron controller’s licence granted under article 63 who -
(a) suffers any personal injury or illness involving
incapacity to undertake any of the functions to which
his licence relates throughout a period of thirty
consecutive days; or
(b) in the case of a woman, has reason to believe that she
is pregnant,
shall inform the Director in writing of such injury, illness or
pregnancy as soon a possible.
(2) An air traffic controller’s licence or an apron controller’s
licence shall be deemed to be suspended upon the lapse of such
period of injury or illness as is referred to in subarticle (1)(a). The
suspension of the licence shall cease -
(a) upon the holder being medically examined under
arrangements made by the Director and pronounced fit
to resume his functions under the licence; or
(b) upon the Director exempting the holder from the
requirement of a medical examination subject to such
conditions as the Director may think fit.
(3) Upon the pregnancy of the holder of an air traffic
controller’s licence or an apron controller’s licence being
confirmed, the licence shall be deemed to be suspended and shall
remain suspended until she has been medically examined under
arrangements made by the Director after the pregnancy has ended
and pronounced fit to resume her functions under the licence.
Power to prohibit 
or restrict flying.
Amended by:
L.N. 57 of 1991.
67. (1) Where the Minister deems it necessary in the public
interest to restrict or prohibit flying over an area of Malta or along
any route therein by reason of -
(a) the intended gathering or movement of a large number
of persons;
(b) the intended holding of an aircraft race or contest or of
an exhibition of flying; or
(c) national defence or any other reason affecting the
public interest,
the Minister may notify the prohibition, restriction or imposition of
conditions on flight, either generally or in relation to any class of
aircraft, over any such area or along any such route, and an aircraft
shall not fly in contravention of such notice.
(2) If the commander of an aircraft becomes aware that the
aircraft is flying in contravention of any such notice which has
been made for any of the reasons referred to in subarticle (1)(c) he
shall forthwith cause a signal of distress to be made by radio or by
one of the prescribed visual signals, and shall, unless otherwise
instructed by the appropriate air traffic control unit, cause the
aircraft to land at the aerodrome, being an aerodrome suitable for
that purpose, which it can reach by flying to the least possible
extent over the area to which the notice relates. The aircraft shall
not begin to descend while over such area.
AIR NAVIGATION _gS.L.232.05 61
Balloons, kites and 
airships.
68. (1) Within Malta -
(a) a captive balloon or kite shall not be flown at a height
of more than sixty metres above the ground level or
within sixty metres of any vessel, vehicle or structure;
(b) a captive balloon shall not be flown within five
kilometres of an aerodrome;
(c) a balloon exceeding two metres in any linear
dimension at any stage of its flight, including any
basket or other equipment attached to the balloon.
shall not be flown in controlled airspace;
(d) a kite shall not be flown within five kilometres of an
aerodrome;
(e) an airship shall not be moored;
(f) a parascending parachute shall not be launched by
towing to a height of more than sixty metres above the
surface, without the permission in writing of the
Director and in accordance with any conditions subject
to which that permission may be granted.
(2) A captive balloon when in flight shall be securely moored,
and shall not be left unattended unless it is fitted with a device
which ensures its automatic deflation if it breaks free of its
moorings.
PART X
Aerodromes, Aeronautical Lights and Dangerous Lights
Aerodromes: 
public transport of 
passengers and 
instruction in 
flying.
Amended by:
L.N. 57 of 1991.
69. (1) An aircraft to which this subarticle applies shall not
take off or land at a place in Malta other than -
(a) an aerodrome licensed under this Order for take-off or
landing of such aircraft; or
(b) a Government aerodrome notified as available for
takeoff and landing of such aircraft, or in respect of
which the person in charge of the aerodrome has given
his permission for the particular aircraft to take off or
land as the case may be,
and in accordance with any conditions subject to which the
aerodrome may have been so licensed or notified, or subject to
which such permission may have been given.
(2) Subarticle (1) applies to:
(a) aeroplanes of which the maximum total weight
authorised exceeds 2,730 kg and which are flying for
the purpose of the public transport of passengers or for
the purpose of instruction in flying;
(b) aeroplanes of which the maximum total weight
authorised does not exceed 2,730 kg engaged on
either -
(i) scheduled journeys for the purpose of the public
transport of passengers; or
62 _gS.L.232.05 AIR NAVIGATION
(ii) flights for the purpose of the public transport of
passengers beginning and ending at the same
aerodrome; or
(iii) flights for the purpose of instruction in flying; or
(iv) flights for the purpose of the public transport of
passengers at night;
(c) helicopters and gyroplanes engaged on such flights as
are specified in paragraphs (b)(i), (ii) and (iii);
(d) gliders, other than gliders being flown under
arrangements made by a flying club and carrying no
person other than a member of the club, which are
flying for the purpose of the public transport of
passengers or for the purpose of instruction in flying.
(3) (a) The person responsible for the area used for the
take-off or landing of helicopters at night in a place
other than such a place as is specified in subarticle (1)
shall cause to be in operation, whenever a helicopter
flying for the purpose of public transport of passengers
is taking off or landing at that area by night, such
lighting as will enable the pilot of the helicopter -
(i) in the case of landing, to identify the landing
area in flight, to determine the landing direction
and to make a safe approach and landing;
(ii) in the case of taking off, to make a safe take-off.
(b) A helicopter flying for the purpose of public transport
of passengers at night shall not take off or land at a
place to which paragraph (a) applies unless there is in
operation such lighting.
Use of 
Government 
aerodromes.
70. The Minister may cause to be notified, subject to such
conditions as he thinks fit, any Government aerodrome as an
aerodrome available for the take-off and landing of aircraft
engaged on flights for the purpose of the public transport of
passengers or for the purpose of instruction in flying or of any
classes of such aircraft.
Licensing of 
aerodromes.
71. (1) The Minister may licence any aerodrome in Malta
subject to such conditions as he thinks fit, for the take-off and
landing of aircraft engaged in flights for the purpose of the public
transport of passengers, or for the purpose of instruction in flying,
or of any classes of such aircraft.
(2) Without prejudice to the generality of subarticle (1), the
Minister may grant a licence, in this Order referred to as "a licence
for public use", which shall be subject to the condition that the
aerodrome shall at all times when it is available for take-off or
landing of aircraft be so available to all persons on equal terms and
conditions.
(3) The licence of an aerodrome in respect of which a licence
for public use is in force shall display in a prominent place at the
aerodrome a copy of the licence and shall furnish to any person on
request information concerning the terms of the licence.
AIR NAVIGATION _gS.L.232.05 63
(4) The holder of an aerodrome licence granted under this
Order shall not cause or permit any condition of the licence to be
contravened, in relation to an aircraft engaged on a flight for the
public transport of passengers or for instruction in flying, but the
licence shall not cease to be valid by reason only of such a
contravention.
(5) A licence granted by the Minister in respect of an
aerodrome shall subject to the provisions of article 60, and remain
in force for such period as may be specified in the licence.
Radio equipment at 
aerodromes.
72. (1) A person shall not cause or permit any aeronautical
radio station to be established or used unless its purpose has been
approved by the Director and the equipment thereof is of a type the
specification of which is approved by the Director in relation to the
purpose for which it is to be used.
(2) The person in charge of an aeronautical radio station the
purpose of which is to provide navigational aid by radio or radar to
an aircraft making an approach to land or landing at an aerodrome
shall not cause or permit that aeronautical radio station to provide
such navigational aid unless all aeronautical radio stations operated
by that person at that aerodrome are -
(a) installed, modified and maintained in a manner
approved by the Director, and
(b) flight checked by the Director or by a person approved
by the Director for that purpose on such occasions as
the Director may require:
Provided that the provisions of this subarticle shall not
apply to any aeronautical radio station which is used solely for the
purpose of enabling communications to be made by or on behalf of
the operator of an aircraft and the commander thereof.
(3) The person in charge of an aeronautical radio station at an
aerodrome for which a licence for public use has been granted shall
cause to be notified in relation to that aeronautical radio station the
type and hours of operation of any service which is available for
use by an aircraft, and in approving the purpose for which an
aeronautical radio station is to be used at any other aerodrome the
Director may if he thinks fit require the person in charge of the
aeronautical radio station to cause such information as aforesaid to
be notified.
(4) The provisions of this article shall not apply in respect of
any aeronautical radio station of which the person in charge is the
Director.
Records at 
aerodromes.
73. (1) The person in charge of any aeronautical radio station
the purpose of which is to provide navigational aid by radio or
radar to an aircraft making an approach to land or landing at an
aerodrome shall in respect of all aeronautical radio stations
operated by him at that aerodrome -
(a) keep a written record of functional tests, flight checks
and particulars of any overhaul, repair, replacement or
modification thereof; and
64 _gS.L.232.05 AIR NAVIGATION
(b) preserve the written record for a period of one year or
such longer period as the Director may in a particular
case direct and shall within a reasonable time after
being requested to do so by an authorised person
produce such record to that person.
(2) The person in charge of an aeronautical radio station which
is used for the provision of an air traffic control service by an air
traffic control unit shall provide apparatus which is capable of
recording the terms or content of any radio message or signal
transmitted to any aircraft or in common with other aircraft or
received from any aircraft by the air traffic control unit.
(3) The apparatus provided in compliance with subarticle (2)
shall be:
(a) of a type the specifications of which is approved by the
Director in relation to the particular aeronautical radio
station, and
(b) installed, modified and maintained in a manner
approved by the Director; and
(c) in operation at all times when the aeronautical radio
station is in operation for providing an air traffic
control service.
(4) The person in charge of an aeronautical radio station shall
ensure that each record made by the apparatus provided in
compliance with subarticle (2) includes:
(a) the identification of the aeronautical radio station; and
(b) the date or dates on which the record was made; and
(c) a means of determining the time at which each
message or signal was transmitted; and
(d) the identity of the aircraft to or from which and the
radio frequency on which the message or signal was
transmitted or received; and
(e) the time at which the record started and finished.
(5) If at any time the apparatus provided in compliance with
subarticle (2) ceases to be capable of recording the matters required
by this article to be included in the record the person in charge of
the aeronautical station shall ensure that a written record is kept in
which the particulars specified in subarticle (4) are recorded
together with a summary of communications exchanged between
the aeronautical radio station and aircraft.
(6) The person in charge of the aeronautical radio station shall
preserve any record made in compliance with subarticles (2) and
(5) for a period of thirty days from the date on which the message
or signal was recorded or for such longer period as the Director
may in a particular case direct, and shall, within a reasonable time
after being requested to do so by an authorised person, produce
such record to that person.
(7) A person required by this article to preserve any record by
reason of his being the person in charge of the aeronautical radio
AIR NAVIGATION _gS.L.232.05 65
station shall, if he ceases to be such person, continue to preserve
the record as if he had not ceased to be such person, and in the
event of his death the duty to preserve the record shall fall upon his
heirs:
Provided that if another person becomes the person in
charge of the aeronautical radio station the previous person in
charge or his heirs shall deliver the record to that other person on
demand, and it shall be the duty of that other person to deal with
the record delivered to him as if he were that previous person in
charge.
(8) The provisions of this article shall not apply in respect of
any aeronautical radio station of which the person in charge is the
Director.
Use of aerodromes 
by aircraft of 
Contracting States.
74. (1) The person in charge of any aerodrome in Malta which
is open to public use by aircraft registered in Malta shall cause the
aerodrome, and all air navigation facilities provided thereat, to be
available for use by aircraft registered in another Contracting State
on the same terms and conditions as for use by aircraft registered in
Malta.
(2) The Minister may, in relation to any aerodrome open to
public use, prescribe the charges or maximum charges which may
be made for the use of the aerodrome and for any services
performed at the aerodrome to or in connection with aircraft, and
may further prescribe the conditions to be observed in relation to
these charges and the performance of these services.
(3) The charges to be made for the use of an aerodrome for
services thereat mentioned in subarticle (2) shall be published or
exhibited in such a place and manner as to be readily available for
the information of any person affected thereby.
Noise and 
vibration caused by 
aircraft on 
aerodromes.
75. The conditions under which noise and vibration may be
caused by aircraft, including military aircraft, on Government
aerodromes, licensed aerodromes or on aerodromes at which the
manufacture, repair or maintenance of aircraft is carried out by
persons carrying on business as manufacturers or repairers of
aircraft, shall be as specified in regulation 3 of the Fourteenth
Schedule and article 13(2) of the Act shall apply to any such
aerodromes.
Aeronautical 
lights.
76. (1) A person shall not establish or maintain an
aeronautical ground light within Malta except with the permission
of the Director and in accordance with any conditions which may
be prescribed, or subject to which the permission may be granted.
(2) A person shall not alter the character of an aeronautical
ground light within Malta except with the permission of the
Director and in accordance with any conditions subject to which
the permission may be granted.
(3) In the case of an aeronautical ground light, being a beacon,
which is or may be visible from any waters within an area of a
lighthouse authority, the Director shall not give his permission for
the purpose of this article except with the consent of that authority.
(4) A person shall not intentionally or negligently damage or
66 _gS.L.232.05 AIR NAVIGATION
interfere with any aeronautical light established and maintained by
or with the permission of the Director.
Dangerous lights. 77. (1) A person shall not exhibit in Malta any light which -
(a) by reason of its glare is liable to endanger aircraft
taking off from or landing in an aerodrome; or
(b) by reason of its liability. to be mistaken for an
aeronautical ground light is liable to endanger aircraft.
(2) If any light which appears to the Director to be such a light
as aforesaid is exhibited, the Director may cause a notice to be
served upon the person who is the occupier of the place where the
light is exhibited or having charge of the light, directing that
person, within a reasonable time to be specified in the notice, to
take such steps as may be specified in the notice for extinguishing
or screening the light and for preventing for the future the
exhibition of any other light which may similarly endanger aircraft. 
(3) In the case of a light which is or may be visible from any
waters within the area of a lighthouse authority, the powers of the
Director under this article shall not be exercised except with the
consent of that authority.
Customs airports. 78. (1) The Minister may, in consultation with the Minister
responsible for Customs and subject to such conditions as they may
think fit, by order designate any aerodrome to be a place for the
landing or departure of aircraft for the purpose of the enactment for
the time being in force relating to Customs.
(2) The Minister may by order revoke any designation so
made.
PART XI
General
Flights over any 
foreign country.
Amended by:
L.N. 57 of 1991.
79. (1) The operator or commander of an aircraft registered in
Malta (or, if the operator’s principal place of business or permanent
residence is in Malta, any other aircraft), which is being flown over
any foreign country shall not allow that aircraft to be used for a
purpose which is prejudicial to the security, public order or public
health of, or to the safety of air navigation in relation to, that
country.
(2) A person does not contravene subarticle (1) if he neither
knew nor suspected that the aircraft was being or was to be used for
a purpose referred to in subarticle (1).
(3) The operator or commander of an aircraft registered in
Malta (or, if the operator’s principal place of business or permanent
residence is in Malta, any other aircraft), which is being flown over
any foreign country shall comply with any directions given by the
appropriate aeronautical authorities of that country whenever -
(a) the flight has not been duly authorised; or
(b) there are reasonable grounds for the appropriate
aeronautical authorities to believe that the aircraft is
being or will be used for a purpose which is prejudicial
AIR NAVIGATION _gS.L.232.05 67
to the security, public order or public health of, or to
the safety of air navigation in relation to, that country,
unless the lives of persons on board or the safety of the aircraft
would thereby be endangered.
(4) A person does not contravene subarticle (3) if he neither
knew nor suspected that directions were being given by the
appropriate aeronautical authorities.
(5) The requirement in subarticle (3) is without prejudice to
any other requirement to comply with directions of an aeronautical
authority.
(6) In this article "appropriate aeronautical authorities"
includes any person, whether a member of a country’s military or
civil authorities, authorised under the law of the foreign country to
issue directions to aircraft flying over that country.
Restriction with 
respect to aerial 
survey from 
aircraft.
80. An aircraft shall not fly over Malta for the purpose of
aerial survey except with the permission of the Minister granted to
the operator or the charterer of the aircraft and in accordance with
any conditions to which such permission may be subject.
Mandatory 
reporting.
Amended by:
L.N. 57 of 1991.
81. (1) Subject to the provisions of this article, every person
who - 
(a) is the operator or the commander of a public transport
aircraft which is registered in Malta and has a
maximum total weight authorised of more than
2,300kg; or
(b) carries on the business of manufacturing, repairing or
overhauling such an aircraft, or any equipment or part
thereof; or
(c) signs a certificate of maintenance review or release to
service in respect of such an aircraft, part or
equipment; or
(d) performs a function for which he requires an air traffic
controller’s licence; or
(e) is the licensee of an aerodrome, shall -
(i) make a report to the Director of any reportable
occurrence of which he knows and which is of
such a description as specified in regulation 7 of
the Fourteenth Schedule. The report shall be
made within such time, by such means, and shall
contain such information as is so specified and it
shall be presented in such form as the Director
may in any particular case approve, and
(ii) make a report to the Director, within such time,
by such means, and containing such information
as the Director may specify in a notice in writing
served upon him, being information which is in
his possession or control and which relates to a
reportable occurrence which has been reported
by him or by another person to the Director in
accordance with this article.
68 _gS.L.232.05 AIR NAVIGATION
(2) In the article "reportable occurrence" means:
(a) any incident relating to such an aircraft or any defect
in or malfunctioning of such an aircraft, being an
incident, malfunctioning or defect endangering, or
which if not corrected would endanger, the aircraft, its
occupants, or any other person;
(b) any defect in or malfunctioning of any facility on the
ground used or intended to be used for purposes of or
in connection with the operation of such an aircraft,
being a defect or malfunction endangering, or which if
not corrected would endanger, such an aircraft or its
occupants:
Provided that any accident notified to the Minister in
pursuance of regulations made under article 4 of the Act shall not
constitute a reportable occurrence for the purposes of this article.
(3) Subject to subarticle (1)(e)(ii), nothing in this article shall
require a person to report any occurrence which he has reason to
believe has been or will be reported by another person to the
Director in accordance with this article.
(4) A person shall not make any report under this article if he
has reason to believe that the report is false.
(5) Without prejudice to article 36(2) and subject to the
provisions of article 59, the operator of an aircraft shall, if he has
reason to believe that a report has been or will be made in
pursuance of this article, preserve any data from a flight data
recorder relevant to the reportable occurrence for fourteen days
from the date on which a report of that occurrence is made to the
Director or for such longer periods as the Director may in a
particular case direct:
Provided that the record may be erased if the aircraft is
outside Malta and it is not reasonably practicable to preserve the
record until the aircraft reaches Malta.
Power to prevent 
aircraft flying.
82. (1) If it appears to the Director that any aircraft is
intended or likely to be flown -
(a) in such circumstances that any provision of articles 3,
5, 7, 17, 18, 27, 36, 42 or 43 would be contravened in
relation to the flights; or
(b) in such circumstances that the flight would be in
contravention of any other provision of this Order or
of any Schedule thereto or of any directions made
thereunder and be a cause of danger to any person or
property whether or not in the aircraft; or
(c) while in a condition unfit for the flight, whether or not
the flight would otherwise be in contravention of any
provision of this Order or of any schedule thereto,
the Director may direct the operator or the commander of the
aircraft that he is not to permit the aircraft to make the particular
flight or any other flight of such description as may be specified in
the direction, until the direction has been revoked by the Director,
AIR NAVIGATION _gS.L.232.05 69
and the Director may take such steps as are necessary to detain the
aircraft.
(2) For the purpose of subarticle (1), the Director may enter
upon and inspect any aircraft.
Right of access to 
aerodromes and 
other places.
83. The Director shall, at all reasonable times, have the right to
enter and inspect any aircraft, aerodrome or other landing place to
ensure compliance with any of the provisions of this Order.
Obstruction of 
persons.
84. No person shall obstruct or impede any person acting in the
exercise of his powers or the performance of his duties under this
Order.
Enforcement of 
directions.
85. Any person who without reasonable excuse fails to comply
with any direction given to him under any provision of this Order
or of any schedule thereto shall be deemed for the purposes of this
Order to have contravened that provision.
Penalties.
thereto is contravened in relation to an aircraft, the operator of that
aircraft and the commander thereof shall, without prejudice to the
liability of any other person under this Order for that contravention,
be deemed for the purposes of the following provisions of this
article to have contravened that provision unless he proves that the
contravention occurred without his consent or connivance and that
he exercised all due diligence to prevent the contravention.
(2) If it is proved that an act or omission of any person which
would otherwise have been a contravention by that person of a
provision of this Order or of any Schedule thereto, was due to any
cause not avoidable by the exercise of reasonable care by that
person, that act or omission shall be deemed not to be a
contravention by that person of that provision.
(3) Where a person is charged with contravening a provision of
this Order or of any Schedule thereto by reason of his having been a
member of the flight crew of an aircraft on a flight for the purpose
of public transport or aerial work, the flight shall be treated,
without prejudice to the liability of any other person under this
Order, as not having been for that purpose if he proves that he
neither knew nor had reason to know that the flight was for that
purpose.
