B.C. Float Plane Safety Association

October 8th, 2010  |  Comments

On November 29, 2009, a Seair Beaver aircraft crashed shortly after takeoff from Lyall Harbour at Saturna Island off the B.C. coast and sank trapping six passengers.  Since then, Transport Canada has been pressed by the Transportation Safety Board and by extraordinary media coverage to address safety issues in the B.C. commercial float plane industry.

Reluctant to introduce new regulations, Transport Canada organized a two-day workshop of commercial float plane operators.

Those meetings concluded on Thursday, October 7, 2010, with an agreement among the participants to establish a commercial float plane operators safety association.

Issues for discussion will be the use of life-preservers by pilots and passengers and the installation of safety features including door latches, pop-out windows and exit hatches.

Airspace Restrictions Announced For Esquimalt Harbour, BC

August 12th, 2010  |  Comments

The Royal Canadian Mounted Police, the Canadian Navy and the Canadian Coast Guard have reportedly boarded the cargo ship MV Sun Sea this afternoon just off the coast of Port Alberni (on the north coast of Vancouver Island).  The ship, allegedly operated by a Tamil terrorist group, is reportedly transporting 490 individuals who are claiming refugee status. 

Transport Canada announced airspace restrictions today that will be in effect while the MV Sun Sea vessel travels in Canadian waters.   The restrictions will be in effect during the vessel’s passage to Esquimalt, as well as while it is in the port at Esquimalt.  Transport Canada will restrict air traffic immediately above Esquimalt Harbour up to 2,000 feet. It is expected that this restriction will be in effect for 72 hours.  Pilots have been notified by NOTAM (Notice to Airmen).   See copy of NOTAM below.

Read the rest of this entry »

Transport Canada Proposes Regulatory Changes to Enhance Security at Airports

April 15th, 2010  |  Comments

Recent concerns over aviation security have led Transport Canada to propose regulatory changes aimed at enhancing security at airports.  A Notice of Intent published on March 27, 2010, outlines new regulatory requirements that will apply to Canada’s major airports and their “key tenants”. 

Read the rest of this entry »

Back in the Pilot’s Seat: Transport Canada Takes Authority over Business Aviation Away from CBAA

April 1st, 2010  |  Comments

Effective April 1, 2011, Transport Canada will take back the certification and oversight functions for business aviation (Subpart 604 operators) from the Canadian Business Aviation Association (CBAA).  Starting April 1, 2010, Transport Canada will begin enhancing its surveillance of the CBAA.

Read the rest of this entry »