Government & Regulatory Affairs

Welcome to CBAA's Government & Regulatory Affairs Update.
This new monthly update will feature our ongoing and completed advocacy initiatives in support of the Association and its members. You'll find summaries of these activities with relevant background information via links.

Members may also seek additional information on request through membersupport@cbaa.ca. This is also an opportunity for members to connect with the Association and raise points of interest or concerns in the Government & Regulatory Affairs area. 

Monthly Issues
September 2025 Issue

Welcome to the September 2025 issue of the CBAA Government & Regulatory Affairs Update. In this issue, you will find a consolidation of regulatory and operational updates and a summary of advocacy activities conducted in support of our membership during July and August 2025.

ICYMI – 2025 CBAA Conference - Government & Agency Update – During the conference, a Government & Agency Update session was held. The session included three government guests, including:

  • Mr. Yoan Marier, Chair, Transportation Safety Board
  • Ms. Jamie MacDermid, Director of Standards, Transport Canada Civil Aviation,
  • Ms. Kelly Belanger, Associate VP, Travellers Branch, Canada Border Service Agency

As a result of Transport Canada’s presentation, the Association is now preparing for a future meeting with Transport Canada’s leadership. The agenda will cover various subjects covered in their presentation, such as seeking an understanding of the impacts of the current Financial Reductions Impacts and discussing future collaboration opportunities, some of which were identified by members in the recent survey, to minimize impacts on business aviation.

Government & Regulatory Affairs Survey – Helping the CBAA Identify How Operator Experience with Transport Canada can be Improved

Over the past several years, the Association has identified regulatory and service-related issues and irritants impacting business aviation’s operational effectiveness. We have now learned during Transport Canada’s presentation at the Government & Regulatory Affairs session during the 2025 CBAA Convention that, as Transport Canada exits its post-ICAO Audit activities, it is looking to work with the CBAA to identify and find solutions to improve and reduce these challenges.

In its presentation, Transport Canada shared known key friction points creating stakeholder impacts, including unpredictable processing timelines, confusion around Specific Approvals & documentation and no real-time visibility or feedback. As a result, Transport Canada shared its objective to deliver a predictable, transparent, and efficient service model for industry and inspectors and to engage with the CBAA to identify opportunities to collaborate and achieve these objectives.

To support this future collaboration activity, a Government & Regulatory Affairs survey was conducted over the summer, asking what your most pressing issues or irritants are. Participants were also asked if they would be willing to work with the Association on working groups to develop improvement opportunities. The survey results revealed three broad themes that align well with Transport Canada’s stated objectives and the Association’s own information:

  • Need for Regulatory Modernization
  • Need for Service Modernization
  • Need for Trust & Confidence between TC & Stakeholders & Industry Delegation

As noted, the Association will be meeting with TC to discuss improvement priorities and collaboration opportunities. More information will be shared with members as we proceed.


Legislative & Regulatory Publications – There were no legislative & Regulatory Publications shared in May & June.

Regulatory Planning & Initiatives – There were no regulatory initiatives published in July and August.

Canadian Aviation Regulations (CARs) Standards – The following are new Standards that have been proposed (NPA) or published (NSA):

  • Published – NSA 002-2025 - Standard 425 - Flight Training – In March 2025, we shared Transport Canada’s Notice Proposed Amendment (NPA) 2025-002 to consult the aviation industry on proposed amendments to Standard 425 - Flight Training. The objective of the revisions to the standards is to establish a framework requiring flight schools that are using electrically powered aircraft to develop a Transport Canada-approved training program to identify the potential risks and describe the mitigation measures they will implement. The revised standards came into effect on July 11, 2025 and can be accessed at NSA 002-2025.

  • Proposed – NPA 2025-003 - Update to Commercial Air Services Standards (CASS) Omnibus Package – In March 2025, we shared Transport Canada’s Stakeholder Engagement Strategy - CASS Omnibus Package. Thereafter, TC published NPA 2025-003  to consult the aviation industry on the proposed amendments. TC advised that the NPA was to address low-impact amendments and administrative misalignments between the CASS and international standards resulting from ICAO’s Audit of Transport Canada. They also stated that the amendments are not safety-related changes. The Association completed a review and provided feedback to TC primarily concerning the implementation plan found in the Stakeholder Engagement Strategy, which states:


  • Given the number of proposed amendments, Transport Canada has recognized that industry will need time to adapt and is committed to working with stakeholders to ensure the smooth and gradual implementation of the proposed amendments. To minimize impacts on stakeholders, Transport Canada plans to commence oversight gradually, and in phases, which seeks to offer leniency on the enforcement of the amendments. Although the Association will monitor implementation activities, member feedback will be welcomed:
    • The first phase of the oversight will have a duration of 18 months from the coming into force of the amendments. During this first phase, Transport Canada states that oversight will consist of non-punitive observations for non-compliance with amended CASS. Phase one will also afford industry opportunities to raise additional concerns about the amendments and may result in further changes to the CASS, if required.
    • In the second phase of the oversight, following additional assessment as to the readiness of the industry, conventional oversight will begin. This approach seeks to facilitate stakeholder compliance with the amendments while Canada continues its efforts to better align with ICAO norms.

