Question & AnswerQ&A (Commonwealth Act No. 168)
The short title of Commonwealth Act No. 168 is the "Civil Aviation Law."
The general purpose is the promotion, development, and control of air commerce, air communication, and all forms of civil aeronautics in the Philippines.
Air commerce includes transportation in whole or in part by aircraft of persons or property for hire, navigation of aircraft in furtherance of a business, or navigation of aircraft from one place to another for business operations.
Aircraft includes airplanes, seaplanes, airships, balloons, and any other vehicles or contrivances used for navigation or flight in the air without other support than the atmosphere, except parachutes or safety devices designed primarily for safety.
An airman includes any individual involved in the navigation or operation of aircraft, including pilots, mechanics, crew members, and individuals in charge of inspection, overhauling, or repairing aircraft or parachutes.
The law creates the Bureau of Aeronautics under the Department of Public Works and Communications.
The Director of Aeronautics is appointed by the President of the Philippines with the consent of the Commission on Appointments and holds the rank and salary of Director of a first class Bureau.
The Director may designate civil airways, acquire and maintain facilities, conduct research, publish aeronautical bulletins, investigate accidents, issue permits and licenses, examine and rate aviation schools, and promulgate necessary rules and regulations.
Operating aircraft in violation of the Act, flying over prohibited areas, carrying photographic equipment in restricted zones without permission, operating unlicensed aircraft, acting as airman without a license, and operating aircraft not owned or controlled by qualified persons are unlawful.
Violations are punishable by a fine of up to five thousand pesos, imprisonment of up to six months, or both.
No, the conditions and requirements of this Act do not apply to aircraft and airmen of the armed forces of the United States and the Philippine Governments.
Aircraft used in air commerce must be licensed and owned exclusively and absolutely by citizens of the Philippines, partnerships/joint enterprises with all Filipino members, or corporations that are Filipino majority owned and controlled, with exceptions for US and Philippine government aircraft or necessary international air service.