(4) If a person contravenes a provision of this Order, or of any
Schedule thereto, not being a provision referred to in subarticles (5)
or (6), he shall be liable on conviction to a fine (multa) not
exceeding one hundred liri; and in the case of a second or
subsequent offence to a fine (multa) not exceeding two hundred
liri.
(5) If a person contravenes any provision specified in Part A of
the Twelfth Schedule he shall be liable on conviction to a fine
(multa) not exceeding two hundred liri; and in the case of a second
or subsequent offence to a fine (multa) not exceeding five hundred
liri, or to imprisonment for a term not exceeding six months or to
both such fine and imprisonment.
(6) If a person contravenes any provision specified in Part B of
the Twelfth Schedule he shall be liable on conviction to a fine
70 _gS.L.232.05 AIR NAVIGATION
(multa) not exceeding one thousand liri or to imprisonment for a
term not exceeding six months or to both such fine and
imprisonment.
Extra-territorial 
effect of the Order.
87. Except where the context otherwise requires, the
provisions of this Order -
(a) in so far as they apply, whether by express reference or
otherwise, to aircraft registered in Malta, shall apply to
such aircraft wherever they may be;
(b) in so far as they apply, whether by express reference or
otherwise, to other aircraft shall apply to such other
aircraft when they are within Malta;
(c) in so far as they prohibit. require or regulate, whether
by express reference or otherwise, the doing of
anything by persons in or by any of the crew of, any
aircraft registered in Malta, shall apply to such persons
and crew, wherever they may be;
(d) in so far as they prohibit, require or regulate, whether
by express reference or otherwise, the doing of
anything in relation to any aircraft registered in Malta
by other persons shall, where such persons are citizens
of Malta, apply to them wherever they may be and the
courts of Malta shall have jurisdiction accordingly.
Application of 
Order to Maltese 
controlled aircraft 
not registered in 
Malta.
88. The Director may direct that such of the provisions of this
Order or of any Schedule thereto or of any directions made
thereunder, as may be specified in the direction, shall have effect as
if reference in those provisions to Maltese aircraft registered in
Malta included reference to the aircraft specified in the direction,
being an aircraft not so registered but for the time being under the
management of a person who, or of persons each of whom, is
qualified to hold any interest by way of ownership in an aircraft
registered in Malta.
Application of 
Order to military 
aircraft.
89. (1) Save as otherwise provided by subarticle (2), article
62(1) and article 75, nothing in this Order shall apply to or in
relation to any military aircraft.
(2) Where a military aircraft is flown by a civilian pilot and is
not commanded by a person who is acting in the course of his duty
as a member of any of the armed forces of the Government of
Malta, the following provisions of this Order shall apply on the
occasion of that flight, that is to say, articles 46, 47, 49, 62, (so far
as applicable), 67 and 79.
Non-applicability 
to small aircraft.
Amended by:
L.N. 202 of 1998.
90. The provisions of this Order, other than articles 47 and 68,
shall not apply to or in relation to:
(a) any balloon which at any stage of its flight is not more
than two metres in any linear dimension including any
basket or other equipment attached to the balloon;
(b) any kite weighing not more than two kg;
(c) any other aircraft weighing not more that 20kg without
its fuel, provided that an aircraft weighing more than
7kg without its fuel shall be flown not above 400 feet
AIR NAVIGATION _gS.L.232.05 71
above the surface and in accordance with the
permission and any conditions set out by the Director.
Approval of 
persons to furnish 
reports.
Added by:
L.N. 339 of 2002.
90A. In relation to any of his functions pursuant to any of the
provisions of this Order the Director may, either absolutely or
subject to such conditions as he thinks fit, approve a person as
qualified to furnish reports to him and may accept such reports.
Exemption from 
Order.
91. The Minister may by order exempt from any of the
provisions of this Order or any Schedule thereto, any aircraft or
persons, either absolutely or subject to such conditions as may be
specified in the Order.
Right of appeal.
Director that a person is not a fit person to hold a licence to act as
aircraft maintenance engineer, member of the flight crew of an
aircraft, air traffic controller or student air traffic controller, and if
the Minister is satisfied on the evidence submitted, that the
decision should be reversed, the Minister may reverse such
decision:
Provided that an appeal shall not lie from a decision of the
Director that a person is not qualified to hold the licence by reason
of a deficiency in his knowledge, experience, competence, skill,
physical or mental fitness.
Saving.
in this Order or any Schedule thereto shall confer any right to land
in any place without the consent of the owner thereof.
(2) Nothing in this Order shall oblige the Director to accept an
application from the holder of any current certificate, licence,
approval, permission, exemption, or other document, being an
application for the renewal of that document, or for the granting of
another document in continuation of or in substitution for the
current document, if the application is made more than sixty days
before the current document is due to expire.
72 _gS.L.232.05 AIR NAVIGATION
Table of General Classification of Aircraft
PART B
(Article 5(2))
Nationality and Registration Marks of Aircraft Registered in Malta
1. The nationality marks of the aircraft shall be the number 9 followed by the
capital letter "H" in Roman character and the registration mark shall be a group of
three capital letters in Roman character assigned by the Director on the registration
of the aircraft. The letters shall be without ornamentation and the hyphen shall be
placed between the nationality mark and the registration mark.
2. The nationality and registration mark shall be painted on the aircraft or shall
be affixed thereto by any other means ensuring a similar degree of permanence in the
following manner:
I. Position of Marks
(a) Flying machines and Gliders
(i) Wings: Except on aircraft having no fixed wing surface, the marks shall
appear on the lower surface of the wing structure, and shall be on the left half of the
Amended by:
L.N. 57 of 1991. FIRST SCHEDULE
PART A
(Articles 2(6) and 4(5))
Col. 1 Col. 2 Col. 3 Col. 4
Non-
mechanically
driven
Free Balloon
Captive Balloon
Lighter than
air aircraft
-
Mechanically
driven
Airship
Aircraft - Non-
mechanically
driven
Glider
Kite
Heavier than
air aircraft - Aeroplane (Landplane)
Aeroplane (Seaplane)
Mechanically
driven (flying
machines)
Aeroplane (Amphibian)
- Aeroplane
(Self-launching motor
glider)
Gyroplane
Helicopter
AIR NAVIGATION _gS.L.232.05 73
lower surface of the wing structure unless they extend across the whole surface of
both wings. So far as possible the marks shall be located equidistant from the leading
and trailing edges of the wings. The tops of the letters shall be towards the leading
edge of the wing.
(ii) Fuselage (or equivalent structure) or Vertical Tail Surface: The marks
shall also be either on each side of the fuselage (or equivalent structure) between the
wings and the tail surfaces, or on the upper halves of the vertical tail surfaces. When
on a single vertical tail surface they shall be on both sides of the tail. When there is
more than one vertical tail surface, the marks shall appear on the outboard sides of
the outer tails.
(b) Airships and Balloons
(i) Airships: The marks shall be on each side of the airship and also on the
upper surface on the line of symmetry. They shall be placed lengthwise near the
maximum cross-section of the airship.
(ii) Spherical Balloons: The marks shall be in two places diametrically
opposite. They shall be placed near the maximum horizontal circumference of the
balloon.
(iii) Non-Spherical Balloons: The marks shall be on each side. They shall be
placed near the maximum cross-section of the balloon immediately above either the
rigging band or the points of attachment of the basket suspension cables.
(iv) In the case of all airships and balloons the side marks shall be so placed
as to be visible both from the sides and from the ground.
II. Size of Marks
(a) Flying Machines and Gliders
(i) Wings: The letters constituting each group of marks shall be of equal
height. The height of the letters shall be at least 50 centimetres.
(ii) Fuselage (or equivalent structure) or Vertical Tail Surfaces: The marks
on the fuselage (or equivalent structure) shall not interfere with the visible outlines
of the fuselage (or equivalent structure). The marks on the vertical tail surfaces shall
be such as to leave a margin of at least 5 centimetres along each side of the vertical
tail surface. The letters constituting each group shall be of equal height. the height of
the marks shall be at least 30 centimetres.
Provided that where owing to the structure of the aircraft a height of 30
centimetres is not reasonably practicable, the height shall be the greatest height
reasonably practicable in the circumstances, but not less than 15 centimetres.
(b) Airships and Balloons
The letters constituting each group of marks shall be of equal height. The
height of the letters shall be at least 75 centimetres.
III. Width and Spacing of Marks
(a) The width of each letter (except the letter I) and the length of the hyphen
between the nationality mark and registration mark shall be two-thirds of the height
of a letter.
(b) The letters and hyphen shall be formed by solid lines and shall be of a colour
74 _gS.L.232.05 AIR NAVIGATION
clearly contrasting with the background on which they appear. The thickness of the
lines shall be one-sixth of the height of a letter.
(c) Each letter shall be separated from the letter which it immediately precedes
or follows by a space equal to half the width of a letter. A hyphen shall be regarded
as a letter for this purpose.
3. The nationality and registration marks shall be displayed to the best
advantage taking into consideration the constructional features of the aircraft and
shall always be kept clean and visible.
4. In addition to the foregoing requirements of this Schedule the nationality
and registration marks shall also be inscribed, together with the name and address of
the registered owner of the aircraft, on a fireproof metal plate affixed in a prominent
position to the fuselage or car or basket, as the case may be, and near the main
entrance to the aircraft.
SECOND SCHEDULE
(Articles 3(1), 7(1) and 38(6))
A and B Conditions
The A Conditions and B Conditions referred to in article 3(1), 7(1) and
38(6) are as follows:
A Conditions
(1) The aircraft shall be either an aircraft in respect of which a certificate of
airworthiness or validation has previously been in force under this Order, or an
aircraft identical in design with an aircraft in respect of which such a certificate is or
has been in force.
(2) The aircraft shall fly only for the purpose of enabling it to -
(a) qualify for the issue or renewal of a certificate of airworthiness or of the
validation thereof or the approval of a modification of the aircraft, after
an application has been made for such issue, renewal, validation or
approval as the case may be; or
(b) proceed to or from a place at which any inspection, approval, test or
weighing of, or the installation of equipment in, the aircraft is to take
place for a purpose referred to in sub-paragraph (a), after such an
application has been made, or at which the installation of furnishings in,
or the taking off, the aircraft is to be undertaken; or
(c) proceed to or from a place at which the aircraft is to be or has been
stored.
(3) The aircraft and its engines shall be certified as fit for flight by the holder of
an aircraft maintenance engineer's licence granted under this Order, being a licence
which entitles him to issue that certificate or by a person approved by the Director
for the purpose of issuing certificates under this condition, and in accordance with
the approval.
(4) The aircraft shall carry the minimum flight crew specified in any certificate
of airworthiness or validation which has previously been in force under this Order in
respect of the aircraft or is or has previously been in force in respect of any other
AIR NAVIGATION _gS.L.232.05 75
aircraft of identical design.
(5) The aircraft shall not carry any persons or cargo except persons performing
duties in the aircraft in connection with the flight or persons who are carried in the
aircraft to perform duties in connection with a purpose referred to in paragraph (2) of
these Conditions.
(6) The aircraft shall not fly over any congested area of a city, town or
settlement except to the extent that it is necessary to do so in order to take off from
or land at a Government aerodrome, or a licensed aerodrome in accordance with
normal aviation practice.
(7) Without prejudice to the provisions of article 17(2), the aircraft shall carry
such flight crew as may be necessary to ensure the safety of the aircraft.
B Conditions
(1) The flight shall be made under the supervision of a person approved by the
Director for the purposes of these Conditions, and subject to any additional
conditions which may be specified in such approval.
(2) If it is not registered in Malta or under the law of any country referred to in
article 3, the aircraft shall be marked in a manner approved by the Director for the
purposes of these Conditions, and the provisions of articles 13, 14, 18, 31, 34, 57 and
58 shall be complied with in relation to the aircraft as if it was registered in Malta so
far as such provisions are applicable to the aircraft in the circumstances.
(3) The aircraft shall fly only for the purpose of -
(a) experimenting with or testing the aircraft (including in particular its
engines) and its equipment; or
(b) enabling it to qualify for the issue of a certificate of airworthiness or the
validation thereof, or the approval of a modification of the aircraft; or
(c) proceeding to or from a place at which any experiment, inspection,
approval, test or weighing of, or the installation of equipment in, the
aircraft is to take place for a purpose referred to in sub-paragraph (a) or
(b), or at which the installation of furnishings in, or the painting of, the
aircraft is to be undertaken; or
(d) demonstrating the aircraft with a view to the sale of that aircraft or of
other similar aircraft.
(4) Without prejudice to the provisions of article 17(2), the aircraft shall carry
such flight crew as may be necessary to ensure the safety of the aircraft.
(5) The aircraft shall not carry any cargo, or any persons other than the flight
crew except the following:
(a) persons employed by the operator who carry out during the flight duties
in connection with the purposes specified in paragraph (3) of these
Conditions;
(b) persons employed by manufacturers of component parts of the aircraft
(including its engines) who carry out during the flight duties in
connection with the purposes so specified;
(c) persons approved by the Director under article 8(7) as qualified to
furnish reports for the purposes of that article;
(d) persons, other than those carried under the preceding provisions of this
paragraph, who are carried in the aircraft in order to carry out a
technical evaluation of the aircraft or its operation.
76 _gS.L.232.05 AIR NAVIGATION
(6) The aircraft shall not fly, except in accordance with procedures which have
been approved by the Director in relation to that flight, over any congested area of a
city, town or settlement.
THIRD SCHEDULE
(Article 8)
1. Categories of Aircraft:
Transport Category (Passenger).
Transport Category (Cargo).
Aerial Work Category.
Private Category.
Special Category.
2. Purposes for which aircraft may fly:
Transport Category (Passenger): any purpose.
Transport Category (Cargo): any purpose, other than the public transport of
passengers.
Aerial Work Category: aerial work only.
Private Category: any purpose other than public transport or aerial work.
Special Category: any purpose, other than public transport, specified in the
certificate of airworthiness but not including the carriage of passengers unless
expressly permitted.
JAR 66 Aircraft Maintenance Licence Privileges
An aircraft maintenance licence holder may, subject to the conditions of his
licence, issue such certificates as permitted by the JAR 66 and JAR 145
requirements.
Amended by:
L.N. 57 of 1991.
Substituted by:
L.N. 130 of 2003.
FOURTH SCHEDULE
(Article 11)
AIR NAVIGATION _gS.L.232.05 77
Aircraft Equipment
1. (1) Aircraft operated for public transport purposes registered in Malta shall
be equipped in accordance with the requirements set forth in the editions of JAR
OPS 1 Commercial Air Transportation (Aeroplanes) Sub Part K and JAR OPS 3
Commercial Air Transportation (Helicopters) Sub Part K applicable in Malta at the
time.
2. Aircraft operated for purposes other than those specified in paragraph 1 and
gliders, registered in Malta, shall be provided with adequate equipment appropriate
to the circumstances of flight specified in paragraph 5 and for the purposes of this
paragraph the expression "adequate equipment" shall mean the scales of equipment
indicated in paragraph 6, provided that if the aircraft is flying in a combination of
such circumstances the scales of equipment shall not on that account be required to
be duplicated.
3. The equipment carried in an aircraft as being necessary for the airworthiness
of the aircraft shall be taken into account in determining whether this Schedule is
complied with in respect of that aircraft.
4. The following items of equipment shall not be required to be of a type
approved by the Director: 
(i) The equipment referred to in Scale A(ii);
(ii) First Aid Equipment and Handbook, referred to in Scale B; 
(iii) Time pieces, referred to in Scale F; 
(iv) Torches, referred to in Scale C and G; 
(v) Sea anchors, referred to in Scales I and J; 
(vi) Rocket signals, referred to in Scale J;
(vii) Equipment for mooring, anchoring or manoeuvring aircraft on the
water, referred to in Scale I.
5. (1) Gliders when flying by night for purposes other than public transport or
aerial work - Scale A(ii). 
(2) Gliders flying for purposes of public transport or aerial work – Scale A, B,
D and F(i), and:
(a) when flying by night - Scale C and G;
(b) when carrying out aerobatic manoeuvres - Scale M. 
(3) Aeroplanes and Helicopters - Scale A, and
(a) when flying by night - Scale C, D and G;
(b) when operating under VFR - Scale D;
(c) when flying under Instrument Flight Rules
(i) outside controlled airspace - Scale D
(ii) within controlled airspace - Scale E and E(iv) duplicated and F
(d) when carrying out aerobatic manoeuvres - Scale M. 
FIFTH SCHEDULE Amended by:L.N. 57 of 1991.
Substituted by:
L.N. 202 of 1998;
L.N. 339 of 2002.
(Articles 10(4), 12(2) and 36(1))
78 _gS.L.232.05 AIR NAVIGATION
(4) All turbine engined aeroplanes and helicopters with a maximum total weight
authorised exceeding 5,700 kg, or authorised to carry more than nine passengers -
Scale O. 
(5) All aeroplanes with a maximum total weight authorised exceeding 27,000 kg
issued with an individual certificate of airworthiness after 1 January 1989 - Scale L. 
(6) All aeroplanes with a maximum total weight authorised exceeding 27,000 kg
and issued with an individual certificate of airworthiness on or after 1 January 1987
- Scale N. 
(7) (i) All aeroplanes operating over water at a distance from land of more than
50 nautical miles - Scale H; 
(ii) single engined land aeroplanes operating more than 100 nautical miles
from land and multi engined land aeroplanes capable of continuing
flight with one engine inoperative operating more than 200 nautical
miles from land – Scale H and J; 
(iii) Seaplanes operating on any flight - Scale H and I. 
(8) (i) Helicopters flying over water having Performance Class 1 and 2 - Scale
H and J; 
(ii) Helicopters flying over water having Performance Class 3 - Scale H. 
(9) All aeroplanes and helicopters operating at high altitudes - Scale K. 
(10) All aeroplanes and helicopters flying in icing conditions - Scale P. 
(11) All aeroplanes and helicopters operating with more than one flight crew -
Scale Q.
6. The scales of equipment indicated in the foregoing shall be as follows:
Scale A 
(i) Spare fuses for all electrical circuits the fuses of which can be replaced
in flight, consisting of 10 per cent of the number of each rating,
whichever is the greater. 
(ii) Maps, charts, codes and other documents and navigational equipment
necessary, in addition to any other equipment required under this Order,
for the intended flight of the aircraft, including any diversion which
may be reasonably expected. 
(iii) (a) Every pilot’s seat or seat alongside, in all gliders, aeroplanes,
helicopters and gyroplanes shall be equipped with -
(1) a safety belt with one diagonal shoulder strap or a safety harness
(where the maximum total weight authorised does not exceed
2,300 kg); 
(2) a safety harness (where the maximum total weight authorised
exceeds 2,300 kg):
Provided that the Director may permit a safety belt without a diagonal
shoulder strap to be fitted if he is satisfied that it is not reasonably
practical to fit a safety belt with one diagonal shoulder strap, or safety
harness. 
(b) For every seat in use (not being a seat referred to in subparagraph
(a) above) a safety belt with or without one diagonal shoulder
strap or a safety harness.
AIR NAVIGATION _gS.L.232.05 79
Scale B 
(i) First aid equipment of good quality, sufficient in quantity, having regard
to the number of persons on board the aircraft, and including the
following:
Roller bandages, triangular bandages, adhesive plaster, absorbent gauze,
cotton wool (or wound dressings in place of the absorbent gauze and
cotton wool), burn dressings, safety pins;
Haemostatic bandages or tourniquets, scissors;
Antiseptic, analgesic, and stimulant drugs;
Splints, in the case of aeroplanes the maximum total weight authorised
of which exceeds 5,700 kg;
A handbook of First Aid. 
(ii) If the commander cannot, from his own seat, see all the passengers’
seats in the aircraft, a means of indicating to the passengers that seat
belts should be fastened.
Scale C 
(i) Equipment for displaying the lights required by the Rules of the Air and
Air Traffic Control;
(ii) Electrical equipment, supplied from the main source of supply in the
aircraft, to provide sufficient illumination to enable the flight crew
properly to carry out their duties during flight; 
(iii) unless the aircraft is equipped with radio, devices for making the visual
signal specified in the Rules of the Air and Air Traffic Control as
indicating a request for permission to land; 
(iv) an electric torch for each crew member station; 
(v) lights in all passenger compartments.
Scale D 
(i) Either -
(a) a turn indicator (not required for helicopters and gyroplanes) and
a slip indicator; or 
(b) a gyroscopic bank and pitch indicator and a gyroscopic indicator; 
(ii) a sensitive pressure altimeter adjustable for changes in barometric
pressure;
(iii) a magnetic compass.
