No. H110/04 For release November 22, 2004 OTTAWA - Transport Minister Jean-C. Lapierre today announced proposed amendments to the Canadian Aviation Regulations to improve the safety of runway approaches in poor visibility. The proposed amendments build on current requirements and will help enhance safety for crew and travellers by establishing the minimum visibility at which an approach can be conducted using an aircraft's instruments. The guiding principle is that, when an aircraft is flying in conditions of poor visibility and approaching a runway to land, the crew must be able to see the runway environment in time to position the aircraft for a safe landing, prohibiting commercial air operators from beginning an approach when visibility is so poor that a successful approach to a landing is unlikely. "Canada's air transportation system must cope with extreme weather conditions while maintaining the highest of safety standards," said Mr. Lapierre. "These amendments clearly set out the minimum conditions for approaches in low visibility situations, and demonstrate our ongoing commitment to safety." Currently, at runways where visibility is reported by an automated visibility sensor, pilots must be able to see at least 1,200 feet (350 metres) before attempting a landing. The new requirements will vary from 1,800 feet (550 metres) to 4,000 feet (1,200 metres) depending on the type of instrument approach and the runway environment, (e.g., lighting, markings, slope). The amendments will also extend the requirements to runways where conditions are reported by a qualified person rather than a sensor. In addition, the regulations will help harmonize Canadian regulations with international standards and respond to recommendations from the Transportation Safety Board. The proposed changes were published in the Canada Gazette, Part I on November 20, 2004, which allows for a 30-day public comment period. After consideration of the comments, the regulations will be finalized and published in the Canada Gazette, Part II. - 30 - Contacts: Irène Marcheterre Director of Communications Office of the Minister, Ottawa (613) 991-0700 Lucie Vignola Communications Transport Canada, Ottawa (613) 993-0055 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.
