BasicMed – la position de COPA

BasicMed au Canada – la position de COPAshutterstock_9605167

En janvier 2017, le congrès américain a approuvé une réglementation créant une nouvelle catégorie (ou classe aux É-U) médicale non conforme à celles de l’OACI, avec des exigences réduites pour les pilotes, dans l’espoir d’encourager plus de gens à piloter et stimuler l’aviation générale.  En réponse à la représentation publique menée par l’Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA), COPA a reçu plusieurs commentaires de ses membres sur les diverses réactions et propositions potentielles de ce côté de la frontière.

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Nous avons rencontré les hauts responsables de Transports Canada pour discuter de l’aspect que le BasicMed américain pourrait revêtir dans une version canadienne. A l’issue de ces entretiens nous avons élaboré une proposition susceptible, selon nous, de promouvoir les intérêts des pilotes canadiens, -y compris au chapitre des réformes possibles des dispositions de la Catégorie 4 présentement en vigueur.
Invoquant divers motifs, Transports Canada a expliqué sa réticence à accepter tel quel le régime BasicMed, les principales objections se résumant ainsi:
– Le permis de pilote de loisir, qui peut être validé par un certificat médical de Catégorie 4, comporte déjà une portion substantielle des dispositions prévues par le BasicMed;
– A titre de régulateur, Transports Canada n’est pas disposé à assumer les responsabilités juridiques engendrées par la reconnaissance en vrac des critères variés utilisés par les provinces pour émettre des permis de conduire. Ce qui précède s’applique principalement aux activités à plus hauts risques autorisées sous le BasicMed, soit l’instruction en vol, y compris les annotations multimoteur, IFR et vol de nuit. Selon le ministère, les critères délimitant l’obtention d’un permis de conduire provincial ne tiennent aucunement compte des aptitudes ou des capacités physiques nécessaires pour agir comme pilote commandant de bord d’un aéronef;
– Transérer le contrôle des dispositions médicales aux provinces, équivaudrait, pour Transports Canada, à renoncer à une partie de la compétence fédérale en matière d’aviation. Il s’agit donc ici d’une arme à double tranchant dans un domaine où il nous faut déjà exercer la plus grande circonspection, puisque cette prépondérance du fédéral constitue l’une des plus importantes garanties lorsque vient le temps pour nous de défendre les aéroports ou de protéger nos intérêts dans d’autres domaines. Ouvrir ainsi une porte aux provinces créerait un précédent que pourraient plus tard invoquer les gouvernements provinciaux ou les municipalités pour s’immiscer dans d’autres aspects de la règlementation aéronautique au Canada.
Cela dit, nous avons également également tenu des discussions avec l’AOPA afin d’établir la meilleure marche à suivre, considérant notre responsabilité envers les pilotes des deux côtés de la frontière. Comme je l’ai expliqué, nous avons échafaudé une proposition que nous avons ensuite partagée avec Transports Canada, l’AOPA et l’Agence américaine de l’aviation (FAA). Nos suggestions ont été accueillies avec beaucoup d’intérêt, autant chez Transports Canada qu’à l’AOPA. Nous attendons toujours une réponse de la FAA à notre missive, mais l’AOPA s’est déjà engagée à coopérer avec les autorités américaines concernées pour que notre proposition devienne une réalité. A l’occasion de la prochaine rencontre bi-latérale annuelle, les responsables de Transports Canada soumettront la question à leurs homologues américains.
Brièvement, nous suggérons que Transports Canada accepte les dispositions du BasicMed déjà conformes aux exigences du permis canadien de pilote de loisir; en contrepartie, la FAA verrait à élargir les dispositions du régime SFA (Special Flight Authority) pour permettre aux détenteurs du permis canadien de voler aux Etats-Unis à bord d’appareils certifiés, de certificat restreint, ou de construction amateur, en conformité avec les stipulations de leur permis de pilote de loisir. A l’heure actuelle, les détenteurs de permis de Catégorie 4 peuvent piloter uniquement des ultra-légers aux E.-U. et ce, à condition d’avoir obtenu une telle  Autorisation de vol spéciale (SFA).

