by Uwe Goehl, Civil Aviation Safety Inspector, Transport Canada General Flight Standards (AARTA)
For many people, an air show is a highlight of the Canadian summer and, with all we have been through over the last few years, a sign that life is getting back to a more normal rhythm! Taking in the sights, smells and sounds of the Canadian Forces Snowbirds as a starring act or a well-executed aerobatic routine by an accomplished civilian pilot is a magical part of any aviation enthusiast’s weekend. So, may I ask, with the summer coming up: Is your club fly-in or group conducting an air show this year?
Your initial answer might be “no,” since you are not planning to host the Snowbirds or an aerobatic performance. However, you may be surprised to learn that the following events may be defined as an air show:
- a flying display by a group of foot-launched, powered paraglider (ultra-light aeroplane) pilots at an outdoor gathering
- a non-aerobatic fly-by as part of a memorial ceremony for a local veteran
- an advertised STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) aviation event to inspire young people about exciting career possibilities
- a water bomber demonstrating a drop for a group of company employees
Canadian airshows, or “special aviation events,” truly do come in all shapes and sizes and are as diverse as aviation and the people attending. Canadian Aviation Regulations (CARs) Part 6, Subpart 3, Division I and Standard 623, Division I, Chapter One provide guidance on what is needed for Transport Canada to review and approve your airshow. For a smaller event, a first look at Standard 623 may be daunting. However, keep in mind that the regulations were written to deal with all forms of airshows, from a simple fly-by pass by one aircraft to a weekend-long event involving many aircraft before a crowd of thousands.
Canadian airshow regulations are not meant to be overly burdensome. Pilots know and accept the risks of flying, but the crowd often doesn’t. CAR 603 and Standard 623 are established to protect the public by ensuring that the air show is conducted in such a way that the safety of persons and property on the ground is not jeopardized. This is the underlying philosophy of the airshow rules and is noted in Standard 623.05.
An example of why rules are needed can be seen on this YouTube video of a powered-parachute-type aircraft which planned to do a candy drop over a crowd of children and their parents during an annual community festival. Fortunately, nobody was killed in this accident, but it is not hard to imagine a much worse outcome, and the video is graphic enough to illustrate what can happen when the risks are not properly managed.
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). Air shows are a kind of special aviation event. The definition of a “fly-in” can be found in Standard 623.00, but if you have any kind of competitive flying (i.e. a spot-landing or flour bombing competition) or a demonstration (i.e. a fly-by), your event could be deemed to be an airshow, requiring an SFOC.
Getting an SFOC for your airshow does require some organization and preparation, but the approval process is not particularly expensive. For a special aviation event with 10,000 or fewer spectators, the fee is $50. You need to start the process by familiarizing yourself with CAR 603 and Standard 623. Be sure to send your application to the regional office where your air show will be held at least sixty (60) days prior to the proposed date of the air show. Summers are particularly busy for Transport Canada inspectors and not meeting the deadline may mean that there isn’t enough time to review your application and issue your certificate.
Are you still not sure whether your aviation event needs an SFOC? As with most things in aviation, if you aren’t sure, ask the experts! Contact your Transport Canada regional service centre to give them an idea of what you are planning. Being transparent and certain of the status of your event, and following any requirements, will not only help make your event safer and protect the public, but will also help avoid unwelcome enforcement action or problems with your insurance company if the unthinkable happens.