Your Weekly Bulletin – March 6, 2025
Canadian Business Aviation Association (CBAA)
Canada's Voice for Business Aviation
U.S. Fires First Shot in Escalating Trade War
At 12:01 am on March 4, 2025, the United States proceeded to impose new tariffs on Canadian imports, including a 25 per cent tariff on most Canadian goods and a 10 per cent tariff on energy products. Anthony Norejko, CBAA President and CEO, has prepared analyses on the impact of the U.S. tariffs, as well as the impact of the Canadian counter-tariffs. Read the U.S. impact analysis and the Canadian impact analysis. The CBAA continues to advocate for open discussion and dialogue between Canada and the U.S. to resolve this dispute and protect mutual interests, and for relief measures to support the aviation sector during this time. More to come as this situation develops.
Your Input Needed: Aircraft & Helicopters Subject to Canadian Countermeasures
The Government of Canada has shared an additional list of planned countermeasure tariffs, scheduled to be applied on March 25, 2025. The list includes aircraft (under and over 2,000 kg) and helicopters (under and over 2,000 kg). Members, you are encouraged to review and comment within the next 19 days. We also ask that members share these impacts with us at [email protected]. The CBAA will submit commentary and reiterate a request to dismiss the Luxury Tax on aircraft. Click here for details on the second round of counter-tariffs.
Last Chance: CBAA Compensation Survey Closes Tomorrow
CBAA’s Aviation Compensation Survey closes on March 7, 2025. Don’t miss this opportunity to contribute to a vital study on business aviation compensation practices in Canada.
Survey highlights:
Deadline: March 7, 2025
Questions? Contact Kathryn Tooley at [email protected] or 604-717-1810.
Announcing the Supply Chain Advisory Council
On Feb. 28, Minister of Transport and Internal Trade, Anita Anand, announced the creation of the Supply Chain Advisory Council. The council brings together leaders from a wide range of organizations, who will focus on strengthening supply chains to increase productivity, competitiveness, and trade diversification. Read more here.
Committee on Internal Trade Works to Remove Inter-provincial Barriers
The most recent meeting of the Committee on Internal Trade (CIT) saw federal and provincial/territorial representatives collaborating to remove regulatory barriers to internal trade within Canada. Recommendations from the CIT will be brought forward to the Prime Minister and Premiers to assist in the creation of a robust domestic economy. See the news release.
Anita Anand Changes Course
Transport Minister Anita Anand has reconsidered and will now seek re-election. Read more in The Globe and Mail.
Your Invitation to SM ICG Industry Day 2025
Hello Atlantic Regional Aviation Safety Council,
We are sending this information on behalf of the Safety Management International Collaboration Group (SM ICG). As attendees of the previous A-RASC, we are pleased to invite you to join the semi-annual SM ICG Industry Day event this year, being held in Halifax, N.S., on March 18, 2025.
The event is being sponsored by Transport Canada Civil Aviation. Industry Day provides a unique opportunity for the aviation community to share their safety management implementation experiences, hear directly from authorities that are working together, and give feedback to those authorities on SM ICG products and outputs.
As background, the SM ICG was established in 2009 to promote a common understanding of safety management principles and requirements by developing harmonized guidance to facilitate their application across the international aviation community. Since its formation, the group has published over 30 products via SKYbrary. Over the years, the SM ICG has increased outreach beyond Civil Aviation Authorities (CAAs) to the greater international aviation community, including hosting one-day Industry Day events at each biannual meeting.
The SM ICG invites Canadian aviation industry representatives to the Halifax meeting to share their perspectives, engage with SM ICG colleagues from around the world, share lessons learned and collaborate on safety management-related topics.
Here are the event details:
More information about the SM ICG can be found at https://bit.ly/SMICG.
CUPE 1656 Strike Impacts YKF
CUPE Local 1656 members went on strike on March 3. While an agreement with the Region of Waterloo is still being pursued, travellers have been advised to allow an extra hour for travel to the Region of Waterloo Regional Airport. The airport is open and operating as usual, says an update from the Region.
