EXEMPTION FROM PARAGRAPH 704.27(b) OF THE CANADIAN AVIATION REGULATIONS (CARs) AND SECTION 724.27 OF THE COMMERCIAL AIR SERVICE STANDARDS (CASS)

Whereas a person may conduct an Instrument Flight Rules (IFR) flight where an alternate aerodrome has not been designated in the IFR flight plan or in the IFR flight itinerary, if the person is authorized to do so in an air operator certificate and complies with the CASS.

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 affect aviation safety, I hereby exempt helicopter pilots-in-command and helicopter air operators from the requirements of section 724.27 of the CASS made pursuant to paragraph 704.27(b) of the CARs. Section 724.27 of the CASS contains the helicopter standard for authority to conduct an IFR flight when an alternate aerodrome has not been designated in the IFR flight plan or in the IFR flight itinerary. This exemption is subject to the conditions enumerated below.

Purpose

The purpose of this exemption is to provide helicopter pilots-in-command and helicopter air operators with revised weather limits requirements when conducting an IFR flight where an alternate aerodrome has not been designated in the IFR flight plan or in the IFR flight itinerary.

Application

This exemption applies to helicopter pilots-in-command and helicopter air operators operating under subpart 704 of the CARs.

Conditions

This exemption is granted subject to the following conditions:

1. the Company Operations Manual shall contain guidance on the execution of no alternate IFR flights and the flight shall be operated under a Type C Operational Control System;
    
2. flight following personnel shall be aware that the flight is operating no alternate IFR and shall have current weather readily accessible for timely communication to the flight;
    
3. pilots-in-command shall be familiar with diversionary aerodromes;
    
4. terminal forecasts and weather reports shall be available for the destination which show that, for at least two hours before until two hours after the estimated time of arrival, there will be a ceiling of at least 1,000 feet above the airport elevation, or at least 400 feet above the lowest applicable approach minima, whichever is higher, and a visibility of at least two (2) statute miles.

Validity

This exemption is in effect until the earliest of the following:

1. 23:59 EST on March 1^st, 2004;
    
2. the date on which an amendment to the appropriate provisions of the CASS comes into effect;
    
3. the date on which any of the conditions set out in this exemption is breached; or
    
4. 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 affect aviation safety.

Dated

at Ottawa, Canada, this 12^th date of November, 2002 on behalf of the Minister of Transport.

Merlin Preuss
Director General
Civil Aviation

Date de modification :

2003-01-0