Boeing 737-8 Training Requirements Extended

Summary#

The Order approves the federal government's extension of an interim safety rule that sets extra pilot training for the Boeing 737-8 (often called the B‑737 MAX). It keeps those training requirements in place for another year, until February 15, 2022, under the Aeronautics Act.

What it does#

• Approves the Interim Order Respecting Certain Training Requirements (B-737-8 and Other Aircraft), No. 3, and extends its validity to February 15, 2022. The approval was made on February 26, 2021.
• Requires operators to add the training items listed in Transport Canada’s Operational Evaluation report to their approved pilot training programs. That includes extra simulator work and procedures such as the option to disable an incorrectly activated “stick shaker,” runaway stabilizer training, and demonstrations of speed-trim and stall behaviour.
• Stops airlines from allowing pilots to fly training, ferry, or positioning flights in a B‑737‑8 unless the pilots have completed all parts of their approved training.
• Lets the Minister of Transport order changes if an operator’s training program no longer includes the required competencies.

Who's affected#

• Airlines that operate the Boeing 737-8 in Canada. The government consulted carriers including Air Canada, WestJet, and Sunwing.
• Pilots and pilot training programs for those airlines, and the pilot unions consulted: Air Line Pilots Association (ALPA), Air Canada Pilots Association (ACPA), and Unifor.
• Passengers and the general public indirectly, because the rule affects when and how B‑737‑8 aircraft can return to Canadian service.
• If it’s unclear who else is affected, the Gazette notice does not list additional groups.

Why it matters#

• The B‑737‑8 was involved in two fatal crashes on October 29, 2018, and March 10, 2019, which led Canada to close its airspace to that model on March 13, 2019 while safety fixes were developed. The training requirements are meant to reduce the risk of similar accidents when the planes return to service.
• This order pairs with technical fixes required by an airworthiness directive (issued by Transport Canada on January 18, 2021) so the aircraft not only gets design changes, but crews get extra training before flying passengers in Canadian airspace.
• For travellers and communities, it affects when B‑737‑8 planes can fly in Canada and aims to increase safety during their return to service.