The Canadian Owners and Pilots Association (COPA) is rallying its members to oppose proposed regulations it says will threaten small airports across the country and make it much more difficult to build new airports or expand existing ones. Transport Canada’s Notice of Proposed Amendment (NPA) would mandate public consultation on any new airport or expansion within 2.5 miles of “built up areas” or within 30 nautical miles of existing airports. “As proposed, this amendment stands to place undue hardship on small aerodrome(s) and will significantly impact recreational aviation in general, private owners and operators, in particular,” a sample letter being circulated to Canadian pilots says. The NPA applies to “aerodromes” which under Canadian regulations include seaplane bases and helipads. Comments on the NPA are being accepted until April 8.
The amendment could also affect existing facilities even if no changes were contemplated because it would make local building code requirements apply rather than the generally less stringent National Building Code that now applies to aerodromes. COPA says the amendment is riddled with ambiguous references that need clearer definition and stacks the deck against airport developments. “As written, the NPA would cater to opponents and discriminate against the interests of the aviation enthusiast,” says the sample letter. Comments and letters concerning the NPA must be sent to carrac@tc.gc.ca by April 8.
