Preamble:
These guidelines are established by the SoftVerte Aviation Authority to ensure the safe, orderly, and efficient operation of all aircraft within the SoftVerte airspace. Adherence to these regulations is mandatory for all pilots, operators, and ground personnel. Violations may result in penalties, including but not limited to, temporary or permanent suspension of flight privileges.
1.1 Flight Plan Submission: All flights, with the exception of non-commercial/military flights, require a submitted and approved flight plan to SVAA Air Traffic Control (ATC) prior to departure. Flight plans must include origin, destination, and aircraft type. This can be done at https://softverte.com/TEST/mc/list_flights.php.
1.2 Right-of-Way Rules:
Aircraft in distress always have the right-of-way.
Lower altitude aircraft generally have right-of-way over higher altitude aircraft, unless otherwise directed by ATC.
When converging, the aircraft to the right has the right-of-way.
Overtaking aircraft must pass on the right.
1.3 Minimum Safe Altitudes:
Over Populated Areas: A minimum altitude of 100 blocks above the highest obstacle within a 100-block radius.
Unpopulated Areas: A minimum altitude of 50 blocks above the highest obstacle.
VS Eureka Planes: Maintain a cruising altitude by riding the top of a cloud unless otherwise directed by ATC.
Cruising Altitude for Tall Aircraft: Aircraft that are more than 15 blocks tall may be required to maintain a different cruising altitude, as directed by ATC.
1.4 Communication: All aircraft operating in controlled airspace must maintain active two-way radio communication with SVAA ATC. Pilots must acknowledge all instructions and report position as required.
1.4.2 Communication When ATC is Offline: In the event that ATC is offline, all pilots are still required to declare their actions and communicate with other pilots to ensure safe operations.
1.5 Emergency Procedures: Pilots must be familiar with and prepared to execute emergency procedures for engine failure, loss of control, and other critical incidents. Report all emergencies to ATC immediately.
1.6 Flight Time Restrictions: All flights of any kind, regardless of jurisdiction, must be grounded between 23:00 and 00:15 Central Time. Flights may not resume until after 00:15 CT.
2.1 Aircraft Certification: All aircraft must be registered with the SVAA and possess a valid Certificate of Airworthiness. Unregistered or uncertified aircraft are prohibited from operating in international airspace. However, if a certification is provided by an individual country or a group of countries, the aircraft can fly in that country/group only.
2.2 Pre-Flight Inspection: A thorough pre-flight inspection must be conducted by the pilot-in-command before every flight. This includes checking fuel levels, control surface integrity, engine function, and landing gear.
2.3 Fuel Requirements: Aircraft must carry more than sufficient fuel to reach their destination.
2.4 Weight and Balance: Pilots are responsible for ensuring their aircraft is loaded within its approved weight and balance limitations. Overloaded aircraft are prohibited.
2.5 Maintenance Logs: All maintenance and repairs must be recorded in the aircraft's logbook by a certified SVAA mechanic.
2.6 Modifications: Any significant modifications to an aircraft's structure, engine, or control systems must be approved by SVAA engineering and re-certified for airworthiness.
2.7 Passenger Cabin Regulations:
2.7.1: Beds and Spawn Points: Beds or spawn points are not permitted on aircraft unless specifically authorized by the SVAA.
2.7.2: Seat Markings: In all passenger airliners, seats must be clearly marked. Window seats, defined as seats located directly next to a window, must be marked with "[ ]". Aisle seats, which are seats located directly next to an aisle, must be marked with "||". All other seats should be numbered according to the airline’s chosen format.
2.7.3: Standing During Takeoff/Landing: Passengers on a passenger airliner are prohibited from standing during takeoff and descent.
3.1 Pilot Licenses: All pilots must possess a valid SVAA pilot license appropriate to the class of aircraft being operated (e.g., Type 1 [VS Eureka], Type 2 [Smaller Aircraft]).
3.2 Medical Certification: Pilots must hold a current SVAA Medical Certificate, demonstrating they meet the required health standards for flight operations.
3.3 Pilot-in-Command (PIC) Responsibilities: The PIC is ultimately responsible for the safe operation of the aircraft, the well-being of passengers, and adherence to all SVAA regulations.
3.3.2 Emergency Landings for Lag: If a pilot experiences any amount of lag that could or does affect their flying, they must make an emergency landing at the nearest airport.
3.3.3 Pilot and Passenger Responsibility: Leaving the game while on a plane can result in a fine and a 30-day flight ban or another moderation action, depending on the intent behind the action.
3.3.4 Pilot Action: If a passenger logs out during a flight, the pilot-in-command must make an emergency landing and ground the aircraft until the passenger can be removed.