BasicMed – COPA’s Path Forward

BasicMed in Canada – COPA’s Path Forwardshutterstock_9605167

 

Recently the United States congress passed new legislation creating a non ICAO-compliant medical class for pilots with reduced requirements for certification with hopes of encouraging more people to become pilots and stimulate the General Aviation industry. In response to the public advocacy undertaken on this issue by the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA), COPA has received feedback from our own membership about potential reactions and future policy development on the Canadian side of the border.

aopa-logo_primaryCOPA has been actively discussing this issue both with AOPA’s senior staff as well as with senior officials at Transport Canada and trying to establish what is possible, what is achievable, and what course of action will best benefit pilots on both sides of the border. In that regard, COPA has developed a proposal that we feel achieves tangible results for Canadian pilots, while following in the spirit of allowing US-BasicMed pilots to operate safely in Canada.

COPA’s proposal would see Transport Canada allow operations within Canadian airspace of aircraft piloted by BasicMed holders that match the conditions currently applied to holders of Recreational Pilot Permits (RPP) validated by Category 4 medical certificates. Certain aspects of the Basic Med regime are not dissimilar to our own Cat 4 medical, which allows pilots certain restricted privileges for those who cannot, or choose not, to qualify for an ICAO-compliant Category 3 medical or higher. In COPA’s view, allowing Basic Med operations that meet the conditions of RPP operations would not pose an increased risk to aviation safety or the public. Our pledge to AOPA is to work with officials at Transport Canada to make this a reality.

In reciprocity, we are seeking Transport Canada’s and AOPA’s support in advocating the Federal Aviation Administration to expand the Special Flight Authority (SFA) regime to include Canadian certified, limited, and amateur-built aircraft operated by Canadian RPP holders. Subject to obtaining an SFA, holders of Canadian PPL (A), RPP (A), or Ultralight Permit can currently operate ultralight aircraft in the United States if the pilot also holds a valid medical certificate appropriate to the license or permit held. In the case of an RPP holder, this is accomplished by holding a valid Class 1, 3, or 4 medical certificate.

It is COPA’s opinion that allowing the operation of certified, limited, and amateur-built aircraft operated by Canadian RPP holders within the existing SFA regime in place for ultralights, does not pose any meaningful change to public risk or aviation safety.

Therefore, we support and encourage all steps undertaken by Transport Canada to permit US Basic Med operations in Canada, provided they comply with the same restrictions applicable to holders of RPPs. In return, we call on Transport Canada and AOPA to advocate to the FAA for Canadian RPP holders to be permitted, subject to the SFA requirements, to operate certified, amateur-built, and limited-class aircraft in the United States.

On behalf of Canadian pilots, we look forward to making this proposal a reality. Together with our partners and stakeholders, we will reduce the regulatory burden on general aviation while maintaining our high safety standards and collectively advance the Canadian freedom to fly.

President’s Corner – April 2017

New website and digital media

Our new website (copanational.org) is up and running since April 1st. You’ll find all the stuff we had and much more, with a more modern and pleasant format. Plenty of information and reasons to come back often. A space to share the passion and our mission of advancing, promoting and preserving our Canadian freedom to fly. Also, don’t miss our Facebook page which is now THE page for events and aviation news in the country. Make sure you go to https://www.facebook.com/COPAnational/ and like the page.

Automatic Dependent Surveillance-Broadcast (ADS-B)

We know what’s going on down south of the border but what’s the future like for us here? In our discussions with Transport Canada, it was made very clear that there is NO plan for any ADS-B for in the near future, certainly not for general aviation. But obviously since the whole world seems to be going to ADS-B, the question is not if but when will this hit us and to what extent. For our members, nothing within the next ten to twelve years at least if not more, and it would most likely be space-based (antenna on top). As some of you may know, there is already ADS-B in the country but it is strictly as an added service to the major carriers. Meanwhile Nav Canada is looking at defining the ADS-B mandate and COPA, as well as other industry partners, are working with them on the preliminary work, on the scope of ADS-B in Canada. COPA will keep you informed though our different communications media.