Update: CBAA’s RIPS Exemption Petition for Specified FAR 23 Type Certified Aeroplanes
Following the issuance of the Transport Canada Regulations on Recorder Independent Power Supply (RIPS), the CBAA was approached by concerned members who own and operate single pilot certified aircraft but had opted for operational and safety reasons to operate dual pilot. In so doing, they were captured by the regulation’s scope and would be required to have a CVR RIPS installed. While returning to single pilot operations would have removed the need for a RIPS, the benefits of choosing dual pilot operations would have been lost, which was an important factor to consider from the association's perspective.
The CBAA petitioned Transport Canada to issue an exemption to cover this small aircraft population. The petition said the safety benefit of dual pilot operations versus single pilot operations was greater than Transport Canada’s stated regulatory benefit statement of a CVR RIPS. Considering the significant cost of modifying an aircraft with this equipment, an exemption for this population was requested.
Despite CBAA’s advocacy, Transport Canada has denied the petition. In their concluding message, they noted:
Cockpit Voice Recorders (CVRs) are essential for accident investigations, accountability, pilot training, and alignment with international safety standards. While compliance may pose challenges for some operators, the requirement ensures industry-wide consistency and enhances aviation safety. Private operators voluntarily adopting two-pilot operations demonstrate a strong safety commitment. While retrofitting costs may impact small operators, the limited number affected does not justify overriding the broader public interest.
Questions? Contact Bob Sincennes at CBAA, [email protected].
CARAC Notice of Activity – Global Exemptions
The following are the most recently issued global exemptions and authorizations pursuant to various provision of the Canadian Aviation Regulations?(CARs):
1.????? Global Exemption: NCR-003-2025 and Authorization: NCR-002-2025
Exemption from: paragraph 704.33(1)(e), subsection 704.34(1) of the CARs, and subparagraph 724.34(1)(a)(vii) of Standard 724 – Commuter Operations – Aeroplanes of the Commercial Air Service Standards
Authorization pursuant to 704.01(c) of the CARs
The purpose of NCR-003-2025 is to authorize Canadian air operators to operate Bombardier BD?700?1A10, BD?700?1A11, or BD?700?2A12 aeroplanes while carrying passengers in an on-demand charter operation. While the purpose of NCR-002-2025 is to allow these aircraft to operate under subpart 704 despite exceeding the weight limit.?
2.????? Global Exemption: NCR-004-2025
Exemption from: paragraph 704.33(1)(e), subsection 704.34(1) of the CARs, and subparagraph 724.34(1)(a)(vii) of Standard 724 – Commuter Operations – Aeroplanes of the Commercial Air Service Standards
The purpose of exemption NCR-004-2025 is to authorize Canadian air operators to operate CL-600-2B19 (Special Edition (SE) or Challenger 800/850) aeroplanes while carrying passengers in an on-demand charter operation.
3.????? Global Exemption: NCR-005-2025
Exemption from: paragraph 704.33(1)(e), subsection 704.34(1) of the CARs, and subparagraph 724.34(1)(a)(vii) of Standard 724 – Commuter Operations – Aeroplanes of the Commercial Air Service Standards
The purpose of exemption NCR-005-2025 is to authorize Canadian air operators to operate Mystère Falcon 900, Falcon 900EX, Falcon 6X, or Falcon 7X aeroplanes while carrying passengers in an on-demand charter operation.
4.????? Global Exemption: NCR-007-2025 and Authorization: NCR-006-2025
Exemption from: paragraph 704.33(1)(e), subsection 704.34(1) of the CARs, and subparagraph 724.34(1)(a)(vii) of Standard 724 – Commuter Operations – Aeroplanes of the Commercial Air Service Standards
Authorization pursuant to 704.01(c) of the CARs
The purpose of NCR-007-2025 is to authorize Canadian air operators to operate?modified Douglas DC3C (DC3?TP67 or DC3TP)?aeroplanes while carrying passengers in an on-demand charter operation. While the purpose of NCR-006-2025 is to allow these aircraft to operate under subpart 704 despite exceeding the weight limit.?
5.????? Global Exemption: NCR-009-2025 and Authorization: NCR-007-2025
Exemption from: paragraph 704.33(1)(e), subsection 704.34(1) of the CARs, and subparagraph 724.34(1)(a)(vii) of Standard 724 – Commuter Operations – Aeroplanes of the Commercial Air Service Standards
Authorization pursuant to 704.01(c) of the CARs
The purpose of NCR-009-2025 is to authorize Canadian air operators to operate?Gulfstream GV, GV-SP or GVI?aeroplanes while carrying passengers in an on-demand charter operation. While the purpose of NCR-008-2025 is to allow these aircraft to operate under subpart 704 despite exceeding the weight limit.?
