The Aviation
Enforcement division is responsible for ensuring that aircraft operations
in the Atlantic Region are carried out safely and in compliance with
aeronautics legislation. Enforcement inspectors and staff actively promote
voluntary compliance with the Aeronautics Act and the Canadian
Aviation Regulations (CARs).
Fair but Firm
We are committed to enforcing aviation regulations in a fair and firm
manner.
We uphold the values of Civil Aviation: professionalism, service,
respect and teamwork.
We expect all Aviation Enforcement team members to:
- earn the respect of the aviation community rather than expect
it merely by virtue of our office;
- exercise objectivity and judicious restraint, since failure
to do so may provoke disregard for compliance and safety;
- work with stakeholders and other colleagues to achieve a
common aim; and
- ensure that the civil aviation rules are fairly and equitably
enforced and that all persons and corporations are treated equally under
the law;
Mandate
As a contracting State of the International Civil Aviation Organization
(ICAO), Canada has an obligation to oversee the safe and efficient
operation of aviation activity for which Canada is responsible. The
mandate of Transport Canada Civil Aviation is the promotion of aviation
safety through voluntary compliance with the Canadian Aviation Regulations
(CARs) by the aviation community.
As a signatory to the ICAO Convention, Canada has agreed to the
application of Article 12 of the Convention, Rules of the Air, which
states in part:
"Each contracting State undertakes to adopt measures to ensure
that every aircraft flying over or manoeuvring within its territory and
that every aircraft carrying its nationality mark, wherever such aircraft
may be, shall comply with the rules and regulations relating to the flight
and manoeuvre of aircraft there in force. Each contracting State
undertakes to ensure the prosecution of all persons violating the
regulations applicable."
All matters connected with aeronautics are the responsibility of the
Federal Government. Transport Canada, through its Civil Aviation
Directorate functional branches, regulates and oversees all aviation
activities within the country. Inspection and safety powers have been
delegated to functional area inspectors to facilitate monitoring of those
activities. All inspectors have the responsibility to ensure compliance
with aviation legislation. An Aviation Enforcement function has been
established to supervise and administer the enforcement mandate inherent
in the international agreement. Enforcement and sanctioning powers,
provided by a legal framework, have been delegated to enforcement
inspectors, who have the responsibility for the conducting of
investigations.
As a result of international agreement and domestic legislation,
enforcement is not an option, it is an obligation. Vigorous enforcement
action will be taken with respect to all deliberate breaches of the
aviation safety standards.
Objectives
- Prevention of violations of the CARs and Aeronautics Act
through educational programs, presentations, information sessions and
informal visits and discussions.
- Detection of violations, through programs of ramp checks,
inspections, reporting systems and public awareness.
- Investigation of complaints of violations of the Aeronautics
Act and Canadian Aviation Regulations.
- Deterrence of potential violations through administrative,
monetary penalties and suspensions or court prosecutions when voluntary
compliance is not forthcoming.