Scale E 
(i) A turn indicator (not required for helicopters and gyroplanes) and a slip
indicator with an additional gyroscopic bank and pitch indicator in lieu
of the turn indicator;
(ii) A gyroscopic bank and pitch indicator;
(iii) A gyroscopic direction indicator;
(iv) A sensitive pressure altimeter adjustable for changes in barometric
pressure.
Scale F 
(i) A time piece with a sweep second hand; 
80 _gS.L.232.05 AIR NAVIGATION
(ii) A means of indicating whether the power supply to the gyroscopic
instrument is adequate; 
(iii) A rate of climb and descent indicator; 
(iv) If the maximum total weight authorised of the aircraft exceeds 5,700 kg
a means of indicating the outside air temperature; 
(v) If the maximum total weight authorised of the aircraft exceeds 5,700 kg
two airspeed indicators.
Scale G 
(i) Landing lights consisting of two single filament lamps, or one dual
filament with separately energised filaments;
(ii) An electric lighting system to provide illumination in every passenger
compartment; 
(iii) In the case of any other aircraft one electric torch for each member of
the crew of the aircraft; 
(iv) In the case of an aircraft of which the maximum total weight authorised
exceeds 5,700kg, a means of observing the existence and build up of the
ice on the aircraft.
Scale H
For each person on board, a life jacket or equivalent flotation device
stowed in a position easily accessible for the seat of the person for
whose user it is provided.
Scale I
A sea anchor and other equipment necessary to facilitate mooring,
anchorage or manoeuvring the aircraft on water, appropriate to its size,
weight and handling characteristics.
Scale J
Life rafts sufficient to accommodate all persons on board the aeroplane
or helicopter, with the following equipment: 
(a) a sea anchor; 
(b) marine type pyrotechnic distress signals; 
(c) life lines, and a means of attaching one life raft to another.
Scale K 
(i) In every flight operated at altitudes at which the atmospheric pressure in
personnel compartments will be less than 700 hPa, sufficient breathing
oxygen to supply:
(a) all crew members and at least 10% of the passengers for any
period in excess of thirty minutes that the pressure in the
compartments occupied by them will be between 700 hPa and 620
hPa; and
(b) all crew members and passengers for any period that the
atmospheric pressure in compartments occupied by them will be
less than 620 hPa.
(ii) In every pressurised aeroplane or helicopter a sufficient quantity of
stored oxygen to supply all crew members and passengers, as is
appropriate to the circumstances of the flight being undertaken, in the
event of loss of pressurisation, for any period that the atmospheric
AIR NAVIGATION _gS.L.232.05 81
pressure in any compartment occupied by them would be less than 700
hPa. In addition when an aeroplane or helicopter is operated at flight
altitudes where the atmospheric pressure is more than 376 hPa and
cannot descend safely within four minutes to a flight altitude where the
atmospheric pressure is equal to 620 hPa, there shall be no less than 10
minutes supply of oxygen for the occupants of the passenger
compartment.
Scale L
A Type 1 flight data recorder which is capable of recording, by
reference to a time scale, the following data:
Pressure altitude, indicated airspeed, heading, normal acceleration,
pitch attitude, roll attitude, radio transmission keying, power on each
engine, trailing edge flap or cockpit control selection, leading edge flap
or cockpit control selection, thrust reversed position, ground spoiler/
speed brake selection, outside air temperature, autopilot/autothrottle/
AFCs mode and engagement status.
Scale M
Safety harness for every seat in use:
Provided that in the case of an aircraft carrying out aerobatic
manoeuvres consisting only of erect spinning, the Director may permit a
safety belt with one diagonal shoulder strap to be fitted if he is satisfied
that such restraint is sufficient for the carrying out of erect spinning in
that aircraft and that it is not reasonably practicable to fit a safety
harness in that aircraft.
Scale N
A four channel cockpit capable of recording the aural environment of
the flight deck during flight. Provided that an aircraft shall not be
required to carry the said equipment, if before take off the equipment is
found to be unserviceable and the aircraft flies in accordance with
arrangements approved by the Director.
Scale O
Equipment capable of giving warning to the pilot of the potentially
hazardous proximity of ground or water: provided that if the equipment
becomes unserviceable, the aircraft may fly or continue to fly until it
first lands at a place at which it is reasonable practicable for the
equipment to be repaired or replaced (ground proximity warning
system).
82 _gS.L.232.05 AIR NAVIGATION
Radio Equipment to be carried in Aircraft
1. With the exception of those aircraft operated for public transport for which
the requirements set out in JAR OPS 1 and JAR OPS 3 apply, every aircraft shall be
provided, when flying in the circumstances specified in the first column of the table
set forth in paragraph 2 of this Schedule, with the scales of equipment respectively
indicated in that table:
Provided that, if the aircraft is flying in a combination of such circumstances
the scales of equipment shall not on that account be required to be duplicated.
2. TABLE
Amended by:
L.N. 202 of 1998. SIXTH SCHEDULE(Article 13)
AIRCRAFT AND CIRCUMSTANCES OF 
FLIGHT SCALE OF EQUIPMENT REQUIRED
AB C D E F G
(1) All aircraft within Malta when
flying:
(i) Under IFR ............................. A B E
(ii) Under VFR ........................... A
(iii) above a height/level notified
by ATC ................................. G*
(2) All aircraft registered in Malta
(a) when flying for the purpose of
public transport under
Instrument Flight Rules:
(i) while making an
approach to landing ..... A B C D F
(ii) on all other occasions ... A B C
(b) with a public transport
certificate of airworthiness,
when flying under Visual
Flight Rules over routes on
which navigation cannot be
effected solely by reference to
landmarks ............................. A B
(c) not exceeding 2,300 kg,
maximum total weight
authorised when flying for the
purpose of public transport
under Visual Flight Rules:
(i) over a route on which
navigation is not
effected solely by
visual reference to
landmarks .................... A B
AIR NAVIGATION _gS.L.232.05 83
(3) The scales of radio equipment indicated in the foregoing, Table shall be as
follows:
Scale A
Radio equipment capable of maintaining two-way communication with the
appropriate aeronautical radio stations.
Scale B
Radio equipment capable of enabling the aircraft to be navigated on the
intended route including such equipment as may be prescribed.
Scale C
Radio equipment capable of receiving from the appropriate aeronautical
radio stations meteorological broadcasts relevant to the intended flight.
Scale D
Radio equipment capable of receiving signals from one or more aeronautical
radio stations on the surface to enable the aircraft to be guided to a point from which
a visual landing can be made at the aerodrome at which the aircraft is to land.
Scale E
Radio equipment capable of providing a continuous indication of the
aircraft's distance from the appropriate aeronautical radio stations.
Scale F
Radio equipment capable of enabling the. aircraft to make an approach to
landing using the Instrument Landing System.
Scale G
Secondary surveillance radar equipment.
SEVENTH SCHEDULE
(Article 14)
Aircraft, Engine and Propeller Log Books
1. Aircraft Log Books
The following entries shall be included in the aircraft log book:
(a) the name of the constructor, the type of the aircraft, the number assigned
(ii) when flying for any
purpose over water
beyond gliding distance
from land ..................... A
* Unless the appropriate air Traffic Control Unit otherwise permits in relation to a
particular flight and provided that the aircraft complies with any instructions which the air
traffic control unit may give in the particular case.
AIRCRAFT AND CIRCUMSTANCES OF 
FLIGHT SCALE OF EQUIPMENT REQUIRED
AB C D E F G
84 _gS.L.232.05 AIR NAVIGATION
to it by the constructor and the date of the construction of the aircraft;
(b) the nationality and registration marks of the aircraft;
(c) the name and address of the operator of the aircraft;
(d) the date of each flight and the duration of the period between take off
and landing, or, if more than one flight was made on that day, the
number of flights and the total duration of the periods between take offs
and landings on that day;
(e) particulars of all maintenance work carried out on the aircraft or its
equipment;
(f) particulars of any defects occurring in the aircraft or in any equipment
required to be carried therein by or under this Order, and of the action
taken to rectify such defects including a reference to the relevant entries
in the technical log required by article 9(7);
(g) particulars of any overhauls, repairs, replacements and modifications
relating to the aircraft or any such equipment as aforesaid:
Provided that entries shall not be required to be made under sub-paragraphs
(e), (f) and (g) in respect of any engine or variable pitch propeller.
2. Engine Log Book
The following entries shall be included in the engine log book:
(a) the name of the constructor, the type of the engine, the number assigned
to it by the constructor and the date of the construction of the engine;
(b) the nationality and registration marks of each aircraft in which the
engine is fitted;
(c) the name and address of the operator of each such aircraft;
(d)either -
(i) the date of each flight and the duration of the period between take
off and landing, or, if more than one flight was made that day, the
number of flights and the total duration of the period between
take-offs and landings on that day; or
(ii) the aggregate duration of periods between take off and landing for
all flights made by that aircraft since the immediately preceding
occasion that any maintenance, overhaul, repair, replacement,
modification, or inspection was undertaken on the engine;
(e) particulars of all maintenance work done on the engine;
(f) particulars of any defects occurring in the engine, and of the
rectification of such defects including a reference to the relevant entries
in the technical log required by article 9(7);
(g) particulars of all overhauls, repairs, replacements and modifications
relating to the engine or any of its accessories.
3. Variable Pitch Propeller Log Book
The following entries shall be included in the variable pitch propeller log
book:
(a) the name of the constructor, the type of the propeller, the number
assigned to it by the constructor and the date of the construction of the
propeller;
(b) the nationality and registration marks of each aircraft, and the type and
AIR NAVIGATION _gS.L.232.05 85
number of each engine, to which the propeller is fitted;
(c) the name and address of the operator of each such aircraft;
(d) either - 
(i) the date of each flight and the duration of the period between take
off and landing, or, if more than one night was made on that day
the number of flights and the total duration of the periods between
take-offs and landings on that day; or
(ii) the aggregate duration of periods between take-off and landing for
all flights made by that aircraft since the immediate1y preceding
occasion that any maintenance, overhaul, repair, replacement,
modification, or inspection was undertaken on the propeller;
(e) particulars of all maintenance work done on the propeller;
(f) particulars of any defects occurring in the propeller, and of the
rectification of such defects, including a reference to the relevant
entries in the technical log required by article 9(7);
(g) particulars of any overhaul, repairs, replacements and modifications
relating to the propeller.
Flight Crew of Aircraft: Licences and Ratings
PART A - LICENCES (non JAR FCL)
Minimum Age, Period of Validity, Privileges
1. 1. Aeroplane Pilots
Private Pilot’s Licence (Aeroplanes)
Minimum age - 17 years
Maximum Period of Validity - 2 years
Privileges: The holder of the licence shall be entitled to fly as pilot in
command or co-pilot of an aeroplane of any of the types specified in the aircraft
rating included in the licence:
Provided that: 
(a) He shall not fly such an aeroplane for the purpose of public transport or
aerial work and he shall not fly such an aeroplane on a special VFR
flight with a flight visibility of less than three kilometres; 
(b) he shall not receive any remuneration for his services as a pilot; 
(c) he shall not fly as pilot in command of such an aeroplane at night
unless: 
(i) his licence includes a night rating (aeroplanes) and 
EIGHTH SCHEDULE Amended by:L.N. 57 of 1991;
L.N. 34 of 1992;
L.N. 52 of 2001.
Substituted by:
L.N. 339 of 2002.
(Article 19)
86 _gS.L.232.05 AIR NAVIGATION
(ii) his licence includes an instrument rating (aeroplanes) or he has
within the immediately preceding six months carried out as pilot
in command not less than five take-offs and five landings at a
time when the depression of the centre of the sun was not less
than 12° below the horizon.
(d) he shall not, unless his licence includes an instrument rating
(aeroplane), fly as pilot in command or co-pilot or such an aeroplane
flying in circumstances which require compliance with the Instrument
Flight Rules.
Commercial Pilot’s Licence (Aeroplanes)
Minimum Age - 18 years
Maximum Period of Validity - 6 months.
Privileges 
(1) The holder of the licence shall be entitled to exercise the privileges of a
Private Pilot’s Licence (Aeroplanes) which includes a night rating
(aeroplanes), entitled to fly as pilot in command of an aeroplane on a
special VFR flight notwithstanding that the flight visibility is less than
three kilometres; and 
(2) He shall be entitled to fly as pilot in command of an aeroplane of a type
specified in Part 1 of the aircraft rating included in the licence when the
aeroplane is engaged on a flight for any purpose whatsoever:
Provided that: 
(a) he shall not, unless his licence includes an instrument rating
(aeroplanes), fly such an aeroplane on any scheduled journey; 
(b) he shall not fly such an aeroplane at night on which any passenger
is carried unless his licence includes an instrument rating
(aeroplanes) or he has within the immediately preceding ninety
days carried out as pilot in command on an aeroplane of the same
class or type, or in a flight simulator approved for the purpose not
less than five take-offs and five landings at a time when the
depression of the centre of the sun was not less than 12° below the
horizon; 
(c) he shall not, unless his licence includes an instrument rating
(aeroplanes) fly any such aeroplane of which the maximum total
weight authorised exceeds 2,300 kg. On any flight for the purpose
of public transport, except a flight beginning and ending at the
same aerodrome and not extending beyond 25 nautical miles from
that aerodrome; 
(d) he shall not fly such an aeroplane on a flight for the purpose of
public transport unless it is certified for single pilot operation;
(e) he shall not fly such an aeroplane on any flight for the purpose of
public transport after he attains the age of sixty years unless the
aeroplane is fitted with dual controls and carries a second pilot
who has not attained the age of sixty years and who holds an
appropriate licence under this Order entitling him to act as pilot in
command or co-pilot of that aeroplane; 
(f) he shall not, unless his licence includes an instrument rating
(aeroplane), fly as pilot in command or co-pilot of such an
aeroplane flying in circumstances which require compliance with
the Instrument Flight Rules. 
AIR NAVIGATION _gS.L.232.05 87
(3) He shall be entitled to fly as co-pilot of any aeroplane of a type specified in
the aircraft rating included in the licence when the aeroplane is engaged on a flight
for any purpose whatsoever. 
(4) He shall not at any time after he attains the age of sixty-five years act as
pilot in command or co-pilot or any aeroplane on a flight for the purpose of public
transport. 
Airline Transport Pilot’s Licence (Aeroplanes)
Minimum Age - 21 years
Maximum of Validity - 6 months
Privileges: The holder of the licence shall be entitled to exercise the
privileges of a Commercial Pilot’s Licence (Aeroplanes) except that proviso (d) to
paragraph (2) of those privileges shall not apply.
2. Other Flight Crew
Flight Navigator’s Licence
Minimum Age - 21 years
Maximum Period of Validity - 6 months
Privileges: The holder of the licence shall be entitled to act as flight
engineer in any type of aircraft specified in the aircraft rating included in the licence.
Flight Radiotelephony Operator’s General Licence
Minimum Age - 18 years
Maximum period of Validity - 2 years
Privileges: The holder of the licence shall be entitled to operate
radiotelephony apparatus in any aircraft.
PART A - LICENCES (JAR FCL)
Minimum Age, Period of Validity, Privileges
Where the Director grants pilot licences in accordance with JAR FCL 1 or
JAR FCL 2 requirements, the privileges, age limit and maximum period of validity
thereof shall be those set out in the edition of JAR FCL 1 or JAR FCL 2 applicable in
Malta.
PART B - RATINGS (non JAR FCL)
1. The following ratings may be included in a pilot’s licence granted under Part
V of this Order, and, subject to the provisions of this Order and of the licence, the
inclusion of a rating in a licence shall have the consequences respectively specified
as follows:
Aircraft Rating. The licence shall entitle the holder to act as pilot only of
aircraft of the type specified in the aircraft rating and different types of aircraft may
be specified in respect of different privileges of a licence.
Instrument Rating (Aeroplanes) shall entitle the holder of the licence to act
as pilot in command or co-pilot of an aeroplane flying in controlled airspace in
circumstances which require compliance with Instrument Flight Rules.
Provided that the holder shall not be so entitled unless the licence bears a
certificate, signed by a person authorised by the Director for that purpose, indicating
that the holder has, within the previous thirteen months, passed an instrument flying
test.
88 _gS.L.232.05 AIR NAVIGATION
Instrument Rating (Helicopters) shall entitle the holder of a licence to act as
pilot in command or co-pilot of a helicopter flying in controlled airspace in
circumstances which require compliance with the Instrument Flight Rules.
Provided that the holder shall not be so entitled unless the licence bears a
certificate, signed by a person authorised by the Director for that purpose, indicating
that the holder has within the previous thirteen months, passed an instrument flying
test.
Night Rating (Aeroplanes) shall entitle the holder of a Private Pilot’s
Licence (Aeroplanes) to act as pilot in command at night of an aeroplane.
Towing Rating (Flying Machines) shall entitle the holder of the licence to
act as pilot of a flying machine while towing a glider in flight for the purpose of
public transport or aerial work.
Flying Instructor’s rating shall entitle the holder of the licence to give
instruction in flying aircraft of such types as may be specified in the rating for that
purpose:
Provided that the holder shall not be so entitled unless his licence bears a
certificate, signed by a person authorised by the Director for that purpose, indicating
that the holder has, within the previous twenty-five months, passed a test of his
ability to perform the functions of Flight Instructor and the test shall, where the
Director so specifies in respect of the whole or part of the test, be conducted in an
aircraft in flight.
2. An aircraft rating included in a flight engineer’s licence shall entitle the
holder of the licence to act as flight engineer only of aircraft of a type specified in
the aircraft rating.
3. For the purpose of this Schedule:
"Solo flight" means a flight during which a student pilot is the sole occupant
of an aircraft; and
"Cross-country Flight" means any flight during the course of which the
aircraft is more than 3 nautical miles from the aerodrome of departure.
PART C - CERTIFICATE OF TEST AND REVALIDATION OF RATINGS
Certificate of Test
1. A certificate of test required by article 19(5) of this Order shall be signed by
a person authorised by the Director to sign certificates of this kind and shall certify
the following particulars: 
(a) the functions to which the certificate relates;
(b) that the person signing the certificate is satisfied that on a date specified
in the certificate the holder of the licence or personal flying logbook of
which the certificate test of his ability to perform the functions to which
the certificate relates;
(c) the type of aircraft or flight simulator in or by means of which the test
was conducted;
(d) the date on which it was signed.
Nature of Test
2. The appropriate test referred to in paragraph 1 of this Part of this Schedule
shall be a test which entitles the holder of the licence of which the certificate forms
part to act as pilot in command and/or co-pilot of aircraft of the type specified in the
AIR NAVIGATION _gS.L.232.05 89
certificate, a test of the pilot’s competence to fly the aircraft as pilot in command
and/or co-pilot and shall where the Director so specifies in respect of the whole or
part of a test be conducted in an aircraft in flight or by means of a flight simulator
approved by the Director.
Period of Validity of Certificate of Test
3. A certificate of test required by article 19(5) of this Order shall not be valid
in relation to a flight made more than 13 months after the date of the test which it
certifies.
Revalidation of Ratings
4. The revalidation of a rating required by article 19(4) contained in a flight
crew licence shall be signed by a person authorised by the Director and shall contain
the following particulars: 
(a) the date of test, 
(b) the expiry date of the validation period, 
(c) the examiner’s authorisation number, and 
(d) the examiner’s signature.
Air Traffic Controllers: Ratings
1. The holder of a licence which includes ratings of two or more of the classes
specified in paragraph 2 of this Schedule shall not at any one time perform the
functions specified m respect of more than one of those ratings:
Provided that the functions of any one of the following groups of ratings
may be exercised at the same time:
(a) The Aerodrome Control Rating and the Approach Control Rating;
(b) The Approach Control Rating and the Approach Radar Control Rating;
except that the functions of the Approach, Control Rating shall not be
exercised at the same time as the functions of the Approach Radar
Control Rating if the service being provided under the latter is a
surveillance radar approach terminating at a point less than 2 nautical
miles from the point of intersection of the glide path with the runway;
(c) The Area Control Rating and the Area Radar Control Rating.
2. Ratings of the following classes may be included in an air traffic controller's
licence (other than a student air traffic controller's licence) granted under Article 63
of the Order and subject to the provisions of this Order and of the licence, the
inclusion of a rating in a licence shall have the consequences respectively specified
as follows:
(1) Aerodrome Control Rating shall entitle the holder of the licence, at any
aerodrome for which the rating is valid, to provide air traffic control
service (but not with any type of radar equipment for which a radar
NINTH SCHEDULE Amended by:L.N. 57 of 1991.
(Articles 63(2) and 64(2))
90 _gS.L.232.05 AIR NAVIGATION
control rating is required under this paragraph) for any aircraft on the
manoeuvring area or apron of that aerodrome or which is flying in the
vicinity of the aerodrome traffic zone by visual reference to the surface
or which is continuously visible from the aerodrome control position.
(2) Approach Control Rating shall entitle the holder of the licence, at any
aerodrome for which the rating is valid, to provide air traffic control
service (but not with any type of radar equipment for which a radar
control rating is required under this paragraph) for any aircraft which is
flying in the vicinity of the aerodrome traffic zone whether or not it is
flying by visual reference to the surface.
