Government & Regulatory Affairs

Welcome to the April 2024 issue of CBAA Government & Regulatory Affairs Update summarizing all regulatory and operational updates completed in March 2024 as well as a summary of advocacy activities conducted in support of our membership.

Included with this update is a Transport Canada Post ICAO Audit Update message (here) outlining their post-audit corrective action plan. The Association is closely monitoring activities to ensure that actions or proposals adequately reflect the needs of our members.  As such, we are sharing the message with members for their information and future participation in Transport Canada's review of proposals as they arise.

Transport Canada Regulatory Information and Updates

The following contains documents shared during March that may be important to members. Of specific importance to those members who may also have CAR 703 or CAR 704 Air Operator Certificate is a consultation request about Flight Duty Time and Fatigue Management
 

• TC Consultation Request - Flight Duty Time and Fatigue Management - Preliminary Issue and Consultation Assessment (PICA) -  Here is TC’s Preliminary Issue and Consultation Assessment (PICA) paper for consultation. TC has prepared this paper in recognition of the concerns raised by this Association and all segments of the aviation industry since the flight and duty time regulations have come into force. Through this PICA, Transport Canada is advising that it wishes to work with industry to address concerns. Please read the full article here. Although the Association is actively reviewing the PICA, we encourage members that also have CAR 703 or 704 AOCs to review and provide their views.
• Advisory Circular - Flight Crew Fatigue Management – Prescriptive Regulations - Here is Issue 4 of AC 700-047 Flight Crew Fatigue Management – Prescriptive Regulations. This issue, effective 21 March 24, reflects consultations and feedback received to date about the Flight Crew Fatigue Management – Prescriptive Regulations to explain the intent of the associated regulatory requirements. Although the AC has been published, should stakeholders have additional feedback or concerns, you may do so in writing to TC.CARConsultations-RACConsultations.TC@tc.gc.ca no later than May 20, 2024.
• Advisory Circular - Carriage of Medical Oxygen Cylinders or Portable Oxygen Concentrators for Passenger Use on Board Aircraft - Here is issue 4 of Advisory Circular AC 700-002 titled Carriage of Medical Oxygen Cylinders or Portable Oxygen Concentrators for Passenger Use on Board Aircraft. This AC is important for CBAA members who may also have a CAR 703 or 704 commercial air operator certificate pursuant.
• Advisory Circular - Potential for High Energy Fires due to Lithium-Ion Batteries - Here is the published version of AC 700-065 Issue 01 dated 2024-02-26. The purpose of this AC is to advise operators of the potential for high energy fires on board aircraft caused by the failure of lithium-ion batteries contained in portable electronic devices.
• Advisory Circular - Dangerous Goods Specific Approval - Here is AC 700-001 Issue 06 - Dangerous Goods Specific Approval dated 2024-03-27. This document provides guidance to air operators on how to obtain the Dangerous Goods Specific Approval (SA) on their Air Operator Certificate (AOC).  The Dangerous Goods SA is required for members who also hold a CAR 703 or 704 Operating Certificate.
• Revision to ACP Manual - Transport Canada has published ACP/AQPE Bulletin # 01/24 Revision 1 dated March 22, 2024. The bulletin is shared with members who are also Approved Check Pilots (ACP).  The bulletin can be viewed here. The update includes information on revisions to the Flight Test Guide documents as they are associated with the ACP Manual.
• Global Aeronautical Distress and Safety System (GADSS) - On 16 May 2023, Transport Canada published a Preliminary Issue and Consultation Assessment (PICA) on the implementation of the Global Aeronautical Distress and Safety System (GADSS) in Canada and sought feedback from the aviation industry stakeholders. The CBAA along with other associations provided comments which have now been published in a What we Heard report which provides a thematic summary of the comments received as part of this consultation. TC has advised that it will continue to engage with industry stakeholders as the department moves towards implementing GADSS.
   

