WINGS www.wingsmagazine.com
AGENTS OF CHANGE
Top 20 Under 40, influencing the future of Canadian Aviation
Battling complex approaches Kathy Fox outlines TSB Havre St-Pierre report
Driven to fly
Pilot Zoey Williams describes her growth as a role model
Elizabeth Tessier, World Fuel Services
JUL AUG 2020 CANADA’S NATIONAL AVIATION MAGAZINE
THE FUTURE OF AEROSPACE AND AVIATION
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JULY/AUGUST 2020
UPFRONT 6 Leading edge
IATA updates 2020 expectations
8 On the fly
Remembering Jennifer Casey, SkyCourier first flight, Gulfstream G700 progress and more
12 Air Traffic
Driven to fly, Kendra Kincade speaks with pilot Zoey Williams about her career
Wes Phillips, operations manager responsible for Cascade Aerospace’s avionics and modifications programs in Abbotsford, British Columbia. P.16
BACK 35 Marketplace 38 On final
Complex approaches, Kathy Fox describes findings from TSB’s most recent investigation
FEATURE 16 AGENTS OF CHANGE
2020 Top 20 under 40, influencing the future of Canadian aviation
Prabh Banga Adam Beninger Ian Cosco Jonathan Davis Adam Fallwell Blake Haché Jonathan Jessome Steven Johns Prateek Konnur Geoff Koots
Matthew Leis James Lindsey Omrinder Mahil Patrick O’Brien Wesley Phillips Andrew Pope Matt Ross Elizabeth Tessier Sayge Tremblay Jared Williams
COVER PHOTO: ANNE-MARIE LAGACÉ PHOTOGRAPHY
From the top: Zoey Williams, who is set to train on an Airbus, describes her growth as a Canadian aviation role model. P.12. Kathy Fox outlines TSB’s report on the overrun at CYGV. P.38.
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July/August 2020 | WINGS
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LEADING
EDGE
By Jon Robinson |
IATA updates 2020 expectations
Airlines are projected to be in recover mode by 2021, but still well below pre-crisis levels
W
estJet on June 24 released a video with CEO Ed Sims describing a range of restructuring measures in response to the economic impact of COVID-19, most notably the permanent reduction of 3,333 employees. Sims announced the Calgary-based airline would consolidate call centre activity in Alberta, restructure office and management staff, and contract out operations in airports beyond its home base, Vancouver, Toronto and Edmonton. There had still been no measurable response from the Canadian government to protect its aviation sector. Just days earlier, France’s government announced it would provide approximately €15 billion (around $22.7 billion in Canadian funds) in financial relief for its aerospace industry. Among a range of reasons why, the plan is described as an effort to save hundreds of thousands of jobs and to keep Airbus and the country’s national airline, Air France, globally competitive. On the same day as the French government’s June 9 announcement, the International Air Transport Association (IATA) released an updated financial outlook for the global air transport industry showing that airlines are expected to lose US$84.3 billion in 2020 for a net profit margin of -20.1 per cent. IATA expects revenues will fall 50 per cent to US$419 billion in 2020 from a mark of US$838 billion in 2019. In 2021, IATA, which represents around 290 airlines carrying 82 per cent of the world’s air traffic, expects losses to be cut to US$15.8 billion as revenues rise to US$598 billion. “Financially, 2020 will go down as the worst year in the history of aviation,” stated
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WINGS | July/August 2020
with at least $9 billion in liquidity by the second quarter of 2020 speaks to the economic impact of COVID-19 on the country’s aviation sector. Airlines around the world are getting back into the air. Some are even investing in aircraft. In IATA’s June update, de Juniac notes the industry is likely beyond the worst of the collapse in traffic, provided there is not a second and more damaging wave of COVID-19. At the low point in April, IATA reported global air travel was roughly 95 per cent below 2019 levels. Even with indications that air traffic is slowly improving, IATA reported traffic levels (in Revenue Passenger Kilometer) for 2020 are expected to fall by 54.7 per cent when compared to 2019. Passenger numbers will roughly halve to 2.25 billion, approximately equal to 2006 levels. IATA in its June outlook then notes capacity cannot be adjusted quickly enough with a 40.4 per cent decline expected for the year. Cargo is a bright spot among IATA members with overall freight tonnes carried expected to drop by only 10.3 million tonnes to 51 million tonnes, when compared with 2019. IATA notes the sector is affected by what it describes as a severe shortage in cargo capacity due to the unavailability of belly cargo on grounded passenger aircraft, which is expected to push rates up by some 30 per cent for 2020. As a result, IATA projects cargo revenues will reach a nearrecord US$110.8 billion in 2020 (up from US$102.4 billion in 2019) and cargo will contribute approximately 26 per cent as a portion of industry revenues, up from 12 per cent in 2019. | W