(3) Approach Radar Control Rating shall in addition to the privileges of the
Approach Control Rating entitle the holder of the licence, at any
aerodrome for which the rating is valid, to provide air traffic control
service with the aid of any type of surveillance radar equipment for
which the rating is valid for any aircraft which is flying within 50
nautical miles of the aerodrome traffic zone whether or not it is flying
by visual reference to the surface.
(4) Area Control Rating shall entitle the holder of the licence, at any place
for which the rating is valid, to provide air traffic control service within
control areas without the aid of any surveillance radar equipment.
(5) Area Radar Control Rating shall entitle the holder of the licence, at any
place for which the rating is valid, to provide air traffic control service
with the aid of any type of surveillance radar equipment for which the
rating is valid.
Public Transport - Operational Requirements
Part A - Operations Manual
Information and instructions relating to the following matters shall be
included in the operations manual referred to in article 24(2) of this Order:
(i) the number of the crew to be carried in the aircraft, on each stage
of any route to be flown, and the respective capacities in which
they are to act, and instructions as to the order and circumstances
in which command is to be assumed by members of the crew;
(ii) the respective duties of each member of the crew and the other
member's of the operating staff;
(iii) the scheme referred to in article 54(1)(c)(i) of this Order;
(iv) such technical particulars concerning the aircraft, its engines and
equipment and concerning the performance of the aircraft as may
be necessary to enable the flight crew of the aircraft to perform
their respective duties;
(v) the manner in which the quantities of fuel and oil to be carried by
the aircraft are to be computed and records of fuel and oil carried
and consumed on each stage of the route to be flown are to be
Amended by:
L.N. 57 of 1991;
L.N. 202 of 1998.
TENTH SCHEDULE
(Article 24)
AIR NAVIGATION _gS.L.232.05 91
maintained; the instructions shall take account of all
circumstances likely to be encountered on the flight including the
possibility of failure of one or more of the aircraft engines;
(vi) the manner in which the quantity, if any, of oxygen and oxygen
equipment to be carried in the aircraft for the purpose of
complying with the Fifth Schedule is to be computed;
(vii) the check system to be followed by the crew of the aircraft prior
to and on take-off, on landing and in an emergency, so as to
ensure that the operating procedures contained in the operations
manual and in the flight manual or performance schedule forming
part of the relevant certificate of airworthiness are complied with;
(viii) the circumstances in which a radio watch is to be maintained;
(ix) the circumstances in which oxygen is to be used by the crew of
the aircraft, and by passengers; 
(x) communications, navigational aids, aerodromes, local regulations,
inflight procedures, approach and landing procedures and such
other information as the operator may deem necessary for the
proper conduct of flight operations; the information referred to in
this paragraph shall be contained in a route guide, which may be
in the form of a separate volume;
(xi) the reporting in flight to the notified authorities of meteorological
observations;
(xii) the minimum altitudes for safe flight on each stage of the route to
be flown and any planned diversion therefrom, such minimum
altitudes being not lower than any which may be applicable under
the law of Malta or of the countries whose territory is to be flown
over;
(xiii) the particulars referred to in article 29;
(xiv) emergency flight procedures, including procedures for the
instruction of passengers in the position and use of emergency
equipment and procedures to be adopted when the commander of
the aircraft becomes aware that another aircraft or a vessel is in
distress and needs assistance:
Provided that in relation to any flight which is not one of a series of flights
between the same two places it shall be sufficient if, to the extent that it is not
practicable to comply with paragraphs (x) and (xii), the manual contains such
information and instructions as will enable the equivalent data to be ascertained
before take-off.
Part B - Crew Training and Tests
(Article 26)
1. The training, experience, practice and periodical tests required under article
26(2) in the case of members of the crew of an aircraft engaged on a flight for the
purpose of public transport shall be as follows:
(1) The Crew
Every member of the crew shall:
(a) have been tested within the relevant period by or on behalf of the
operator as to his knowledge of the use of the emergency and life saving
equipment required to be carried with aircraft on the flight; and
92 _gS.L.232.05 AIR NAVIGATION
(b) have practised within the relevant period under the supervision of the
operator or of a person appointed by him for the purpose, the carrying
out of the duties required of him in case of an emergency occurring to
the aircraft, either of an aircraft of the type to be used in the flight or in
apparatus approved by the Director for the purpose and controlled by
persons so approved.
(2) Pilots
(a) Every pilot included in the flight crew who is intended by the operator
to fly as pilot in circumstances requiring compliance with the
Instrument Flight Rules shall within the relevant period have been
tested by or on behalf of the operator -
(i) as to his competence to perform his duties while executing normal
manoeuvres and procedures in flight, in an aircraft of the type to
be used in the flight, including the use of the instruments and
equipment provided in the aircraft;
(ii) as to his competence to perform his duties in instrument flight
conditions while executing emergency manoeuvres and
procedures in flight, in an aircraft of the type to be used on the
flight, including the use of the instruments and equipment
provided in the aircraft.
A pilot's ability to carry out normal manoeuvres and
procedures shall be tested in the aircraft in flight.
The other tests required by this sub-paragraph may be conducted
either in the aircraft in flight, or under the supervision of a person
approved by the Director for the purpose by means of a flight simulator
approved by the Director under article 19(9). The tests specified in
sub-paragraph (2)(a)(ii) of this paragraph when conducted in the
aircraft in flight shall be carried out either in actual instrument flight
conditions or simulated by means approved by the Director.
(b) Every pilot included in the flight crew whose licence does not include
an instrument rating or when, notwithstanding the inclusion of such a
rating in his licence is not intended by the operator to fly in
circumstances requiring compliance with the Instrument Flight Rules,
shall within the relative period have been tested, by or on behalf of the
operator in flight in an aircraft of the type to be used on the flight -
(i) as to his competence to act as pilot thereof, while executing
normal manoeuvres and procedures, and
(ii) as to his competence to act as pilot thereof while executing
emergency manoeuvres and procedures.
(3) Flight Engineers
Every flight engineer included in the flight crew shall within the relevant
period have been tested by or on behalf of the operator:
(a) as to his competence to perform his duties while executing normal
procedures in flight, in an aircraft of the type to be used on the flight;
(b) as to his competence to perform his duties while executing emergency
procedures in flight, in an aircraft of the type to be used on the flight.
A flight engineer’s ability to carry out normal procedures shall be tested in
aircraft in flight.
The other tests required by this sub-paragraph may be conducted either in an
AIR NAVIGATION _gS.L.232.05 93
aircraft in flight, or under supervision of a person approved by the Director for the
purpose by means of a flight simulator approved by the Director.
(4) Flight Navigators and Flight Radio Operators
Every flight navigator and flight radio operator whose inclusion in the flight
crew is required under article 17(4) and (5) respectively shall within the relevant
period have been tested by or on behalf of the operator as to his competence to
perform his duties in conditions corresponding to those likely to be encountered on
the flight:
(a) in the case of a flight navigator, using equipment of the type to be used
in the aircraft on the flight for the purposes of navigation;
(b) in the case of a flight radio operator using radio equipment of the type
installed in the aircraft to be used on the flight, and including a test of
this ability to carry out emergency procedures.
(5) Aircraft Commanders
(a) The pilot designated as commander of the aircraft for the flight shall
within the relevant period -
(i) have demonstrated to the satisfaction of the operator that he has
adequate knowledge of the route to be taken, the aerodromes of
take-off and landing and any alternate aerodromes, including in
particular his knowledge of:
the terrain,
the seasonal meteorological conditions,
the meteorological, communications, and air traffic facilities,
services and procedures,
the search and rescue procedures, and
the navigational facilities,
relevant to the route;
(ii) have been tested as to his proficiency in using instrument
approach to land systems of the type in use at the aerodrome of
intended landing and any alternate aerodromes, such test being
carried out either in flight in instrument flight conditions or in
instrument flight conditions simulated by means approved by the
Director or under the supervision of a person approved by the
Director for the purpose by means of a flight simulator approved
by the Director under article 19(9);
(iii) have carried out as pilot in command not less than three take-offs
and three landings in aircraft of the type to be used on the flight.
(b) In determining whether a pilot’s knowledge of the matters referred to in
sub-paragraph (a)(i) is sufficient to render him competent to perform
the duties of aircraft commander on the flight, the operator shall take
into account the pilot's flying experience in conjunction with the
following -
(i) the experience of other members of the intended flight crew;
(ii) the influence of terrain and obstructions on departure and
approach procedures at the aerodromes of take-off and intended
landing and at alternate aerodromes;
(iii) the similarity of the instrument approach procedures and let-down
aids to those with which the pilot is familiar;
94 _gS.L.232.05 AIR NAVIGATION
(iv) the dimensions of runways which may be used in the course of the
flight in relation to the performance limits of aircraft of the type
to be used on the flight;
(v) the reliability of meteorological forecasts and the probability of
difficult meteorological conditions in the areas to be traversed;
(vi) the adequacy of the information available regarding the
aerodrome of intended landing and any alternate aerodromes;
(vii) the nature of air traffic control procedures and familiarity of the
pilot with such procedures;
(viii) the influence of terrain on route conditions and the extent of the
assistance obtainable en route from navigational aids and
air-to-ground communication facilities;
(ix) the extent to which it is possible for the pilot to become familiar
with unusual aerodrome procedures and features of the route by
means of ground instruction and training devices.
(6) Co-pilots
Any co-pilot who acts as pilot of the aircraft during take-off or landing shall
within the relevant period:
(a) have been tested as to his proficiency in using instrument approach to
land systems of the type in use at the aerodrome of intended landing and
any alternate aerodromes, such tests being carried out either in flight in
instrument flight conditions simulated by means approved by the
Director or under the supervision of a person approved by the Director
for the purpose by means of a flight simulator approved by the Director;
(b) have carried out either as pilot in command or as co-pilot not less than
three take-offs and three landings in aircraft of the type to be used on
the flight.
(7) For the purposes of this paragraph -
"instrument flight conditions" means weather conditions such that the pilot is
unable to fly by visual reference to objects outside the aircraft;
"relevant period" means a period which immediately precedes the commencement
of the flight, being a period -
(a) in the case of sub-paragraphs (5)(a)(iii) and (6)(b) of this paragraph, of
3 months;
(b) in the case of sub-paragraphs (2)(a)(ii), (2)(b)(ii), (3)(b), (5)(a)(ii) and
(6)(a) of this paragraph, of 6 months;
(c) in the case of sub-paragraphs (1), (2)(a)(i), (2)(b)(i), (3)(a), (4) and
(5)(a)(i) of this paragraph, of 13 months:
Provided that:
(i) any pilot of the aircraft to whom the provisions of sub-paragraphs
(2)(a)(ii), (2)(b)(ii), (5)(a)(ii) or (6)(a) any flight engineer of the
aircraft to whom the provisions of sub-paragraph (3)(b) of this
paragraph apply shall for the purposes of the flight be deemed to
have complied with such requirements respectively within the
relevant period if he has qualified to perform his duties in
accordance therewith on two occasions within the period of 13
months immediately preceding the flight, such occasions being
separated by an interval of not less than 4 months;
AIR NAVIGATION _gS.L.232.05 95
(ii) the requirements of sub-paragraph (5)(a)(i) shall be deemed to
have been complied with within the relevant period by a pilot
designated as commander of the aircraft for the flight if, having
become qualified so as to act on flights between the same places
over the same route more than 13 months before commencement
of the flight, he has within the period of 13 months immediately
preceding the flight flown as pilot of an aircraft between those
places over that route. 
2. (i) The records required to be maintained by an operator under article 26(2)
shall be accurate and up-to-date records so kept as to show, on any date in relation to
each person who has during the period of three years immediately preceding that
date flown as a member of the crew of any public transport aircraft operated by that
operator:
(a) the date and particulars of each test required by this Schedule undergone
by that person during the said period including the name and
qualifications of the examiner;
(b) the date upon which that person last practised the carrying out of duties
referred to in paragraph 1(1)(b);
(c) the operator's conclusions based on each such test and practice as to that
person's competence to perform his duties;
(d) the date and particulars of any decision taken by the operator during the
said period in pursuance of paragraph 1(a)(i) including particulars of
the evidence upon which that decision was based.
(2) The operator shall whenever called upon to do so by any authorised person
produce for the inspection of any person so authorised all records referred to in the
preceding sub-paragraph and furnish to any such person all such information as he
may require in connection with any such records and produce for his inspection all
log books, certificates, papers and other documents, whatsoever which he may
reasonably require to see for the purpose of determining whether such records are
complete or of verifying the accuracy of their contents.
(3) The operator shall at the request of any person in respect of whom he is
required to keep records as aforesaid furnish to that person, or to any operator of
aircraft for the purpose of public transport by whom that person may subsequently be
employed, particulars of any qualifications in accordance with this Schedule
obtained by such person whilst in his service.
Part C - Training Manual
(Article 25(2))
The following information and instructions in relation to the training
experience, practice and periodical tests required under article 26(2) shall be
included in the training manual referred to in article 25(2):
(i) the manner in which the training, practice and periodical tests
required under article 26(2) and specified in Part B of this
Schedule are to be carried out;
(ii) (a) the minimum qualifications and experience which the operator
requires of persons appointed by him to give or to supervise
the said training, practice and periodical tests; and
(b) the type of training, practice and periodical tests which each
such person is appointed to give or to supervise; and
(c) the type of aircraft in respect of which each such person is
96 _gS.L.232.05 AIR NAVIGATION
appointed to give or to supervise the said training. practice
and periodical tests:
(iii) the minimum qualifications and experience required of each
member of the crew undergoing the said training. practice and
periodical tests;
(iv) the syllabus for, and specimen forms for recording, the said
training, practice and periodical tests;
(v) the manner in which instrument flight conditions and engine
failure are to be simulated in the aircraft in flight;
(vi) the extent to which the said training and testing is permitted in the
course of flights for the purpose of public transport;
(vii) the use to be made in the said training and testing of apparatus
approved for the purpose by the Director.
Documents to be carried by Aircraft Registered in Malta
On a flight for the purpose of public transport:
Documents A, B, C, D, E, F, H and, if the flight is international air
navigation: Document G.
On a flight for the purpose of the public transport of passengers:
Document J.
On a flight for the purpose of aerial work:
Documents A, B, C, D, E, F, and, if the flight is international air
navigation: Document G.
On a flight, being international air navigation, for a purpose other than
public transport or aerial work:
Documents A, B, C and G.
For the purpose of this Schedule:
"A" means the licence in force in respect of the aircraft radio station
installed in the aircraft, and the current telecommunication log book required by this
Order;
"B" means the certificate of airworthiness in force in respect of the aircraft:
Provided that the Director may approve that the flight manual which forms
part of the certificate of airworthiness need not be carried on board the aircraft as
required by this Schedule if the relevant data contained therein is otherwise made
available to the flight crew;
"C" means the licences of the members of the flight crew of the aircraft;
"D" means one copy of the load sheet, if any, required by article 27 of this
Order in respect of the flight;
"E" means one copy of each certificate of maintenance review, if any, in
Amended by:
L.N. 57 of 1991;
L.N. 339 of 2002.
ELEVENTH SCHEDULE
(Articles 57 and 58)
AIR NAVIGATION _gS.L.232.05 97
force in respect of the aircraft;
"F' means the technical log, if any, in which entries are required to be made
under article 9;
"G" means the certificate of registration in force in respect of the aircraft;
"H" means the operations manual, if any, required by article 24(2)(a)(iii) to
be carried on the flight;
"J" means one copy of the certificate of release, if any, in force in respect of
the aircraft.
For the purpose of this Schedule: 
"International air navigation" means any flight which includes passage over
the territory of any country other than Malta.
Part A - Provisions referred to in article 86(5)
TWELFTH SCHEDULE Amended by:L.N. 52 of 2001.
Penalties
Article of Order Subject
3 Aircraft flying unregistered
5 Aircraft flying with false or incorrect markings
7 Flight without a certificate of airworthiness
9(1) Flight without appropriate maintenance
9(1)(b) Flight without certificate of maintenance review
9(7) Failure to enter flight times and defects in technical log
10 Flight without certificate of release to service
12 Flight without required equipment
13 Flight without required radio equipment
14 Failure to keep log book
15 Requirement to weigh aircraft and keep weight schedule
17 Crew requirement
18 Requirement for appropriate licence
19(4) Requirement for appropriate certificates
19(5) Prohibition of flight after failure of test
19(6)(a) Flight without valid medical certificate
19(7) Flight in unfit condition
22 Instruction in flying without appropriate licence and rating
24 Operations manual requirement
25 Training manual requirement
26 Operator’s responsibilities in connection with crew
27 Requirements for loading aircraft
28 Operational restrictions on aircraft
29 Aerodrome operating minima - Malta registered aircraft
30 Aerodrome operating minima - foreign registered aircraft
98 _gS.L.232.05 AIR NAVIGATION
Part B - Provisions Referred to in Article 86(6)
31 Pre-flight action by commander of aircraft
32 Requirement for pilot to remain at controls
33 Duties of commander on flight for public transport of passengers
34 Requirement for radio station in aircraft to be licensed and for operation
of same
35 Requirement for minimum navigation performance system
36 Use of flight recorders and preservation of records
37 Towing of gliders
38 Towing, picking-up and raising of persons and articles by aircraft
39 Dropping of persons and articles from aircraft
41 Requirement for aerial application certificate
44 Carriage of persons in or on any part of an aircraft not designed for that
purpose
45 Requirement for exits and break-in markings
50 Prohibition of smoking in aircraft
51 Requirement to obey lawful commands of aircraft commander
52 Prohibition of stowaways
54(3) Operator’s obligation to obtain flight time records of flight crew
55(2) Flight crew member’s obligation to inform operator of flight times
56 Flight time limitations
57(2) Breach of Rules of the Air and Air Traffic Control
64 Requirement for licensing of air traffic controllers
65 Requirement for licensing of apron controllers
67 Flight in contravention of restriction of flying regulations
68 Flight by balloons, kites and airships
69 Requirement for licensed aerodromes
71(4) Contravention of conditions of aerodrome licences
72 Use of radio equipment at aerodromes
73 Requirement to keep records at aerodromes
76 Use of aeronautical lights
77(1) Prohibition of dangerous lights
77(2) Failure to extinguish or screen dangerous lights
80 Restriction of flights for aerial survey by non-Maltese registered aircraft
81 (except (4)) Requirement to report occurrences
84 Obstruction of persons performing duties under Order.
Article of Order Subject
42 Prohibition of carriage of weapons and munitions of war
43 Prohibition of carriage of dangerous goods
46 Endangering safety of aircraft
47 Endangering safety of persons or property
48 Acting in a disruptive manner
49 Prohibition of drunkenness in aircraft
54(1) Operator’s obligation to regulate flight times of flight crew
Article of Order Subject
AIR NAVIGATION _gS.L.232.05 99
Interpretation
1. In these Rules, unless the context otherwise requires -
"air traffic control clearance" means authorisation by an air traffic control unit for
an aircraft to proceed under conditions specified by that unit;
"anti-collision light" means a flashing red light showing in all directions for the
purpose of enabling the aircraft to be more readily detected by the pilots of distant
aircraft;
"apron" means the part of an aerodrome provided for the stationing of aircraft for
the embarkation and disembarkation of passengers, the loading and unloading of
cargo and for parking;
"ground visibility" means the horizontal visibility at ground level;
"hand glider" means a glider capable of being -
(a) carried
(b) foot launched, and
(c) landed solely by the energy and use of a pilot’s legs;
"IFR flight" means a flight conducted in accordance with the Instrument Flight
Rules in Section VI of these Rules;
"manoeuvring area" means the part of an aerodrome provided for the takeoff and
landing of aircraft and for the movement of aircraft on the surface, excluding the
apron and any part of the aerodrome provided for the maintenance of aircraft;
"runway" means an area, whether or not paved, which is provided for the take-off
or landing run of aircraft;
"special VFR flight" means a flight made at any time in a control zone in
Instrument Meteorological Conditions or at night, in respect of which the
appropriate air traffic control unit has given permission for the flight to be made in
accordance with special instructions given by that unit instead of in accordance with
the Instrument Flight Rules and in the course of which flight, the aircraft complies
with any instructions given by that unit and remains clear of cloud and in sight of the
surface;
54(2) Operator’s obligation not allow flight by crew in dangerous state of
fatigue
55(1) Crew’s obligation not to fly in dangerous state of fatigue
61 (except (3)) Use of false or unauthorised documents and records
81(4) Making false reports
82 Flight in contravention of direction not to fly.
THIRTEENTH SCHEDULE Amended by:L.N. 57 of 1991;
L.N. 34 of 1992;
L.N. 52 of 2001.
