NCR-022-2020
Pursuant to subsection 5.9(2) of the Aeronautics Act, and after taking into account that the exemption is in the public interest and is not likely to adversely affect aviation safety or security, I hereby exempt Canadian air operators operating under Subpart 5 of Part VII of the Canadian Aviation Regulations (CARs) from subsection 7.6.3(2) of Part 7 of the Annual – Fire Fighting Drills of the Flight Attendant Training Standard (TP 12296) made pursuant to subsection 705.124(1) and clause 705.124(2)(b)(iv)(C) of the CARs subject to the conditions set out below.
Subsection 7.6.3(2) of TP 12296, Annual-Fire Fighting Drill, Equipment Criteria states: “Fire fighting equipment and the brackets used for restraint shall be identical to those installed in the aircraft with respect to weight, dimensions, controls, types and operations. Fire extinguishers used for live fire fighting shall be charged with the appropriate agent or with an environmentally friendly agent. Protective Breathing Equipment (P.B.E.) consisting of a portable oxygen bottle and full-face mask shall be charged with oxygen. Self-contained P.B.E. may be substituted with a training smoke hood which is not operational.”
Subsection 705.124(1) and clause 705.124(2)(b)(iv)(C) of the CARs are reproduced in Appendix A.
Purpose
The purpose of this exemption is to authorize Canadian air operators operating under Subpart 5 of Part VII of the CARs to conduct annual fire fighting drills without each trainee donning a self-contained P.B.E or training smoke hood as required by subsection 7.6.3(2) of TP 12296, Annual-Fire Fighting Drill, Equipment Criteria.
Application
This exemption applies to Canadian air operators operating under Subpart 5 of Part VII of the CARs.
This exemption ceases to apply to a Canadian air operator operating under Subpart 5 of Part VII of the CARs that does not respect a condition of this exemption.
Conditions
This exemption is subject to the following conditions:
1. All Canadian air operators operating under Subpart 5 of Part VII of the CARs shall amend their annual training program to reflect the removal of donning of a self-contained P.B.E or training smoke hood from their fire fighting drills.
2. All Canadian air operators operating under Subpart 5 of Part VII of the CARs shall ensure training records identify Flight Attendants affected by this exemption.
Validity
This exemption is in effect until the earliest of the following:
- a) July 31, 2020, at 23:59 (EST); or
- b) the date on which this exemption is canceled in writing by the Minister where he is of the opinion that it is no longer in the public interest or that it is likely to adversely affect aviation safety or security.
DATED at Ottawa, Ontario, Canada on this 18th day of March, 2020, on behalf of the Minister of Transport.
“Original signed by Joseph Szwalek (for)”
Nicholas Robinson
Director General
Civil Aviation
Transport Canada
Appendix A
Relevant provisions of the CARs:
Canadian Aviation Regulations
Training Program
705.124 (1) Every air operator shall establish and maintain a training program that is
- (a) designed to ensure that each person who receives training acquires the competence to perform the person's assigned duties; and
- (b) approved by the Minister in accordance with the Commercial Air Service Standards and, in respect of flight attendants, in accordance with the Commercial Air Service Standards and the Flight Attendant Training Standard.
(2) An air operator's training program shall include
(...)
- (b) for flight attendants:
- (...)
- (iv) initial and annual training, including...
- (C) emergency procedures training
- (...)