France commits around $23 billion in financial support for its aerospace sector. Alexandre de Juniac, IATA’s director general and CEO, who also noted every day of 2020, on average, will add US$230 million to industry losses – equalling the US$84.3 billion mark noted above. “It means that, based on an estimate of 2.2 billion passengers this year, airlines will lose $37.54 per passenger. That’s why government financial relief was and remains crucial as airlines burn through cash.” On June 23, a day before WestJet announced its workforce reduction, Air Canada released a statement that it had secured an additional $1.23 billion in net proceeds through two transactions. Since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, in its first quarter of 2020, Air Canada has raised $5.5 billion of liquidity and expects to end the second quarter of 2020 with at least $9 billion in liquidity. The financial strength of Canada’s flag carrier is a positive example of emergency-response financing, but the simple fact that the airline needed to prepare itself
TOP DATA BURSTS… in this issue 1. Canada spends $105 million on two Challenger 650s for CAF. (P. 8) 2. Nolinor of Mirabel acquires three Boeing 737400s. (P. 11) 3. Blake Hache at age 24 became one of North America’s youngest ever Airbus widebody pilots. (P. 19) 4. AirSprint VP Jared Williams has amassed more than 6,000 hours of flight time. (P. 26) 5. TSB issues two recommendations from its report into the overrun at CYGV. (P. 38)
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THE LEAD MILITARY ELECTRIC PROPULSION COMMERCIAL BUSINESS AVIATION
THE LEAD
REMEMBERING JENNIFER CASEY A Canadian Forces Snowbirds jet crashed on May 17 shortly after taking off from Kamloops Airport in British Columbia. The accident killed Captain Jenn Casey, a public affairs officer with the Snowbirds, and injured pilot Captain Richard MacDougall. From Halifax, Nova Scotia, Captain Casey joined the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) in August 2014 as a direct entry officer. She previously spent several years working in broadcast radio as a reporter, anchor and producer in both Halifax and Belleville, Ontario. Her first CAF assignment as a public affairs officer was at 8 Wing Trenton, described as the RCAF’s home of air mobility. Casey spent the 2018 season with the CF-18 Demo Team, travelling across North America and the United Kingdom with the NORAD 60 jet. She
then joined the Canadian Forces Snowbirds in November 2018. During the May 17 accident, the Snowbirds were taking part in a mission called Operation INSPIRATION, which began on the first weekend of May, flying across the country from east to west to lift the spirits of Canadians and to help recognize those doing their part to fight the spread of COVID-19. The 431 Squadron’s Snowbirds are based out of 15 Wing Moose Jaw.
MILITARY
CANADIAN ARMED FORCES ACQUIRES TWO CHALLENGERS The Government of Canada is replacing two Challenger 601 aircraft, which entered service in the 1980s, with two Challenger 650s for the Canadian Armed Forces. The value of the contract for the two Bombardier aircraft, including initial training and spare parts, is approximately $105 million. The Department of National Defence states it has been working on this fleet consolidation since 2018, with the two aircraft now been paid for within Canada’s Strong, Secured, Engaged program. Delivery of the two new Bombardier Challengers is expected during the summer of 2020 with an initial operational capability targeted for fall 2020. The Canadian Armed Forces’ (CAF) existing Challenger fleet consists of four aircraft, including the two airplanes to be retired and two purchased in the early 2000s. The Challenger fleet is maintained by Transport Canada technicians and operated by the Royal Canadian Air Force out of the Ottawa International Airport.
