ICAOICAO Annex 2
ICAO Annex 2 — Rules of the Air
Read the official ruleAnnex 2 contains the international rules of the air — the right-of-way rules, VFR and IFR operating rules, signals, and the requirement to file and follow flight plans. Uniquely, these rules apply without exception over the high seas, giving a single global standard where no one state has jurisdiction. National rules (e.g. FAR Part 91, SERA in Europe) implement and expand on Annex 2. *Summary only — consult ICAO and your national authority.*
This is an original plain-English explanation for training and reference, not legal advice and not for navigation. Always rely on the current official rule linked above. Last reviewed June 2, 2026.