No. H040/02
For release April 10, 2002

TRANSPORT MINISTER
ANNOUNCES NEW REGULATIONS
TO REINFORCE COCKPIT DOORS TO
FURTHER PROTECT CANADIAN TRAVELLERS

OTTAWA — Transport Minister David Collenette today announced the finalization of new regulations to reinforce cockpit doors on Canadian registered aircraft to provide further protection to flight crews and Canadian air travellers. The new regulations are designed to prevent forcible intrusions into flight crew compartments. In the December 2001 Budget, $35 million was allocated to assist Canadian operators with these aircraft modifications.

"Strengthening cockpit doors is the latest in a series of steps taken by Transport Canada to protect the travelling public since the tragic events of September 11, 2001," said Mr. Collenette. "These new regulations will help maintain and build upon Canada's enviable record on aviation safety and security."

The new regulations mandate the installation of internal locking devices to flight compartment doors by May 1, 2002, and new intrusion resistance requirements by April 9, 2003. The regulations apply to approximately 500 passenger and cargo aircraft with a maximum certificated take-off weight of greater than 8,618 kg., and those aircraft with a capacity of 20 or more passengers. The regulations build on steps taken by Transport Canada in October 2001, which enabled airlines to begin immediate initial strengthening of cockpit doors.

The Government of Canada has already made numerous enhancements to the air transportation security system since the attacks of September 11, 2001. For example, the Government of Canada:

• required that cockpit doors on all Canadian airlines' passenger flights, domestic and international, be locked for the full duration of flights; and
• committed more than $2.2 billion in the December 2001 budget to new aviation security initiatives, including:
  • the creation of the new Canadian Air Transport Security Authority, which is responsible for the provision of several key aviation security services including pre-board screening; 
  • implementing a national program of armed RCMP officers on selected domestic and international flights;
  • funding of up to $128 million per year for pre-board screening; and
  • funding of more than $1 billion over the next five years for the purchase, deployment, maintenance and operation of new explosives detection systems.

"Transport Canada continues to work with international partners on the issue of cockpit security to provide protection against unauthorized access to cockpit areas," added Mr. Collenette. "Transport Canada will continue to implement new security initiatives that will enhance aviation safety and security."

The new regulations were published in the Canada Gazette Part II, on April 10, 2002.

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Personnes-ressources :

Anthony Polci
Director of Communications
Office of the Minister, Ottawa
(613) 991-0700

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