LEONARDO M-345 READY FOR GLOBAL MARKET
From Halifax, Nova Scotia, Captain Jenn Casey joined the Canadian Armed Forces in August 2014 and then the Canadian Forces Snowbirds in November 2018. 8
WINGS | July/August 2020
Leonardo received the Initial Certification for its new M-345 training aircraft from the Directorate for Air Armaments and Airworthiness, which is the Italian Ministry of Defence’s Certification Authority. Leonardo states the M-345 is capable of providing jet trainer aircraft-like performance and efficiency at the cost of a turboprop. Initial Certification for the M-345 program comes after 200 dedicated
flights were logged alongside the critical support of the Italian Air Force’s Flight Test Centre, 61st Wing and 10th Aircraft Maintenance Unit. Leonardo notes the Initial Certification of the M-345 marks the first case of enforcement of the new AER (EP) P-21 rule for a fixed-wing aircraft. This rule adopts the European EMAR-21 (European Military Airworthiness Requirements), which the company describes as a stringent international certification requirement that will also be beneficial to the export of the aircraft. The new aircraft, designed to meet basic and basic/advanced training needs, will complement the M-346s used by the Italian Air Force for the advanced phase of pilot training. In the framework of the International Flight Training School project, Leonardo also explains the M-345 will support the reinforcement and internationalization of the training offer launched by Leonardo in partnership with the Italian Air Force. Technology already developed for the M-346 includes the Live Virtual Construc-
Leonardo's new M-345 is close to entering into service with the Italian Air Force. It will also be a future aircraft of the Italian Airforce acrobatic team Frecce Tricolori.
tive capability, which allows for the integration of the in-flight aircraft with simulated friend-or-foe elements.
ELECTRIC PROPULSION
PIPISTREL VELIS TYPE CERTIFICATE The Pipistrel Velis Electro became the world’s first fully electric airplane to obtain a Type Certificate, which it received from EASA. Aimed at pilot training, the twoseater holds a 600 kilogram maximum takeoff weight, which is rated for a cruising speed of 90 knots – when leveraging 35 WWW.WINGSMAGAZINE.COM
LEFT PHOTO: ROYAL CANADIAN AIR FORCE | ABOVE PHOTO: LEONARDO
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kWs of power – and an endurance of 50 minutes, plus VFR reserve. The aircraft is rated for a top speed of 98 knotts and service ceiling of 3,660 metres. It is powered by Pipistrel’s previously type certified 57.6kW liquid cooled electric engine, which is available to other OEMS, and two liquid-cooled batteries connected in parallel. Based in Slovenia, Pipistrel has been developing all-electric aircraft models since 2007. Certification of the Velis Electro took less than three years; working closely with the European Union Aviation Safety Agency. The process also included experts from Swiss and French authorities, to prepare the Velis Electro for entry into service in these two countries.
MAGNIX, AEROTEC FLY ALL-ELECTRIC CESSNA
PHOTO: TEXTRON AVIATION
magniX, which develops motors and systems for electric propulsion, and AeroTEC, an aerospace engineering firm focused on testing and certification, on May 29 completed a 30-minute flight of an allelectric Cessna Grand Caravan 208B. The milestone is described by the companies as a flight of the world’s largest all-electric commercial aircraft to date. The Powered by a 750-horsepower (560 kW) magni500 propulsion system, the aptly named eCaravan flight took place at the AeroTEC Flight Test Center at the Grant County International Airport (KMWH) in Moses Lake, Washington. magniX is based in Redmond and AeroTEC is out of Seattle. Back in December 2019, Harbour Air, North America’s largest seaplane airline headquartered in Richmond, BC, worked
with magniX to complete the all-electric flight of a six-passenger DHC-2 de Havilland Beaver — described by the companies as the first all-electric flight of a commercial aircraft. This December 10 flight out of Harbour Air’s terminal on the Fraser River was also powered by magniX’s 750-horsepower (560 kW) magni500.