The Transport Canada Exemptions to the CARs web page will be updated shortly.
ICYMI: Finance Canada Forum on Canada-U.S. Issues
The Government of Canada has established a weekly forum for industry stakeholders to receive regular updates on Canada-U.S. issues, ensuring a regular channel of communication between industry and government. CBAA is participating in this forum and will keep members updated. Read the Feb. 20 Forum update.
ICYMI: AIC 1/25 - 14-Day Trigger NOTAM Implementation
Effective Feb. 20, 2025, Nav Canada implemented 14-Day Trigger NOTAMs, which notify airspace users that an AIP Supplement (AIP SUP) has been published. These NOTAMS align with ICAO standards and Nav Canada’s ongoing shift towards providing key information through AIP SUPs, which must be used when the temporary change is of a long duration (more than three months) or when the event is short but requires graphics to better explain it. Nav Canada states that this will eventually reduce reliance on NOTAMs for conveying critical information that has a long duration. See the Aeronautical Information Circular here. Further information is available at?Nav Canada AIP Canada.
ICYMI: TC Exemptions to Enable Telemedicine
Transport Canada has issued two new exemptions to enable telemedicine as an option for aviation medical certificate renewals. More specifically, subject to the conditions set out in each exemption, they will enable the renewal of medical certificates by telemedicine consultation to holders of Category 1, 2, 3 or 4 medical certificates with a validity period ending on or after March 17, 2020. They both come into force on March 3, 2025.
CAME-001-2025 is an exemption from Paragraphs 404.17(a) and 404.18(a) of the CARs. It extends, for five (5) additional years, the regulatory relief previously granted under exemption NCR-061-2020, CAME-001-2021, CAME-001-2022, and CAME-001-2023 issued on May 21, 2020, February 25, 2021, March 2, 2022, for twelve (12) months, and March 1, 2023, for twenty-four (24) months, respectively.
CAME-002-2025 is an exemption from Paragraphs 404.03(2)(a), 404.03(2)(b), and 404.04(1)(b) of the CARs. It extends, for five (5) additional years, the regulatory relief previously granted under exemption NCR-062-2020, CAME-002-2021, CAME-002-2022 and CAME-002-2023 issued on June 3, 2020, March 2, 2021, and March 3, 2022, for twelve (12) months, and on March 1, 2023, for twenty-four (24) months, respectively.
ICYMI: Analysis of Anticipated Impact of Proposed Approach Ban Regulations on Aerodrome Accessibility
Transport Canada Civil Aviation (TCCA) has shared the?Analysis of Anticipated Impact of Proposed Approach Ban Regulations on Aerodrome Accessibility, which has been prepared by TCCA technical experts as part of the?approach ban safety initiative. The analysis can be found online along with?NPA 2021-011’s?associated documents. You can access the document directly by clicking here.
TCCA has stated it understands and respects that increasing safety has an impact on operations (i.e., there is a cost), and that any factor that negatively influences accessibility is a concern to operators.?To help address this concern, the information provided in this document provides TCCA’s analysis of the anticipated impact of the proposed regulations on aerodrome accessibility.?
Information in this Analysis
The examples provided in this document represent TCCA’s best estimate of the anticipated impact on aerodrome accessibility that would result from:
The anticipated impact of proposed regulations has been assessed by comparing the regulations and standards listed above with the regulations and standards that are currently in-force (2024-12-02) including:
TCCA is planning to provide public information sessions to present information about this important safety initiative. These information sessions will coincide with pre-publication in the?Canada Gazette, Part I. More information about these sessions will be shared with CBAA members once the details surrounding the events are finalized.
While the association will review this information, member review would be appreciated. Any comments or feedback may be sent to [email protected].
ICYMI: MMEL - Embraer EMB 545/550
Transport Canada has issued a MMEL Revision 7, dated Nov. 8, 2024, and a TC Supplement Revision 5, dated Feb. 13, 2025, for the Embraer EMB 545/550. They are available through the TC MMEL website at?TCCA MMEL-TCS.