NAV Canada information and Updates
 

• Transitioning to True North - ICAO is currently considering a work plan item that would see aviation globally transition to True North from Magnetic North. To better prepare for these discussions, the International Business Aviation Council (IBAC) is seeking information from the CBAA and international member associations to determine a common opinion on the transition from magnetic north to true north designators. Read the full article here. Please send your comments and ideas to membersupport@cbaa.ca.
• Aeronautical Studies were initiated to assess the surveillance requirements for the identified vicinities of:
  • north-western Quebec (Lac Brisay, Chibougamau, Chisasibi and Kuujjuaq) and northern Ontario (Hearst and Big Trout Lake) (linked here).
  • Northern Prairie provinces (Thompson, La Ronge, Stony Rapids, Fort McMurray, Grande Prairie) and Northern British Columbia (Prince George, Sandspit, Port Hardy/Holberg) (linked here).
     

Emerging / Evolving Issue - GPS Spoofing: Should Operators Be Concerned?

In the March issue of Government & Regulatory Affairs, we published an article titled Emerging / Evolving Issue - Beware of Spoofing which shared the events of an Israeli flight from Thailand (here). In its March/April 2024 issue of Insider, the National Business Aviation Association (NBAA) presented an article titled GPS Spoofing: Should Operators Be Concerned (linked here).

Given that the spate of reported incidents of GPS spoofing in certain airspace regions last year unnerved many international business aircraft operators, we believe it is important to share all relevant information in this matter. The article provides information on how concerned industry should be about this issue and how operators can tell when they’re being spoofed (e.g. recognizing the signs).
 

Airworthiness Directives (AD)

Here are Airworthiness Directives (AD) for the BD 500 and CL 600 series aircraft that members operating those types may need to know
 

Transport Canada Exemptions

Here is Transport Canada global exemption NCR-013-2024. The purpose of the exemption is to allow licensing applicants who have applied for a two-crew type rating after January 1st, 2023, but no later than July 31, 2024, and who have successfully completed the knowledge requirement in or after October 2021, to extend their exam validity.
 

 ICYMI - MMEL amendments
 

• Here is MMEL revision 11 dated 25 May 2023 and TC MMEL Supplement revision 3 dated 7 March 2024 for the GV, GV-SP and GIV-X.
• The TC MMEL Addendum Amendment for the CL-600-RJ dated 23 February 2024 (STC SA23-99) is available here.
   

Bilateral / Technical Agreement Update - Civil Aviation Safety Alert (CASA) 2024-02

Transport Canada has published CASA 2024-02 issue # 01 titled Approvals under the FAA-TCCA IPA that can be viewed here. The purpose of this CASA is to inform aircraft owners, operators, maintainers, and distributors of the documentation requirements for parts intended to be installed in accordance with a Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Supplemental Type Certificate (STC) design approval grandfathered under the Implementation Procedures for Airworthiness (IPA) between the FAA and Transport Canada Civil Aviation (TCCA).
 

Ongoing activities & Future Update

Transport Canada Regulatory Initiatives – To ensure that the membership is aware of key regulatory initiatives at TC, their impacts, and how the Association is advocating on their behalf, is the CBAA has developed a Summary and Preliminary Analysis of these initiatives (2023 edition here).

TC has recently released its Forward Regulatory Plan containing revised priorities for 2024 and the next several years. The Association is now reviewing these and is amending its Summary and Preliminary Analysis document which will be shared with the May Government & Regulatory Affairs Update. 

Are you seeking information on a government and regulatory affairs matter? Please forward your query to membersupport@cbaa.ca.

Welcome to the March 2024 issue of CBAA Government & Regulatory Affairs Update. In this issue you will find various regulatory and operational updates as well as a summary of advocacy activities conducted in support of our membership that occurred in February 2024. In this issue we also introduce the sharing of Airworthiness Directives (AD) information that are seen of importance to members.

Transport Canada Safety Collaboration Forum

Earlier this year, Transport Canada announced that they would host four virtual Safety Collaboration Forum briefings. The first two briefings were held this February with the next sessions planned for March.  Information on the first two briefings is shared below:
 

• The first session was a briefing on Transport Canada’s SMS modernization initiative. The briefing was a summary of the Notice of Proposed Amendment information received earlier and shared in the February update here. For your reference, we have enclosed the meeting notes here.
• The second session was a briefing on Transport Canada’s Aircraft Ground Icing-related Activities. Meeting notes and associated presentations are shared here.

