The 19 ICAO Annexes to the Chicago Convention contain the Standards and Recommended Practices (SARPs) that form the backbone of international civil aviation regulation. Each Annex covers a specific area, from personnel licensing to environmental protection. For ATPL students, a solid overview of all Annexes – and details of a few key ones – is essential for ATPL Air Law examinations.
Introduction to ICAO Annexes
Purpose and Structure
The Annexes turn the broad principles of the Chicago Convention into concrete, operational rules. Each Annex:
- Contains Standards (“shall” – binding) and Recommended Practices (“should” – non-binding but expected)
- Is updated regularly to reflect technological and operational changes
- Provides the template for national aviation regulations
- Enables global harmonisation of aviation safety and operations
How Annexes Are Written
Standard layout:
- Numbered chapters and paragraphs
- Technical but concise language
- “Shall” = Standard (mandatory)
- “Should” = Recommended Practice (desirable)
- Notes and Attachments provide explanation and examples
- Each amendment is numbered
- Effective date and applicability specified
- States are notified in advance
- States must either implement or file differences
Link to National Regulations
States use Annexes as the blueprint for their own rules:
- EASA rules (e.g. Part-FCL, Part-OPS) implement Annex SARPs
- FAA 14 CFR parts are aligned with Annexes
- UK CAA regulations and the Air Navigation Order follow Annex principles
- Any deviations must be notified to ICAO as “differences”
Annex 1: Personnel Licensing
Title: Personnel Licensing Focus: Licensing standards for flight crew, ATC, and certain ground personnel.
Scope
Part A – General
- Licensing system and responsibilities
- Minimum ages
- Medical certification requirements
- Language proficiency requirements (LPR)
- Knowledge and experience requirements
- PPL, CPL, ATPL, MPL – privileges, requirements, and ratings
- Flight navigators and flight engineers (historical but still referenced)
- ATC licences and ratings
- Medical and language requirements
Part F – Aircraft Maintenance Personnel
- Aircraft Maintenance Engineer (AME) licence structure
- Categories and ratings
Key Standards
Minimum ages:
- PPL: 17 years
- CPL: 18 years
- ATPL: 21 years
- Class 1 – CPL, ATPL, MPL
- Class 2 – PPL
- Class 3 – ATC (in many states)
Language Proficiency (LPR):
- ICAO scale: Levels 1–6
- Minimum for international R/T: Level 4 (Operational)
- Validity:
- Level 4: 3 years
- Level 5: 6 years
- Level 6: unlimited
Link to EASA
EASA Part-FCL is EASA’s implementation of Annex 1:
- Same basic licence types (PPL, CPL, ATPL, MPL)
- Medical classes harmonised with Annex 1
- Language proficiency requirements identical
- EASA hour requirements generally meet or exceed Annex minima
Exam Focus (Annex 1)
Know by heart:
- Minimum ages for PPL/CPL/ATPL
- Medical classes per licence type
- LPR level and validity
- Concept of international licence recognition / conversion
Annex 2: Rules of the Air
Title: Rules of the Air Focus: Global standard “rules of the road” for aircraft.
Scope
- Applicability of rules (inside and outside controlled airspace)
- Pilot-in-command authority and responsibilities
- VFR and IFR operating rules
- Right-of-way rules
- Use of lights and signals
- ATC clearances and compliance
Core Topics
Visual Flight Rules (VFR):
- VMC minima (visibility and distance from cloud)
- Flight visibility and cloud separation per airspace class
- VFR flight planning basics
- IFR clearances and compliance
- Position reporting
- Communication requirements
- Aircraft in distress: absolute priority
- Converging, head-on, overtaking rules
- Landing and approach priorities
- Navigation lights (red/green/white)
- Anti-collision lights
- Light signals from ATC (for radio failure, etc.)
Exam Focus (Annex 2)
Expect questions on:
- Right-of-way scenarios
- VMC minima (conceptual, not necessarily numeric for EASA)
- Altimetry concepts (QNH, QFE, Standard, Flight Levels)
- Night light configurations
Annex 3: Meteorological Service for International Air Navigation
Title: Meteorological Service for International Air Navigation Focus: Provision and standardisation of aviation meteorological services.
Main Elements
- World Area Forecast System (WAFS)
- METAR/SPECI – observed weather
- TAF – terminal forecasts
- SIGMET/AIRMET – significant weather warnings
- Volcanic ash, wind shear, and other hazards
- Pilot briefings and in-flight weather information
Key Products
- METAR – standard coded aerodrome weather report
- TAF – forecast for a specific aerodrome
- SIGMET – significant weather affecting flight safety
- AIRMET – weather of lesser intensity but operational relevance
Practical Use
- Pre-flight planning: weather, alternates, fuel
- In-flight decision-making: diversions, holding, vertical and lateral avoidance
- Post-flight reports (PIREP) feeding back into the system
Annex 4: Aeronautical Charts
Title: Aeronautical Charts Focus: Standardised chart types, symbols and presentation.