Although the consultation period is now closed, members are encouraged to read the standards in the NPA applicable to them to understand the changes and assess what will be required for them to comply with the standards when formally published.


  • Published – Amendments to CAR Section 424.17 - Responsibilities of Medical Examiner – Transport advised that amendments to Section 424.17 - Responsibilities of Medical Examiner came into force on July 22, 2025. The Notice of Standard Amendment can be accessed here as well as other CARs related documentation.

  • Published – NSA 2025-004 - Operation of a Leased Aircraft by a Non-registered Owner – Transport Canada advised that the amendments to Standard 223 - Operation of a Leased Aircraft by a Non-registered Owner, will come into force on September 15, 2025. The Notice of Proposed Amendment (NPA) and the Notice of Standard Amendment can be accessed using the following: NSA 2025-004 - Leased Aircraft Standard Amendment Package.

  • Published – NSA 2025-001 - Various Standards – Transport Canada advised that they have published a Notice of Standard Amendment (NSA 2025- 001). The NSA details the issue and rationale for changes, and a summary of changes since the consultation period of the NPAs noted below. This NSA is further to the Notice of Proposed Amendment (NPA) 2024-007- Low Impact Amendments to Address ICAO Findings published in May 2024, and NPA 2024-012 - New Standard 821 – ATC Unit Staffing and Air Traffic Flow Management published in October 2024. Transport Canada advised that these amendments will come into effect on the day Regulations Amending the Canadian Aviation Regulations (ICAO-related Amendments) are published in the Canada Gazette, Part II, except for Standard 725, which will come into effect one year later.

As a note, members are encouraged to read the full article, as it provides detailed information about Key Impacts for Business Aviation regarding the New Air Traffic Flow Management Standard. The standard will come into force upon publication of a Part VIII amendment in the Canada Gazette, Part II. 

Transport Canada Advisory Circulars (AC) – The following ACs were published in July:

  • Transport Canada published issue 6 of AC 301-001 - Procedure to be followed to support instrument procedures (IP) at a non-certified aerodrome. This AC is to provide operators of non-certified aerodromes with a set of instructions that outlines the procedure and specifications to be followed to support IPs at a non-certified aerodrome.

The AC applies to operators of all non-certified aerodromes who are seeking attestation to the TP 312 5th Edition specifications for the publication of instrument procedures, as outlined in TP 308/GPH 209. Additionally, it serves as a reference for Transport Canada Civil Aviation (TCCA) headquarters and regional Aerodromes and Air Navigation divisional personnel, IP designers and sponsors, and other professionals within the aviation industry.

  • Transport Canada published AC 571-026, Issue 01 (new), titled Parts Removed from an Aircraft No Longer in Service and Disposal of Scrapped Parts. This AC provides information and guidance on aeronautical parts removed from a type-certified aircraft no longer in service, parts removed from an aircraft involved in an accident, and the disposal of scrapped parts.

Canadian Aviation Safety Alerts (CASA) – The following CASAs were published in August:

  • Transport Canada issued a Civil Aviation Safety Alert (CASA 2025-10) titled Prohibition of Recalled Power Banks. The CASA advises operators that numerous power banks have been recalled by Health Canada due to potential risks and associated fire hazards. As such, operators may want to limit the use of power banks on board. Members may visit Health Canada's Recalls and Safety Alert page https://recalls-rappels.canada.ca/en for updated recalled power banks. Transport Canada also reminds stakeholders that spare (uninstalled) lithium-ion and lithium metal batteries, including power banks and cell phone battery charging cases, must be carried in carry-on baggage only.  Please read the full CASA for recommended actions.

Airworthiness Directives (AD) – The following ADs were published in July and August:

  • TC issued AD CF-2025-31 in respect of ATA 34 – Navigation – Radio Altimeter System – Introduction of a Radio Frequency Filter to MHI RJ Aviation ULC. (MHIRJ) (formerly Bombardier Inc.) aeroplanes: Model CL-600-2B19, CL-600-2C10, CL-600-2C11, CL-600-2D15, CL-600-2D24 & CL-600-2E25 dated 14 July 2025. Compliance details are available within the AD unless already accomplished.

