by Shannon Wright, Civil Aviation Safety Inspector, Technical Programs & Evaluation, Standards, Civil Aviation
Transport Canada Civil Aviation (TCCA) works hard to promote a safe and secure aviation system in Canada, but did you know that we are also promoting the safety of Canadians abroad? Recognizing the global and interconnected nature of an aviation system used by so many Canadians who travel for business and leisure, Canada continues to lead in the strengthening of aviation safety across the Americas and the Caribbean States through engagement with the International Civil Aviation Organization’s North America, Central America and Caribbean (ICAO NACC) Regional Office.
In 2018 TCCA and ICAO signed a Memorandum of Collaboration (MoC) that sets out the basis for collaboration between TCCA and ICAO through its NACC Regional Office. Under this MoC, cooperation activities include:
- Provision of experts to help provide direct technical assistance and training;
- Evaluations and surveys;
- Assistance with documentation review/revision and legislative matters; and,
- Assistance with development plans and projects.
Since its signing, our two organizations have been working collaboratively on harmonized assistance activities across the region. With the goal of helping States across the Americas to achieve a level of safety similar to that in Canada, our technical experts mentor and provide guidance through special training courses and workshops; share best practices and lessons learned on current issues, needs and targets; and provide in-country training where we work alongside national specialists to train and share knowledge.
Why are the Americas and Caribbean a priority for us?
Many of these small island countries that Canadians love to visit (particularly in winter), do not have the means or the expertise required to continuously improve aviation safety, so outside assistance is required to ensure aviation safety in the region continues an upward climb. Given the notable positive impacts of fulfilling these assistance missions, we are on our way to achieving our aviation safety goals.
Strengthening aviation safety in developing countries also supports the Government of Canada’s priorities of global poverty reduction through international sustainable development, as well as TC international engagement objectives supporting cooperation with developing regions. Currently, Eastern Caribbean Civil Aviation Authority (ECCAA) States are a priority in ICAO’s No Country Left Behind Initiative and given that Canada is part of the NACC Region, it makes sense to give support and aid to our regional neighbours.
TCCA looks forward to continuing its collaboration with ICAO NACC in advancing aviation safety across the NACC region. Even with the unforeseen circumstances due to COVID-19, technical assistance activities continue. Below are some highlights.
Developing Haiti’s Safety Oversight System –Systemic Assistance Programme
Beginning onsite in April 2018, TCCA is providing technical assistance in safety oversight for the Haitian Civil Aviation Authority (OFNAC).
To start, Haiti’s Effective Implementation of ICAO Standards and Recommended Practices was just 6%. As a result of Transport Canada’s technical assistance, the Haiti national law “Code de l’Aviation Civile” was adopted in 2020, the Haitian Civil Aviation Regulations were implemented, and a safety culture was promoted through a strong partnership and mentoring of OFNAC technical personnel. Additionally, the following major outcomes were achieved:
- Training of Haitian Aviation Inspectors
- Certification and Surveillance Manual for Operations inspectors developed and implemented;
- Certification and Surveillance Manual for Airworthiness inspectors developed and implemented;
- Aircraft Leasing Manual developed and implemented;
- Haiti Surveillance Plan for 2020 developed and implemented;
- Inspection of all leased aircraft operating in Haiti.
Assistance to Improving Aviation Safety of the Eastern Caribbean Civil Aviation Authority (ECCAA)
In October 2020, TCCA worked with the ICAO NACC Regional Office and other subject matter experts to provide technical assistance to the ECCAA and Other Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) in building an appropriately organized, funded and empowered civil aviation organization that is structured to effectively carry out its safety oversight functions and duties. Multiple subject matter experts conducted a review of the current structure and operations of ECCAA to identify weaknesses and develop recommendations in an effort to increase their levels of aviation safety.
In addition, Transport Canada is assisting ECCAA in applying safety risk management principles to improve decision making to address COVID-19 challenges and support safe aircraft operations.