441-00197 (Transportation)

The Aeronautics Act and the Canadian Aviation Regulations (CAR) provide a comprehensive framework through which aviation safety is regulated. Included in this framework are regulations, and guidance material, which address the items outlined in your Petition.

There are no regulatory restrictions or limitations, on the time of day, the volume of traffic, or the type of aircraft that can utilize the airspace over the Lower Mainland. Regulations with respect to ‘Minimum Altitudes and Distances’ and ‘Permissible Low Altitude Flight’ are located at:

https://lois-laws.justice.gc.ca/eng/regulations/SOR-96-433/FullText.html#s-602.14

https://lois-laws.justice.gc.ca/eng/regulations/SOR-96-433/FullText.html#s-602.15

Training Areas CYA185 – Alouette Lake, CYA186 – Dickson Lake, and CYA188 – Glen Valley, were established to mitigate the conflict between flight training and transiting aircraft. They also provide flight training and other aircraft based along the Lower Mainland areas to practice. This includes the practice of aerobatic maneuvers. The CARs do not prohibit aerobatic manoeuvres provided that it is not conducted over a built-up area or below 2000’ above ground level.

The regulations do not restrict aircraft to a specific area, or to remain inside the boundaries of a CYA. Therefore, Transport Canada cannot request that aerobatic maneuvers be ceased, Flight Training Units stop flying activities, or a moratorium be placed on new schools, unless such activities is not made in accordance with the CARs.

There is no regulatory requirement for aerobatic or training aircraft to have any type of equipment on board for the purpose of tracking its activities. However, most aircraft carry transponders for the purpose of Air Traffic Control (ATC) radar surveillance in controlled airspace, or airspace that has been designated, as outlined in the Designated Airspace Handbook.  

NAV CANADA is the company responsible for the oversight of air traffic and the airspace within which the traffic flows in Canada. Changes to established routes, or airspace boundaries, such as the southern boundary of CYA185 must first be reviewed by NAV CANADA, as any changes may have an unintended impact on the surrounding airspace and traffic flow. On completion of this review, Transport Canada undertakes a risk assessment to ensure that the level of safety, as well as service, will be maintained or improved, before any changes are made.

Due to the complexity of the airspace in-and-around Vancouver, NAV CANADA is currently completing an Aeronautical Review, with the objective of improving traffic flow and mitigating the congestion in the surrounding areas. In accordance with the regulations, noise abatement procedures, and noise operating restrictions at, and in the vicinity of, individual airports can be developed. The activities outlined in the petition originate from several airports in the Lower Mainland where training, as well as privately owned aircraft, operate. As there are no regulations on aircraft noise beyond the immediate vicinity of an airport, Transport Canada has developed guidance material which is located at:

https://tc.canada.ca/en/aviation/operating-airports-aerodromes/managing-noise-aircraft

In the meantime, allegations of unsafe practices or non-compliance with the regulations should be brought to the attention of the Regional Office for investigation and monitoring. The contact information for the Regional Office in British Columbia is:

Transport Canada Civil Aviation2010-7445 132 StSurrey BC V3W 1J8

E-mail: aviation.pac@tc.gc.ca

Toll-free: 1-800-305-2059