Canadian Aviation Regulations

602.96 (1) This section applies to persons operating VFR or IFR aircraft at or in the vicinity of an uncontrolled or controlled aerodrome.

(2) Before taking off from, landing at or otherwise operating an aircraft at an aerodrome, the pilot-in-command of the aircraft shall be satisfied that

• (a) there is no likelihood of collision with another aircraft or a vehicle; and

• (b) the aerodrome is suitable for the intended operation.

(3) The pilot-in-command of an aircraft operating at or in the vicinity of an aerodrome shall

• (a) observe aerodrome traffic for the purpose of avoiding a collision;

• (b) conform to or avoid the pattern of traffic formed by other aircraft in operation;

• (c) make all turns to the left when operating within the aerodrome traffic circuit, except where right turns are specified by the Minister in the Canada Flight Supplement or where otherwise authorized by the appropriate air traffic control unit;

• (d) if the aerodrome is an airport or heliport, comply with any airport or heliport operating restrictions specified by the Minister in the Canada Flight Supplement or in a NOTAM;

• (e) where practicable, land and take off into the wind unless otherwise authorized by the appropriate air traffic control unit;

• (f) maintain a continuous listening watch on the appropriate frequency for aerodrome control communications or, if this is not possible and an air traffic control unit is in operation at the aerodrome, keep a watch for such instructions as may be issued by visual means by the air traffic control unit; and

• (g) where the aerodrome is a controlled aerodrome, obtain from the appropriate air traffic control unit, either by radio communication or by visual signal, clearance to taxi, take off from or land at the aerodrome.

(4) Unless otherwise authorized by the appropriate air traffic control unit, no pilot-in-command shall operate an aircraft at an altitude of less than 2,000 feet over an aerodrome except for the purpose of landing or taking off or if the aircraft is operated pursuant to subsection (5).

(5) Where it is necessary for the purposes of the operation in which the aircraft is engaged, a pilot-in-command may operate an aircraft at an altitude of less than 2,000 feet over an aerodrome, where it is being operated

• (a) in the service of a police authority;

• (b) for the purpose of saving human life;

• (c) for fire-fighting or air ambulance operations;

• (d) for the purpose of the administration of the Fisheries Act or the Coastal Fisheries Protection Act;

• (e) for the purpose of the administration of the national or provincial parks;

• (f) for the purpose of flight inspection;

• (g) for the purpose of aerial application or aerial inspection;

• (h) for the purpose of highway or city traffic patrol;

• (i) for the purpose of aerial photography conducted by the holder of an air operator certificate;

• (j) for the purpose of helicopter external load operations; or

• (k) for the purpose of flight training conducted by the holder of a flight training unit operator certificate.

(6) No person shall conduct a take-off or landing at a designated airport without an aircraft fire-fighting service in an aeroplane in respect of which a type certificate has been issued authorizing the transport of 20 or more passengers if the aeroplane is operated under

• (a) Part VI, Subpart 4; or

• (b) Part VII, Subpart 1 or 5.

(7) Subsection (6) does not apply in respect of

• (a) a cargo flight without passengers;

• (b) a ferry flight;

• (c) a positioning flight;

• (d) a training flight if no fare-paying passengers are on board;

• (e) the arrival of an aeroplane when the airport is being used for a diversion or as an alternate aerodrome; or

• (f) the subsequent departure of an aeroplane referred to in paragraph (e) if

  • (i) the air operator or private operator has notified the operator of the designated airport of the intended time of departure,

  • (ii) the operator of the designated airport has advised the air operator or private operator that aircraft fire-fighting services cannot be made available within one hour after the later of the time that notification was given under subparagraph (i) and the time of landing, and

  • (iii) the pilot-in-command and the operations manager of the air operator or private operator have agreed that the aeroplane will depart without aircraft fire-fighting services being available.