(Article 62(1))
Rules of the Air and Air Traffic Control
SECTION I
Article of Order Subject
100 _gS.L.232.05 AIR NAVIGATION
"VFR flight" means a flight conducted in accordance with the Visual Flight Rules
in Section V of these Rules.
SECTION II
General
Application of Rules to aircraft
2. These Rules, in so far as they are applicable in relation to aircraft, shall,
subject to the provisions of rule 31, apply in relation to:
(a) all aircraft within Malta; and
(b) all aircraft registered in Malta, wherever they may be.
Misuse of Signals and Markings
3. (1) A signal or marking to which a meaning is given by these Rules, or
which is required by these Rules to be used in circumstances or for a purpose therein
specified, shall not be used except with that meaning, or for that purpose.
(2) A person in an aircraft or on an aerodrome or at any place at which an
aircraft is taking off or landing shall not make any signal which may be confused
with a signal specified in these Rules.
Reporting hazardous conditions
4. The commander of an aircraft shall, on meeting with hazardous conditions in
the course of a flight, or as soon as possible thereafter, send to the appropriate air
traffic control unit by the quickest means available information containing such
particulars of the hazardous conditions as may be pertinent to the safety of other
aircraft.
Low flying
5. (1) Subject to the provisions of sub-rules (2) and (3) -
(a) an aircraft other than a helicopter shall not fly over any congested area
of a city, town or settlement below -
(i) such height as would enable the aircraft to alight clear of the area
and without danger to persons or property on the surface, in the
event of failure of a power unit; or
(ii) a height of 1,500 feet above the highest fixed object within 2,000
feet of the aircraft, whichever is the higher.
(b) A helicopter shall not fly below such height as would enable it to alight
without danger to persons or property on the surface, in the event of
failure of a power unit.
(c) Except with the permission in writing of the Director and in accordance
with any conditions therein specified a helicopter shall not fly over a
congested area of a city, town or settlement below a height of 1,500 feet
above the highest fixed object within 2,000 feet of the helicopter.
(d) An aircraft shall not fly -
(i) over, or within 3,000 feet of, any assembly in the open air of more
than 1,000 person assembled for the purpose of witnessing or
participating in any organised event, except with the permission
in writing of the Director and in accordance with any conditions
therein specified and with the consent in writing of the organisers
of the event; or
AIR NAVIGATION _gS.L.232.05 101
(ii) below such height as would enable it to alight clear of the
assembly in the event of the failure of a power unit:
Provided that where a person is charged with an offence under this
Order by reason of a contravention of this paragraph, it shall be a good
defence to prove that the flight of the aircraft over, or within 3,000 feet
of, the assembly was made at a reasonable height and for a reason not
connected with the assembly or with the event which was the occasion
for the assembly.
(e) An aircraft shall not fly closer than 500 feet to any person, vessel,
vehicle or structure.
(2) (a) The provisions of paragraphs (1)(a)(ii) and (1)(c) shall not apply to an
aircraft flying on a special VFR flight as defined in rule 24 in
accordance with instructions given for the purposes of that Rule by the
appropriate air traffic control unit.
(b) Paragraphs (1)(c), (d) and (e) shall not apply to an aircraft which is
being used for police purposes.
(c) Paragraphs (1)(d) and (e) shall not apply to the flight of an aircraft over
or within 3,000 feet of an assembly of persons gathered for the purpose
of witnessing an event which consists wholly or principally of an
aircraft race or contest or an exhibition of flying, if the aircraft is taking
part in such a race, contest or exhibition or is engaged on a flight
arranged by, or made with the consent in writing of, the organisers of the
event.
(d) Paragraph 1(e) shall not apply to -
(i) any aircraft while it is landing or taking off in accordance with
normal aviation practice;
(ii) any glider while it is hill-soaring;
(iii) any aircraft while it is flying in accordance with proviso (f) of
article 41(2).
(3) Nothing in this rule shall prohibit an aircraft from flying in such a manner as
is necessary for the purpose of saving life.
(4) Nothing in this rule shall prohibit any aircraft from flying in accordance
with normal aviation practice, for the purpose of taking off from, landing at or
practising approaches to, landing at, or checking navigational aids or procedures at,
a Government aerodrome or a licensed aerodrome in Malta or at any aerodrome in
any other country:
Provided that the practising of approaches to landing shall be confined to the
airspace customarily used by aircraft when landing or taking off in accordance with
normal aviation practice at the aerodrome concerned.
(5) Nothing in this rule shall apply to any captive balloon or kite.
Simulated instrument flight
6. An aircraft shall not be flown in simulated instrument flight conditions
unless -
(a) the aircraft is fitted with dual controls which are functioning properly;
(b) an additional pilot (in this rule called "a safety pilot") is carried in a
second control seat of the aircraft for the purpose of rendering such
assistance as may be necessary to the pilot flying the aircraft; and
102 _gS.L.232.05 AIR NAVIGATION
(c) if the safety pilot’s field of vision is not adequate both forward and to
each side of the aircraft, a third person, being a competent observer,
occupies a position in the aircraft which from his field of vision makes
good the deficiencies in that of the safety pilot, and from which he can
readily communicate with the safety pilot.
For the purpose of this rule the expression "simulated instrument flight"
means a flight during which mechanical or optical devices are used in order to
reduce the field of vision or the range of visibility from the cockpit of the aircraft.
Practice Instrument Approaches
7. Within Malta an aircraft shall not carry out instrument approach practice
when flying in Visual Meteorological Conditions unless -
(a) the appropriate air traffic control unit has previously been informed that
the flight is to be made for the purpose of instrument approach practice;
and
(b) if the flight is not being carried out in simulated instrument flight
conditions, a competent observer is carried in such a position in the
aircraft that he has an adequate field of vision and can readily
communicate with the pilot flying the aircraft.
SECTION III
Lights and other signals to be shown or made by aircraft
General
8. (1) For the purposes of this Section the horizontal plane of a light shown in
an aircraft means the plane which would be the horizontal plane passing through the
source of that light, if the aircraft where in level flight.
(2) Where by reason of the physical construction of an aircraft it is necessary to
fit more than one lamp in order to show a light required by this Section, the lamps
shall be so fitted and constructed that, so far as is reasonably practicable, not more
than one such lamp is visible from any one point outside the aircraft.
(3) Where in these Rules a light is required to show through specified angles in
the horizontal plane the lamps giving such light shall bc so constructed and fitted
that the light is visible from any point in any vertical plane within those angles
throughout angles of 90° above and below the horizontal plane, but, so far as is
reasonably practicable through no greater angle. either in the horizontal plane or the
vertical plane.
(4) Where in these Rules a light is required to show in all direction, the lamps
giving such light shall be so constructed and fitted that, so far as is reasonably
practicable. the light is visible from any point in the horizontal plane and on any
vertical plane passing through the source of that light.
Display of lights by Aircraft
9. (1) By night an aircraft shall display such of the lights specified in these
Rules as may he appropriate to the circumstances of the case and shall not display
any other lights which might obscure or otherwise impair the visibility of, or be
mistaken for, such lights:
Provided that nothing in this paragraph shall prevent display of an anti-
collision light.
(2) A flying machine on a land aerodrome in Malta at which aircraft normally
AIR NAVIGATION _gS.L.232.05 103
land or take off at night shall, unless it is stationary on the apron or a part of the
aerodrome provided for the maintenance of aircraft, display by night either the lights
which it would be required to display if it were flying, or the lights specified in Rule
11(1).
Failure of Navigation Lights
10. In Malta, in the event of the failure of any light which is required by these
Rules to be displayed in flight, if the light cannot be immediately repaired or
replaced the aircraft shall land as soon as in the opinion of the commander of the
aircraft it can safely do so, unless authorised by the appropriate air traffic control
unit to continue its flight.
Flying Machines
11. (1) A flying machine when flying at night shall display lights as follows:
(a) an unobstructed red light of at least five candela projected above and
below the horizontal plane from dead ahead to 110 degrees to left (port);
(b) an unobstructed green light of at least five candela projected above and
below the horizontal plane through an angle from dead ahead to 110
degrees right (starboard);
(c) an unobstructed white light of at least three candela projected above and
below the horizontal plane rearward through an angle of 140 degrees
equally distributed on the left (port) and right (starboard) sides.
These lights also called navigation lights may be displayed either as steady
lights or flashing lights.
(2) When the lights described in sub-rule (1) are displayed as flashing lights:
either one or both of the following additional lights shall be displayed:
(a) a flashing red rear light of at least 20 candela showing through angles of
70 degrees from dead astern to each side in the horizontal plane which
alternates with the flashing white rear light described in sub-rule (1)(c);
(b) a flashing white light of at least 20 candela visible in all directions
which alternates with the lights described in sub-rules (1)(a), (1)(b) and
(1)(c).
(3) When the lights described in sub-rule 1 are displayed as steady lights, an
additional flashing light or lights called anti-collision light/s visible as far as is
practicable in all directions within 30 degrees above and 30 degrees below the
horizontal plane of the aeroplane shall be displayed.
(4) In addition, wing tip clearance lights comprising steady lights of the colour
described for the navigation lights in sub-rule (1)(a) and (1)(b) shall be provided if
there are no navigation lights within 1.80 metres of the wing tips.
Gliders
12. A glider while flying at night shall display either a steady red light of at
least five candela, showing in all directions or lights in accordance with rule 11.
Free Balloons
13. A free balloon while flying at night shall display a steady red light of at least
five candela showing in all directions, suspended not less than 5 metres and not more
than 10 metres below the basket or if there is no basket, below the lowest part of the
balloon.
Captive Balloons and Kites
104 _gS.L.232.05 AIR NAVIGATION
14. (1) A captive balloon or kite while flying at night at a height exceeding 60
metres above the surface shall display lights as follows:
(a) a group of two steady lights consisting of a white light placed 4 metres
above a red light, both being of at least five candela and showing in all
directions, the white light being placed not less than 5 metres or more
than 10 metres below the basket, or if there is no basket, below the
lowest part of the balloon or kite;
(b) on the mooring cable, at intervals of not more than 300 metres measured
from the group of lights referred to in paragraph (a), groups of two
lights of the colour and power and in the relative positions specified in
that sub-paragraph, and, if the lowest group of lights is obscured by
cloud, an additional group below the cloud base; and
(c) on the surface, a group of three flashing lights arranged in a horizontal
plane at the apexes of a triangle approximately equilateral, each side of
which measures at least 25 metres; one side of the triangle shall be
approximately at right angles to the horizontal projection of the cable
and shall be delimited by two red lights: the third light shall be a green
light so placed that the triangle encloses the object on the surface to
which the balloon or kite is moored. 
(2) A captive balloon while flying by day at a height exceeding 60 metres above
the surface shall have attached to its mooring cable at intervals of not more than 200
metres measured from the basket, or, if there is no basket, from the lowest part of the
balloon. tubular streamers not less than 40 centimetres in diameter and 2 metres in
length and marked with alternate bands of red and white 50 centimetres wide.
(3) A kite flown in the circumstances referred to in sub-rule (2) shall have
attached to its mooring cable either:
(a) tubular streamers as specified in sub-rule (2), or
(b) at intervals of not more than 100 metres measured from the lowest part
of the kite, streamers of not less than 80 centimetres long and 30
centimetres wide at their widest point and marked with alternate bands
of red and white l0 centimetres wide
Airships
15. (1) Except as provided in sub-rule (2), an airship while flying at night shall
display the following steady lights:
(a) a white light of at least five candela showing through angles of 110°
from dead ahead to each side in the horizontal plane;
(b) a green light of at least five candela showing to the starboard side
through an angle of 110° from dead ahead in the horizontal plane;
(c) a red light of at least five candela showing to the port side through an
angle of 110° from dead ahead in the horizontal plane; and
(d) a white light of at least five candela showing through angles of 70° from
dead astern to each side in the horizontal plane.
(2) An airship while flying at night shall display, if it is not under command, nor
has voluntarily stopped its engines, or is being towed, the following steady lights:
(a) the white lights referred to in sub-rule (l)(a) and (d);
(b) two red lights, each of at least five candela and showing in all directions
suspended below the control car so that one is at least 4 metres above
AIR NAVIGATION _gS.L.232.05 105
the other and at least 8 metres below the control car; and
(c) if the airship is making way but not otherwise, the green and red light
referred to in sub-rule (1)(b) and (c):
Provided that an airship while picking up its moorings, notwithstanding that
it is not under command, shall display only the lights specified in sub-rule (1).
(3) An airship, while moored within Malta by night, shall display the following
lights: 
(a) when moored to a mooring mast, at or near the rear, a white light of at
least five candela showing in all directions;
(b) when moored otherwise than to a mooring mast:
(i) a white light of at least five candela showing through angles of
110° from dead ahead to each side in the horizontal plane;
(ii) a white light of at least five candela showing through angles of
70° from dead astern to each side in the horizontal plane.
(4) An airship while flying by day, if it is not under command, or has voluntarily
stopped its engines, or is being towed, shall display two black balls suspended below
the control car so that one is at least 4 metres above the other and at least 8 metres
below the control car.
(5) For the purposes of this Rule:
(a) an airship shall be deemed not to be under command when it is unable
to execute a manoeuvre which it may be required to execute by or under
these Rules;
(b) an airship shall be deemed to be making way when it is not moored and
is in motion relative to the air.
SECTION IV
General Flight Rules
Weather reports and forecasts
16. (1) Immediately before an aircraft flies the commander of the aircraft shall
examine the current reports and forecasts of the weather conditions on the proposed
flight path, being reports and forecasts which it is reasonably practicable for him to
obtain, in order to determine whether Instrument Meteorological Conditions prevail
or are likely to prevail during any part of the flight.
(2) An aircraft which is unable to communicate by a radio with an air traffic
control unit at the aerodrome of destination shall not begin a flight to. an aerodrome
within a control zone if the information which is reasonably practicable for the
commander of the aircraft to obtain indicates that it will arrive at that aerodrome
when the ground visibility is less than five nautical miles or the cloud ceiling is less
than 1,500 feet, unless the commander of the aircraft has obtained from an air traffic
control unit at that aerodrome permission to enter the aerodrome traffic zone.
Rules for avoiding aerial collisions
17. (1) General
(a) Notwithstanding that the flight is being made with air traffic control
clearance it shall remain the duty of the commander of an aircraft to
take all possible measures to ensure that his aircraft does not collide
106 _gS.L.232.05 AIR NAVIGATION
with any other aircraft.
(b) An aircraft shall not be flown in such proximity to other aircraft as to
create a danger of collision.
(c) An aircraft shall not fly in formation unless the commanders of the
aircraft have agreed to do so and, when flying within controlled air
space have agreed with the appropriate air traffic control unit the
arrangement for the conduct of the flights.
(d) An aircraft which is obliged by these Rules to give way to another
aircraft shall avoid passing over or under the other aircraft, or crossing
ahead of it, unless passing well clear of it.
(e) An aircraft which has the right of way under this Rule shall maintain its
course and speed.
(f) For the purposes of this Rule a glider and a flying machine which is
towing it shall be considered to be a single aircraft under the command
of the commander of the towing flying machine.
(2) Converging
(a) Subject to the provisions of sub-rules (3) and (4), an aircraft in the air
shall give way to another converging aircraft as follows:
(i) flying machines shall give way to airships, gliders and balloons;
(ii) airships shall give way to gliders and balloons;
(iii) gliders shall give way to balloons.
(b) Subject to the provisions of sub-paragraph (a), when two aircraft are
converging in the air at approximately the same altitude. the aircraft
which has the other on its right shall give way:
Provided that mechanically driven aircraft shall give way to aircraft which
are towing other aircraft or objects.
(3) Approaching Head-on
When two aircraft are approaching head-on or approximately so in the air
and there is danger of collision each shall alter its course to the right.
(4) Overtaking
An aircraft which is being overtaken in the air shall have the right of way
and the overtaking aircraft, whether climbing. descending or in horizontal flight,
shall keep out of the way of the other aircraft by altering course to the right. and
shall not cease to keep out of the way of the other aircraft until that other aircraft has
been passed and is clear. notwithstanding any change in the relative positions of the
two aircraft:
Provided that a glider overtaking another glider in Malta may alter its course
to the right or to the left.
(5) Landing
An aircraft while landing or on final approach to land shall have the right of
way over other aircraft in flight or on the ground or water.
(6) Two or more aircraft landing
In the case of two or more flying machines or gliders approaching any place
for the purpose of landing, the aircraft at the lower altitude shall have the right
of-way, but it shall not cut in front of another aircraft which is on final approach to
land or overtake that aircraft:
AIR NAVIGATION _gS.L.232.05 107
Provided that -
(a) when an air traffic control unit has communicated to any aircraft an
order of priority for landing. the aircraft shall approach to land in that
order, and
(b) when the commander of an aircraft is aware that another aircraft is
making an emergency landing, he shall give way to that aircraft, and at
night, notwithstanding that he may have received permission to land,
shall not attempt to land until he has received further permission to do
so.
Aerobatic Manoeuvres
18. An aircraft shall not carry out any aerobatic manoeuvres -
(a) over the congested area of any city, town or settlement; or
(b) within controlled airspace except with the consent of the appropriate air
traffic control unit.
Right-hand Traffic Rule
19. An aircraft which is flying within Malta in sight of the ground and following
a road, coastline, or any other line of landmarks, shall keep such line or landmarks
on its left.
Notification of Arrival
20. The commander of an aircraft who has caused notice of its intended arrival
at any aerodrome to be given to the air traffic control unit or other authority at that
aerodrome shall ensure that the air traffic control unit or other authority at that
aerodrome is informed as quickly as possible of any change of intended destination
and any estimated delay in arrival of 45 minutes or more.
Flight in Class A airspace
21. In relation to flights in Visual Meteorological Conditions in Class A
airspace, the commander of an aircraft shall comply with rules 29 and 30 as if the
flights were IFR flights:
Provided that the commander of the aircraft shall not elect to continue the
flight in compliance with the Visual Flight Rules for the purpose of rule 29(3).
Choice of VFR or IFR
22. Subject to the provisions of rule 21 an aircraft shall always be flown in
accordance with the Visual Flight Rules or the Instrument Flight Rules:
Provided that in Malta an aircraft flying at night in a control zone shall be
flown in accordance with the Instrument Flight Rules unless it is flying on a Special
VFR flight.
23. (1) Subject to sub-rule (2), an aircraft shall not fly below flight level 100 at
a speed which according to its airspeed indicator is more than 250 knots unless it is
flying in accordance with the terms of a written permission by the Director.
(2) Sub-rule (1) shall not apply to:
(a) flights in Class A and Class B airspace;
(b) IFR flights in Class C airspace.
108 _gS.L.232.05 AIR NAVIGATION
SECTION V
Visual Flight Rules
24. The Visual Flight Rules shall be as follows:
(a) Outside Controlled airspace
An aircraft flying within Class F and Class G airspace shall remain at
least 1500 metres horizontally and 1000 feet vertically away from cloud
and in flight visibility of at least 8 kilometres if at or above flight level
100 or in a flight visibility of at least 5 kilometres if below flight level
100.
An aircraft flying at or below 3000 feet above mean sea level -
(i) shall remain clear of cloud and in sight of the ground or water and
in a flight visibility of at least 5 kilometres;
(ii) if the aircraft, other than a helicopter, is flying at a speed which
according to its airspeed indicator is 140 knots or less shall
remain clear of cloud and in sight of the surface and in a flight
visibility of at least 1500 meters; or
(iii) in the case of a helicopter, shall remain clear of cloud and in sight
of the surface and in a flight visibility which gives it adequate
time to observe other traffic or obstacles and to manoeuvre in
order to avoid collision.
(b) Within Controlled airspace
(i) An aircraft flying within Class B airspace shall remain clear of
clouds and in a flight visibility of at least 8 kilometres if at or
above flight level 100 or in a flight visibility of at least 5
kilometers if below flight level 100.
(ii) An aircraft flying within Class C, Class D, or Class E airspace
shall remain at least 1500 metres horizontally and 1000 feet
vertically away from cloud and in a flight visibility of at least 8
kilometres if at or above flight level 100 and in a flight visibility
of at least 5 kilometres if below flight level 100.
VFR flight plan and air traffic control clearance
25. (1) Unless otherwise authorised by the appropriate air traffic control unit
before an aircraft flies within Class B, Class C or Class D airspace, the commander
of the aircraft shall file a flight plan and shall obtain an air traffic control clearance
to fly within the said airspace.
(2) The flight plan shall contain such particulars of the flight as may be
necessary to enable the air traffic control unit to issue a clearance and for search and
rescue purposes.
(3) The commander of the aircraft shall maintain a continuous watch on the
notified radio frequency and comply with any instructions which the appropriate air
traffic control unit may give.
SECTION VI
Instrument Flight Rules
26. The Instrument Flight Rules shall be as follows:
(a) Outside controlled airspace
AIR NAVIGATION _gS.L.232.05 109
In relation to flights outside controlled airspace, rules 27 and 28 shall
apply.
