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