Response to the NAV CANADA Proposed Level of Service Changes
COPA has addressed a letter to the Minister of Transport, the Honourable Marc Garneau, to urge the Government of Canada to support air navigation services in Canada throughout the COVID-19 global pandemic. COPA indicated the importance of the 30 locations currently under review, noting that their closure would impact the post pandemic recovery and could cause an increase in aviation incidents and accidents.
In addition to this, COPA has sent separate letters to NAV CANADA expressing concerns with the proposed changes in levels of service. Thank you all for the valuable feedback you provided to assist us in our response.
Letter of Support for the Continued Operations of the Oshawa Airport
COPA has addressed a letter to the Minister of Transport, the Honourable Marc Garneau, to show support to the Oshawa Executive Airport regarding the surrounding resident noise complaints, specially targeted at flight training. COPA welcomes the opportunity to assist the City of Oshawa to build a community ethos in which residents are respected and airport operators and users can continue to grow safely and contribute to the Oshawa economy.
Response to the New Landing Fees at CYOS
COPA has addressed a letter to the Mayor of Owen Sound, Ian Boddy, to address the concerns regarding the City of Owen Sound’s plan to commence implementing landing fees at the Billy Bishop Regional Airport (CYOS) starting in 2021, following conversations with the Owen Sound regional chapter, airport users and other COPA members. COPA welcomes the opportunity to assist their Worship and the Council to find a solution that helps the city achieve reasonable revenue goals and a viable airport which is welcoming to the GA community.
Response to the Red Deer Overnight Air Traffic Level of Service Review
COPA was notified that about an Aeronautical study currently being conducted reviewing the overnight Air Traffic Services being offered at the Red Deer Airport and offers the following response to NAV CANADA’s Aeronautical Studies team. COPA believes that the current overnight level of service currently being provided at the Red Deer airport by the Flight Service Station should remain the same in order to insure the safety of GA pilots who depend on the aviation weather information, runway surface condition reports and safe guidance provided by the FSS in case of disorientation.
Support for Golden Airport in British Columbia
COPA was notified that the City of Golden is conducting a study on the viability of the Golden Airport and offers the following letter of support for its continued operation. COPA believes that the City of Golden should continue to support its airport and explore how the airport can actually “work” for the City and play an important role in its economic growth and maintain the important role it plays in the General Aviation aerodrome safety network of the Canadian Rockies.
COVID-19 Response
The current COVID-19 pandemic has taken a drastic toll on aviation operations in Canada and around the world. To mitigate some of the effects and ensure best outcomes for GA pilots, COPA has been working closely with an industry working group to advocate for what we believe are necessary programs and exemptions. You can read our Joint Aviation Leadership letter to P.M. Justin Trudeau here. Many such exemptions have already been put in place, the full list is available on the Transport Canada website for COVID-19 aviation updates. As aviation activities resume, we also recommend consulting our GA aircraft disinfecting tips when returning to flight training or aircraft renting.
10-Year Propeller Overhauls
Requirements for complete propeller overhauls every 10 years are sometimes burdensome, expensive, and are we sure they measurably increase safety? COPA is leading the effort to allow owners of constant-speed propellers used in non-commercial, piston operations, to be exempted from the requirement to overhaul at 10 years of calendar time. These owners would be allowed to operate “on condition,” subject to any applicable airworthiness directives.
406 ELT Mandate
Transport Canada has proposed a mandate for all Canadian-registered aircraft to equip with 406MHz ELTs. COPA maintains that this antiquated technology has a poor track record of actually surviving a crash to be able to activate and broadcast its position. COPA favors adoption of new and emerging technologies, such as ADS-B (see below), to serve as a reliable and more effective alternative. COPA’s president has written several op-eds in various media on this topic. If your aircraft has an ADS-B Out system with antenna diversity, you can help us to gather data on the topic. Fill out your information here if you are equipped or share this form with someone who is.
ADS-B Mandate in Canada – and ELT replacement
General Aviation aircraft fall under Phase III of Nav Canada’s proposed ADS-B mandate. The proposal is for all aircraft operating in transponder-required airspace to be equipped with 1090ES ADS-B Out. Read our position here. COPA is currently working with Nav Canada on the issue of Antenna Diversity, which would add significant cost to any ADS-B installations. Pilots should note that equipment meeting the FAA’s 2020 mandate for 978UAT (ground-based) ADS-B will not be compliant in Canadian airspace.
ADS-B’s future place in SAR
See this presentation on how satellite-based ADS-B can be the perfect SAR enhancement and potentially replace the requirement for a 406MHz ELT.
GA Safety Campaign
At the 2017 COPA Convention and Tradeshow in Kelowna, B.C., COPA and Transport Canada announced the launch of a new campaign aimed at educating pilots, passengers, and the general public on key areas related to safety in general aviation. Through an investment by Transport Canada over the next three years, the General Aviation Safety Campaign will highlight important topics in several areas of general aviation. Read more about the campaign here. Information on GA safety surveys, presentations and letters can be found on the TC website.
Economic Impact of General Aviation in Canada
Click here to read COPA’s 2017 study that highlights the economic impact General Aviation contributes to Canadian communities and to the national economy. The study, compiled by Vancouver-based InterVISTAS, estimates that General Aviation operations in Canada contributes $9.3 billion in economic output nationally and directly accounts for almost 36,000 full time jobs in communities across the country. The report also highlights the benefits that General Aviation operations bring to communities in terms of tax revenues, direct, and indirect employment.
Aerodrome Development
In response to the new regulations governing aerodrome construction and expansion which came into effect January 1st, 2017, COPA has been working collaboratively with Transport Canada on a new Advisory Circular which will provide clear direction on the requirements for consultation. We look forward to advancing the second phase (see below) of this initiative later this year which will require outside developers to consult with aerodromes and local aviation communities on developments or works which may impact airport operations. Those wishing to record their unregistered aerodromes should visit our page on this issue.
BasicMed
COPA has been actively discussing the BasicMed file with AOPA’s senior staff as well as with senior officials at Transport Canada and establishing an action plan based on what is possible, what is achievable, and what courses of action will best benefit pilots on both sides of the border. In that regard, COPA has developed a proposal that would allow BasicMed operations in Canada that abide by current conditions in place for Recreational Pilot Permit (RPP) holders. In return, we are calling on the FAA to revise the Special Flight Authorization regime to allow Canadian RPP holders to operate Certified, Amateur-Built, and Limited-class aircraft in the United States. Read the full text of COPA’s proposal. COPA has also been working through IAOPA to develop an ICAO medical certification standard. A review has been set in motion which will look at the medical certification protocols of ICAO member countries to find commonalities and develop an ICAO standard for light aircraft medicals.
Remote Piloted Aircraft Systems (RPAS)
RPAS technology is advancing at an incredible pace. COPA is proud to be playing a leading role in Transport Canada’s drone policy development process, advising the regulator on proposed guidelines for airspace usage in and around aerodromes. Visit our RPAS page to learn more.