As we approach the January 1, 2020 implementation of the U.S.’s ADS-B mandate, we have been receiving questions from our members asking for clarification. Following is some useful information for you to be aware of, and a few links to the appropriate FAA website to answer any further questions.

COPA has confirmed that U.S. sovereign airspace delegated to Nav Canada will NOT require ADS-B.

For COPA members who have not installed an ADS-B transceiver and wish to fly into U.S. airspace following the January 1, 2020 ADS-B mandate implementation:

• The same transponder and customs procedures to cross the border are in effect.
• You must remain clear of U.S. ADS-B airspace; see Google Earth link below, or
• Contact the FAA to request an exemption:
  • The FAA have created a website to apply for an exemption. They are working to have it active prior to January 1, 2020.
  • You must receive approval from all ATC facilities at least one (1) hour in advance of the flight.

Note: Be aware that a flight plan does not constitute approval from the ATC facility.

91.225   Automatic Dependent Surveillance-Broadcast (ADS-B) OUT equipment and use.

(g) Requests for ATC authorized deviations from the requirements of this section must be made to the ATC facility having jurisdiction over the concerned airspace within the time periods specified as follows:

(1) For operation of an aircraft with an inoperative ADS-B Out, to the airport of ultimate destination, including any intermediate stops, or to proceed to a place where suitable repairs can be made or both, the request may be made at any time.

(2) For operation of an aircraft that is not equipped with ADS-B Out, the request must be made at least 1 hour before the proposed operation.

The FAA have provided a map that is accessed using Google Earth. Clicking here will download the map to your Google Earth application for you to see the U.S. ADS-B airspace.

For COPA members who have installed an ADS-B transceiver:

• The same customs procedures to cross the border are in effect.
• You do not need to prove certification of your ADS-B OUT transceiver to the FAA.
  • All certification and paperwork for your aircraft remain applicable to Transport Canada requirements.
• If you live in an area of Canada that has U.S. ADS-B coverage, prior to entering U.S. airspace, click here to request an ADS-B Public Performance Report (PAPR):
  • The PAPR can only be obtained after flying in U.S. ADS-B airspace.
  • The FAA have indicated that there is no problem for a Canadian aircraft to fly into U.S. ADS-B airspace with a new ADS-B system without obtaining their first Performance Report beforehand.
  • The FAA recommend that after Jan 1, 2020, everyone testing their ADS-B system for the first time do so quickly.
  • That is, obtain the PAPR as soon as possible after the first flight, make any necessary corrections to the ADS-B system in a timely manner, and retest.

Additional ADS-B information can be found here.

If you have a specific question for the FAA, email them to receive a response.

Image credit: FAA

On December 9, 2019, COPA and members of the Alberta Aviation Community were informed by Nav Canada that a NOTAM would be issued indicating a procedure change will be added to the CFS for CYQF. The NOTAM was effective December 10, 2019. COPA was not given much notice of the change and we will coordinate with Transport Canada and Nav Canada to voice our concerns with this approach and improve the communication process to avoid this issue in the future.

In an attempt to rectify safety concerns at CYQF, with approval from Transport Canada under CAR 602.96 (3)(D), the Flight Service Specialists providing service at CYQF will be authorized to restrict VFR aircraft from entering the Control Zone or from departing CYQF when necessary due to traffic volume or complexity. The overflight / itinerant traffic is not expected to be affected by this procedure change. The intent is to regulate the circuit traffic or traffic intending to enter the circuit at CYQF.

The phraseology that pilots should expect to hear from the Flight Service Specialists is contained in the table below for the different situations:

This is a major change to the operations at the CYQF Flight Service Station and COPA members operating in the vicinity of CYQF are reminded to be diligent as this new procedure is implemented. Following discussions with Transport Canada, COPA has confirmed that should a pilot not adhere to the issued restriction they could receive a regulatory infraction due to a violation of the CARs.

Photo copyright Nav Canada

With the federal election now over and Prime Minister Trudeau laying out the priorities for the new minority government, one of his party’s key commitments has aircraft owners across Canada concerned. The Liberal Party announced, as part of their election platform, a new ‘Luxury Tax’ to be levied on certain vehicles valued at or more than $100,000. Among the list of affected vehicles are privately registered aircraft.

The plan, costed by the Parliamentary Budget Officer (PBO), was vague on additional details. The PBO estimated, with “high uncertainty” that revenues from the new tax could reach as high as $600 million in the near term. Though not specified, the wording of the announcement implied the tax would be levied on the whole amount, not simply the portion at and over $100,000. Similarly unclear is whether the tax would apply to any aircraft, or only to new aircraft. The proposed tax would also apply to boats and cars of similar value. Being an excise tax, it would in turn likely be subject to GST or HST where applicable, and possibly provincial sales tax too.

“COPA, along with other aviation industry groups, has serious concerns over the impact that such a measure could have on the future of General Aviation in Canada,” said Bernard Gervais, COPA’s president and CEO. “While the idea is, at the moment, a simple campaign promise, members can be assured that their association will be front and centre advocating against any such measures that might be proposed in legislation.”

Implementing the proposed tax would require legislation to be approved by Parliament, which cannot be tabled until the House resumes sitting following last month’s general election. In the meantime, COPA invites concerned members to contact their Member of Parliament. We have included a template letter below for members’ use. We encourage anyone writing to his or her MP to copy us at takeaction@copanational.org.

Contact details for MPs can be found on the Parliament of Canada website. Email addresses for MPs are generally formatted as FirstName.Lastname@parl.gc.ca.

If you are unsure about which riding you live in, you can search by postal code on Elections Canada’s website.

template letter