TRANSPORT MINISTER REACTS TO TRANSPORTATION SAFETY BOARD INTERIM RECOMMENDATIONS ON PELEE ISLAND ACCIDENT

News Release

No. H055/04 For release October 7, 2004 OTTAWA - Transport Minister Jean-C. Lapierre today acknowledged receipt of the Transportation Safety Board of Canada's interim recommendations concerning Georgian Express flight 0126, which crashed off the western shore of Pelee Island, Ontario on January 17, 2004. "I would like to acknowledge the work of the Transportation Safety Board during the investigation into this tragic accident," said Mr. Lapierre. "Transport Canada fully supports the intent of the recommendations and will review the information provided today." The following recommendations have been issued: the Department of Transport require that actual passenger weights be used for aircraft involved in commercial or air taxi operations with a capacity of nine passengers or fewer. the Department of Transport re-evaluate the standard weights for passengers and carry-on baggage and adjust them for all aircraft to reflect the current realities. To protect the public, there are strict regulations that require air operators to have a Transport Canada-approved weight and balance system in place. Air operators and pilots are required to ensure that the aircraft weight and balance remain within approved limits and to ensure that, for example, heavier individuals are accounted for accurately in the total passenger weight. Actual weight is calculated based on the weight of each passenger on a given flight, while standard weights are based on average Canadians' weights. Following the accident, Transport Canada initiated a comprehensive review of standard weights. This review has been completed and the current average weights and carry-on baggage weights will be amended. The revised weights are as follows: Males over 12 years of age = 206 lbs in winter and 200 lbs in summer (13 lb increase) Females over 12 years of age = 171 lbs in winter and 165 lbs in summer (25 lb increase) These weight changes include a 5 lb increase per passenger for carry-on baggage. Operators will be advised of this change immediately through a Commercial and Business Aviation Advisory Circular with the amended weight requirement. These advisories are intended to provide information and guidance regarding operational matters to appropriate stakeholders, including air operators and pilots. The weight amendments will also be officially published in an upcoming issue of the Aeronautical Information Publication. Although the new requirements officially come into effect on January 20, 2005, Transport Canada expects that operators will voluntarily comply with the amendments in the interim. -30- Contact: Irène Marcheterre Director of Communications Minister's Office (613) 991-0700 Transport Canada is online at www.tc.gc.ca. Subscribe to news releases and speeches at apps.tc.gc.ca/listserv/ and keep up-to-date on the latest from Transport Canada. This news release may be made available in alternative formats for persons with visual disabilities.

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TRANSPORT MINISTER REACTS TO TRANSPORTATION SAFETY BOARD INTERIM RECOMMENDATIONS ON PELEE ISLAND ACCIDENT

News Release

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