If you want to read-up on ADS-B, there was an excellent three-part article published in COPA Flight last year from April – June 2016.

Gone to the COPA Convention in Kelowna, BC June 23-24!

This is the biggest Canadian aviation event of the year. You’ve got to be there in this bucolic area. Great weather, beautiful country, freedom to fly… what more could you ask? Plan an evening of fun with friends, while enjoying the Okanagan Valley wines. Why not start planning your fly-outs from the Maritimes and pick members up as you move your way westward? Give us a call or get inspired by going to http://copaagm2017.ca.

COPA Flights meetings & orientation seminars

We’re finally getting to it: the initiative of meeting you the members through our COPA Flights. In the next few months, two pilot projects will take place in the Ottawa and BC regions, where several local Flight Captains will be invited to share with our staff on our mission statement, local activities, success stories, COPA’s work, communications, how Flights can be empowered to play an active COPA role in their communities and much more. Feedback of this preliminary work will be given at the convention.

Graphic design work help wanted.

Any graphics designer firms out there amongst our members, willing to give us a hand and have a chance to do some ground-breaking work for COPA? Give me call or write to me: bgervais@copanational.org.

 

Campagne écoles de pilotage 2017

La campagne auprès des écoles de pilotage est débutée!Student Membership

Note adhésion “membre étudiant” est disponible à quiconque est inscrit dans une unité de formation au pilotage ou auprès d’un instructeur autonome.  Profitez de tous les avantages des membres réguliers et ce, gratuitement pour une année!

Pour vous inscrire, complétez le formulaire et faites-nous le parvenir avec votre preuve d’inscription ou de suivi auprès de votre instructeur.

Vous trouverez le matériel promotionnel dans une école près de chez vous!

Flight School Campaign 2017

COPA’s Flight School Campaign is underway!Student Membership

Our student membership offers anyone currently enrolled in a Flight Training Unit, or taking instruction from a freelance instructor, all the benefits of a regular COPA membership free for one year!

To sign up for this offer, complete the application form and email it to hmclaren@copanational.org along with your proof of enrollment or instructor’s endorsement.

Look for our promotional materials at a flight school near you!

President’s Corner – March 2017

Freedom to Fly and COPA members at work

Update on Windmills, Mascouche.

Windmills

It appears the windmill issue surrounding the Collingwood and Stayner airfields is over as far as aviation is concerned, but some other things with wings will get a more thorough hearing.

As you may recall, last spring, COPA, through the member-funded Freedom to Fly Fund, intervened in the appeal of a decision of the Ontario Ministry of the Environment and Climate Change (“MOECC”) to approve the construction of an eight turbine wind farm next to the Collingwood Regional (CNY3) and Stayner, Clearview Field (CLV2) airfields. A team lead by COPA’s counsel, Glenn Grenier and COPA Director, Conrad Hatcher, prepared and participated in the two week hearing before the Ontario Environmental Review Tribunal (“ERT”) and made extensive oral and written submissions on the threat posed by the turbines to aircraft using the aerodromes. On October 7, 2016, the ERT ruled the proposed project did indeed represent a “serious threat to human health”, which is the statutory test that had to be met to challenge the MOECC approval of the project. The ERT also found that all of the proposed mitigation measures would not be effective in reducing the hazard. In rendering its 83-page decision, the ERT quoted extensively from materials provided by COPA. Along with being a threat to human life, the proposed turbines would also constitute “serious and irreversible harm to animal life”, in particular, the little brown bat. Because mitigation measures concerning our winged friends had not been extensively canvassed during the initial hearing, the ERT directed that a second ‘remedies hearing’ be held to do so, for which it confirmed it will strictly address the bats issue and not aviation. Thus, on the aviation side, it appears the matter is at an end. The ERT will make its final order in respect of the entire project after the remedies hearing concerning bats is held, which is scheduled for early March, 2017.

