Canadian Aviation Regulations: Various Amendments

Summary#

The final rule titled Regulations Amending the Canadian Aviation Regulations (Various Amendments) updates parts of the Canadian Aviation Regulations to codify several long‑standing exemptions, fix wording and translation issues, and align some rules with international standards. The changes came into force on publication in the Canada Gazette, Part II on July 8, 2020.

What it does#

• Codifies three recurring exemptions so they no longer need to be repeatedly renewed:
  • Allows pilots of basic ultra‑light aeroplanes more flexible use of certain Class E airspace when they carry an altimeter or navigation equipment (section 602.29).
  • Exempts non‑aerobatic, non‑competitive “fly‑in” gatherings from needing a special flight operations certificate (section 603.01).
  • Lets air operators permit certain non‑operational pilots and other personnel to enter the flight deck on domestic flights, with ID checks and record‑keeping (section 705.27).
• Clarifies or updates wording and definitions, including:
  • Who counts as a “flight training unit.”
  • That some instructor ratings are valid for the period shown on the licence.
  • That a certificate of noise compliance (not an airworthiness certificate) proves compliance with aerodrome noise limits.
  • That required timepieces must show hours, minutes and seconds.
• Adds or changes safety rules:
  • Prohibits simulating emergency situations when passengers or cargo are on board (applies to several sections).
  • Requires operators to notify the pilot‑in‑command about any authorised flight‑deck visitors and keep records for 2 years.
• Removes a redundant reference about ground equipment standards and corrects French wording for wildfire‑related terms.
• Administrative changes:
  • Adds a definition of “fly‑in.”
  • Adjusts monetary penalty entries in the regulations’ penalty schedule.
  • Transport Canada will update advisory material to reflect the changes.

Who's affected#

• Pilots of basic ultra‑light aeroplanes and instructors who train in them.
• Organizers and participants of non‑competitive, non‑aerobatic fly‑in events.
• Air operators and their staff — especially pilots, flight attendants, flight engineers and other personnel who might board the flight deck.
• Transport Canada, which will stop renewing those specific exemptions and will enforce the updated rules.
• Other people who use or enforce the affected sections of the Canadian Aviation Regulations (e.g., inspectors).

Why it matters#

• Makes three long‑used temporary authorizations permanent, so affected pilots and event organizers no longer worry about renewing exemptions.
• Reduces administrative work for both industry and Transport Canada. The government estimates a savings of $26,342 over 10 years from not having to process renewals.
• Improves clarity and consistency in the rules and the English/French texts. That should lower confusion and help operators follow the rules correctly.
• Brings some Canadian rules closer to International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) standards, which can help Canadian operators compete and operate smoothly internationally.
• Non‑compliance can lead to enforcement action. Penalties noted in the regulatory analysis include up to $5,000 for individuals and $25,000 for corporations.