Provides For The Oversight Of Private Operators

The Honourable Lisa Raitt, Canada's Minister of Transport, late last week announced new regulatory amendments for the oversight of private air operators.

These new regulations cover all aspects of an operation including aircraft maintenance, cabin safety, flight operations and safety management systems.

Transport Canada (TC) will now require private air operators to register with the department. Operators continue to be responsible for complying with regulations and are still subject to TC oversight.

Under the new regulations, TC strengthens safety of the air transport system as a whole.

"Our Government is committed to aviation safety. These changes will ensure Canada continues to meet and exceed the highest aviation safety standards," Minister Raitt (pictured) said.

Private operators include business aircraft, which are used by companies to transport employees and goods. This sector has been regulated under sections of the Canadian Aviation Regulations due to the sophistication of the aircraft being operated. Requirements for business aircraft have been in place since 1983.

These amendments were been published in the Canada Gazette, Part I, on December 7, 2013 and will be published in the Canada Gazette, Part II in June, 2014.

FMI: www.tc.gc.ca