Commercial and Business Aviation Advisory Circulars

Cessation of Transport Canada Conducting Pilot Proficiency Checks

INTRODUCTION

This Commercial and Business Aviation Advisory Circular (CBAAC) recommends that air operators, who use Transport Canada Inspectors to evaluate their pilots, make alternate plans for conducting Pilot Proficiency Checks (PPCs) on their staff after December 31, 2007.

APPLICABILITY

This CBAAC applies to all Commercial Operators under Subparts 702, 703, 704 and 705 of the Canadian Aviation Regulations.

REFERENCES

• CBAAC 0176R2 issued August 6, 2004.
   
• The Approved Check Pilot (ACP) Manual, 7th Edition, Revision #2.

BACKGROUND

The CBAAC 0176R2 issued August 6, 2004, allowing 2 year PPC’s, details a plan to divert Inspectors’ time from conducting PPCs. It states in part “...too many Inspector resources were being concentrated on conducting PPCs for those air operators without an ACP Program. This imbalance was considered to be a detriment to the overall safety program...” As a result of continuing program adjustments, Transport Canada will be undergoing change in the delivery of services, specifically in the area of PPCs.

POLICY DEVELOPMENT

Transport Canada will eliminate the current provision of PPCs conducted by Inspectors by December 31, 2007, with some exceptions. Transport Canada Inspectors will continue to conduct the required annual monitor rides and PPCs for both company executive and supervisory pilots as defined in Paragraph 2.3.3 of the ACP Manual. As part of its surveillance program, Transport Canada will conduct a random number of PPC monitors to ensure that expectations are being met for the program overall. A gradual transition to this program is required to allow for adequate planning and preparation, both for Transport Canada and for the affected aviation industry.

ACTION

There are a number of options available to air operators, in the absence of an existing Company Check Pilot (CCP):

• Contracting a CCP from another company;
   
• Requesting a list of Designated Approved Check Pilots (DACP) from your Principal Inspector and employing the services of a DACP;
   
• Reviewing your personnel for candidates qualified for development into CCPs and establishing your own ACP program as per the ACP Manual, 7th Edition, Revision #2.

FUTURE DISPOSITION

This CBAAC will remain into effect until December 2007.

Michel Gaudreau
Director
Commercial and Business Aviation