Transport Canada (TC) has issued an Advisory Circular (AC) that brings the aviation community’s attention to the requirements for the formal reporting of wildlife strikes. The AC, issued this week, does not change any existing rules or regulations, but is meant to provide guidance to those who do have a regulatory responsibility to report wildlife strikes, such as certified airport operators.

TC began collecting wildlife strike data in the mid-1980s. When the National Airports Policy was implemented in 1994 and TC began to divest itself of the operation of airports nation-wide, data collection ceased. However, in 2006 TC again collecting wildlife strike data. Initial results showed that wildlife strikes had surged by 45 percent over the previous decades. Data indicates that wildlife strike incidents continue to increase

TC has identified this matter as an important safety issue, and encourages non-certified airport operators, pilots, air traffic controllers and those witnessing wildlife strike incidents to contribute to the reporting.

We’ve all heard of the current pilot shortage plaguing the aviation industry. The shortage has now reached a point in the RCAF that they are broadcasting their needs to the public. In addition to the current shortage of around 275 pilots, the Air Force needs more aircraft mechanics and other maintenance personnel.

The RCAF’s Director of Air Readiness, BGen Eric Kenny, was quoted by the National Post as saying, “Right now, we’re doing everything we can to make sure we recruit, train and retain enough personnel to do our current mission.”

The RCAF currently deploys aircraft abroad in Mali, Latvia, Ukraine, Romania and Iraq, missions which are in addition to their domestic responsibilities for continental defence and search and rescue. The RCAF is authorized to have 1580 pilots, meaning the shortage represents 17 percent of authorized strength. The shortage also extends to navigators and sensor technicians that form part of the crew on certain aircraft.

Aircraft are not grounded yet due to the shortage as existing service members are picking up the slack. Various initiatives have been undertaken by the Forces to resolve the situation, such as offering tax breaks, intensive recruitment drives and even recruiting older military pilots back into the Air Force. There is even talk of extending commitment times after graduating from flight training.

The RCAF’s current training program is capable of producing only 115 new pilots per year, but some senior officers say that’s not enough to keep up with those retiring from the Forces to pursue commercial opportunities.

“We know what capabilities we’re receiving and now we can start working to make sure that we have personnel that are trained to be able to meet those requirements,” Kenny said. “But I’m not going to lie: It’s definitely a challenge.”

This coming Saturday (Sept. 15), Aero Gatineau-Ottawa takes place at the Gatineau airport (YND). The Snowbirds will be performing, as will an RCAF demonstration CF-18 painted in colours commemorating NORAD’s 60th anniversary.

Vintage aircraft will conduct fly-bys and be available for viewing on the ground later. Other vintage warbirds from the Great War Flying Museum’s collection and the Michael Potter Collection, including a Spitfire Mk IX, will also be on static display. The RCAF will be performing SAR demonstrations using a CC-130 Hercules and a CH-146 Griffon helicopter.

Click here for the event’s website.

Steinbach airport (JB3) is once again holding an open house on Saturday (Sept. 15) with many flying and static displays that are sure to thrill both the aviation community and the general public. Luke Penner will be performing aerobatics in his Extra 300L, and there will be fly-overs by warbirds and air operators.

Static displays include a Harvard, a T28 Trojan fighter, a STARS air ambulance, police helicopters, CASARA, home-built aircraft and more. Food trucks will be on site and admission and parking is free. Hours are from 10:00 to 15:00, and the fly-in public is welcome too.

Further information is available by contacting Matthew Penner by email.

A number of flight training scholarships are available for eligible female helicopter pilots to add additional ratings or qualifications to their licence. The scholarships are either provided by the Whirly-Girls or are administered on behalf of foundations and industry groups they have partnered.

The Whirly-Girls is a not-for-profit organization founded in the U.S. in 1955 for the purpose of advancing women’s role in the helicopter industry. As of 2018, there are over 2000 members from 49 countries.

This year there are 14 scholarships on offer, with some valued at $20,000 USD. Scholarships provide training in such things as external load handling, advanced mountain flying techniques, transition training to Bell 206 and Airbus H125 and many more. In recent years, the various scholarship offerings have added up to over $175,000 USD.

Applicants must have been a member of the Whirly-Girls prior to September 23, 2018 and must submit their application before October 15, 2018.

Click here for more information.

West Coast pilots rely on weather cams and remote weather stations when planning their VFR flights, and a number of these assets, which commercial and private pilots have come to depend on, are currently unavailable due to equipment failures.

The only weather cam between Alert Bay and Bella Bella, on Addenbroke Island, has been offline for three months. Another weather cam, on Chatham point near Campbell River, is also offline. Both weather cams are operated by Nav Canada.

Air Cab, an air taxi operator based in Coal Harbour at the north end of Vancouver Island, flies loggers, fishermen and tourists up and down the B.C. coast and occasionally passengers needing emergency medical attention. Owner/operator Joel Eilersten told CBC News, “It’s definitely a safety issue. In the case of an emergency we have to know that we can go ahead and complete the whole job for people that may be hurt or otherwise.”

An automated weather station operated by Environment Canada, located on Herbert Island near Port Hardy, is, according to Eilersten, “…the only one that gives very accurate wind information.” However, it too is offline, with a site visit to repair it scheduled for October.

Nav Canada spokesman Jonathan Bagg told CBC News that, while regretting the inconvenience, pilots are encouraged to call flight services in Kamloops.

The Kamloops FIC is located 250 nm inland from the coastal areas served by the remote facilities.