Background:

Transport Canada has developed this web site in response to the September 11, 2001 hijacking events to:

• Provide visibility within Transport Canada and to industry on those activities that are being undertaken by Transport Canada and other airworthiness authorities to address "aircraft security";

• Provide visibility and access to Transport Canada exemptions and to applicable policy and guidance material; and

• Provide links to various available information sources and documents.

The events of September 11, 2001 that occurred in the United States of America demonstrated that some people are willing to hijack aircraft and use them as weapons. Airworthiness authorities had not anticipated this type of safety and security threat and therefore, had not considered it in the design of transport aircraft. It is now clear that there is a critical need to improve the security of the flight crew compartment.

As a result, Airworthiness Authorities are allowing air operators operating under Subpart 705 of the Canadian Aviation Regulations (CAR) to quickly modify the flight crew compartment door. This action temporarily authorizes variances from existing design standards for the doors and allows for approval for return to service of modified aircraft without prior approved data.

These improvements should deter terrorist activities and if attempted, delay or deny any unauthorized access/entry to the flight crew compartment.