  • TC issued ADâ¯CF-2025-38â¯in respect of ATA 55 – Horizontal Stabilizer (H-STAB) – Anti-Yaw Steady Fitting Block – Missing or Loose Bolts to MHI RJ Aviation ULC. (MHIRJ) (formerly Bombardier Inc.) aeroplanes: Model CL-600-2C10, CL-600-2C11, CL-600-2D15, CL-600-2D24 and CL-600-2E25 with an effective date of 19 August 2025. This AD Supersedes AD CF-2024-24, issued 20 June 2024. Unless already completed, this AD must follow the schedule published therein.


Exemptions – No Exemptions were issued in July and August.

Master Minimum Equipment Lists (MMEL) & TC Supplements (TCS) – No MMEL or TCS were issued in July and August.

Various Information Shared – The following is a collection of various information and documents shared over the past two months:

 

  • Privacy & Security for Business Aviation – Update - For the past several years, the Association has been discussing with Transport Canada (TC) and Nav Canada how best to de-identify private and business aircraft by third-party trackers. The Association’s initial proposal, which was not accepted by TC, was the removal of HEX codes from the aircraft registry, as this information is not required for public consumption but is essentially required for Air Traffic Control purposes. Subsequently, the Association suggested that TC may wish to consider aligning with the FAA’s data privacy provision in Rule 49 USC 44114, where Private aircraft owners and operators can now electronically request that the FAA withhold their aircraft registration information from public view (see FAA Press release). The association has yet to receive a TC position in this regard.

Very recently, the Association has learned of a new Privacy Legislation put forward by the US Congress to restrict the use of ADS-B flight tracking data for non-safety-related purposes. The Pilot and Aircraft Privacy Act, introduced in the House and Senate on June 26, would prohibit the use of ADS-B data to assess fees or initiate enforcement actions unrelated to safety, and explicitly reaffirm that its intended use is for air traffic management and situational awareness. As well, the NBAA is leading a working Group on the matter.  The Association is currently looking to obtain more information from the NBAA. Discussions with Transport Canada are ongoing.


Alternatively, they can be accessed below at http://www.tc.gc.ca/en/services/aviation/general-operating-flight-rules/de-icing-aircraft/hold-over-guidelines.html. To receive notification of HOT Guidelines updates, you may do so at the following Transport Canada Web site: http://wwwapps.tc.gc.ca/Comm/5/ListServ/menu.aspx.

 

International Operations – EU’s Entry/Exit System – Aug 2025 Update

As a reminder, the Entry/Exit System (EES) is an automated IT system for registering non-EU nationals travelling for a short stay, each time they cross the external borders of any of the following European countries using the system. As such, operators wishing to enter Europe after full implementation of EES will need to be registered and use the system.

In early November 2024, we noted that the EES was planned to go live on 10 November 2024. However, given that several EU States had not declared their readiness, the EU postponed implementation until at least 2025.  We had advised that operators or their service providers planning EU travel needed to confirm that all EES forms were completed, and training had started/completed. The proposed EES launch date by the States is now 12 October 2025 for the progressive start of phased-in implementation. Information that air carriers should be aware of is provided at Information-on-national-derogations-from-the-visa-requirement_en.xlsx. At the 28 August 2025 EU-LISA Working Group meeting, we were advised that air carriers or providers should ensure their implementation status to avoid a bottleneck as full implementation approaches. For any questions, please consult the FAQs published at Frequently Asked Questions.

Ongoing Regulatory Activities & CBAA Monitoring – On an annual basis, Transport Canada publishes a Regulatory Plan. The latest plan (Regulatory Initiatives 2024-2026) was reviewed, and a CBAA Summary & Initial Assessment was developed for member awareness. The CBAA assessment document, linked above, also includes other regulatory documents being considered, such as Standards and Advisory Circulars.

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


July 2025 Issue

Welcome to the July 2025 issue of the CBAA Government & Regulatory Affairs Update. In this issue, you will find a consolidation of regulatory and operational updates and a summary of advocacy activities conducted in support of our membership during May and June 2025. It is important to note that given the new Government’s priorities, the Association will be developing options to present to Transport Canada and other departments with the objective of reducing regulatory burdens on Business Aviation—more information to follow.

Legislative & Regulatory Publications – There were no legislative & Regulatory Publications shared in May & June.

Regulatory Planning & Initiatives – The following is a regulatory initiative published by Transport Canada in June 2025.

  • In January 2025, we shared an update to Transport Canada’sâ¯discussion paper and questionnaireâ¯seekingâ¯feedback on the Department’s proposed approach to potential new requirements for air carriers and airports in planning for the provision of assistance to aircraft accident victims and their families.⯠Transport Canada had received 16 responses to the online questionnaire, including comments from the CBAA stating that this would contribute towards informing the work aiming to meet the needs of victims and their families. Transport Canada also stated it would consult again before publishing a Notice of Proposed Amendment (NPA). The consultation report is available in the What We Heard report. 