Emerging / Evolving Issue - Beware of Spoofing 

In recent months, the aviation industry has learned that bad actors have attempted to create hazards or dangerous situations by spoofing Air Traffic Control.  Although these issues are in areas of conflict zones, here is an article on the subject for your information.
 

Canadian Aviation Safety Advisory (CASA) 2024-01

Here isCASA 2024-01 - Incorrectly Installed Outflow Valve (OFV) Coupling. This CASA applies to owners, operators and maintainers of Airbus Canada Limited partnership aeroplanes model

BD-500-1A10 and BD-500-1A11. 

Airworthiness Directives (AD)

• Here is AD CF-2024-05 - Emergency AD – Engine – Second-Stage Power Turbine (Pt2) Blade Failure
• Here is AD CF-2024-06 - Flight Controls – incorrect airplane flight manual (AFM) approach speed adder and landing distance factors for slat-flap fail caution CAS message () - This AD applies to Bombardier Inc. model BD-700-1A10 and BD-700-1A11 aeroplanes.

Transport Canada Exemptions

• Global Exemption Request – On behalf of affected members, the Association has submitted a Global Exemption Request to allow for specified aircraft to operate without CVR/RIPS under CAR 604. Several aircraft certified under FAR23 / Subpart 523 of the Airworthiness Manual are certified for single pilot operation, which does not require a CVR/RIPS. Although not required, some CAR 604 operators have opted to conduct their corporate operations with two pilots. In so doing, they become required by 605.34(1) to install CVR/RIPS, thereby introducing significant cost to these operators. The outcome is that corporate operators who opted for two pilot operations may revert to single pilot operations, thereby resulting in possible increased operational risks, to mitigate costs.
• Here is NCR-001-2024. While this exemption is applicable to airport operators, it is being shared with members to advise that airports can initiate installation of signs consistent with internationally accepted standards and that a transition time can be expected.  Further information on schedules as applicable can be obtained from your local airport authority. 
• Here is NCR-003-2024. While this exemption is applicable to AMOs, this exemption is shared to inform members that AMO certificate holders with rating(s) in the Avionics, Instrument and Component categories have received relief from the requirements of subsection 573.02(11) of Standard 573. They will not be required to have procedures for the evaluation of undocumented parts outlined in Appendix H of Standard 571 approved in their Maintenance Policy Manual. 

Bilateral / Technical Agreement Update

Here is Issue 1 of the Canada/Brazil Technical Arrangement on maintenance. This reciprocal agreement is important for organizations who have work completed in Brazil or for Brazilian organizations doing work in Canada.

Transport Canada Advisory Circular (AC 601-007) - Submitting an Aeronautical Assessment Form (AAF) 

Here is AC 601-007, Issue 01 titled When to Submit an Aeronautical Assessment Form (AAF) dated 2024-02-27.  The purpose of this AC is to provide guidance for when to submit an Aeronautical Assessment Form (AAF) for obstacle notification and assessment to the Minister.  While this AC is primarily applicable to any person who plans to construct or modify a building, structure or object, or launch a tethered object who would be notifying the Minister of their plan, the information presented herein is of use to anyone in the aviation industry in general should they need to advise the Minister of any such structure that may not have previously completed in accordance with the CARs. 

Victim & Family Assistance – Update

 Here is an update on Transport Canada’s consultation paper published on November 9, 2023, to inform the aviation industry of potential new victim and family assistance requirements for air operators and airport operators and to solicit their questions and comments on the new initiative which was also briefed on during the 20th Canadian Aviation Regulation Advisory Council (CARAC) Plenary.  In response to the consultation request, the Association provided a detailed letter to TC on December 5, 2023, that was a significant part of the 10 responses received by TC. The content of these responses is covered in the What We Heard Report herein.

Ongoing Activities & Future Update

 Transport Canada Regulatory Initiatives – To ensure that the membership is aware of key regulatory initiatives at TC, their impacts, and how the Association is advocating on their behalf, here is the CBAA’s Summary and preliminary Analysis of these initiatives.  This summary is maintained as initiatives proceed. TC has advised that the next update to reflect priorities over the next several years will be made available by Spring 2024. We will keep you informed as priorities evolve.

