AIR

How do I get a pilot's licence?

Transport Canada is responsible for aviation personnel licensing. For general aviation licensing information, call (506) 851-7131. For information on pilot licensing, call 1 800 305-2059.

How do I get an aviation medical certificate?

Health Canada is responsible for medical testing, assessment and certification. For more information, call (613) 990-1311. Printing and issuance of medical certificates is handled by Transport Canada's personnel licensing division, which can be reached at (506) 851-7131.

How do I register my aircraft?

Transport Canada is responsible for aircraft registration. To register an aircraft, call (506) 851-7131.

Who do I call with concerns or complaints regarding Air Travel?

You can call the Canadian Transportation Agency at 1-888-222-2592.

Whom do I call for lost luggage?

Immediately contact your airline with all necessary information. Airport personnel should also be able to assist you.

What is the National Airports Policy (NAP)?

Under the policy, announced in July 1994, the government retains ownership of the largest and busiest airports, but will turn their operation over to Canadian Airport Authorities made up of community interests. Regional/Local airports (which have scheduled traffic) and Small airports (which do not) are being offered to local interests.

Which airports will the federal government retain ownership of?

The federal government will retain ownership of the 26 airports identified as part of the National Airports System. However, under the NAP they will be leased to Canadian Airport Authorities (CAAs). These local operators will be responsible for financial and operational management. Ownership of regional/local and other smaller airports will be transferred to regional interests. Operation subsidies from the federal government will be removed from these airports over a five year period, which began on April 1, 1995. Measures will be taken to help these airports move toward self-sufficiency. The Airport Capital Assistance Program (ACAP) will be available to regional/local airports. Remote airports which provide exclusive, reliable year-round access to isolated communities and which currently receive federal assistance will continue to be supported.

What are the benefits/results of the NAP?

When airports are locally-owned and operated, they are able to function in a more commercial and cost-efficient manner. In addition, they are more responsive to local needs and are better able to match levels of service to local demands. The NAP will shift the cost of running Canada’s airports from taxpayers to those who actually use the facilities. It will ensure Canadian air travellers continue to be protected by appropriate federal safety and security standards.

How will this impact the air traveler?

Among other things, current levels of service will be adjusted to meet demand. New user fees for specific capital projects at larger airports and for the capital and operating requirements at regional/local airports, may be introduced by the federal government or the new operators. These measures will be necessary to assist airports in becoming self-sufficient and in remaining viable in the longer term.

What is the National Airports System (NAS)?

The NAS is comprised of a core network of 26 airports that currently handle 94 percent of all scheduled passenger and cargo traffic in Canada, and are the points of origin and destination for almost all interprovincial and international air service in Canada. NAS airports include those in the national, provincial and territorial capitals, as well as airports that handle at least 200,000 passengers each year. These airports link the country coast to coast, as well as internationally.

Which airports are included in the NAS?

An airport operator can apply to become included in the NAS if the airport operator can demonstrate that the airport can be self-sufficient and has served interprovincial or international flights for at least the three previous years and carry over 200,000 passengers, and is prepared to forgo access to the Airports Capital Assistance Program.

In Atlantic Canada, which airports are included in the NAS?

• Charlottetown, P.E.I.
• Fredericton, N.B.
• Gander, Nfld.
• Halifax, N.S.
• Moncton, N.B.
• Saint John, N.B.
• St. John’s, Nfld.

What is the Airports Capital Assistance Program (ACAP)?

The ACAP provides financial assistance for, in descending order of priority, safety-related airside capital projects (such as installation of lighting, emergency response service vehicles, rehabilitation of runways, as well as heavy airside mobile equipment such as snowblowers), safety-related groundside improvements including upgrades to terminal buildings, and also for refurbishing other assets on airport property. It will be funded, in part, by lease revenues from NAS airports, since they benefit from passengers and cargo passing to and from the regional and local airports.

How was the air navigation system commercialized?

On April 1, 1996, Transport Canada signed an agreement to transfer the civil air navigation system to a not-for-profit corporation called Nav Canada for $1.5 billion. Enabling legislation received royal assent in the summer of 1996, and the transfer took place Nov. 1, 1996. Transport Canada will monitor Nav Canada's operations to ensure strict compliance with safety regulations and standards.

What is Nav Canada ?

Nav Canada, a not-for-profit corporation, is responsible for all air navigation services in Canada. For more information on its services, call 1 800 876-4693 or visit their Web site at http://www.navcanada.ca