In early June 2025, TC met with the Association to discuss how this requirement could be applied from a Business Aviation operations perspective. As a result, TC is developing a working document that outlines the ICAO requirements and the proposed specific measures to meet them before finalizing the NPA. TC has committed to putting together a task team with air operators, including Business Aviation, and airport operators to review them and refine the measures as needed. This is important to minimize the impact of these new requirements on CAR 604, CAR 703, and CAR 704 operators, given that their infrastructure and resources are typically less than those available to CAR 705 operators. The Association will advise members when published and seek their input, as their feedback will help shape the final regulations. 

  • In January 2025, we shared TC’s Preliminary Issue & Consultation Assessment (PICA-2024-002) titled Aircraft Rescue and Firefighting (ARFF) Amendments for Alignment with the ICAO. The PICA was drafted following a recommendation by a Private Member’s Motion (M-96) to enhance the alignment of the Canadian Aviation Regulations (CARs) with the International Civil Aviation Organisation’s (ICAO) Standards and Recommended Practices (SARPs) on aircraft rescue and firefighting (ARFF) at designated Canadian airports and participating airports or aerodromes by adding “rescue” to aircraft firefighters’ mandate and reducing the ARFF response time on airport runways. Although M-96 died following the dissolution of parliament last year, Transport Canada was expected to pursue the matter given the reference to ICAO alignment. As such, the Association reviewed the PICA and shared its submission with members here for information and to provide an opportunity to share any additional information that may be relevant to our advocacy with Transport Canada.


In June 2025, TC published a “What We Heard” report, which provides a thematic summary of the comments received. It is of note that Association feedback figures prominently in the What We Heard report. In its next steps, TC has advised that it will conduct an internal analysis on this issue, considering the responses received during the consultation. TC states that it may engage further with stakeholders on this topic.

  • In June 2025, we shared an update on TC’s regulatory Modernizing Flight Duty Time and that the Association has been actively participating with Transport Canada (TC) in its review of the flight and duty time (FDT) regulations to begin regulatory development and inform future regulatory amendments. As part of this work, TC first issued a Preliminary Issue and Consultation Assessment (PICA) to take stock of key issues in spring 2024 and subsequently published a What We Heard report in fall 2024. Background can be seen in the FDT CARAC Activity Details. The biggest concern relates to the prescriptive regulations. As a first step towards the improvement of FDT regulations, TC has issued global exemption NCR-028-2025.


TC has also made a fact sheet available online that provides more clarity around positioning and flight duty periods. The document can be found in the PICA 2024-001: FATIGUE consultation page and can be directly accessed through the Fact sheet: When is Positioning part of a Flight Duty Period?

Further information will be shared as it becomes available.


Canadian Aviation Regulations (CARs) Standards – The following are new Standards that have been proposed or published:


  • In March 2025, Transport Canada’s Stakeholder Engagement Strategy - CASS Omnibus Package was shared with members. As a result, Transport Canada created NPA 2025-003 titled Commercial Air Services Standards (CASS) Omnibus Package to consult the aviation industry on the proposed amendments. In the NPA, TC advised that the purpose of the NPA was to address low-impact amendments and administrative misalignments between the Commercial Air Services Standards and international standards resulting from ICAO’s Audit of Transport Canada. Standards that would be of interest to members are those that hold a CAR 703 or 704 Operating Certificate (e.g. 723, 724 & 726). TC has further stated that the amendments contained in this NPA are not safety-related changes; however, members should be aware that impacts will be a need to amend company manuals to incorporate these changes. Comments may be submitted in writing to TC.CARConsultations-RACConsultations.TC@tc.gc.ca until July 21st, 2025.


  • In May 2025, TC published a Notice of Proposed Amendment (NPA 2025-004) to consult the aviation industry on proposed amendments to Standard 223 - Operation of a Leased Aircraft by a Non-registered Owner. The purpose of this NPA is to amend Standard 223 to better align with international norms on leased aircraft. The comment period closed on June 27, 2025.

  • In October 2024, Transport Canada published NPA 2024-012 – ATC Unit Staffing and Air Traffic Flow Management (Standard 821), which was shared with members for information.  As a result of this consultation, TC prepared and shared in June 2025 a “What We Heard” report, which provides a thematic summary of the comments received as part of this consultation and next steps.⯠ This report is shared with members for their information.

Transport Canada Advisory Circulars (AC) – The following ACs were published in May and June:

  • In May 2025, we shared with members for their information AC 803-001 - Issue 15 - TP308/GPH209 – Change 9.1 Criteria for the Development of Instrument Procedures, effective 1 April 2025.