(b) Within controlled airspace
In relation to flights within controlled airspace, rules 27, 29 and 30 shall
apply.
Minimum Height
27. Without prejudice to the provisions of rule5, in order to comply with the
Instrument Flight Rules an aircraft shall not fly at a height of less than 1,000 feet
above the highest obstacle within a distance of five nautical miles of the aircraft
unless:
(a) it is necessary for the aircraft to do so in order to take off or land; or
(b) the aircraft has been otherwise authorised by the competent authority.
28. In order to comply with the Instrument Flight Rules an aircraft when in level
flight above 3,000 feet above mean sea level outside controlled airspace shall be
flown at a level appropriate to its magnetic track, in accordance with the appropriate
table set forth in this rule The level of flight shall be measured by an altimeter set
according to the system notified, or in the case of the flight over a country other than
Malta otherwise published by the competent authority in relation to the area in which
the aircrat is flying:
Provided that an aircraft may be flown at a level other than the level
required by this rule if it is flying in conformity with instructions given by an air
traffic control unit or in accordance with notified en-route holding patterns or in
accordance with holding procedures notified in relation to an aerodrome.
Table I - Flights at Levels Below 29,000 Feet
Table II - Flights at Levels Above 29,000 Feet
Flight Plan and Air Traffic Control Clearance
29. (1) In order to comply with the Instrument Flight Rules, before an aircraft
either takes off from a point within any controlled airspace or otherwise flies within
any controlled airspace the commander of the aircraft shall cause a flight plan to be
communicated to the appropriate air traffic control unit and shall obtain an air traffic
control clearance based on such flight plan.
(2) The flight plan shall contain such particulars of the intended flight as may be
necessary to enable the air traffic control unit to issue an air traffic control clearance,
or for search and rescue purposes.
(3) The commander of the aircraft shall fly in conformity with:
(a) the air traffic control clearance issued for the flight, as amended by any
further instructions given by an air traffic control unit; and
Magnetic Track Cruising Level
From 000° to 179° Odd thousands of feet
From 180° to 359° Even thousands of feet
Magnetic Track Cruising Level
From 000° to 179° 29,000 feet or higher levels at intervals of
4,000 feet
From 180° to 359° 31,000 feet or higher levels at intervals of
4,000 feet
110 _gS.L.232.05 AIR NAVIGATION
(b) the holding and instrument approach procedure notified in relation to
the aerodrome of destination, unless he is otherwise authorised by the
air traffic control unit there:
Provided that he shall not be required to comply with the provisions of
paragraph (b) if:
(i) he is able to fly in uninterrupted Visual Meteorological
Conditions for so long as he remains in controlled airspace, and
(ii) he has informed the appropriate air traffic control unit of his
intention to continue the flight in compliance with Visual Flight
Rules and has requested that unit to cancel his flight plan.
(4) If for the purpose of avoiding immediate danger any departure is made from
the provisions of sub-rule (3), as is permitted by article 62(3) of this Order, the
commander of the aircraft shall in addition to causing particulars to be given in
accordance with article 62(4), as soon as possible inform the appropriate air traffic
control unit of the deviation.
(5) The commander of the aircraft after it has flown in controlled airspace shall
unless he has requested the appropriate air traffic control unit to cancel his flight
plan forthwith inform that unit when the aircraft lands within or leaves the controlled
airspace.
Position Reports
30. In order to comply with the Instrument Flight Rules the commander of an
aircraft in IFR flight who flies in or is intended to enter controlled airspace shall
report to the appropriate air control unit the time, and the position and altitude of the
aircraft at such reporting points or at such intervals of time as may be notified for
this purpose or as may be directed by the air traffic control unit.
SECTION VII
Aerodrome Traffic Rules
Application of Aerodrome Traffic Rules
31. The Rules in this Section which are expressed to apply to flying machines
shall also be observed, so far as is practicable, in relation to all other aircraft.
Visual Signals
32. The commander of a flying machine on, or in the traffic zone of, an
aerodrome shall observe such visual signals as may be displayed at or directed to
him from the aerodrome by the authority of the person in charge of the aerodrome
and shall obey any instructions which may be given to him by means of such signals:
Provided that he shall not be required to obey the signals referred to in rule
45 (Marshalling Signals) if in his opinion it is inadvisable to do so in the interests of
safety.
Access and movement on the Manoeuvring Area and other parts of the aerodrome
used by aircraft
33. (1) A person or vehicle shall not go on to any part of an aerodrome
provided for the use of aircraft and under the control of the person in charge of the
aerodrome without the permission of the person in charge of the aerodrome, and
except in accordance with any conditions subject to which that permission may have
been granted.
AIR NAVIGATION _gS.L.232.05 111
(2) A vehicle or person shall not go or move on the manoeuvring area of an
aerodrome having an air traffic control unit without the permission of that unit, and
except in accordance with any conditions subject to which that permission may have
been granted.
(3) Any permission granted for the purposes of this rule may be granted either
in respect of persons or vehicles generally, or in respect of any particular person or
vehicle or any class of persons or vehicles.
Right of Way on the Ground
34. (1) This Rule shall apply to -
(a) flying machines; and
(b)vehicles,
on any part of land aerodrome provided for the use of aircraft and under the control
of the person in charge of the aerodrome.
(2) Notwithstanding any air traffic control clearance it shall remain the duty of
the commander of an aircraft to take all possible measures to ensure that his aircraft
does not collide with any other aircraft or with any vehicle.
(3) (a) Flying machines and vehicles shall give way to aircraft which are taking
off or landing.
(b) Vehicles, and flying machines which are not taking off or landing, shall
give way to vehicles towing aircraft.
(c) Vehicles which are not towing aircraft shall give way to aircraft.
(4) Subject to the provisions of sub-rule (3) and of rule 36(3)(b), in case of
danger of collision between two flying machines:
(a) when the two flying machines are approaching head-on or
approximately so, each shall alter its course to the right;
(b) when two flying machines are on converging courses, the one which has
the other on its right shall give way to the other and shall avoid crossing
ahead of the other unless passing well clear of it;
(c) a flying machine which is being overtaken shall have the right-of-way,
and the overtaking flying machine shall keep out of the way of the other
flying machine by altering its course to the left until that other flying
machine has been passed and is clear, notwithstanding any change in the
relative positions of the two flying machines.
(5) Subject to the provisions of sub-rule (3)(b), a vehicle shall:
(a) overtake another vehicle so that the other vehicle is on the left of the
overtaking vehicle;
(b) keep to the left when passing another vehicle which is approaching
head-on or approximately so.
Dropping of Tow Ropes, etc.
35. Tow ropes, banners or similar articles towed by aircraft shall not be dropped
from aircraft except at an aerodrome and:
(a) in accordance with arrangements made with an air traffic control unit at
the aerodrome or, if there is no such unit with the person in charge of
the aerodrome, or
(b) in the area designated by the marking described in rule 41(7), and the
112 _gS.L.232.05 AIR NAVIGATION
ropes, banners or similar articles shall be dropped when the aircraft is
flying in the direction appropriate for landing.
Aerodromes not having Air Traffic Control Units
36. (1) (a) An aircraft shall not fly within a zone which the commander of the
aircraft knows or ought reasonably to know to be the aerodrome traffic zone of an
aerodrome where no air traffic control unit is for the time being notified as being on
watch, except for the purpose of taking off or landing at that aerodrome or observing
the signals in the signals area with a view to landing there, unless he has the
permission of the person in charge of the aerodrome.
(b) An aircraft flying within such a zone for the purposes of observing
the signals shall remain clear of cloud and at least 500 feet above the level of the
aerodrome.
(2) The commander of an aircraft flying in such a zone or moving on such an
aerodrome shall:
(a) conform to the pattern of traffic formed by other aircraft, or keep clear
of the airspace in which the pattern is formed;
(b) make all turns to the left unless ground signals otherwise indicate; and
(c) take off and land in the direction indicated by the ground signals or, if
no such signals are displayed, into the wind, unless good aviation
practice demands otherwise.
(3) (a) A flying machine or glider shall not land on a runway at such an
aerodrome unless the runway is clear of other aircraft.
(b) Where take-offs and landings are not confined to a runway -
(i) a flying machine or glider when landing shall leave clear on its
left any aircraft which has already landed or is already landing or
is about to take off; if such a flying machine or glider is obliged to
turn, it shall turn to the left after the commander of the aircraft
has satisfied himself that such action will not interfere with other
traffic movements; and
(ii) a flying machine about to take off shall take up position and
manoeuvre in such a way as to leave clear on its left any aircraft
which is already taking off or is about to take off.
(4) A flying machine after landing shall move clear of the landing area in use as
soon as it is possible to do so.
Aerodrome having Air Traffic Control Units
37. (1) An aircraft shall not fly within a zone which the commander of the
aircraft knows or ought reasonably to know to be the aerodrome traffic zone of an
aerodrome where an air traffic control unit is for the time being notified as being on
watch, except for the purpose of observing any signals at that aerodrome with a view
to landing there, unless he has the permission of the appropriate air traffic control
unit.
(2) The commander of an aircraft flying in the aerodrome traffic zone of an
aerodrome where an air traffic control unit is for the time being notified as being on
watch or moving on such an aerodrome shall:
(a) cause a continuous watch to be maintained on the appropriate radio
frequency notified for air traffic control communications at the
AIR NAVIGATION _gS.L.232.05 113
aerodrome, or, if this is not possible, cause a watch to be kept for such
instructions as may be issued by visual means;
(b) not taxi on the apron or manoeuvring area or take off or land anywhere
in the zone except with the permission of the air traffic control unit;
(c) comply with the provisions of rule 36(1)(b), (2), (3) and (4) as if the
aerodrome did not have an air traffic control unit, unless he has the
permission of the air traffic control unit at the aerodrome, or has been
instructed by that unit, to do otherwise.
(3) Without prejudice to the provisions of rules 20 and 29, the commander of an
aircraft shall, immediately upon arrival at, or prior to departure from, an aerodrome
within Malta having an air traffic control unit, ensure that such unit is informed of
the flight which he has just made or which he has just made or which he is about to
undertake.
SECTION VIII
Aerodrome Signals and Markings: Visual and Aural Signals
General
38. (1) Whenever any signal specified in this Section is given or displayed, or
whenever any marking so specified is displayed, by any person in an aircraft, or at an
aerodrome, or at any other place which is being used by aircraft for landing or
take-off, it shall, when given or displayed in Malta, have the meaning assigned to it
in this Section.
(2) All dimensions specified in this Section shall be subject to a tolerance of 10
per cent, plus or minus.
Signals and Signals Area
39. (1) When any signal specified in the following sub-rules is displayed, it
shall be placed in a signals area, which shall be a square visible in all directions
bordered by a white strip 30 centimetres wide, the internal sides measuring 12
metres.
(2) A white landing T, as illustrated in this sub-rule,
signifies that aeroplanes and gliders taking off or landing shall do so in a direction
114 _gS.L.232.05 AIR NAVIGATION
parallel with the shaft of the T and towards the cross arm, unless otherwise
authorised by the appropriate air traffic control unit.
(3) A white disc 60 centimetres in diameter displayed alongside the cross arm of
the T and in line with the shaft of the T, as illustrated in this sub-rule,
signifies that the direction of landing and take-off do not necessarily coincide.
(4) A white dumb-bell, as illustrated in this sub-rule,
signifies that movements of aeroplanes and gliders on the ground shall be confined
to paved, metalled or similar surfaces.
(5) A white dumb-bell as described in sub-rule (4) but with a black strip 60
centimetres wide across each disc at right angles to the shaft of the dumb-bell, as
illustrated in this sub-rule,
AIR NAVIGATION _gS.L.232.05 115
signifies that aeroplanes and gliders taking off or landing shall do so on a runway but
that movement on the ground is not confined to paved, metalled or similar hard
surfaces.
(6) A red yellow striped arrow, as illustrated in this sub-rule,
the shaft of which is at least one metre wide placed along the whole or not less than
a total of 11 metres to two adjacent sides of the signals area and pointing in a clock
wise direction signifies that a right-hand circuit is in force.
(7) A red panel 3 metres square with a yellow strip along one diagonal at least
50 centimetres wide, as illustrated in this sub-rule,
signifies that the state of the manoeuvring area is poor and pilots must exercise
special care when landing.
116 _gS.L.232.05 AIR NAVIGATION
(8) A red panel 3 metres square with a yellow strip, at least 50 centimetres wide,
along each diagonal, as illustrated in this sub-rule,
signifies that the aerodrome is unsafe for the movement of aircraft and that landing
on the aerodrome is prohibited.
(9) A white letter H, as illustrated in this sub-rule,
signifies that helicopters shall take off and land only within the area designated by
the marking specified in rule 46(5).
(10) A red letter L displayed on the dumb-bell specified in sub-rules (4) and (5),
as illustrated in this sub-rule,
signifies that light aircraft are permitted to take off and land either on a runway or on
the area designated by the marking specified in rule 46(6).
(11) A white double cross, as illustrated in this sub-rule,
AIR NAVIGATION _gS.L.232.05 117
signifies that glider flying is in progress.
Markings for Paved Runways and Taxiways
40. (1) Two or more white crosses, as illustrated in this sub-rule,
displayed on a runway or taxiway, with the arms of the crosses at an angle of 45° to
the centre line of the runway, at intervals of not more than 300 metres signify that
the section of the runway or taxiway marked by them is unfit for the movement of
aircraft.
(2) A white broken line and a continuous line, as illustrated in this sub-rule,
signify a holding position beyond which no part of an aircraft or vehicle shall project
in the direction of the runway without permission from an air traffic control unit.
(3) Orange and white markers, as illustrated in this sub-rule,
118 _gS.L.232.05 AIR NAVIGATION
spaced not more than 15 metres apart, signify the boundary of that part of a paved
runway, taxiway or apron which is unfit for the movement of aircraft.
Markings on unpaved manoeuvring areas
41. (1) Markers with orange and white stripes of an equal width of not less than
50 centimetres, with an orange stripe at each end, as illustrated in this sub-rule,
alternating with flags not less than 60 centimetres square showing equal orange and
white triangular areas, indicate the boundary or an area unfit for the movement of
aircraft and one or more white crosses as specified in rule 45(1) indicate the said
area. The distance between any two successive orange and white flags shall not
exceed 90 metres.
(2) Striped markers, as specified in sub-rule (1), spaced not more than 45 metres
apart, indicate the boundary of an aerodrome.
(3) On structures, markers with orange and white vertical stripes, of an equal
width of not less than 50 centimetres, with an orange stripe at each end, as illustrated
in this sub-rule,
spaced not more than 45 meters apart, indicate the boundary of an aerodrome. The
pattern of the marker shall be visible from inside and outside the aerodrome and the
marker shall be affixed not more than 15 centimetres from the top of the structure.
(4) White flat rectangular markers 3 metres long and 1 metre wide at intervals
not exceeding 90 metres, flush with the surface of the unpaved runway or stopway,
as the case may be, indicate the boundary on an unpaved runway or of a stopway.
(5) A white letter H, as illustrated in this sub-rule,
AIR NAVIGATION _gS.L.232.05 119
indicates an area which shall be used only for the taking off and landing of
helicopters.
(6) A white letter L as illustrated in this sub-rule,
indicates a part of the manoeuvring area which shall be used only for the taking off
and landing of light aircraft.
(7) A yellow cross with two arms 6 metres long by 1 metre wide at right angles,
indicates that tow ropes and similar articles towed by aircraft shall only be dropped
in the area in which the cross is placed.
(8) A white double cross as illustrated in this sub-rule,
indicates an area which shall be used only for the taking off and landing of gliders.
(9) A white landing T as specified in rule 39(2) placed at the left hand side of
the runway when viewed from the direction of landing indicates the runway to be
used, and at an aerodrome with no runway it indicates the direction for take-off and
landing.
Signals visible from the ground
42. (1) A black ball 60 centimetres in diameter suspended from a mast signifies
that the directions of take-off and landing are not necessarily the same.
(2) A checkered flag or board, 1.2 metres by 90 centimetres containing twelve
equal squares, 4 horizontally and 3 vertically, coloured red and yellow alternately,
signifies that aircraft may move on the manoeuvring area and apron only in
accordance with the permission of the air traffic control unit at the aerodrome.
120 _gS.L.232.05 AIR NAVIGATION
(3) Two red balls 60 centimetres in diameter, disposed vertically one above the
other, 60 centimetres apart and suspended from a mast, signify that glider flying is in
progress at the aerodrome.
(4) Black arabic numerals in two figure groups and, where parallel runways are
provided, the letter or letters L (left), LC (left centre), C (centre), RC (right centre)
and R (right), placed against a yellow background, indicate the direction for take-off
or the runway in use.
(5) A black letter C against a yellow background, as illustrated in this sub-rule,
indicates the position at which a pilot can report to the air traffic control unit or to
the person in charge of the aerodrome.
(6) A rectangular green flag of not less than 60 centimetres square flown from a
mast indicates that a right hand circuit is in force.
Lights and pyrotechnic signals for control of aerodrome traffic
43. Each signal described in the first column of Table A, when directed from an
aerodrome to an aircraft or to a vehicle, or from an aircraft, shall have the meanings
respectively appearing in the second, third and fourth columns of that Table opposite
the description of the signal.
Table A
Meaning of Lights and Pyrotechnic Signals
Characteristic and 
colour of light beam 
or pyrotechnic
From an aerodrome From an aircraft in 
flight to an 
aerodrometo an aircraft in flight
to an aircraft or 
vehicle on the 
aerodrome
(a) Continuous red 
light
Give way to other 
aircraft and 
continue circling.
Stop -
(b) Red pyrotechnic 
light, or
red flare
_H Do not land; wait  - Immediate assistance 
(c) Red flashes Do not land; 
aerodrome not 
available for 
landing.
Move clear of 
landing area.
(d) Green flashes Return to 
aerodrome; wait 
for permission to 
land.
To an aircraft: 
You may move 
on the 
manoeuvring 
area and apron;
To a vehicle: 
You may move 
on the 
manoeuvring 
area.
-
AIR NAVIGATION _gS.L.232.05 121
Marshalling signals (from a marshaller to an aircraft)
44. Each of the signals for the guidance of aircraft manoeuvring on or off the
ground, described in the first column of Table B, paragraphs (a) to (x) shall, in
Malta, have the meanings set forth in the second column of that Table opposite the
description of the signal. By day any such signals shall be given by hand or by
circular bats and by night by torches or illuminated wands. 
Table B 
Meaning of Marshalling Signals (Rule 44)
(e) Continuous 
green
You may land. You may take 
take off (not 
applicable to a 
vehicle).
-
(f) Continuous 
green Light, or
Green flashes, 
or
Green 
pyrotechnic 
light
_H_GBy night: May I land'By day: May I land in direction different from that indicated 
by landing T'
(g) White flashes Land at this 
aerodrome after 
receiving 
continuous green 
light, and then, 
after receiving 
green flashes, 
proceed to the 
apron.
Return to 
starting point on 
the aerodrome.
I am compelled to 
land.
(h)White 
pyrotechnic 
lights
Switching on 
and off the 
navigation 
lights
Switching on 
and off the 
landing lights
_H - I am compelled to land
Description of 
Signal
Meaning of 
Signal In Daylight By Night
(a) Right or left
arm down, the other
arm moved across
body and extended
to indicate position
of the other mar-
shaller.
Proceed under
guidance of
another
marshaller.
Characteristic and 
colour of light beam 
or pyrotechnic
From an aerodrome From an aircraft in 
flight to an 
aerodrometo an aircraft in flight
to an aircraft or 
vehicle on the 
aerodrome
122 _gS.L.232.05 AIR NAVIGATION
(b) Arms repeat-
edly moved upward
and backward,
beckoning onward.
Move ahead.
(c) Right arm, left
arm repeatedly
moved upward and
backward. The
speed of arm move-
ment indicates the
rate of turn.
Open up
starboard
engine or turn
to port.
(d) Left arm
down, the right arm
repeatedly moved
upward and back-
ward. The speed of
arm movement indi-
cates the rate of
turn.
Open up port
engine or turn
to starboard.
(e) Arms repeat-
edly crossed above
the head. The speed
of arm movement
indicates the
urgency of the stop.
Stop.
(f) A circular
motion of the right
hand at head level,
with the left arm
pointing to the
appropriate engine.
Start engines.
(g)Arms
extended, the palms
facing inwards,
then swung from
the extended posi-
tion inwards.
Chocks
inserted.
(h)Arms down,
the palms facing
outwards, then
swung outwards.
Chocks away.
Description of 
Signal
Meaning of 
Signal In Daylight By Night
AIR NAVIGATION _gS.L.232.05 123
(j) Either arm and
hand placed level
with the chest, then
moved laterally
with the palm
downwards.
Cut engines.
(k) Arms placed
down, with the
palms towards the
ground, then moved
up and down sev-
eral times.
Slow down.
