SAFETY REGULATIONS FOR COMMERCIAL
AIR OPERATIONS CONDUCTED BY SINGLE PILOTS
Transport Canada has stringent safety regulations in place for commercial air
operations conducted by single pilots. The department’s Canadian Aviation
Regulations a compilation of regulatory requirements designed to enhance safety
and the competitiveness of the Canadian aviation industry, distinguish between
two categories of flight rules: Visual Flight Rules, known as VFR, and
Instrument Flight Rules or IFR.
Flights during which the pilot depends upon vision to navigate and remain
clear of other traffic are referred to as VFR flights. The rules for these
flights have strict requirements regarding minimum allowable visibility and the
distance such flights must remain from clouds.
When pilots depend on specialized instrumentation for navigation, they are
operating under IFR. During this type of flight, the pilot maintains very close
contact with air traffic control for assistance in avoiding other air traffic.
IFR flights can navigate through clouds and in reduced visibility conditions
called Instrument Meteorological Conditions. Aircraft flying under these
conditions must be equipped with an approved turbine-engine with proven
reliability standards.
Aircraft must be certified by Transport Canada for single pilot operations
and must be equipped with a functioning autopilot to reduce pilot workload. All
on-board equipment must meet the requirements for flight in IMC.
Certain aircraft, both single-engine and twin-engine, are specifically
designed to be operated by a single pilot.
Only pilots who meet specific experience levels are allowed to fly single
pilot Instrument Flight Rules. For instance, Transport Canada requires a pilot
to have a minimum of 1,000 hours of total flight time, at least 50 hours of
flight time in Instrument Meteorological Conditions (simulated or actual) and 50
hours on the specific aircraft type before being allowed to fly single pilot IFR.
The training requirements for single pilots are tailored to address the
skills needed to operate an aircraft without a second-in-command. Transport
Canada requires the pilot to receive initial and annual technical ground school
and flight training (simulated or actual). The recurrent ground school training
addresses numerous operational requirements, including aircraft performance and
limitations, and weight and balance procedures. In addition, the training covers
the hazards and procedures for ice, frost and snow contamination on aircraft.
Transport Canada enforces compliance with single pilot IFR requirements
through a number of means, including a comprehensive monitoring, inspection and
audit program. Should Transport Canada determine that an air operator or a pilot
does not comply with these requirements, the department takes appropriate
enforcement action. This action can range from a warning or a monetary fine, to
the suspension of licences and certificates.
In addition to enforcing compliance with single pilot IFR requirements,
Transport Canada also works with small
operators to instill accountability and a positive safety culture throughout the
aviation industry, where management and employees continuously work to enhance
safety by identifying and overcoming potential safety hazards.
Additional information on Operating and Flight Rules and on VFR and IFR is available.
January 2006
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