Are you seeking information on a government and regulatory affairs matter? Please forward your query to membersupport@cbaa.ca

Welcome to the February 2024 issue of CBAA Government & Regulatory Affairs Update. In this issue you will find various regulatory and operational updates as well as a summary of advocacy activities conducted in support of our membership that occurred in January 2024.

Coming Soon - Safety Briefing Series

As noted in the January issue, we are introducing a new safety briefing series. The first two sessions are currently in development under the heading Safety Management & You, where Session 1 will cover SMS Planning and Session 2 – Audits (self & TC). Do you have any safety related subjects that would like us to cover. Please send your suggestions to rsincennes@cbaa.ca or membersupport@cbaa.ca

Towards improving SMS profiles - NBAA Shares Top Safety Focus Areas

Every two years, the NBAA Safety Committee brings together experts from across the industry to review and revise its list of top safety focus areas based on the myriad of information available across industry. As such having this information and with the right approach to safety, business aircraft operators big and small can avoid incidents and operate with less risk.

It is for this reason that we are sharing this latest version of theNBAA 2024 Top Safety Focus Areas. This information can be of great use to inform your risk analysis and profiles when combined with your own known information and CBAA’s Annual Hazard and Trends Report.

Read the full article including the summary of amendments here.

Transport Canada proposes Safety Management Systems Amendment

Transport Canada recently published NPA 2024-002 – Safety Management Systems – Amendments to Parts I, III, V, VI, VII, and VIII of the Canadian Aviation Regulations (CARs). This is part of a planned amendment published in the TC Regulatory Plan as summarized in the Association’s Regulatory Initiatives summary.

Following review by the Association, the impact for CAR 604 operators will see the removal of most SMS text from the 604 regulations and recodified under CAR 107. While it does not appear that TC is adding any new requirements that would negatively impact CAR 604 owners and operators, they would be required to amend their respective manuals to align with the new regulatory structures and ensure compliance with ICAO Annex 19 definitions being introduced. Current processes and procedures should not be affected.

Read the full article including the summary of amendments here. 

CBAA Meets Transport Canada to Discuss Proposed Changes to SMS and the Impact on CAR 604  

Further to Transport Canada’s NPA on SMS (see NPA and article here), the CBAA, at our request, received a dedicated presentation from the NPA’s authors to clarify questions about the NPA on CAR 604.  The presentation is shown here.  Read the full article including the summary of items discussed.

Transport Canada proposed Amendments to Part II: Aircraft Identification and Registration and Operation of a Leased Aircraft by a Non-Registered Owner

Transport Canada recently proposed NPA 2024-001 – Amendments to Part II: Aircraft Identification and Registration and Operation of a Leased Aircraft by a Non-Registered Owner. This is part of a planned amendment published in the TC Regulatory Plan as summarized in the Association’s Regulatory Initiatives summary.

The Association has reviewed the amendment. Other than some increased fees, the changes do not negatively impact CAR 604 operators.  The NPA would introduce a change by repealing CAR 203.03(2) to clarify that private operators (regulated under subpart 604) are permitted to enter into a lease agreement pursuant to Subpart 203 to align with other changes introduced in December 2020.

Read the full article including the summary of amendments here. 

Exemption NCR-002-2024 to Allow Operations without Wearing a Shoulder Harness

Transport Canada has issued exemption NCR-002-2024. The exemption allows for operations without wearing a shoulder harness. The CBAA has reviewed the exemption and has prepared a summary for its members. Please read the full article here.

Transport Canada ACP/AQP Bulletin  

Here is the latest issue of the ACP/AQP Bulletin which has been posted to the Transport Canada website. Important note: This bulletin outlines revisions to the ACP Manual that are pending publication.  They are not in effect currently. 

Canadian Aviation Service Difficulty Reports (SDRs) - 2023 Compendium

Throughout the year, Transport Canada adds articles to the Feedback website. Those that are subscribed to e-Bulletin receive a notification including a PDF document of the articles published. This issue contains a compendium of articles published between 1 August 2023 and 31 December 2023. We are sharing this e-Bulletin to members as it contains information about SDRs that may be of interest to those operating those aircraft or have aircraft with the listed engines. 

