Transport Canada Introduces ‘Targeted Inspections’

Transport Canada is scheduled to start so-called “targeted inspections” of various aviation segments in a move the agency describes as a “new process to evaluate specific safety priorities.” Between April 2018 and March 2019, Transport Canada will conduct targeted inspections of turbine-powered business aircraft operators, as well as heliports, aerial work and general aviation.

Sean Borg of the Transport Canada’s standards office said the purpose of these targeted inspections as they pertain to business aviation is to “evaluate the effectiveness of the newly introduced Part 6, Subpart 4 of Canadian Aviation Regulations (CAR) Part 604.” This section is a relatively recent consolidation and update of the operating rules that apply to private and charter operators of mainly turbine business aircraft.

“As we look to the future of the targeted inspection program, we expect to make better use of data to focus in on risk areas,” said Borg. “In other words, surveillance planning will be less about frequencies and much more about zeroing in on what the risk information is telling us.”

According to the Canadian Business Aviation Association (CBAA), this new inspection process is a “significant departure from Transport Canada’s previous approach.” CBAA said it is “working with Transport Canada to provide as much information and support to members as possible before, during, and after these inspections.” The association contends some 65 private operators will be subject to the targeted inspections.

“There is little doubt in aviation there is a role for the regulator. No one wants an unsafe industry,” said CBAA president and CEO Jim Facette. “If Transport Canada wants to partner with us to promote safety and education, it has a willing partner here.”