Aviation Safety Letter: Issue 1/2023

Previously, the ASL was only available in PDF, but starting with issue 3/2019, it’s now also available in HTML. This change makes it easier to share articles with others—but more importantly, will make it easier to search for specific topics.

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Have a great aviation photo? Send it to TC.ASL-SAN.TC@tc.gc.ca for a chance to be featured on the cover page of an upcoming issue of the ASL!

What do you know about yourself?

Becoming an instructor, engaging in critical self-reflection.

The prestigious 2022 DCAM flight instructor safety award

The prestigious 2022 DCAM (David Charles Abramson Memorial) Flight Instructor Safety Award was presented to Mr. Dale Nielsen, of Chinook Helicopters, Fixed Wing Division, Abbotsford, British Columbia by Mr. Adam Wright at Air Transport Association of Canada’s Annual Canadian Aviation Conference and Tradeshow on November 16 at the Westin Bayshore Hotel, Vancouver.

 

Challenges during localizer performance with vertical guidance (LPV) approach procedures

Approach procedures that offer localizer performance with vertical guidance (LPV) minima are found at many airports across Canada. Despite the occasional challenge, LPV procedures continue to markedly increase airport accessibility and offer pilots and aircraft operators a safe way to carry out vertically guided approaches to many runways in Canada.

Are you planning an air show this summer?

Canadian airshows, or “special aviation events,” truly do come in all shapes and sizes and are as diverse as aviation and the people attending. CAR 603.01 states that you cannot conduct a special aviation event other than a fly-in unless you have been issued and comply with the conditions of a special flight operations certificate (SFOC). Not sure whether your aviation event needs an SFOC? As with most things in aviation, if you aren’t sure, ask the experts!

 

Helicopter flying at night can be very dangerous

Night visual flight rules (VFR), night flying accidents involving private pilots, instrument flying, night flying instruction, instructor’s experience, helicopter equipment, pilot decision-making.

Toronto CN tower flight tours: Maintaining legal vertical and horizontal distance from obstacles

What are the requirements to maintain a safe and legal distance vertically above the highest obstacles and what is the minimum horizontal distance from those obstacles? Refer to CAR 602.14 (2) (a). It’s important to remember that as the pilot in command (PIC), it is your responsibility to know the regulations and to follow clearances and instructions from air traffic control only if it is safe to do so.

 

Aviation Safety Letter article submission

Share your expert knowledge, promote aviation safety.

Transport Canada Introduces New Guidance on Braking Action Reports

The challenges of conducting operations on wet and contaminated runways was recognized by the international aviation community as a critical safety issue that needed to be addressed. Takeoff and Landing Performance Assessment (TALPA), Global reporting format (GRF) for reporting runway surface conditions, Runway Condition Assessment Matrix (RCAM), the importance of braking action reports, limitations and shortcomings, TCCA publishes new guidance material.

 

TSB Final Report A22C0016—Collision with Terrain

Cessna 208 Caravan. Continued flight under VFR into areas with reduced visual cues, such as areas with deteriorating weather or whiteout conditions, can lead to spatial disorientation and potentially a loss of control. All pilots—no matter how experienced they are—need to plan ahead and consider strategies to avoid such conditions, as well as have alternate plans should such conditions be encountered. (See PDF for condensed version).

TSB Final Report A22W0005—Loss of Control and Collision with Terrain

Bell Textron Inc. 206B JetRanger II (Bell 206B helicopter). Pilots are reminded that flying an aircraft at low altitude leaves little margin for error and decreases the time and altitude available to effectively manage any unanticipated aircraft state. (See PDF for condensed version)

 

Copyrights

The Aviation Safety Letter is published by Transport Canada, Civil Aviation. The contents do not necessarily reflect official government policy and, unless stated, should not be construed as regulations or directives.

Articles, comments and suggestions are invited. The editor reserves the right to edit all published articles. The author’s name will be withheld from publication upon request.

Please send your comments, suggestions or articles to:

Jim Mulligan, Editor
Aviation Safety Letter
E-mail: TC.ASL-SAN.TC@tc.gc.ca
Tel.: 343-553-3022
Internet: canada.ca/aviation-safety-letter

Some of the articles, photographs and graphics that appear in the Aviation Safety Letter are subject to copyrights held by other individuals and organizations. In such cases, some restrictions on the reproduction of the material may apply, and it may be necessary to seek permission from the rights holder prior to reproducing it. To obtain information concerning copyright ownership and restrictions on reproduction of the material, please contact the Aviation Safety Letter editor.

Note: Reprints of original Aviation Safety Letter material are encouraged, but credit must be given to Transport Canada’s Aviation Safety Letter. Please forward one copy of the reprinted article to the editor.

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Sécurité aérienne — Nouvelles est la version française de cette publication.

© His Majesty the King in Right of Canada, as represented by the Minister of Transport (2023).

ISSN: 0709-8103
TP 185E