Reference to ICAO documents The air traffic rules and procedures applicable to air traffic in Kigali FIR conform to Annexes 2 and 11 to the Convention on International Civil Aviation as transposed in Rwanda Civil Aviation Regulations Part 22 and applicable Technical Standards of the procedures for Air Navigation Services – Air Traffic Management (Doc 4444)  applicable to aircraft and of the regional supplementary procedures (Doc 7030) applicable to the Africa - Indian Ocean Region, except for the differences listed in GEN 1.7.

1.  Minimum safe height Except when necessary for take-off or landing, or except by permission from the Air Traffic Services authority, aircraft shall not be flown over the congested areas of cities, towns or settlements or over an open-air assembly of persons, unless at such a height as will permit, in the event of an emergency arising, a landing to be made without undue hazard to persons or property on the surface. The minimum heights for VFR flights shall be at least 300 m (1 000 ft) above the highest obstacle within a radius of 600 m, and elsewhere at least 150 m (500 ft) above ground or water.

2.  Dropping of objects The dropping of objects or spraying of other substances out of or from aircraft is prohibited. This does not apply to ballast in the form of water or fine sand, fuel, tow ropes, tow banners and similar objects if dropped or discharged at places where no danger to persons or property exists. Rwanda Civil Aviation authority may grant exemptions to the interdiction if no danger to persons or property exists.
 
The dropping of mail may be carried out in agreement with the Rwanda Civil Aviation authority.

3.  Acrobatic flying A person shall not operate an aircraft in acrobatic flight except under conditions prescribed by the Authority and as indicated by relevant information, advice or clearance from the appropriate air traffic services unit.

4.  Towing and advertising flights Advertising flights with towed objects require permission from Civil Aviation Authority. Permission shall be granted only if:
 
a) The pilot holds the rating for towing;
b) The aircraft is equipped with calibrated barograph for recording altitudes during flight;
c) During the proposed flight not more than three aircraft are flying in formation, in which case a distance of at least 60 m shall be maintained both between the towed object of the preceding aircraft and the following aircraft, as well as between the aircraft;
 
d) The legal liability insurance also explicitly covers the towing of objects.

5.  Times and units of measurement Universal time coordinated (UTC) shall be applied to flight operations. The Units of Measurement to be used are specified in GEN 2.1 and RCARs Part 38 (Unit of Measurement).

6.  Airspace structure Within the Flight Information Region, the competent authority establishes the controlled and uncontrolled airspace according to the extent of the Air Traffic Services maintained there, on the basis of the classification described in subsection ENR 1.4.

7.  Prohibited areas and Flight restrictions The competent authority establishes the prohibited and restricted areas, if necessary, for the prevention of danger to public safety or order, especially for the safety of air traffic. The areas are published in the AIP ENR 5.1.

8.  Take-offs and landings Take-off and landing of aeroplanes, gliders, rotorcraft and airships and powered gliders outside aerodromes are authorized and a permission from the competent authority is required. The authority granting the permission may ask the applicant to provide evidence of the consent of the terrain/land owner or of other entitled parties.

9.  Ascents of balloons, kites, airships and gliders The ascent of captive balloons is permitted only with the consent of the Rwanda Civil Aviation Authority. The requirements for flying balloons, including captive balloons, kites, airships and gliders are in accordance with Part 40 of Rwanda Civil Aviation Regulations.

11.  Separation standards The separation minima shall be selected from those prescribed by the provisions of the PANS-ATM (DOC 4444) and the Regional Supplementary Procedures (DOC 7030) 12.  Civil Aviation Regulations for Unmanned Aircraft Systems. These regulations provide for an enhanced regulatory and permit framework for drone operations in Rwanda. For more details, please refer to Part 27 of Rwanda Civil Aviation Regulations found on RCAA website: www.caa.gov.rw.