3.4 Proficiency Checks: Pilots operating under instrument flight rules (IFR) or commercial operations must undergo regular proficiency checks by an SVAA examiner.
3.5 Reporting Incidents: All accidents, serious incidents, or near misses must be reported to the SVAA investigation board within 24 hours.
3.6 Device Interruptions: Pilots are prohibited from using any device for flight operations that has an active screen time limit, an auto-shutoff feature (for the device or its network connection), or any other function that could automatically interrupt a flight. This regulation applies regardless of whether the interruption is scheduled to occur during a flight or not. Use of such a device is considered a violation of safety protocols for all flights, including those in international airspace.
4.1 Runway Procedures:
Adhere to designated runway headings for takeoff and landing.
Maintain separation from other aircraft on the ground.
Obtain clearance from ATC before taxiing onto an active runway.
4.2 Parking and Hangarage: Park aircraft only in designated areas. Secure aircraft properly when unattended. (Each airport may have their own rules for this.)
4.3 Ground Vehicle Operations: All ground vehicles operating on airfields must comply with SVAA ground traffic rules and display appropriate lighting.
4.4 Foreign Object Debris (FOD) Prevention: Personnel are responsible for ensuring the airfield environment is free of debris that could damage aircraft.
4.5 Jetbridge and Aircraft Line-up: At airfields with jetbridges, ground markings are required to guide aircraft to the correct position. A yellow line must be used to indicate the location of the jetbridge, while a white line will be used to show where the aircraft must line up for proper alignment.
5.1 Aerobatic Flight: Prohibited over populated areas and below 500 blocks AGL. Requires specific SVAA authorization.
5.2 Parachute Operations: Requires prior notification to ATC and adherence to designated drop zones and altitudes.
5.3 Formation Flight: Requires prior approval and a designated lead aircraft.
5.4 Restricted Airspace: Absolutely no unauthorized entry into designated restricted airspace zones (e.g., military installations, protected natural reserves). [RP]
6.1 Unauthorized Tampering:
6.1.1 Airport Equipment: Tampering with, damaging, or using any airport equipment, machinery, or infrastructure without explicit authorization from the SVAA or relevant airport authorities is strictly prohibited. This includes, but is not limited to, control towers, navigation aids, runway lighting, and ground vehicles.
6.1.2 Aircraft: Accessing, entering, or otherwise tampering with any parked or stored aircraft without the express permission of the aircraft owner or an authorized SVAA representative is forbidden. This applies to both private and commercial aircraft.
6.2 Restricted Areas: Civilians and non-authorized personnel are prohibited from entering marked restricted areas within airfields, including runways, taxiways, hangars, and secure maintenance facilities.
6.3 Drone Operations: The operation of personal drones or unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) within 200 blocks of any SVAA-certified airfield, or within controlled airspace without prior SVAA approval, is strictly forbidden.
6.4 Building & Construction Near Airfields:
6.4.1 Obstruction Clearance: Any new construction or modification to existing structures within a 500-block radius of an SVAA-certified airfield that might interfere with flight paths or navigation systems requires prior approval from the SVAA.
6.4.2 Height Restrictions: All structures within designated airfield approach and departure zones must adhere to SVAA-mandated height limitations to ensure clear flight paths.
6.4.3 Lighting: Any structure that might interfere with flight paths, as directed by the SVAA, must install aviation obstruction lighting. These lights must be Redstone lamps placed at an altitude of Y-197, extending 3 blocks out from the entire perimeter of the structure.
6.5 Public Safety: Any activity on or near an airfield that poses a risk to aviation safety, including but not limited to, launching projectiles, creating large explosions, or intentionally disrupting airfield operations, is strictly prohibited.
6.6 Unauthorized Tampering with Aircraft Components: Clicking an airplane door bearing is strictly prohibited unless you are an authorized mechanic performing work on the aircraft. The bearing is the device that the crank is on and which makes contact with the door.
6.7 Airport Security Procedures: At all airport security checkpoints, all items from a passenger’s inventory must be placed into the provided barrel for security screening. Failure to submit any item for inspection is a fineable offense and may result in the suspension of flight privileges.
7.1 Investigations: The SVAA will investigate all reported violations and incidents.
7.2 Penalties: Penalties for non-compliance may include:
Verbal warning
Temporary suspension of flight privileges (e.g., 24 hours, 7 days)
Permanent revocation of pilot license
Impoundment of aircraft
Fines (INT VerteBucks)
Temporary or permanent ban from SVAA-controlled airfields (for general laws violations)
7.3 Appeals: Pilots and individuals may appeal SVAA decisions to the SVAA Review Board within 7 days of notification.
Disclaimer: These guidelines are for a fictional Minecraft server and are not intended to represent real-world aviation regulations. For actual aviation, consult official civil aviation authorities.