EU-LISA Update (January 2024)  

During the 24 January 2024 EU-LISA update meeting, participants were advised of the progress achieved towards full implementation of the Entry/Exit System (EES) the European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS).  

While the exact date for entry into service will not be announced until after EU-LISA’s technical readiness declarations later in 2024, operators not yet registered but planning to enter Europe following the EES/ETIAS entry into service should continue their registration process. See Carrier Registration Information here. Also enclosed are Frequently Asked Questions here. For question on onboarding - EULISA Carriers Onboarding please contact carriers_onboarding@eulisa.europa.eu   

Ongoing activities & Future Update

Transport Canada Regulatory Initiatives – To ensure that the membership is aware of key regulatory initiatives at TC, their impacts, and how the Association is advocating on their behalf, here is the CBAA’s Summary and preliminary Analysis of these initiatives.  This summary is maintained as initiatives proceed. TC has advised that the next update to reflect priorities over the next several years will be made available by Spring 2024. We will keep you informed as priorities evolve’

Are you seeking information on a government and regulatory affairs matter? Please forward your query to membersupport@cbaa.ca. 

The Year in Review and Looking ahead

As shared by Anthony Norejko in his January message, 2023 saw us log several important wins some of which were shared in this monthly update and though the various social media outlets available to the Association. Previous issues can be found here.

As 2024 unfolds, we will pursue our work to decipher regulatory developments and continue to play a leading role in advocating proven safety standards and operational best practices. As a new feature, we’ll be introducing a new safety briefing series. More information will be shared as we develop the program. Some examples of subjects that will be covered are listed below.

•        Are you ready for an audit

•        Understanding the annual SMS review - Interpreting the Hazards & Trends Report & Understanding your risk profile

•        Understanding the requirements for extended audit intervals

•        What are the latest PI/PVI trends and observations & CBAA 604 operator member performance in a PI

•        How to ensure your PORD (amendment) application is approved in a timely manner

Do you have any safety related subjects that would like us to cover. Please send your suggestions to rsincennes@cbaa.ca.

20th Canadian Aviation Regulation Advisory Council (CARAC) Plenary – Association Report

We are pleased to share the Association’s notes taken during the 20^th CARAC Plenary held on 21 & 22 November 2023.

Victim and Family Assistance Requirements for Air Operators and Airport Operators

In November 2023, we sought your views on Transport Canada’s (TC) consultation paper (HERE) titled Victim and Family Assistance Requirements for Air Operators and Airport Operators which is an ICAO requirement that Canada needs to consider.

As Transport Canada’s preliminary assessment of options suggested that requirements may apply to commuter operations (subpart 704 of the Canadian Aviation Regulations) as well as assessing the pros and cons of including private operators (604, seeking and obtaining your views was important to ensure that any decisions made by TC fully considers the business aviation community.

We wish to thank those who provided feedback either through direct communications with the Association or in response to the survey which permitted us to provide a formal response to TC.

Improving Safety through Threat and Error Management

Please find Transport Canada’s Aviation Safety Letter (ASL) issue 4/2023 included HERE. The ASL is shared as a service to CBAA members who may not be subscribed to it. In this issue, Transport Canada has shared an article titled Threat and Error Management (TEM) based on information gathered from SKYbrary.

Threat and error management (TEM) is an overarching safety concept regarding aviation operations and human performance. TEM is not a revolutionary concept, but one that has evolved gradually as a consequence of the constant drive to improve the margins of safety in aviation operations through the practical integration of human factors knowledge. We are therefore sharing the TEM article with members for information and consideration as part of SMS planning.

Transport Canada’s TDG Newsletter: 2023 edition

TC has shared its TDG Newsletter: 2023 edition. This issue includes information about the new Part 17, Site Registration Requirements of the TDG Regulations and corresponding Client Identification Database (CID). The publication of these regulations was shared in a previous post. TC has advised that it plans on holding live sessions for questions and answers on the new registration platform – Dates and registration process will be available through the Client Identification Database (CID).

