Transport Canada held an online consultation from February 10 to April 30, 2026, to gather feedback on proposed changes to fees and service standards for aviation personnel services. This report summarizes what we heard during the consultation.
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Consultation approach
From February 10 to April 30, 2026, we held an online consultation to gather feedback from aviation stakeholders, Indigenous groups and the public on the proposed changes to the Canadian Aviation Regulations, section 104, Schedule IV. The consultation ran for 79 days.
To invite stakeholders’ feedback, we:
- published the consultation on Transport Canada’s Let’s Talk Transportation
- emailed members of the Canadian Aviation Regulation Advisory Council (CARAC)
- met with aviation associations to discuss the proposal
- shared information in Transport Canada’s National Indigenous Engagement Opportunities Bulletin
- encouraged associations to share the consultation with their members and provided material to support outreach
We received:
- 61 written responses to questions on the Let's Talk Transportation webpage
- 24 written submissions by email
- verbal feedback during 3 virtual meetings with associations
We heard from:
- the general public
- aviation personnel including private pilots, students and glider pilots
- flight training units
- industry representatives
- associations
What we heard
Theme 1: Perspectives on proposed fee changes
Participants raised concerns about the size of the proposed fee increases. While participants agreed to the principle that those who directly benefit from a service should pay a greater share of the costs, they also emphasized the need to keep aviation accessible and affordable.
Participants said the proposed fee increases were too high and go beyond inflation. They noted that aviation costs are already rising due to training, fuel, maintenance, and equipment expenses.
Participants raised concerns about how the proposed changes could affect the long-term health of the aviation sector, especially general aviation, flight training, and non-profit organizations. Participants said that higher costs could reduce participation, limit training opportunities and discourage people from entering aviation careers.
Participants told us that:
- higher fees could make it harder for people to enter and stay in aviation, especially students and early-career pilots
- the cost of pilot training is already high, and additional fees could discourage participation
- aviation provides a public benefit, including training future pilots and supporting communities, and shouldn’t rely only on a user-pay model
- fees for required services, such as licences and medical certificates, should remain affordable because they are not optional
- non-profit organizations, such as gliding clubs, rely on volunteers and may not be able to absorb higher fees
- small operators and individuals can’t pass on costs as easily as larger companies
Participants suggested to:
- introduce tiered or reduced fees for non-commercial, recreational or non-profit users
- provide exemptions or lower fees for students, new pilots and volunteer instructors
- implement phased increases over time
Overall, participants supported fee modernization in principle but asked that Transport Canada consider affordability, sector impacts, and long-term sustainability especially for new entrants and non-commercial participants.
Theme 2: Service standards and service delivery
Participants expressed concerns about current service levels and whether services would improve with the proposed changes.
Participants reported long wait times for services such as medical certificates and licensing. Many expressed concern about increasing fees without improving service.
Participants told us that:
- current service levels are inconsistent and often slow
- delays can affect people’s ability to work, train, or operate aircraft
- it is difficult to support higher fees without improved service
Participants suggested:
- linking fees to performance and service delivery
- offering refunds, credits, or other measures when service standards are not met
- providing optional expedited services for an additional fee
- exploring whether some services could be delivered differently to improve efficiency
Overall, participants emphasized that higher fees should come with better service.
Next steps
Comments received through this consultation will help inform the development of proposed regulations.
The next opportunity for consultation will take place when the proposed regulatory changes are pre-published in the Canada Gazette, Part I. We will notify stakeholders when the proposal is published.