Chart Types
- VFR: e.g. ICAO 1:500,000 charts
- IFR: En-route high/low charts, area charts
- Procedures: SID, STAR, instrument approach charts
- Aerodrome charts: Ground movement, parking, etc.
Standards
- Common symbology for navaids, airspace, terrain, obstacles
- Colour conventions
- Map projections (e.g. Lambert Conformal)
- Accuracy and update requirements
Exam Focus
- Recognising chart types and their use
- Basic understanding of symbols and scales
Annex 5: Units of Measurement
Title: Units of Measurement to be Used in Air and Ground Operations Focus: Standard units to reduce confusion and risk.
Key Units
| Quantity | Standard Unit |
|---|---|
| Distance (nav) | Nautical mile (NM) |
| Altitude/Height | Foot (ft) or metre (m) |
| Speed | Knot (kt) |
| Vertical speed | ft/min |
| Temperature | °C |
| Pressure | hPa (mb) |
| Mass/Weight | kg (some states use lb) |
| Fuel volume | Litre (L) / USG |
Conversions (exam-relevant)
- 1 NM = 1.852 km
- 1 ft = 0.3048 m
- 1 kt = 1.852 km/h
- 1 inHg ≈ 33.86 hPa
- Standard pressure: 1013.25 hPa = 29.92 inHg
Annex 6: Operation of Aircraft
Title: Operation of Aircraft Focus: Operational standards for commercial and general aviation.
Structure
- Part I: International commercial air transport – aeroplanes
- Part II: International general aviation – aeroplanes
- Part III: International operations – helicopters
Key Areas (Part I)
- Operator responsibilities and manuals
- Flight and fuel planning (including alternate aerodromes)
- All-weather and low-visibility operations
- Required instruments and equipment
- Maintenance and continuing airworthiness
- Flight and duty time limitations / fatigue management
- Cabin crew, security, and safety management
Fuel Policy (simplified concept)
- Trip fuel
- Alternate fuel (if required)
- Final reserve fuel (holding)
- Contingency/additional fuel
Exam Focus (Annex 6)
- Basic fuel requirement concept
- Idea of flight time/duty limitations
- Equipment requirements (IFR vs VFR, day vs night)
Annex 7: Aircraft Nationality and Registration Marks
Title: Aircraft Nationality and Registration Marks Focus: How aircraft are identified.
Essentials
- Nationality prefix (e.g. G-, N-, D-)
- Registration (e.g. G-ABCD, N12345, D-EFGH)
- Location and size of markings on fuselage/tail/underwing
- Requirements for legibility and contrast
- Radio callsigns (when not using an operator callsign)
- Flight plans and operational documentation
Annex 8: Airworthiness of Aircraft
Title: Airworthiness of Aircraft Focus: Design, certification and continuing airworthiness.
Core Concepts
- Type Certificate (TC) – approval of an aircraft design
- Supplemental Type Certificate (STC) – approval of major modifications
- Certificate of Airworthiness (C of A) – issued to individual aircraft
- Continuing airworthiness:
- Maintenance programmes
- Regular inspections
- Airworthiness Directives (ADs)
Pilot’s Perspective
- Ensuring C of A is valid
- Checking maintenance and technical log
- Reporting defects properly
Annex 9: Facilitation
Title: Facilitation of International Air Transport Focus: Reducing unnecessary barriers to international air travel.
Topics
- Passport, visa and health documentation
- Customs and immigration processes
- Crew documentation and privileges
- General Declaration (GenDec)
- Baggage, cargo and security-related facilitation
- Public health and disease control procedures
Annex 10: Aeronautical Telecommunications
Title: Aeronautical Telecommunications Focus: Standards for communication, navigation and surveillance systems.
Volumes
- Vol I: Radio navigation aids
- Vol II: Communication procedures (voice and data)
- Vol III: Communication systems
- Vol IV: Surveillance and collision avoidance
- Vol V: Frequency spectrum
Systems Covered
- VOR, DME, NDB, ILS, GNSS
- VHF/HF radios, ACARS, CPDLC
- Primary and secondary radar, Mode A/C/S, ADS-B
- TCAS/ACAS design and performance standards
Annex 11: Air Traffic Services
Title: Air Traffic Services Focus: Standards for ATC, Flight Information Service and Alerting Service.
Services
- ATC: Area, approach, tower
- FIS: Weather, NOTAMs, traffic information
- Alerting Service: For aircraft in difficulty
Airspace Classes (A–G)
Defines, for each class:
- Whether IFR and/or VFR are permitted
- What separation is provided
- What services are available
- General speed limits (e.g. 250 kt < FL100)
Emergency Phases
- INCERFA – uncertainty phase
- ALERFA – alert phase
- DETRESFA – distress phase
Annex 12: Search and Rescue
Title: Search and Rescue Focus: Organisation and conduct of SAR operations.
Points to Know
- SAR regions and Rescue Coordination Centres (RCCs)
- Emergency phases (linked with Annex 11)
- Use of ELTs and distress signals
- Coordination between ATC, RCC and operators
Annex 13: Aircraft Accident and Incident Investigation
Title: Aircraft Accident and Incident Investigation Focus: How accidents and serious incidents are investigated.