  • In June 2025, TC issued a new Advisory Circular (AC 107-003) titled - Runway Safety Program dated 2025-06-06. The purpose of this AC is to provide information regarding ways to comply with the Safety Management System (SMS) requirements in the context of runway safety. Various SMS requirements can be met under the umbrella of a runway safety program; they include, but are not limited to: 
    • analyzing incidents or accidents and preventing their recurrence,  
    • identifying hazards and reporting them, and
    • training of personnel.  

Canadian Aviation Safety Alerts (CASA) – The following CASAs were published in May:

  • CASA 2025-06 titled Closely Spaced Parallel Operations (CSPO) Standards and Procedures at Toronto/Lester B. Pearson International Airport (CYYZ). The CASA applies to members who may operate under CARs VII.

The purpose of this Civil Aviation Safety Alert (CASA) is to inform operators about NAV CANADA’s intention to start applying Closely Spaced Parallel Operations (CSPO) standards and procedures at Toronto/Lester B. Pearson International Airport (CYYZ) in the last quarter of 2025. CSPO will be integrated into operations at CYYZ, allowing simultaneous independent parallel instrument approaches to be conducted to runways 15L/33R and 15R/33L. This operation is commonly referred to as Precision Runway Monitor (PRM). Transport Canada Civil Aviation (TCCA) will be updating the Special Authorization/Specific Approval (SA), which will allow operators to take advantage of this service.

  • CASA-2025-07 in respect of PY Lines and Fuel Control Unit (FCU) Contamination to owners, operators and maintainers of aircraft equipped with Pratt & Whitney Canada Corp. (P&WC) Model PT6B-37A engines.


Airworthiness Directives (AD) – In June 2025, TC issued AD CF-2025-28 in respect of ATA 52 – Doors – Baggage Doorstop Fittings – Improperly Torqued Bolts to Bombardier Inc. model BD-700-1A10 and BD-700-1A11 aeroplanes - serial numbers 60057, 60058, 60060 through 60063, and 60065 through 60121.

Compliance with the AD is within 15 months from the effective date of this AD, which is 24 June 2025, unless already accomplished.

Exemptions – The following information about exemptions was published in June:

  • Transport Canada (TC) has recently advised that exemptions NCR-105-2020 & NCR-027-2021 will not be renewed when they reach their expiry date. We are sharing the information for member awareness and action as required.


Exemption from Night Takeoff and Landing Recency Requirements (NCR-105-2020) - Expires October 31, 2025 - TC has advised that the night currency regulation exemption will not be reviewed because it upholds a critical safety standard applicable to all pilots. While extended summer daylight in northern regions presents logistical challenges, TC has noted that only a small group is affected (e.g. those who neither flew at night in spring nor used simulators with night operations). TC notes that the CARs allow a six-month window for compliance through either night flying or simulator training, offering flexibility. Thus, the issue is limited in scope, and they have determined that it does not warrant a blanket exemption. Given industry feedback received in 2021 and the extended validity date, it was determined that it did not need to be reissued and will expire on October 31, 2025.

 Exemption from IFR Recency Requirements (NCR-027-2021) - Expires May 31, 2026 - TC has advised that this exemption was originally issued to correct IFR recency requirements. TC has now noted that the necessary changes are currently part of a regulatory package going forward and are expected to be placed prior to the expiry of this exemption, and therefore, it will need to be renewed. The Association will monitor and follow up with TC as required.

  • Transport Canada has issued global exemption NCR-013-2025 pursuant to Paragraph 605.26(1)(b) & Subsection 605.28(1) of the CARs. The purpose of this exemption is to allow the use by an infant of the AmSafe CARES™ device on Canadian registered aircraft and allow operators of Canadian aircraft to permit the use of the AmSafe CARES™ device instead of a child restraint system as defined in the CARs. This exemption is a re-issuance of NCR-023-2020. This exemption will be in effect upon the expiry of NCR-023-2020 on June 15, 2025, at 23:59 EDT.

  • Transport Canada has issued global exemption NCR-020-2025 from paragraphs 606.03(5)(a) and (6)(a) of the CARs. The purpose of this exemption is to increase the validity period of a flight simulator certificate issued pursuant to subsection 606.03(2) of the CARs, from 6 months to 12 months, and to allow recurrent evaluations of flight simulators to be conducted every 12 months instead of every six months to alleviate undue regulatory burden and align with other Civil Aviation Authorities (CAA), namely EASA and FAA. This is a re-issuance of exemption NCR-055-2020.

  • Transport Canada has issued global exemption NCR-028-2025 from paragraph 700.27(1)(d) of the CARs. The purpose of this exemption is to allow flight crew members to fly for up to 8 hours in a single flight duty period when conducting single-pilot operations. This exemption applies exclusively to air operators assigning and flight crew members performing single-pilot operations.