Renew Your CBAA Membership by March 31 to Retain Benefits
This is a friendly reminder to renew your CBAA membership for 2025. To continue enjoying your exclusive member benefits, please ensure your membership is renewed by March 31, 2025.
Important Notice: Memberships that have not been renewed by March 31 will have their access suspended until renewal payment is received.?
Membership Year: January 1 – December 31, 2025
To renew your membership:
For assistance, please contact Amanda McKinley at [email protected]. Thank you for supporting?CBAA as the voice of business aviation in Canada!
Elevate Your Brand at CBAA 2025 – Secure Your Exhibit Space Today
Join us on June 12, 2025, at Million Air Vancouver as we offer you the ultimate platform to showcase your brand in front of key decision-makers in the business aviation industry!
Why exhibit?
? Access decision-makers
? Showcase your products & services
? Grow your network & boost visibility
Exhibit Space Options:
? 10’ x 10’ Single Space
? 10’ x 20’ Double Space (limited)
? Indoor & Outdoor Static Display
Hotel Rooms Filling Up Fast – Book Your Stay ASAP
Don't miss out on securing your accommodation for the 2025 CBAA Convention & Exhibition. Hotel rooms are filling up quickly, so be sure to reserve your spot today.
Sheraton Vancouver Airport Rate: $310/night Booking Deadline: May 13, 2025 Click here to book
Hilton Vancouver Airport (Overflow) Rate: $310/night Booking Deadline: May 13, 2025 Click here to book
Reminder: Don’t forget to register for the convention as well!
Airfare Discounts Save on flights with Air Canada and WestJet. Check out the details and book today!
Important Convention Benefit for CBAA Operator Members?
As a CBAA Operator Member in good standing, you are entitled to one complimentary Member Convention Pass for the CBAA 2025 Convention & Exhibition in Richmond, B.C. Use the code sent to your email to access this exclusive offer! Please note that Fun Night is not included but can be purchased separately. If you cannot locate your code or did not receive one, please contact [email protected] for assistance. For more information and to redeem your pass, click here.
Spring into Networking at CBAA Chapter Meetings – Registration Now Open!
We’re excited to announce that registration is now open for our Spring Chapter Meetings. Don’t miss out on these valuable networking opportunities.
Chapter Meetings Dates:
A big thank you to our sponsors for their continued support of our regional chapter meetings—these events wouldn’t be possible without you! If you're interested in sponsoring one of these events, opportunities are still available. Please reach out to [email protected] for details. We look forward to seeing you at one of our chapter meetings this spring!
Save the Date: CBAA Annual General Meeting – May 7, 2025
Mark your calendars! CBAA’s Annual General Meeting (AGM) will take place virtually on Wednesday, May 7, 2025, at 2:00 pm ET. Your participation is vital in strengthening CBAA and ensuring we continue to deliver value to our members. More details to come—stay tuned!
Bombardier Delivers 1,000th Super-Midsize Aircraft
A crowd of more than 700 celebrated the delivery of Bombardier’s 1,000th super-midsize aircraft, a Challenger 3500, on Feb. 27. Read about the delivery to JM Family Enterprises.
GAMA Fights Premature Ousting of Avgas
The California Center for Environmental Health (CEH) has put forward a motion that would force a premature transition to unleaded avgas in California. GAMA says that while efforts are now underway to ensure a safe and efficient transition away from leaded aviation fuel (now used in piston-engine aircraft), “there is still significant work needed before a full-scale transition can take place.” Find out more from GAMA.
Business Aircraft Demand Strong in 2024, JETNET Reports
JETNET’s 2024 Pre-Owned Business Aircraft Market Performance Review has been released, evaluating inventory growth, pricing trends and sales activity in the business aviation sector. Read more in Skies Magazine.
Unlock a Safer Operational Future with CBAA’s Association Aviation Medical Program
A partnership between the Canadian Business Aviation Association and TELUS Health, this program offers a comprehensive healthcare solution tailored to busy aviation professionals, ensuring they stay ahead of any medical issues and are fully equipped for the future.
Key features include:
Whether you’re constantly on the go, thinking about the future, or managing healthcare for your team, this program is designed to provide convenience and care. Even if you don’t have a family doctor, you’ll have access to top-tier medical professionals, available anytime. Stay ahead of medical issues, optimize your health, and safeguard your operations today!?