Ongoing activities & Future Update

Transport Canada Regulatory Initiatives – To ensure that the membership is aware of key regulatory initiatives at TC, their impacts, and how the Association is advocating on their behalf, here is the CBAA’s Summary and preliminary Analysis of these initiatives. This summary is maintained as initiatives proceed. TC has advised that the next update to reflect priorities over the next several years will be made available by Spring 2024. We will keep you informed as priorities evolve.

Are you seeking information on a government and regulatory affairs matter? Please forward your query to membersupport@cbaa.ca.

CBAA's Role in Shaping the future of Canada's Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) 

Earlier in 2023, the Association participated in Canadian Drone Advisory Committee (CanaDAC) discussions. Specifically, we joined a task group stood-up to help Transport Canada find and assemble Canadian Use Cases for Advanced Air Mobility. Understanding and cataloguing AAM use cases is a key contributor for TC to understand this fledgling industry’s needs to grow. As such, it was important for the Association to be a contributor in this sphere to ensure that our priorities and future needs are understood and considered. Read the full article here. 

Change to Certificate of Deregistration – CBAA Advocacy at work! 

On 15 November 2023, we were contacted by a member trying to complete the sale of an aircraft to a US customer. However, an issue arose, effectively halting the transaction, when the FAA would not recognize the validity of Transport Canada’s (TC) Certificate of Deregistration.  Upon further investigation, we learned that TC’s deregistration documentation had changed as of 2November 2023. The change was made to bring TC in compliance with ICAO Standards and Recommended Practices (SARPS). However, it would seem that a notification of the change was not made. 

Given our direct intervention with TC, the issue has now been resolved where TC has fully briefed the FAA on the changes and that the FAA is revising instructions to its personnel which will benefit all industry. 

The Association has reminded TC that, although most changes are advertised through CARAC releases, many are not. Therefore, from an improvement perspective, we have suggested that all changes, even if they appear to be procedural in nature, to forms or certificates, especially those that that bring TC in compliance with ICAO SARPS, now be part of a notification process. This is important to minimize future challenges for the aviation industry with other aviation authorities. TC has acknowledged and is looking into our suggestion. From an Association perspective, we will keep you informed of any changes as they occur. 

CBAA seeks and obtains clarification to change in published AIC 29/23 

NAV CANADA has recently advised through a revision to Aeronautical Information Circular (AIC) 29/23 that the Canadian Aircraft Geometric Height Measurement Element (AGHME) sites will be decommissioned effective 25 January 2024. This is because Canada has implemented an ADS-B Out Performance Requirements Mandate in Canadian Class A domestic airspace. The notification resulted in member questions to which Transport Canada has provided a response.  See the the questions and answers in the full article here. 

TP 9155 MMEL/MEL Policy and Procedures Manual Amendment  

CBAA advocacy results in increased delegation to the Minister’s delegate for CAR 604 private operators.  Read the full article here. 

Improving Aviation Safety through the Reduction of Runway Excursions 

On 27 November 2023, NBAA issued a press release containing the following Article - Reducing Runway Excursions in Business Aviation. Within the article, the NBAA shared a new guide titled - Reducing Runway Excursions in Business Aviation. Read the full article here. 

New - Civil Aviation Safety Alert (CASA) No. 2023-06 - Potential Risk of Interference of 5G Signals on Radio Altimeter 

On November 24, 2023, TC issued CASA No. 2023-06 titled Potential Risk of Interference of 5G Signals on Radio Altimeter. Within the CASA, Transport Canada has provided the several recommended actions to operators. 

Transportation of Dangerous Goods (TDG) introduces Client Identification Database 

As part of the amendments to theRegulations Amending the Transportation of Dangerous Goods Regulations (Site Registration Requirements) published on October 25, 2023 a new client identification database for the transportation of dangerous goods (TDG) in Canada has been introduced. Applicable persons and organizations working with dangerous goods will need to register on the Client Identification Database at: canada.ca/client-identification-database. CBAA members who currently have TDG responsibilities should review the applicability of this new requirement to assess their need to register. Read the new release for details. 

Future Update 

• When published by TC, we will shared notes and information presented by TC at the Canadian Aviation Regulatory Advisory Council (CARAC) annual meeting held on November 21st and 22nd, 2023. 