Master Minimum Equipment Lists (MMEL) & TC Supplements (TCS)

  • TP9155 - Master Minimum Equipment List/Minimum Equipment List Policy and Procedures Manual

In 2023, Transport Canada published a Notice of Proposed Amendment (NPA) 2023-014 proposing amendments to TP 9155 - Master Minimum Equipment List/Minimum Equipment List Policy and Procedures Manual. Transport Canada has now advised that the amendments contained in TP9155, 3rd Edition, Revision 2 took effect on April 1, 2025. The latest version of TP 9155 - Master Minimum Equipment List/Minimum Equipment List Policy and Procedures Manual is here. 

  • BE-200 - MMEL TC Supplement Revision 10, dated 30 April 2025.

  • CL-600 Series - MMEL Temporary Revisions - TR 117 dated 6 January 2025 and

TR 118 dated 22 May 2025


They are available through the TC MMEL website at TCCA MMEL-TCS. 


ICYMI - Transport Canada Seeking your Feedback on Digital Personnel Licence (DPL)

 

Transport Canada is working to modernize aviation licensing through the development of a Digital Personnel Licence (DPL), a secure digital version of the Aviation Document Booklet (ADB). The DPL represents the transformation of the traditional paper-based ADB into a mobile, digital credential that will allow aviation personnel to securely view and present their licence information on a smartphone or other device. The goal of the DPL is to improve accessibility, reduce the administrative burden, and enhance the overall user experience for license holders. It will provide real-time access to up-to-date licensing information while supporting digital verification processes for inspectors and other authorized personnel.

Transport Canada has invited interested and eligible individuals to apply to take part in this trial. The purpose of the trial is to evaluate the usability, functionality, and security of the DPL in operational settings. Feedback collected during the trial will inform the future development of digital licensing and potential regulatory amendments. Please note that the DPL is not currently a legal replacement for the ADB. As such, participants in the trial will be required to continue to carry their physical ADB in accordance with current regulatory requirements.

The limited trial is planned with approximately 500 participants. To be eligible, volunteers must hold one of the following valid Canadian aviation licences: 

  • Airline Transport Pilot Licence (ATPL – Aeroplane or Helicopter) 
  • Commercial Pilot Licence (CPL – Aeroplane or Helicopter) 
  • Air Traffic Controller Licence 

Space to participate in the trial may remain. You can submit your application by following the Digital Aviation document download trial. 

Various Information Shared – The following is a collection of various information and documents shared over the past two months:

  • Consultation on the PPC Flight Test Guides - Aeroplane (TP 14727) – In June, TC issued for consultation the final draft versions of the revised Pilot Proficiency Check (PPC) and Aircraft Type Rating - Flight Test Guides for aeroplanes, along with a summary of key updates.  TP 14727 is available here.  The summary document is here. Transport Canada advises that the purpose of these updates is to align both guides with the Canadian Aviation Regulations (CARs), Commercial Air Service Standards (CASS), and the Approved Check Pilot (ACP) Manual (TP 6533). These revisions enhance clarity, ensure consistency, and establish a standardized national approach to pilot competency assessment. Please note these revisions are not yet in effect.

  • Revised Transport Canada ACP/AQPE Bulletin – In June, TC posted a revised

Approved Check Pilot (ACP) / Advanced Qualification Program (AQP) Evaluator Bulletin No. 01/24


Nav Canada Information to Stakeholders – Stakeholders were notified that:

  • NAV CANADA advised in May that it was initiating an Aeronautical Study to assess navigation requirements at Halifax, NS, Ottawa, ON and Winnipeg, MB Airports. The Terms of Reference document, representing the official Notice of Consultation and detailing the scope and services under review, is available through the Aeronautical Study website.

  • NAV CANADA advised that it initiated an Aeronautical Study to assess service requirements at Waskaganish Airport, Quebec. The Terms of Reference document, representing the official Notice of Consultation and detailing the scope and services under review, is available through the Aeronautical Study website.

International Operations – No information to share in this issue.

Ongoing Regulatory Activities & CBAA Monitoring – On an annual basis, Transport Canada publishes a Regulatory Plan. The latest plan (Regulatory Initiatives 2024-2026) was reviewed, and a CBAA Summary & Initial Assessment was developed for member awareness. The CBAA assessment document, linked above, also includes other regulatory documents being considered, such as Standards and Advisory Circulars.

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


May 2025 Issue

Welcome to the May 2025 issue of the CBAA Government & Regulatory Affairs Update. In this issue, you will find a consolidation of regulatory and operational updates and a summary of advocacy activities conducted in support of our membership during April 2025.

