Subjects
Air Operator Certification Manual – TP 4711, 10/2025 Edition
CAD SUR-038
Conformance Reports
Purpose
This bulletin is to inform stakeholders of the following:
- Release of the Air Operator Certification Manual – TP 4711, 10/2025 Edition;
- Civil Aviation Directive (CAD) SUR-038 outlining key internal policy changes;
- Update to Transport Canada Civil Aviation (TCCA) Conformance Reports (CR); and
- Release dates of these documents and information on where controlled copies can be obtained.
Background
The Air Operator Certification Manual was last revised in December 2023. In the same year, Transport Canada underwent an audit conducted by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) under the Universal Safety Oversight Audit Programme (USOAP) which identified several key findings with the Civil Aviation program. One major issue raised was the absence of a national standard for air operator certification. As a result, TCCA has updated the program and its associated documents and tools. These changes are outlined in this bulletin.
Air Operator Certification Manual TP 4711, 10/2025 Edition
The latest edition of TP 4711 was published on October 22, 2025. Notable updates include (but are not limited to):
- Addition of a Foreword to ensure TCCA Inspectors follow TP 4711 for all operator certifications activities;
- A new link to subscribe to the new TP 4711 Bulletin System;
- Updates to multiple Commercial Air Service Standards (CASS) references and section references due to new content;
- Minimum Equipment List (MEL) considerations added to guidance for issuance sections for specific approvals (SAs) containing aircraft equipment requirements;
- Clarification of when TCCA Aviation Security must review air operator security procedures and training during certification. For further details, see section 10.1.3(1) in TP 4711 Volume 2 for guidance;
- New guidance to comply with CASS amendment to list training facilities and associated flight simulation training devices (FSTD’s) (if applicable). For further details, see section 5.4.1 & 5.4.2 in TP 4711 Volume 2 for guidance;
- Updated and clarified guidance on various topics such as Schedule of Events, managerial personnel, etc.; and
- Minor editorial changes.
A PDF copy of the manual can be requested via e-mail using the following link: Air Operator Certification Manual – TP 4711.
CAD SUR-038
This directive mandates the use of TP 4711 by TCCA Inspectors for all operator certification-related activities within TCCA. Its issuance aims to:
- Resolve ICAO deficiencies: elevate TP 4711 from advisory status to a mandatory framework, directly addressing the Corrective Action Plans (CAPs) and closing ICAO compliance gaps;
- Ensure national standardization: promote uniformity across all Transport Canada regions, ensuring consistent application of air operator certification procedures.
- Establish accountability: provide a clear standard to support internal quality assurance processes and enable corrective action when national requirements are not met.
A copy of this document can be requested through the Civil Aviation Integrated Management System (IMS).
Conformance Reports
Following the recent release of the CASS omnibus update to address CAPs related to the ICAO USOAP audit, numerous conformance reports have been amended. Key changes include:
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A new column specifying the operational aspect to which the subject matter applies.
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In accordance with:
ICAO Annex 6 Part I, International Commercial Air Transport – Aeroplanes, Appendix 2; and
ICAO Annex 6 Part III, International Operations – Helicopters, Appendix 8;
The following four categories were added to the CRs to assist operators and Inspectors when organizing and reviewing their Company Operations Manual (COM) into the following 4 parts:
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General
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Aircraft operating information
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Areas, routes and aerodromes
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Training
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For further details, see section 4.2.3 in TP 4711 Volume 2 for guidance.
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CAD SUR-038 requires that Inspectors follow TP 4711 policies/procedures when conducting air operator certification. Any submission not including the required documents including CR's will not be processed, as Inspectors are required to comply with TP 4711 which requires CR's with each manual submission.
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Updates with references to new content required by changes in the CASS Omnibus Package (NPA 2025-003).
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Minor editorial changes.
Copies of conformance reports may be attained by contacting your designated Principal Operations Inspector;
Effective Date(s)
Immediately.
Contact us
Flight Technical and Operator Certification
Commercial Flight Standards (AARTF)
tp4711@tc.gc.ca
Original signed by
Yvan Chabot
Special Advisor to the Director, Standards Branch
Commercial Flight Standards (AARTF)