Interim ICAO Rules for Canadian Aviation

Summary#

This is an interim order from the Department of Transport called Interim Order No. 2 (2026) Respecting Certain ICAO Requirements (Standard Operating Procedures, Conflict Zones, Minimum Equipment Lists, Flight Data Monitoring Program and Air Navigation Services — Training and Licensing). It imposes new safety and training requirements for some international air operators and air traffic services, with several compliance deadlines starting as soon as September 24, 2026.

What it does#

• Requires operators of single‑pilot aircraft used in international flights (air taxi and commuter operations) to set up and carry onboard standard operating procedures that meet commercial standards. Effective September 24, 2026.
• Makes all air operators put in place plans or procedures to check for information about conflict zones before a flight, do a risk assessment if needed, and prepare contingency plans. This does not apply to operators under Subpart 2 of Part VII or to helicopters.
• For scheduled international air services under Subpart 3, if a master minimum equipment list exists for a type, each aircraft must have a Minister‑approved minimum equipment list following the MMEL/MEL Policy and Procedures Manual. Effective September 24, 2026.
• Requires certain scheduled international airlines to have a flight data monitoring program as part of their safety management system. This applies to aircraft with a maximum certificated take‑off weight (MCTOW) of more than 27 000 kg, and to aircraft with MCTOW over 15 000 kg with seating for 20 or more and an initial certificate issued on or after January 1, 2027. Operators must provide a declaration of compliance by September 24, 2026 for the first group, and before operating the aircraft for the second group.
• Changes how air traffic controller licensing and training work:
  • From November 2, 2026, licence applications must include proof of Minister‑approved training and a proficiency check, except for people who began training before that date.
  • Controllers must pass proficiency checks before taking on a new area of responsibility or after absences of 180 consecutive days or more.
• Requires holders of air traffic services (ATS) operations certificates to establish training programs that meet Interim Standard 2 (ATC Training Programs) and submit them to the Minister by September 11, 2026 for approval.
• Requires ATS certificate holders to develop proficiency checks that meet Interim Standard 1 (Proficiency Checks); those checks must be conducted by the Minister. Each ATS holder must submit a recommended list of assessors by August 31, 2026, and update it when changed.
• Adds requirements for keeping air traffic controllers up to date with operational information and confirming they understand that information.

Who's affected#

• Air operators that fly international routes, including:
  • Operators under Part VII Subpart 3 (air taxi) and Subpart 4 (commuter) with single‑pilot international flights.
  • Scheduled international carriers subject to Subpart 5 with aircraft meeting the weight or seating thresholds.
• Holders of air traffic services (ATS) operations certificates and individual air traffic controllers.
• Helicopter operators and operators under Subpart 2 of Part VII are explicitly exempt from the conflict‑zone planning rule.
• The rules are enforced by the Department of Transport and tie into the Canadian Aviation Regulations and the Aeronautics Act.

If any part of who is affected is unclear from the order, the department would be the source for clarification.

Why it matters#

• These changes aim to bring Canadian practice into line with international (ICAO) standards and to address safety risks quickly through an interim order under the Aeronautics Act.
• For passengers and communities, it means tighter safety controls on international flights, especially those operated by single pilots and on larger scheduled aircraft.
• For operators and controllers, the order creates near‑term paperwork, training and equipment obligations and firm deadlines (August 31, 2026; September 11, 2026; September 24, 2026; November 2, 2026), which could affect hiring, training schedules and operational planning.
• If specifics are needed about how a particular operator or airport is affected, the Department of Transport or the operator should be consulted because the order sets standards but leaves some implementation details to the Minister and approved manuals.