Legislative & Regulatory Publications – The following are recent regulations that have been published:

  • On 12 March 2025, the CARs Parts I, III, IV and VI to VIII – Air Navigation Services were amended. The amendment addressed low-risk issues with the Canadian Aviation Regulations (CARs) related to air navigation services identified through the TC Regulatory Review Initiative. These included:
    • Inefficient, missing, and duplicative definitions
    • Perceived ambiguity in regulatory requirements
    •  Unnecessarily prescriptive requirements
    • Unenforceable recognized best practices
    • Insufficient reference to the incorporated standard
    • Concerns raised by the Standing Joint Committee for the Scrutiny of Regulations (SJCSR
    • Structure of the Air Traffic Services subpart
    • Inconsistent terminology between the CARS and other TC and NAVIGATION CANADA (NAV CANADA) documents

 

Regulatory Planning & Initiatives – Given the recent Federal election, there were no regulatory initiatives published by Transport Canada.


Canadian Aviation Regulations (CARs) Standards – There are no new Standards to present in this issue.

 

Transport Canada Advisory Circulars (AC) – The following ACs were published in April:


  • AC 573-006 - Maintenance and Operations in accordance with the Technical Arrangement – Maintenance (TAM) between Canada and the United Kingdom dated 28 March 2025 provides guidance to the industry concerning the Technical Arrangement on Maintenance (TA-M) between Transport Canada Civil Aviation (TCCA) and the United Kingdom Civil Aviation Authority (UK CAA).

  • AC 700-045 - Exemption and Safety Case Process for Fatigue Risk Management Systems (FRMS) explains in plain language the process for an air operator to qualify for exemptions from specific provisions of the flight, duty and rest requirements in Part VII, Divisions III and IV; and, Subpart 2, Division X of the Canadian Aviation Regulations (CARs) as published in the Canada Gazette, Part II on 12 December 2018.


Transport Canada published this revision of AC 700-045 in response to the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) audit of Canada’s Fatigue Risk Management Systems (FRMS) exemption regulations and provides an opportunity to update the guidance with respect to lessons learned since the coming into force of the CARs Part VII Division V. The changes focus on the initial exemption and safety case and do not address the continuing exemption, except to relate to the common requirements of the continuing exemption, notice of intent, and safety case.

It is important to note that the revision does not consider the results of the recent Preliminary Issue and Consultation Assessment (PICA 2024-001 - Fatigue, NPA 2024-0076). Subsequent revisions will address the results of ongoing consultations with stakeholders. Background information about these ongoing consultations is available here.


Canadian Aviation Safety Alerts (CASA) – The following CASAs were published in April:

  •  CASA 2025-03 - Flight Controls – Unannunciated Loss of Ground Lift Dump Spoilers Due to Faulty Throttle Quadrant Assembly (TQA) applies to operators, owners and maintainers of Bombardier Inc. Model BD-100-1a10 (Challenger 300/350) aeroplanes. The purpose of the CASA is to raise awareness of recent failures of the ground spoiler system on the Bombardier Inc. (BA) model BD-100-1A10 aeroplanes caused by faulty TQA. In addition, this CASA provides details on the TQA repair to correct the faults.

  • CASA-2025-05 - Potential risk of Interference of 5G Signals on Radio Altimeter - Clarification on RadAlt Retrofit Mandate. The purpose of the CASA clarified Transport Canada’s assessment of the current 5G environment in Canada, as well as Radio Altimeter Tolerance and retrofit expectations described in the CASA regarding the potential risk of interference of 5G signals on radio altimeters (RadAlts).


Airworthiness Directives (AD) – There were no ADs issues applicable Business Aviation in April.

 

Exemptions – The following exemptions were published in April:’


  • Global Exemption NCR-016-2025 pursuant to Subsections 703.98(1) & 704.115(1) of the CARs allows Canadian air operators conducting operations under Subpart 703 and 704 of the CARs when utilizing multi-engine turbine aeroplane types certificated for 20+ passenger seats to apply for the approval of a training program based on the minimum training times available to aircraft with 10 to 19 passenger seats as indicated in Tables 1 and 2 of subsection 723.98(27) and paragraph 724.115(31)(a) of the Commercial Air Service Standards (CASS).

  • Global Exemption NCR-010-2025 pursuant to Subsections 1000.31(1), 1000.31(2), 1000.31(3) of the CARs provides relief to Canadian private operators, air operators, and their verification bodies from the burden of submitting a Verified Emissions Unit Cancellation Report and an associated Verification Report by 30 April 2025 for the CORSIA compliance period from 2021-2023.

  • Global Exemption RPAS-002-2024 pursuant to 901.90(e) & 901.183 of the CARs is shared with members for information. The exemption enables a first cohort of candidates, that do not meet the requirements under section 901.183 of the CARs, to be appointed as chief ground instructor and to provide flight reviews without first meeting the requirements to complete a Level 1 Complex flight review pursuant to 901.90(e).

