In the past, Special Flight Operations personnel participated in drafting and issuing NOTAMs for special flight operations such as air shows and parachuting. This process served a purpose when Transport Canada was responsible for NOTAMs. NAV CANADA is now responsible for the collection, evaluation and dissemination of NOTAMs. Transport Canada Special Flight Operations specialists should no longer be involved in drafting or issuing NOTAMs.
Pilots-in-command or operators of certain special flight operations are responsible for prior co-ordination directly with the air traffic services unit (ATC facility or FSS) providing air traffic control service in the airspace in which the proposed operation is to take place. Operators or sponsors should continue to work directly with NAV CANADA when a NOTAM is to be issued. Having persons apply to Transport Canada to pre-co-ordinate NOTAMs is an unnecessary burden on the public. It also takes time for Transport Canada to duplicate work that is now the responsibility of NAV CANADA. No safety benefit is added by our involvement.
In special cases, it may be necessary to develop operational procedures for an activity. In these cases, Special Flight Operations personnel may need to work with the sponsor, NAV CANADA and regional Air Navigation Services and Airspace specialists in order to establish suitable procedures. Once the procedures have been established, the work of Special Flight Operations staff is complete. When a NOTAM is to be issued, Special Flight Operations staff should direct operators to NAV CANADA rather than dedicate resources to the wording or processing of NOTAMs.
In the past, Special Flight Operations personnel assisted the Department of National Defence in the airspace administration and NOTAM issue. Military procedures now call for event sponsors to work directly with NAV CANADA with respect to NOTAMs.
Transport Canada Special Flight Operations staff should not be involved in drafting or issuing NOTAMs:
- When those involved with civilian special flight operations have questions concerning NOTAMs for the activity, they should be directed to NAV CANADA.
- When those involved with military special flight operations have questions concerning NOTAMs for the activity, they should be directed to NAV CANADA.
- When representatives of the Department of National Defence have questions concerning NOTAMs, they should be directed to NAV CANADA.