Applicable Rules
The rules of the air within the Damascus FIR are based on ICAO Annex 2 and supplemented by Syrian national regulations. Key provisions include:
- All flights must comply with general flight rules and either VFR or IFR as applicable
- The pilot-in-command is responsible for compliance with the rules of the air
- Right-of-way rules follow ICAO standards
- Minimum safe altitudes apply as published
- Simulated instrument flights require a safety pilot and ATC coordination
Prohibited Activities
The following are prohibited without specific authorization: aerobatics over congested areas, dropping of objects, towing operations near aerodromes, and formation flights in controlled airspace.
Applicability of ICAO Rules (Annex 2)
The Syrian Arab Republic applies the ICAO Rules of the Air (Annex 2) without significant differences except as published in GEN 1.7. The following key provisions apply:
| Rule | Provision | Reference |
|---|---|---|
| Right-of-Way | Aircraft in distress has right-of-way over all other traffic | Annex 2, 3.2 |
| Cruising Levels | Semi-circular rule based on magnetic track (odd/even FL) | Annex 2, App 3 |
| Minimum Heights | 1000 ft above highest obstacle within 8 km (congested areas) | Annex 2, 4.6 |
| Speed Limitation | 250 KIAS below FL100 (unless ATC approved) | Annex 2, 3.1.2 |
| Flight Plan | Mandatory for all IFR flights and flights crossing FIR boundaries | Annex 2, 3.3 |
| Interception | All interception procedures per ICAO Annex 2, Attachment A | Annex 2, 3.8 |