Background

The task of monitoring of Special Aviation Events, specifically air shows and the impact on available resources has been identified a concern by senior management, both within the General Aviation branch and among other branch managers. Most of the concerns raised were with respect to the associated overtime costs involved, although there seems to be some question as to what, if any safety value is added by having Special Flight Operations personnel on site at an air show. At the Managers’ meeting in Toronto in April, it was indicated that the schedule for the monitoring of air shows as outlined in the Frequency of Inspection Document was not being adhered to and the suggestion was raised that the duties associated with monitoring air shows be significantly restructured.

Following the meeting, the Chief of Recreational Aviation and Special Flight Operations proposed to the Director, General Aviation that our division use the summer of 2000 to develop a monitoring plan to be submitted for approval to the General Aviation Management meeting in September, 2000. As an interim measure, AARRD agreed to issue this staff instruction outlining the principles for air show monitoring.

Purpose of Air Show Monitor

The Sponsors of Special Aviation Events are certificate holders and aviation operators. The only difference between operations carried out by holders of Air Operators Certificates and Flight Training Unit Operators Certificates is that Special Aviation Events operators are in operation for a maximum period of 2, 3 or 4 days. Prior to the issue of an AOC or FTUOC, each operator is inspected to ensure they meet the requirements to hold a certificate. Special Flight Operations staff can carry out much of the inspection duties by reviewing paperwork in advance. The most effective way to ensure all the requirements to hold a SFOC - Air Show are being met is to physically visit the site and to observe and monitor the conduct of the air show operation.

Guidelines for Air Show Monitoring for the 2000 Season

The following guidelines should be followed for air shows monitored during the summer of 2000:

• an air show should generally be monitored by a single inspector, rather than by a team of inspectors;
  
  
• multi-day air shows should generally be monitored for a single day rather than for all days of the event;
  
  
• while using Transport Canada aircraft (with two crew members) might generate cost savings while providing two inspectors on site at the event, however, managers should carefully consider all costs associated with such a plan, rather than automatically assuming that sending two inspectors in an aircraft is less costly;
  
  
• when a novice air show inspector needs to accompany a senior inspector for the purpose of being trained in air show monitoring, regional management should clearly identify this as a training activity, rather than as sending 2 inspectors to monitor the show.

Regional air show specialists will be asked to assist in the development of a more permanent, comprehensive air show monitoring policy for presentation to the General Aviation management team at its meeting in September.