Advocating for Aviation Future Before FINA Committee 

On November 16th, CBAA's President and CEO, Anthony Norejko, took the stage before the FINA committee in Edmonton, Alberta, delivering a compelling message that resonates with the future of aviation in Canada. 

Anthony emphasized that the Luxury Tax issue is far from resolved, and CBAA continues to steadfastly push back on behalf of our members. He further underscored the urgent need to establish Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) and incentives encouraging its widespread industry adoption. Furthermore, he called for a strategic study encompassing the intricacies of aviation in Canada, ranging from airport operations to air navigation providers, government policies, and regulatory frameworks. 

These pivotal discussions will serve as a foundation as we navigate into 2024. Anthony Norejko's advocacy underscores CBAA's commitment to continue serving as the unwavering voice for business aviation in Canada.   

Please click here for the full audio recording. 

Communications, Navigation, Surveillance/Air Traffic Management (CNS/ATM) – participation in this working group (WG) provides the Association and Canadian Air Navigation System users an opportunity to influence the development and delivery of an efficient and effective system. Recently, through discussions, Nav Canada recognized that ADS-B may be a deferrable item in an operator’s MEL. Nav Canada has now addressed this matter under the ADS-B Accommodation Policy, which will be applicable to CBAA member operators who have approved MELs (see here). 

Canadian Performance-based Aviation Action Team (CPAAT) – The Action Team is a joint industry and Transport Canada collaborative group. As a member, the Association has an active voice in  developing CNS/ATM regulations and standards supporting Performance Based Navigation in Canada. In a recent meeting, NAV Canada announced a decision to remove the requirement for Oceanic Clearances as of March 2024. See the North Atlantic Operations and Airspace manual NAT Doc 007 (V.2024-1). 

Canadian Aviation Best Practices Working Group (CA BPWG) – as a member of the CA BPWG, the Association influences the development of best practices associated with Canadian air traffic management and flight operations to identify areas for maintaining and, where applicable, improving upon safe and efficient procedures. 

Canada's Aviation Climate Action Plan Task Force and Work Groups – through its participation and advocacy, Canada’s climate plan initiatives are influenced to ensure that the business aviation community priorities and challenges are recognized and addressed. The CBAA is currently contributing to the annual Aviation Climate Action Plan report. Specifically, the importance of Canada achieving its Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) targets and sharing how the Luxury Tax is affecting fleet renewal in the business aviation community. 

Approach Ban – Transport Canada (TC) has recently completed briefings on its current plans to introduce an Approach Ban. While industry participants agreed that the current scheme was overly complex and welcomed the planned simplification, many questions remain. Of specific concern to the Association concerning graphic area forecast (GFA). As briefed, the approach ban regulatory proposal would create a negative situation to airport accessibility where only GFA is available.  While other associations shared similar concerns, the CBAA provided TC with resolution options that are currently being considering. Further information will be shared in a future update. 

Transport Canada Regulatory Initiatives – To ensure that the membership is aware of key regulatory initiatives at TC, their impacts, and how the Association is advocating on their behalf, here is the CBAA’s Summary and preliminary Analysis of these initiatives.  This summary is maintained as initiatives proceed. 

Accessible Canada Act – Earlier this summer, this Association shared information about the Accessible Canada Act. The initial review indicated that this Act and regulations may have impacted certain member companies. The Association discussed with TC and the Canada Transportation Agency (CTA) to further understand the Act and its applicability. This also allowed sharing information about the CBAA and its members.  As a result, the CTA was able to provide clarifications that were shared in the Association’s Weekly Bulletin. Through this advocacy, we confirmed that there will be minimal impact, if any, on CBAA members. The CTA will also ensure that the CBAA is included as one of its key stakeholders when developing legislation and regulations.  

CBAAHazardsandTrendsReport- The 2023reportis now available under the Documents and the Link tabs on the CBAA Risk Management (RMS) site to help inform operator members on what could be included in their training programs, risk profile and safety plan.We wouldlike to hear comments on how to improve thisreport.Please provide comments to Ed Ratzlaff ated@aerofoil.ca. 

Future Update 

• Update from the Canadian Aviation Regulatory Advisory Council (CARAC) annual meeting being held on November 21st and 22nd, 2023.