(l) Arms placed
down, with the
palms towards the
ground, then either
the right or left arm
moved, up and
down indicating
that the motors on
the left or right
side, as the case
may be, should be
slowed down.
Slow down
engines on
indicated side.
(m) Arms placed
above the head in a
vertical position.
This bay.
(n) The right arm
raised at the elbow,
with the arm facing
forward.
All clear:
Marshalling
finished.
(o) Arms placed
horizontally side-
ways.
Hover.
Description of 
Signal
Meaning of 
Signal In Daylight By Night
124 _gS.L.232.05 AIR NAVIGATION
(p) Arms placed
down and crossed
in front of the body.
Land.
(q) Arms placed
horizon- Move
upwards. tally side-
ways with the
palms up beckon-
ing upwards. The
speed of arm move-
ment indicates the
rate of ascent.
Move upwards.
(r) Arms placed
horizontally side-
ways with the
palms towards the
ground beckoning
downwards. The
speed of arm move-
ment indicates the
rate of descent.
Move
downwards.
(s) Either arm
placed horizontally
sideways, then the
other arm moved in
front of the body to
that side, in the
direction of the
movement, indicat-
ing that the helicop-
ter should move
horizontally to the
left or right side, as
the case may be;
repeated several
times.
Move
horizontally.
Description of 
Signal
Meaning of 
Signal In Daylight By Night
AIR NAVIGATION _gS.L.232.05 125
(t) Arms placed
down, the palms
facing forward,
then repeatedly
swept up and down
to shoulder level.
Move back.
(u) Left arm
extended horizon-
tally forward, then
right arm making a
horizontal sliding
movement below
left arm.
Release load.
(v) Raise arm,
with fist clenched,
horizontally in fron
of body, then
extend fingers.
Release brakes.
Raise arm and
hand, with fingers
extended, horizon-
tally in from of
body, then clench
fist.
Engage brakes.
(w)Left hand
overhead with the
number of fingers
extended, to indi-
cate the number of
the engine to be
started, and circu-
lar motion of right
hand at head level.
Start engine(s).
(x) Point left arm
down, move right
arm down from
overhead, vertical
position to horizon-
tal forward posi-
tion, repeating right
arm movement.
Back aircraft
tail to
starboard.
Description of 
Signal
Meaning of 
Signal In Daylight By Night
126 _gS.L.232.05 AIR NAVIGATION
Distress, Urgency and Safety Signals
46. (1) The following signals, given either together or separately before the
sending of a message, signify that an aircraft is threatened by grave and imminent
danger and requests immediate assistance:
(a) by radiotelephony:
the spoken word "MAYDAY";
(b) visual signalling:
(i) the signal SOS (...---...);
(ii) a succession of pyrotechnic lights fired at short intervals each
showing a single red light;
(iii) a parachute flare showing a red light;
(c) by sound signalling other than radiotelephony:
(i) the signal SOS (...---...);
(ii) a continuous sounding with any sound apparatus.
(2) The following signals, given either together or separately, before the sending
of a message, signify that the commander of an aircraft wishes to give notice of
difficulties which compel it to land but that he does not require immediate
assistance:
(a) the repeated switching on and off of the aircraft landing lights;
(b) the repeated switching on and off of its navigation lights, in such a
manner as to be clearly distinguishable from the flashing navigation
lights described in rule 11.
(3) The following signals, given either together or separately, indicate that the
commander of the aircraft has an urgent message to transmit the safety of a ship,
aircraft vehicle or other property or of a person on board or within sight of the
aircraft from which the signal is given:
(a) by radiotelephony:
the spoken word "PAN";
(b) by visual signalling:
the signal XXX (-..--..--..-)
(c) by sound signalling other than radiotelephony:
the signal XXX (-..--..--..-).
Visual signals used to warn an unauthorised aircraft flying in or about to enter a
Point right
arm down, move
left arm down from
overhead, vertical
position to horizon-
tal forward posi-
tion, repeating left
arm movement.
Back aircraft’s
tail to port.
Description of 
Signal
Meaning of 
Signal In Daylight By Night
AIR NAVIGATION _gS.L.232.05 127
restricted, prohibited or danger area
47. By day or by night, a series of projectiles discharged from the ground at
intervals of 10 seconds each showing on bursting, red and green lights or stars will
indicate to an unauthorised aircraft that it is flying in or about to enter a restricted,
prohibited or danger area, and that the aircraft is to take such remedial action as may
be necessary.
SECTION IX
Air Traffic Control
Provisions of Air Traffic Control Services
48. (1) At every aerodrome (other than a Government aerodrome) which is
provided with means of two-way radio communication with aircraft and is either
situated in a control zone or is an aerodrome in respect of which the Director, has
given a direction to the proprietor or person in charge of the aerodrome requiring air
traffic control service to be provided there, the person in charge of the aerodrome
shall cause air traffic control service to be provided at all times when the aerodrome
is open for the take-off and landing of aircraft.
(2) At every aerodrome (other than a Government aerodrome) which is provided
with means of two-way radio communication with aircraft and with equipment for
providing holding aid, let-down aid or approach aid by radio or radar the person in
charge of the aerodrome shall inform the Director in advance of any period during
which any of the said equipment will be in operation for the purpose of providing
holding aid, let-down aid or approach aid and, without prejudice to sub-rule (1),
cause air traffic control service to be provided at all times when the said equipment
is notified as being in operation for any of those purposes.
Load Sheets
1. (1) Every load sheet required by Article 27(4) shall contain the following
particulars:
(a) the nationality mark of the aircraft to which the load sheet relates, and
the registration marks assigned to that aircraft by the Director;
(b) particulars of the flight to which the load sheet relates;
(c) the total weight of the aircraft as loaded for that flight;
(d) the weights of the several items from which the total weight of the
aircraft as so loaded has been calculated including in particular the
weight of the aircraft prepared for service and the respective total
weights of the crew (unless included in the weight of the aircraft
prepared for service), passengers, baggage and cargo intended to be
carried on the flight;
FOURTEENTH SCHEDULE Amended by:L.N. 57 of 1991;
L.N. 202 of 1998.
Air Navigation (General) Regulations
128 _gS.L.232.05 AIR NAVIGATION
(e) the manner in which the load is distributed and the resulting position of
the centre of gravity of the aircraft which may he given approximately if
and to the extent that the relevant certificate of airworthiness so
permits,
and shall include at the foot or end of the load sheet a certificate, signed by the
person referred to in Article 27(1) of this Order as responsible for the loading of the
aircraft, that the aircraft has been loaded in accordance with the written instructions
furnished to him by the operator of the aircraft pursuant to the said Article 27.
(2) For the purpose of calculating the total weight of the aircraft the respective
total weights of the passengers and crew entered in the load sheet shall be computed
from the actual weight of each person and for that purpose each person shall be
separately weighed:
Provided that in the case of aeroplanes whose maximum take off weight
exceeds 10 tonnes, or with a maximum approved passenger seating configuration of
twenty or more, or with mixed fleets of aeroplanes above and below this
discriminant, and in the case of helicopters, the requirements of JAR-OPS I and
JAR-OPS 3 may be applied.
(3) (a) For the purpose of calculating the total weight of the aircraft the
respective total weights of the baggage and cargo entered in the load sheet shall be
computed from the actual weight of each piece of baggage, cargo or cargo container
and for that purpose each piece or container shall be separately weighed:
Provided that in the case of aeroplanes whose maximum take off weights
exceed 10 tonnes, or with a maximum approved passenger seating configuration of
twenty or more, or with mixed fleets of aeroplanes above and below this
discriminant, and in the case of helicopters, the requirements of JAR-OPS 1 and
JAR-OPS 3 may be applied.
(b) For the purpose of this regulation:
(i) A journey made by an aeroplane shall be treated as European if it
is confined within an area joining successively the following
points:
(ii) A journey made by an aeroplane shall be treated as
intercontinental if it is not European.
(iii) A journey made by an aeroplane shall be treated as a holiday
journey and not as a scheduled journey if it is made for the
carriage of passengers each of whom is carried pursuant to an
agreement which provides for carriage by air to a place outside
Malta, and back from that place or from another place to Malta
(whether or not on the same aeroplane) and for accommodation at
a place outside Malta.
(4) (a) Notwithstanding the provisions of subregulations (2) and (3), the person
supervising the loading of an aircraft shall, if he considers it necessary in the
interests of the safety of the aircraft, or if the Director has so directed in the
particular case, require any person or baggage to be weighed for the purpose of the
entry to be made in the load sheet.
66°30'N 30°00'W 66°30'N 39°00'E
30°00'N 39°00'E 30°00'N 11°00'W
24°00'N 11°00'W 24°00'N 30°00'W
66°30'N 30°00'W
AIR NAVIGATION _gS.L.232.05 129
(b) If any person or baggage has been weighed pursuant to paragaraph (a), the
weights entered in the load sheet shall take account of the actual weight of that
person or baggage, or of the weight determined in accordance with the respective
proviso to subregulation (2) or (3) whichever weight shall be the greater.
Weight and Performance
2. Where the provisions JAR-OPS 1 and JAR-OPS 3 are not applicable, the
operator of an aircraft registered in Malta shall for the purpose of assessing the
weight and related performance of the aircraft, use the performance regulations of
the State of manufacture if the Director so approves.
Noise and Vibration caused by aircraft on aerodromes
3. With reference to article 75, the conditions under which noise and vibration
may be caused by aircraft (including military aircraft) on Government aerodromes,
licensed aerodromes or on aerodromes at which the manufacture, repair or
maintenance of aircraft is carried out by persons carrying on business as
manufacturers or repairers of aircraft, shall be as follows, that is to say, that, whether
in the course of the manufacture of the aircraft or otherwise:
(a) the aircraft is taking off or landing, or
(b) the aircraft is moving on the ground or water, or
(c) the engines are being operated in the aircraft -
(i) for the purpose of ensuring their satisfactory performance,
(ii) for the purpose of bringing them to a proper temperature in
preparation for, or at the end, or a flight, or
(iii) for the purpose of ensuring that the instruments, accessories or
other components of the aircraft are in a satisfactory condition.
Radio Navigational Equipment to be carried in aircraft
4. (1) This regulation shall apply to all aircraft of over 2,300 kg. maximum
total weight authorised when flying for the purpose of public transport.
(2) (a) For the purpose of Scale B in paragraph 3 of the Sixth Schedule, radio
navigational equipment shall be provided, subject to the provisions of paragraph (b)
of this subregulation, in all aircraft to which this regulation applies in accordance
with the following Table. The numbered areas in column I of that Table are more
particularly described in subregulation (3), and the letters in column 2 have the
meaning assigned to them by subregulation (4):
TABLE
(b) Where not more than one item of equipment carried in an aircraft pursuant to
this regulation is unserviceable when the aircraft is about to begin a flight, the
aircraft may nevertheless take off on that flight if -
(i) it is not reasonably practicable for the repair or replacement of
that item to be carried out before the beginning of the flight; and
Column 1 Column 2
Area in which the aircraft is flying Combination of Equipment to be carried
Area 1 B
Area 2 A
All other areas B
130 _gS.L.232.05 AIR NAVIGATION
(ii) the aircraft has not made more than one complete flight since the
item was last serviceable; and
(iii) the commander of the aircraft has satisfied himself that taking
into account the latest information available as to the route and
aerodrome to be used (including any planned diversion), and the
weather conditions likely to be encountered, the flight can be
made safely and in accordance with any relevant requirements of
air traffic control.
and in such case the commander of the aircraft shall cause written particulars of the
flight, and the reasons for making it, to be given to the Director within 10 days
thereafter.
(3) The areas 1 and 2 referred to in Column I of the Table in the preceding
paragraph are as follows:
(a) Area 1
The area enclosed by rhumb lines joining successively the following
points:
(b) Area 2
The area enclosed by rhumb lines joining successively the following
points:
(4) Each of the letters in Column 2 of the Table in subregulation (2)(a) shall
signify the combination of equipment which is specified opposite that letter in
columns 2 and 3 of the following table.
TABLE
61°45'N 15°00'E 61°45'N 12°30'E 63°30'N 12°30'E
63°30'N 18°00'E 65°00'N 14°45'E 66°30'N 16°45'E
66°30'N 27°00'E 65°30'N 28°30'E 61°45'N 25°00'E
61°45'N 15°00'E
62°00'N 10°00'W 63°00'N 08°00'W 63°00'N 03°00'W
62°00'N 00°45'W 62°00'N 04°00'E 65°00'N 10°00'E
68°30'N 13°00'E 68°30'N 23°00'E 66°30'N 23°00'E
66°30'N 16°45'E 65°00'N 14°45'E 63°30'N 18°00'E
63°30'N 12°30'E 61°45'N 12°30'E 61°45'N 26°00'E
58°20'N 24°00'E 50°30'N 17°30'E 41°30'N 23°15'E
41°30'N 30°00'E 40°00'N 37°00'E 30°00'N 37°00'E
30°00'N 10°00'W 62°00'N 10°00'W
Column 1 Column 2 Column 3
Reference letter of 
combination of Equipment
Single or duplicate 
Equipment
Items of Equipment in the 
combination
Single ADF
A Duplicate VOR
Single 75 MHz Mkr
Duplicate ADF
B Single VOR
AIR NAVIGATION _gS.L.232.05 131
(5) The items of equipment in column 3 of the Table in the preceding
subregulation signify the following:
ADF - automatic direction finding equipment which indicates to the pilot at the
controls of the aircraft the bearing of any radio station transmitting signals in the low
and medium frequency bands received by such equipment;
VOR - equipment capable of giving to the pilot at the controls of the aircraft
visual indications of bearing of the aircraft by means of signals received from very
high frequency omni-directional radio ranges;
75 MHz Mkr - a VHF receiver capable of receiving signals from a 75 Mhz marker
beacon.
Aeroplanes flying for the purpose of public transport of passengers - Aerodrome
facilities for approach to landing.
5. (1) This regulation shall apply to every aeroplane registered in Malta
engaging on a flight for the purpose of public transport of passengers on a scheduled
journey and to every aeroplane so registered whose maximum total weight
authorised exceeds 5,700 kg engaging on such a flight otherwise than on a scheduled
journey.
(2) For the purpose of article 26 (i)(c), the following manning and equipment
are specified in relation to aerodromes intended to be used for landing or an alternate
aerodrome by aircraft to which this regulation applies:
(a) air traffic control service, including the reporting to aircraft of the
current meteorological conditions at the aerodromes;
(b) very high frequency radiotelephony;
(c) at least one of the following radio navigational aids, either at the
aerodrome or elsewhere, and in either case for the purpose of assisting
the pilot in locating the aerodrome and in making an approach to
landing there:
(i) radio direction finding equipment utilising emissions in the verv
high frequency bands;
(ii) a non directional radio beacon transmitting signals in the low or
medium frequency bands;
(iii) very high frequency omni-directional radio range;
(iv) radar equipment
It shall be sufficient if the equipment specified in paragraph (c) is provided,
even if for the time being it is not in operation.
(3) An aircraft to which this regulation applies shall not land or make an
approach to landing at any aerodrome unless services and equipment in accordance
with subregulation (2) are provided and are in operation at that aerodrome, and can
be made use of by that aircraft, and, in the case of the navigation aids specified in
paragraph (c), items (i) to (iv), instructions and procedures for the use of the aid are
included in the operations manual. A person shall he deemed not to have
contravened the provisions of this subregulation if he proves that -
(a) for the time being use could not be made of the radio navigation aids
provided under subregulation (2)(c) whether by reason of those aids not
being in operation or of the unserviceability of equipment in the aircraft
itself, and
Single 75 MHz Mkr
132 _gS.L.232.05 AIR NAVIGATION
(b) the approach to landing was made in accordance with instructions and
procedures appropriate to those circumstances and included in the
operations manual.
(4) An aircraft to which this regulation applies shall, without prejudice to the
requirements of regulation 4, be equipped with the equipment necessary to enable
use to be made of at least one of the navigation aids specified in subregulation (2)(c)
and in use for landing at the aerodrome. Nothing in this subregulation shall require
the duplication of any equipment carried in pursuance of any other provision of this
Order or of any regulation made thereunder.
Pilot Maintenance - specified repairs or replacements
6. With reference to article 10(3) the following repairs or replacements are
hereby specified:
(1) Replacement of landing gear tyres, landing skids or skid shoes.
(2) Replacement of elastic shock absorber cord units on landing gear where
special tools are not required.
(3) Replacement of defective safety wiring or split pins excluding those in
engine, transmission, flight control and rotor systems.
(4) Patch-repairs to fabric not requiring rub stitching or the removal of
structural parts or control services, if the repairs do not cover up
structural damage and do not include repairs do not cover up structural
damage and do not include repairs to rotor blades.
(5) Repairs to upholstery and decorative furnishing of the cabin or cockpit
interior when repair does not require dismantling of any structure or
operating system or interfere with an operating system or effect the
structure of the aircraft.
(6) Repairs, not requiring welding, to fairings, non-structural cover plates
and cowlings.
(7) Replacements of side windows where that work does not interfere with
the structure or with any operating system.
(8) Replacement of safety belts or safety harness.
(9) Replacement of seats or seat parts not involving dismantling of any
structure or of any operating system.
(10) Replacement of bulbs, reflectors, glasses, lenses or lights.
(11) Replacement of any cowlings not requiring removal of the propeller,
rotors or disconnection of engine or flight controls.
(12) Replacement of unserviceable sparking plugs.
(13) Replacement of batteries.
(14) Replacement of wings and tail surfaces and controls, the attachments of
which are designed to provide for assembly immediately before such
flight and dismantling after each flight.
(15) Replacement of main rotor blades that are designed for removal where
special tools are not required.
(16) Replacement of generator and fan belts designed for removal where
special tools are not required.
Mandatory Reporting - specified reportable occurrences time and manner of
reporting and information to be reported
AIR NAVIGATION _gS.L.232.05 133
7. (1) With reference to article 81(1), the following reportable occurrences are
specified, that is to say those:
(a) involving damage to an aircraft;
(b) involving injury to a person;
(c) involving the impairment during a flight of the capacity of a number of
the flight crew of an aircraft to undertake the functions to which his
licence relates;
(d) involving the use in flight-of any procedures taken for the purpose of
overcoming an emergency;
(e) involving the failure of an aircraft system or of any equipment of an
aircraft;
(f) arising from the control of an aircraft in flight by its flight crew;
(g) arising from failure or inadequacy of facilities or service on the ground
used or intended to be used for the purposes of or in connection with the
operation of aircraft;
(h) arising from the loading or the carriage of passengers, cargo (including
mail) or fuel,
and those are not referred to in paragraphs (a) to (h) but which, in the opinion of a
person referred to in article 81(1)(a) to (e), constitute an occurrence endangering, or
which if not corrected would endanger the safety of an aircraft, its occupants or any
other person.
(2) For the purposes of this regulation an aircraft system includes the flight
control, power plant, fuel, hydraulic, pneumatic, pressurisation, electrical,
navigation and other system of the aircraft.
(3) With reference to article 81(1), a report containing the information referred
to in subregulation (4) shall be dispatched in writing and by the quickest available
means to the Director within 96 hours of the reportable occurrence coming to the
knowledge of the person making the report:
Provided that if at that time any of the said information is not in the
possession of that person, he shall despatch that information to the Director in
writing and by the quickest available means within 96 hours of its coming into his
possession.
(4) With reference to article 81(1) a report shall, as far as possible, contain the
following information:
(a) the type, series and registration marks of the aircraft concerned;
(b) the name of the operator of the aircraft;
(c) the date of the reportable occurrence;
(d) if the person making the report has instituted an investigation into
reportable occurrences, whether or not this has been completed;
(e) a description of the reportable occurrence, including its effects and any
other relevant information;
(f) in the case of a reportable occurrence which occurs during flight -
(i) the Universal Coordinated Time of the occurrence;
(ii) the last point of departure and the next point of intended landing
of the aircraft at that time;
(iii) the geographical position of the aircraft at that time;
134 _gS.L.232.05 AIR NAVIGATION
(g) in the case of a defect in or malfunctioning of an aircraft or any part or
equipment of an aircraft, the name of the manufacturer of the aircraft,
part or equipment, as the case may be, and, where appropriate, the part
number and modification standard of the part or equipment and its
location on the aircraft;
(h) the signature and name in block capitals of the person making the
report, the name of his employer and the capacity in which he acts for
the employer;
(i) in the case of a report made by the commander of an aircraft where a
person referred to in article 81(1)(c) or (d) the address or telephone
number at which communications should be made to him if different
from that of his place of employment.
Areas specified in connection with the Carriage of Flight Navigators as members of 
the Flight Crews or Approved Navigational Equipment on Public Transport Aircraft
The following areas are hereby specified for the purposes of article 17(4):
Area A - Arctic
All the area north of latitude 68° north, but excluding any part thereof within
the area enclosed by rhumb lines joining successively the following points:
68° north latitude 00° east/west longitude
73° north latitude 15° east longitude
73° north latitude 30° east longitude
68° north latitude 45° east longitude
68° north latitude 00° east/west longitude
Area B - Antarctic
All that area south of latitude 55° south.