Definitions
- Accident: Death/serious injury or substantial damage
- Incident: Event affecting or could affect safety
- Serious incident: Incident approaching accident conditions
Basics
- State of occurrence is responsible for investigation
- Protection of evidence (including flight recorders)
- Reporting timelines and formats
- Safety recommendations (non-punitive safety improvement focus)
Annex 14: Aerodromes
Title: Aerodromes Focus: Aerodrome design and operational standards.
Volumes
- Volume I: Aerodrome design and operations
- Volume II: Heliports
Key Topics (Volume I)
- Runway dimensions, slopes and strength
- Obstacle limitation surfaces
- Runway and taxiway markings and lighting (including PAPI/VASI)
- Rescue and Fire Fighting Services (RFFS) categories
- Wildlife hazard management
- Runway condition reporting
Annex 15: Aeronautical Information Services
Title: Aeronautical Information Services Focus: Provision and management of aeronautical information.
Main Products
- AIP – permanent information (GEN, ENR, AD)
- AIP SUP – long-term temporary changes
- NOTAM – short-term / time-critical changes
- AIC – advisory or explanatory information
- PIB – pre-flight information bulletins
Annex 16: Environmental Protection
Title: Environmental Protection Focus: Noise and emissions from aircraft.
Volumes
- Vol I: Aircraft Noise
- Vol II: Aircraft Engine Emissions
- Vol III: CO₂ emissions (CORSIA)
Concepts
- Noise certification “chapters” (e.g. Chapter 3, 4, 14)
- Noise abatement procedures
- Limits for smoke, CO, HC, NOx
- CO₂ standards and ICAO’s CORSIA scheme
Annex 17: Security
Title: Security – Safeguarding International Civil Aviation Against Acts of Unlawful Interference Focus: Aviation security framework.
Topics
- National and airport security programmes
- Passenger and baggage screening
- Cargo and mail security
- Access control to restricted areas
- Aircraft searches and in-flight security measures
- Response to hijacking, bomb threats and unruly passengers
Annex 18: The Safe Transport of Dangerous Goods by Air
Title: The Safe Transport of Dangerous Goods by Air Focus: Transport of hazardous materials.
Core Areas
- Classification into 9 dangerous goods classes
- Packaging, labelling and marking standards
- Documentation (Shipper’s Declaration, NOTOC to the captain)
- Training and recurrent training requirements
- Items forbidden from transport or from passenger baggage
Annex 19: Safety Management
Title: Safety Management Focus: State Safety Programmes (SSP) and Safety Management Systems (SMS).
State Safety Programme (SSP)
Defines how a State manages safety at national level:
- Safety policy and objectives
- Risk management
- Safety assurance
- Promotion and oversight
Safety Management System (SMS)
Required for many service providers (airlines, ANSPs, etc.).
Four pillars:
- Safety Policy and Objectives
- Safety Risk Management
- Safety Assurance
- Safety Promotion
EASA Learning Objectives – ICAO Annexes
For ATPL Air Law, you should be able to:
- Match Annex numbers to their titles and topics
- Explain the purpose of the most important Annexes (1, 2, 3, 6, 8, 11, 14, 19)
- Relate Annexes to daily operations (fuel policy, ATS, SMS, etc.)
- Understand how national rules (EASA, FAA, CAA) implement ICAO SARPs
Exam Tips & Typical Questions
High-Priority Annexes
- Annex 1 – Personnel Licensing
- Annex 2 – Rules of the Air
- Annex 6 – Operation of Aircraft
- Annex 11 – Air Traffic Services
Medium-Priority Annexes
- Annex 3 – Meteorology
- Annex 8 – Airworthiness
- Annex 14 – Aerodromes
- Annex 19 – Safety Management
Common Question Types
- “Which Annex covers Rules of the Air?” → Annex 2
- “Minimum age for ATPL according to Annex 1?” → 21 years
- “Which Annex deals with accident investigation?” → Annex 13
- “Which Annex defines ATS and airspace classes A–G?” → Annex 11
Memory Hooks
- 1 – Licensing, 2 – Rules, 3 – Met, 6 – Ops, 8 – Airworthiness, 11 – ATS, 14 – Aerodromes, 19 – SMS
- Dangerous goods: “Every Good Fireman Feels Obligated To Control Dangerous Situations”
- Explosives, Gases, Flammable liquids, Flammable solids, Oxidisers, Toxics, Radioactive, Corrosives, Miscellaneous
Conclusion
The 19 ICAO Annexes provide the global framework for virtually every aspect of civil aviation – from licensing and operations to environmental protection and safety management. National authorities such as EASA, FAA and UK CAA build their regulations on these SARPs, ensuring worldwide interoperability and safety.
For a professional pilot, the Annexes are not just exam content: they explain why the rules exist and how aviation stays safe and standardised across borders. Mastering their structure and key points will support both your ATPL exams and your operational understanding throughout your career.
Related Articles:
- ICAO Standards and Recommended Practices
- Air Law Overview
- Operational Procedures [?]
- EASA Part-FCL Regulations