You’ll be glad to know that COPA is presently building the relationship with the Canadian Wind Energy Association (CanWEA), along with Transport Canada, hoping that through cooperation and collaboration we can work towards preventing future issues such as this one,

Mascouche QC (CSK3, COPA Flight 71) saga

VF1 – (First paragraph to go to print before knowing the decision of the court)

The city of Mascouche is continuing its legal battle against its relocated aerodrome under construction there even though the law is clear that they have no jurisdiction.

VF2 – (First paragraph, if the Court of Appeal refuses to grant permission to appeal)

The city of Mascouche and the Attorney General of Quebec have lost their legal battle against its relocated aerodrome under construction, the law being clear that they have no jurisdiction.

VL3 – (First paragraph, if the Court of Appeal accepts permission to appeal):

The city of Mascouche is continuing its legal battle against its relocated aerodrome under construction there even though the law is clear that they have no jurisdiction.

VF1, VF2 or VF3. As you may recall, the original airport closed down and was to be relocated with official help ($3M) from the city itself.  When the developers found the lot, 2km from the original site, the city tried everything to prevent the aerodrome proponents from proceeding.  Minister Garneau forced the developers to consult (March 4, 2016).  They did – per the new aerodrome development guidelines.  Then the Minister said they could proceed (Nov. 4).  They did.  The city followed with an emergency injunction to stop them from cutting down trees where the runways would be, to respect provincial environmental regulations.  They stopped (Dec. 9).  Along with the Attorney General of Canada (AGC), they appealed and after two hearings, the injunction was finally lifted (Feb. 1, 2017), letting them proceed with site preparation for the new runways.  VL1, VL2 or VL3

VL1 – (Last paragraph to go to print before knowing the decision of the court)

Meanwhile… the city is now asking support from the province for an appeal to be heard at the Court of Appeal of Quebec, wanting to, once again, try to break the long-litigated precedence of interjurisdictional immunity of aeronautics. COPA, along with TC, are keeping a close eye on the situation.

VL2 – (Last paragraph, if the Court of Appeal refuses to grant permission to appeal):

Finally, on Feb. 10, the Court of Appeal of Quebec refused to grant permission to appeal the Superior Court judgement. Will the City of Mascouche and Attorney General of Quebec go to the Supreme Court of Canada, to be heard once more on the same subject ? I doubt it. May the new Mascouche/Terrebonne aerodrome rise from its ashes!

VL3 – (Last paragraph, if the Court of Appeal accepts permission to appeal):

Unfortunately, on Feb. 10, the Court of Appeal of Quebec accepted to grant permission to appeal the Superior Court judgement and the development is again stopped. Our taxes will once again be used to fight on a slight variation of this constitutional theme, a fight that has been fought many times, with no losses. We’re keeping the faith and COPA will be there.

 

Membership Card Photo Contest

join-copa-buttton-for-websiteThousands of COPA membership cards are issued each year to signify membership in the largest aviation community in Canada.

This year, for the first time ever, we are featuring our members’ incredible photos as the backdrop on our cards.

If you would like to see your photo featured, send a high-resolution photo facebook-icon-preview-1to russ@copaflight.ca. Each month, a new entry will be posted as the cover photo
on COPA’s Facebook page. At the end of the year, the photo with the most likes will become the background on the following year’s membership card.

Previously-featured photos:

 submitted by Robin Tremblay. Photo credit: Mireille Caza
April 2017 – submitted by Robin Tremblay. Photo credit: Mireille Caza
This month's submission comes to us from Martin Bima of Manitoba
March 2017 – submitted by Martin Bima of Manitoba