Area C - Sahara
All that area enclosed by rhumb lines joining successively the following
points:
30° north latitude 05° west longitude
24° north latitude 11° west longitude
14° north latitude 11° west longitude
14° north latitude 28° east longitude
24° north latitude 28° east longitude
28° north latitude 23° east longitude
30° north latitude 15° east longitude
30° north latitude 05° west longitude
Substituted by:
L.N. 34 of 1992. FIFTEENTH SCHEDULE(Article 17(4))
AIR NAVIGATION _gS.L.232.05 135
Area D - South America
All that area enclosed by rhumb lines joining successively the following
points:
04° north latitude 72° west longitude
04° north latitude 60° west longitude
08° south latitude 42° west longitude
18° south latitude 54° west longitude
18° south latitude 60° west longitude
14° south latitude 72° west longitude
05° south latitude 76° west longitude
04° north latitude 72° west longitude
Area E - Pacific Ocean
All that area enclosed by rhumb lines joining successively the following
points:
60° north latitude 180° east/west longitude
20° north latitude 128° east longitude
04° north latitude 128° east longitude
04° north latitude 180° east/west longitude
55° south latitude 180° east/west longitude
55° south latitude 82° west longitude
25° south latitude 82° west longitude
60° north latitude 155° west longitude
60° north latitude 180° east/west longitude
Area F - Australia
All that area enclosed by rhumb lines joining successively the following
points: 
18° south latitude 123° east longitude
30° south latitude 118° east longitude
30° south latitude 135° east longitude
18° south latitude 123° east longitude
Area G - Indian Ocean
All that area enclosed by rhumb lines joining successively the following
points:
35° south latitude 110° east longitude
55° south latitude 180° east/west longitude
55° south latitude 10° east longitude
40° south latitude 10° east longitude
25° south latitude 60° east longitude
20° south latitude 60° east longitude
05° south latitude 43° east longitude
136 _gS.L.232.05 AIR NAVIGATION
10° north latitude 55° east longitude
10° north latitude 73° east longitude
04° north latitude 77° east longitude
04° north latitude 92° east longitude
10° south latitude 100° east longitude
10° south latitude 110° east longitude
35° south latitude 110° east longitude
Area H - North Atlantic Ocean
All that area enclosed by rhumb lines joining successively the following
points:
55° north latitude 15° west longitude
68° north latitude 28° west longitude
68° north latitude 60° west longitude
45° north latitude 45° west longitude
40° north latitude 60° west longitude
40° north latitude 19° west longitude
55° north latitude 15° west longitude
Area I - South Atlantic Ocean
All that area enclosed by rhumb lines joining successively the following
points:
40° north latitude 60° west longitude
18° north latitude 60° west longitude
05° south latitude 30° west longitude
55° south latitude 55° west longitude
55° south latitude 10° east longitude
40° south latitude 10° east longitude
02° north latitude 05° east longitude
02° north latitude 10° west longitude
15° north latitude 25° west longitude
40° north latitude 19° west longitude
40° north latitude 60° west longitude
Area J - Northern Canada
All that area enclosed by rhumb lines joining successively the following
points:
68° north latitude 130° west longitude
55° north latitude 115° west longitude
55° north latitude 70° west longitude
68° north latitude 60° west longitude
68° north latitude 130° west longitude
Area K - Northern Asia
AIR NAVIGATION _gS.L.232.05 137
All that area enclosed by rhumb lines joining successively the following
points:
68° north latitude 56° east longitude
68° north latitude 160° east longitude
50° north latitude 125° east longitude
50° north latitude 56° east longitude
68° north latitude 56° east longitude
Area L - Southern Asia
All that area enclosed by rhumb lines joining successively the following
points:
50° north latitude 56° east longitude
50° north latitude 125° east longitude
40° north latitude 110° east longitude
30° north latitude 110° east longitude
30° north latitude 80° east longitude
35° north latitude 80° east longitude
35° north latitude 56° east longitude
50° north latitude 56° east longitude.
Aircraft Registration
The following charges are payable to the Director by an applicant for the
issue of a Certificate of Registration in respect of an aircraft:
SIXTEENTH SCHEDULE Amended by:L.N. 57 of 1991;
L.N. 34 of 1992.
Substituted by:
L.N. 339 of 2002.
Amended by:
L.N. 130 of 2003;
L.N. 124 of 2004.
(Article 6)
Fees
PART I
Aircraft in respect of which application is made: Charge Payable
Aeroplanes having an empty weight not exceeding
150 kg, a wing area of not less than 10 square
metres, and a wing loading not exceeding 10 kg per
square meter at empty weight and which are
designed to carry not more than 2 persons ............... Lm 25
Any other aircraft whose maximum weight authorised:
does not exceed 750 kg ........................................... Lm 30
exceeds 750 kg but not 2730 kg .............................. Lm 60
exceeds 2730 kg but not 5700 kg ............................ Lm 90
exceeds 5700 kg but not 15 tonnes .......................... Lm 120
exceeds 15 tonnes but not 50 tonnes ....................... Lm 180
138 _gS.L.232.05 AIR NAVIGATION
Upon making an application for a revised Certificate of Registration, the
registered owner of the aircraft shall pay: 
(i) if the revised Certificate of Registration is applied for due to change of
address, a fee of Lm 20; 
(ii) if the revised Certificate of Registration is applied for due to change of
legal ownership, a charge equal to the 50% of the fee as would be
payable for the initial of the certificate.
PART II
Charges for Aircraft Airworthiness Certification, Aircraft Maintenance Organisation 
Approval and Aircraft Maintenance Engineers’ Licences.
1. Certificate of Airworthiness - Issue
Upon making an application for the first issue of a Certificate of
Airworthiness valid for one year or part thereof, the applicant shall pay: 
(i) in respect of an aeroplane or glider whose maximum take-off weight
authorised does not exceed 2,000 kg, a charge of Lm50 for each 500 kg
or part thereof; 
(ii) in respect of an aeroplane or glider whose maximum take-off weight
authorised exceeds 2,000kg, but does not exceed 10,000 kg, a charge of
Lm200 plus Lm50 for each 500kg or part thereof; 
(iii) in respect of an aeroplane or glider whose maximum take-off weight
authorised exceeds 10,000 kg, a charge of Lm1,200 plus Lm15 for each
500 kg or part thereof; 
(iv) in respect of a helicopter or gyroplane whose maximum take-off weight
authorised does not exceed 2,000 kg, a charge of Lm50 for each 500 kg
or part thereof; 
(v) in respect of a helicopter or gyroplane whose maximum take-off weight
authorised exceeds 2,000 kg but does not exceed 10,000 kg, a charge of
Lm200 plus Lm50 for each 500kg or part thereof; 
(vi) in respect of a helicopter or gyroplane whose maximum take-off weight
authorised exceeds 10,000 kg, a charge or Lm1,200 plus Lm15 for each
500 kg or part thereof.
2. Certificate of Airworthiness - Renewal
Upon making an application for the renewal of a Certificate of
Airworthiness valid for one year or part thereof, the applicant shall pay: 
(i) in respect of an aeroplane or glider whose maximum take-off weight
authorised does not exceed 2,000 kg, a charge of Lm30 for each 500 kg
or part thereof; 
(ii) in respect of an aeroplane or glider whose maximum take-off weight
authorised exceeds 2,000 kg but does not exceed 10,000 kg, a charge of
Lm120 plus Lm25 for each 500 kg or part thereof; 
(iii) in respect of an aeroplane or glider whose maximum take-off weight
authorised exceeds 10,000kg, a charge of Lm620 plus Lm 10 for each
500kg or part thereof; 
(iv) in respect of a helicopter or gyroplane whose maximum take-off weight
exceeds 50 tonnes ................................................... Lm 300
AIR NAVIGATION _gS.L.232.05 139
authorised does not exceed 2,000kg, a charge of Lm30 for each 500kg
or part thereof; 
(v) in respect of a helicopter or gyroplane whose maximum take-off weight
authorised exceeds 2,000kg but does not exceed 10,000 kg, a charge of
Lm120 plus Lm25 for each 500 kg or part thereof; 
(vi) in respect of a helicopter or gyroplane whose maximum take-off weight
authorised exceeds 10,000kg, a charge of Lm620 plus Lm10 for each
500 kg or part thereof.
3. Permit to Fly - Issue
In respect of an application for the grant of a permit to fly, valid for one year
or part thereof, in the case of an aircraft without there being in force a Certificate of
Airworthiness, the applicant shall pay: 
(a) in the case of an aircraft whose maximum take-off weight authorised
does not exceed 2,000kg, the sum of Lm50 for each 500kg or part
thereof, or, if the total cost of the investigations exceeds that amount, a
charge of such amount as may be decided by the Director; and 
(b) in the case of any other aircraft, a charge of Lm200 plus the sum of
Lm50 for each 500kg or part thereof, or if the total cost of the
investigations exceeds that amount a charge of such amount as may be
decided by the Director.
4. Permit to Fly - Renewal
In respect of an application for the renewal of a permit to fly, valid for one
year or part thereof, in the case of an aircraft without there being in force a
Certificate of Airworthiness, the applicant shall pay the sum of Lm25 for each 500kg
or part thereof.
5. Certificate of Radio Station Approval - Issue
In respect of an application for the issue of a Certificate of Radio Station
Approval, an applicant shall pay a fee in accordance with the table below:
6. Variation of a Certificate of Radio Station Approval
In respect of a variation to a Certificate of Radio Station Approval, the
applicant shall pay a fee equal to 25% of the fee payable in accordance with
paragraph 5 above for the issue of a Certificate of Radio Station Approval for the
class of aircraft concerned.
7. Airworthiness Statement
In respect of an application for the issue of an Airworthiness Statement in
respect of an aircraft, the applicant shall pay an amount equal to the charge that
would be applicable for the renewal of a certificate of airworthiness in respect of that
aircraft.
8. Issue of JAR 66 Aircraft Maintenance Licences and Validation of non-JAR
For a radio installation in an aircraft whose maximum take-off
weight authorised does not exceed 2,000kg ............................. Lm30
For a radio installation in an aircraft whose maximum take-off
weight authorised exceeds 2,000kg but does not exceed
10,000kg ................................................................................. Lm50
For a radio installation in an aircraft whose maximum take-off
weight authorised exceeds 10,000kg ........................................ Lm100.
140 _gS.L.232.05 AIR NAVIGATION
66 Aircraft Maintenance Licences
(i) Upon making an application for the issue, renewal, replacement or variation
of a JAR 66 Aircraft Maintenance Licence and type rating, the applicant shall pay:
(a) for the grant or extension of a basic licence valid for 5 years granted
under JAR 66, for each application, a charge of Lm 100. Where an
application for a Category C basic rating is made concurrently with
Category B1 or B2, no further charge is payable;
(b) for inclusion of a type rating, a charge of Lm 30. Where an application
for a Category C type rating is made concurrently with the same type
rating within Category B1 or B2, no further charge is payable;
(c) for the renewal of a licence for a further period of 5 years, a charge of
Lm 60;
(d) for each application for the removal of one or more limitations, a charge
of Lm 10;
(e) for the investigation and assessment for the exemption from any
examination modules required to be completed for the issue of a JAR 66
licence, or for the acceptance of any academic degree in the technical
discipline from a university, or other higher educational institute, a
charge of Lm 25 or, if the cost of the assessment exceeds this amount, a
charge will be considered relating to the expenses incurred, subject to a
maximum of Lm 50;
(f) for the investigations associated with the transfer of a JAR 66 Aircraft
Maintenance Licence issued by another JAA full member State to the
authority of, and issue by, the Director, a charge of Lm 25.
(ii) Upon making an application for the validation of a non-JAR 66 Aircraft
Maintenance Licence, the applicant shall pay a fee of Lm 20 for each year or part
thereof that makes up the period of validity of the validation or certificate.
9. Approval of JAR 145 Aircraft Maintenance Organisation
Upon making an application for the issue of a Certificate of Approval of an
Aircraft Maintenance Organisation under JAR 145 valid for two years, the applicant
shall pay, depending on the ratings included in the extent of approval contained in
the Certificate, the following fees for every annual period or part thereof of the
validity of the Certificate:
Provided that:
(a) In the case of an A1 rating which covers base maintenance, only 50% of
the fee is payable if more than 50% of the aircraft maintained on an
annual basis have a maximum take-off weight authorised of less than 10
tonnes;
(b) Where the organisation has more than one category rating, only the
Category Initial issue Subsequent issue
Rating Fee (Lm) Fee (Lm)
A1 5,000 3,000
A2 2,500 1,000
B 750 500
C 750 500
D 750 500
AIR NAVIGATION _gS.L.232.05 141
highest of the fees attracted by the ratings shall be payable;
(c) Where the organisation has remotely located secondary sites and
facilities, there shall be paid an additional charge as provided in
paragraph 13 together with the cost of travel and accommodation for the
investigating Airworthiness Inspectorate survey staff;
(d) Where the actual costs of the Director’s investigations leading to the
issue of a Certificate of Approval of an Aircraft Maintenance
Organisation are higher than those specified above, the Director shall
charge the actual costs incurred.
10. Approval of Aircraft Maintenance Organisations
Upon making an application for the issue of a Certificate of Approval of an
Aircraft Maintenance Organisation under the Air Navigation Order, not being a
certification made under any JAA Code, an applicant shall pay, for every annual
period or part thereof that the Approval Certificate is valid, a fee of Lm 1,000 for the
first issue and Lm 750 for each subsequent issue.
11. Variation of a Certificate of Approval for an Aircraft Maintenance
Organisation
Upon making an application for a variation to a Certificate of Approval for
an Aircraft Maintenance Organisation which leads to an increase in the organisation
capability list, the applicant shall pay a charge equal to 10% of the fee as would be
payable for the first issue of the Approval Certificate as specified in paragraph 9
above or the actual costs of the Director investigations whichever is the greater. Any
variation to the certificate other than the one aforementioned shall attract a charge
equal to 1% of the fee as would by payable for the first issue of the Approval
Certificate as specified in paragraph 9 above.
12. Copies of Documents
Upon application being made for the issue of a copy or replacement
document issued under Parts I and II of this Schedule, the applicant shall pay a fee of
Lm20.
13. Additional charge where functions are performed abroad When an
application is made for the Director to perform a function in a country outside Malta
in respect of which the Director charges a fee, as a result of which the Director
deems it necessary for the work to be performed by one of his employees or by his
contractor, the applicant shall, in addition to the appropriate fee, pay a charge equal
to Lm250 per working day in the case of a Department employee or to the actual
costs incurred in the case when the Department’s contractor is used.
PART III
Charges for Flight Crew Licences, Instructor and Examiner Ratings, Validation of 
Flight Crew Licences, Flight Tests, Air Traffic Control Licences, Approval of 
Simulators, Flight Navigation Procedures Trainers, Type Rating Training 
Organisations, Operator’s Conversion Courses and Multi-Crew Cooperation Courses
1. Flight Crew Licences
1.1 Non-JAR FCL Licences and Ratings
Upon making an application for the renewal or endorsement of a licence to
act as a flight crew member, the applicant shall pay:
(a) for the renewal of a professional pilot’s licence or a flight engineer’s
licence, a charge of Lm15;
142 _gS.L.232.05 AIR NAVIGATION
(b) for the addition of a type rating or class rating, a charge of Lm50;
(c) for the inclusion of an instrument rating, a charge of Lm75;
(d) for the variation of an instrument rating, a charge of Lm20.
1.2 JAR FCL Licences and Ratings
Upon making an application for the issue, renewal or endorsement of a
licence to act as a flight crew member, the applicant shall pay:
(a) for the issue of a professional pilot licence including an instrument
rating and initial type rating where these are included, a charge of
Lm200;
(b) for the issue of a flight engineer’s licence, a charge of Lm200;
(c) for the issue or renewal of a private pilot licence, a charge of Lm50;
(d) for the addition of a type rating or class rating, a charge of Lm50;
(e) for the inclusion of an instrument rating, a charge of Lm75;
(f) for the variation of an instrument rating, a charge of Lm20.
1.3 Flight Radio Telephony Operator’s (Restricted) Licence
Upon making an application for the issue of a Flight Radio Telephony
Operator’s (Restricted) Licence, not being a licence included in a pilot or flight
engineer’s licence issued under this Order, the applicant shall pay a charge of Lm15.
2. Instructor Ratings and Examiner Authorisations
Upon making an application for the issue or renewal of the following ratings
and authorisations, in respect of each rating and authorisation, the applicant shall
pay:
(a) for a flight instructor rating, a type rating instructor rating, a class rating
instructor rating, an instrument rating instructor rating or a synthetic
flight instructor rating, a charge of Lm50;
(b) for a flight examiner authorisation, a flight instructor examiner
authorisation, a type rating examiner authorisation, a class rating
examiner authorisation or a synthetic flight examiner authorisation, a
charge of Lm75.
3. Validation of Flight Crew Licences
Upon making an application for the validation of a flight crew licence, the
applicant shall pay:
(a) for the issue of a certificate of validation for a professional pilot or
flight engineer’s licence, a charge of Lm40 for each year or part thereof
of validity of the certificate;
(b) for the issue of a certificate of validation of a private pilot licence for
the purpose of permitting the holder to exercise the privileges of an
instrument rating or night qualification, a charge of Lm20 for each year
or part thereof of validity of the certificate;
(c) for the issue of a certificate of validation of a microlight pilot licence, a
charge of Lm20 for each year or part thereof of validity of the
certificate.
4. Flight Tests
Upon making an application for a flight test, the applicant shall pay:
AIR NAVIGATION _gS.L.232.05 143
(a) for an instrument rating flight test, a charge of Lm100;
(b) for an examiner rating flight test, a charge of Lm150;
(c) for a night qualifications flight test, a charge of Lm50.
5. Air Traffic Controller Licences
Upon making an application for the issue, renewal or endorsement of a
licence to perform duties in air traffic control, the applicant shall pay:
(a) for the issue of an air traffic controller’s licence including one rating, a
charge of Lm20 for each year or part thereof of validity of the licence;
(b) for the renewal of an air traffic controller’s licence, a charge of Lm15
for each year or part thereof of validity of the licence;
(c) for the inclusion of an additional rating or a new rating specifying radar
or other equipment different from that in an existing rating, a charge of
Lm30;
(d) for the issue or renewal of a student air traffic controller’s licence, a
charge of Lm10 for each year or part thereof of validity of the licence;
(e) for the issue or renewal of an apron controller’s licence, a charge of
Lm10 for each year or part thereof of validity of the licence;
(f) for the issue or renewal of a student apron controller’s licence, a charge
of Lm5 for each year or part thereof of validity of the licence.
6. Approval of Simulators
Upon making an application for the approval of an aircraft flight simulator
and its use, the applicant shall pay a charge of Lm600 for every consecutive period
of 12 months.
7. Approval of Flight Navigation Procedures Trainers
Upon making an application for the approval of a flight navigation
procedures trainer, the applicant shall pay:
(a) for the issue of the first approval valid for 1 year, a charge of Lm250;
(b) for the renewal of the approval valid for 1 year, a charge of Lm150.
8. Approval of Type Rating Training Organisations
Upon making an application for the approval of a type rating training
organisation, the applicant shall pay:
(a) for the issue of an approval valid for 1 year, a charge of Lm1,500;
(b) for the renewal of an approval valid for 3 years, a charge of Lm1,500;
(c) for the inclusion in the approval of another aircraft type, a charge of
Lm500.
9. Approval of Operator’s Aircraft Type Conversion Course
Upon making an application for the approval of an operator’s aircraft type
conversion course, the applicant shall pay a charge of Lm150.
10. Approval of Multi-Crew Co-operation Course
Upon making an application for the approval of a multi-crew co-operation
course, the applicant shall pay a charge of Lm150.
11. Copies of Documents
Upon application being made for the issue of a copy or replacement
144 _gS.L.232.05 AIR NAVIGATION
document issued under Part III of this Schedule, the applicant shall pay a fee of
Lm20.
12. Additional charge where functions are performed abroad 
When an application is made for the Director to perform a function in a
country outside Malta in respect of which the Director charges a fee, as a result of
which the Director deems it necessary for the work to be performed by one of his
employees or by his contractor, the applicant shall, in addition to the appropriate fee,
pay a charge equal to Lm250 per working day in the case of a Department employee
or to the actual costs incurred in the case when the Department’s contractor is used.
13. Charges where functions are not performed by the Director’s staff
When an application is made to the Director to perform a function in respect
of which the Director charges a fee, and which function the Director considers
necessary to be performed by a contractor, the applicant shall pay a charge equal to
the costs of the contractor. The applicant’s agreement shall be sought in advance by
the Director.