 

Master Minimum Equipment Lists (MMEL) & TC Supplements (TCS)

  • SAAB 340 - Erratum to revision date - TC Supplement Revision 7 is dated 21 March 2025 for the SAAB 340.

  • SAAB 340 TC Supplement Revision 8 dated 31 March 2025.


They are available through the TC MMEL website at TCCA MMEL-TCS. 

ICYMI

  • Unplanned RMS outage - Early on 13 February 2025, the RMS experienced an unplanned outage following an unauthorized access request by unknown actors. As a programmed security response, the RMS automatically locked itself down, preventing administrative functions from being accessed. Our RMS supplier, On-Board Data System (OBDS), took immediate action to upgrade the system based on guidance from the Canadian Centre for Cyber Security. The system became live again later in the day. ODBS has confirmed that the database was not compromised in any way, and user data remained protected. Over the next few weeks, ODBS will integrate further security updates to further protect the RMS. Should you encounter error messages, the following should be followed to fix it:

    • Clear all cookies from your Cache
    • Do an F5 refresh
    •  If RMS is accessed using a preset bookmark, open it to edit the bookmark and resave it as https://nad.obds.com
    • Alternatively, run NAD in Chrome or Apple Incognito mode, which starts fresh with every session.

Please do not hesitate to contact rsincennes@cbaa.ca if problems persist.

  • TC New Digital Initiatives - On 4 March 2025, TC launched several new digital initiatives, reflecting progress in modernizing services to Canadians.⯠See the full TC notification here. Of particular interest to members:

    • TC’s First Mobile App (TC AIR)
      TC has launched the TC AIR, its first mobile app, designed to simplify and modernize the application process for Aviation Document Booklets (ADBs).  With TC AIR, student pilots, pilots, flight engineers, and air traffic controllers can now apply for a new (initial) ADB or renew an existing one in just minutes—all from their mobile device, anytime, anywhere, and free of charge.  This eliminates the need for passport-style photos, verifiers (for renewals), and mailing costs, making the process faster, easier, and more convenient.â¯â¯ 


  • Now Live: New Digital Forms for Aircraft Registration!
    Through this new TC digital form, registering an aircraft, reserving a mark or renewing a reservation, or submitting a notification of change of ownership should now be easier. The new digital forms simplify the application process with built-in validations to ensure all required information is captured accurately. Plus, integrated fee payment allows for a seamless, all-in-one experience.⯠To further support users, TC has updated its website with more comprehensive guidance and clearer service expectations. These enhancements are designed to ensure applicants have all the necessary details upfront, reducing uncertainty and making the process even more efficient. For more information and to access the new digital forms, visit TC’s Registering and leasing aircraft webpage.⯠


Nav Canada Information to Stakeholders - Stakeholders were notified that:

  • The evaluation process for the aeronautical study at Peterborough Airport, Ontario was concluded. The assessment document, detailing the recommended proposals that NAV CANADA will now present to Transport Canada, is available through the Aeronautical Study website.

  • The evaluation process for the aeronautical study at Gatineau Airport, Quebec was concluded. The assessment document, detailing the recommended proposals that NAV CANADA will now present to Transport Canada, is available through the Aeronautical Study website.

  • The evaluation process for the aeronautical study titled National - Primary RADAR Surveillance Requirements was concluded. The assessment document, detailing the recommended proposals that NAV CANADA will now present to Transport Canada, is available through the Aeronautical Study website.

  • It completed the Alberta NAVAIDs Aeronautical Study and has proposed to amend civil air navigation services in the vicinity of Lloydminster, Peace River, and Rocky Mountain House, Alberta. The official Notice of Proposal document, detailing the recommendations that NAV CANADA proposes to present to Transport Canada, is available through the Aeronautical Study website. 


International Operations


  • In April 2025, the EU provided a briefing about the latest implementation schedule for the Entry/Exit System. It is expected that the EES amongst EU States will start phased operations in October 2025 with a full implementation by July 2026. Carriers will be able to start voluntary querying the system in January and would be mandatory 3 months later. Notwithstanding the above, the EU has advised that stamps on passports will continue to be checked for 1 year. Further information is expected in June 2025.


Ongoing Regulatory Activities & CBAA Monitoring – On an annual basis, Transport Canada publishes a Regulatory Plan. The latest plan (Regulatory Initiatives 2024-2026) was reviewed, and a CBAA Summary & Initial Assessment was developed for member awareness. The CBAA assessment document, linked above, also includes other regulatory documents being considered, such as Standards and Advisory Circulars.

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


Past Editions

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