COMMERCIAL
MHI RJ AVIATION BEGINS IN MIRABEL Bombardier on June 1 concluded the sale of its CRJ Series aircraft program to Mitsubishi Heavy Industries (MHI) for a cash consideration of approximately US$550 million (all dollar amounts in U.S.), which is subject to post-closing adjustments and the assumption of certain liabilities, including approximately $200 million by MHI. Bombardier also retains certain liabilities totaling $288 million as of March 31, 2020, an amount that is largely fixed, according to the company, and not subject to future changes in aircraft value. It is mainly payable by Bombardier over the next four years. Under the agreement, Bombardier’s interest in the Regional Aircraft Securitization Program (RASPRO), valued at approximately $170 million, has also been transferred to MHI. Mitsubishi notes, that as a result of the completion of the CRJ Series sale, the newly created entity MHI RJ Aviation Group began its operations. Headquartered in Montréal, MHI RJ Aviation Group (MHIRJ) is organized to provide service and support for the global regional aircraft
industry, including the CRJ Series aircraft. In addition to Canada, MHIRJ holds primary operations in the U.S. and Germany.
VROOMAN TO LEAD YVR Vancouver Airport Authority named Tamara Vrooman as its next president and CEO, effective July 1, 2020, succeeding Craig Richmond who announced plans to retire in November 2019. Richmond led the organization, which operates Vancouver International Airport (YVR), for seven years. Vrooman, who has served on YVR’s board for nine years, joins the airport authority after 13 years as CEO of Vancity, Canada’s largest community credit union. Canada’s second busiest airport, YVR served 26.4 million passengers in 2019 with 56 airlines leveraging its infrastructure, connecting people and businesses to more than 125 non-stop destinations worldwide. In June 2018, YVR broke ground on a number of capital construction projects, which includes a target to complete what the airport defines as 75 major projects, totaling $9.1 billion over the next 20 years.
CESSNA SKYCOURIER FIRST FLIGHT Textron Aviation on May 17 completed the first flight of its twin utility turboprop, the Cessna SkyCourier. The test aircraft flew out of the company’s Beech Field Airport campus in Wichita, Kansas, kicking off a new phase of the program to validate the clean-sheet design for entry into service.
The Cessna SkyCourier twin utility turboprop, powered by Pratt & Whitney Canada PT6A-65SC engines, completes its first flight out of Beech Field Airport in Wichita. WWW.WINGSMAGAZINE.COM
July/August 2020 | WINGS
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ON THE
FLY
NOLINOR ACQUIRES THREE BOEING 737-400S Nolinor Aviation of Mirabel, Quebec, acquired three Boeing 737-400 for its fleet, which already holds the most Boeing 737200s in the world. The three 737-400s are
President Marco Prud’Homme (left) with members of the Nolinor team in Mirabel.
being added to provide more flexibility for its clients during COVID-19 economic recovery. With this aircraft acquisition, Nolinor will become the only airline in Québec to offer the 737-400 type, which will give its clients non-stop access to more distant destinations such as the Caribbean and the capability to transport larger payloads. Founded in 1992, Nolinor specializes in providing commercial charter flights across Canada, in the U.S. and to a number of other world destinations. The company notes this type of aircraft is well suited for sports clubs, troupes of artists (such as orchestras), conference attendees and groups
of tourists. Nolinor explains the cabins are equipped with new ultralight titanium seats designed to offer more legroom and wider cushions than normally used in this category of aircraft.
BUSINESS AVIATION
EPIC BEGINS DELIVERIES OF E1000 Epic Aircraft, headquartered in Oregon in a 300,000-square-foot facility at Bend Airport, confirmed the delivery of its first two E1000 airplanes. The all-composite, singleengine turboprop concluded its FAA Type
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PHOTO: NOLINOR AVIATION
Ron Draper, president and CEO, Textron Aviation explains the SkyCourier will be an impactful product in its segment due to a combination of cabin flexibility, payload capability, superior performance and low operating costs. The SkyCourier, featuring Pratt & Whitney PT6A-65SC engines, will be offered in various configurations including a 6,000-pound payload capable freighter, a 19-seat passenger version or a mixed passenger/freight combination, all based on the common platform. Featuring the Garmin G1000 NXi avionics suite, the aircraft is expected to be rated for a maximum cruise speed of up to 200 ktas and a maximum range of 900 nautical miles.
PHOTO: EPIC AIRCRAFT
The Epic E1000, powered by the Pratt & Whitney PT6A-67A engine, cruises at over 330 knots.
Certification program late last year. The first customer aircraft, delivered in February, is being leased back to Epic to support what the company describes as priority engineering projects. The second aircraft was delivered to its owner after delays related to the COVID-19 pandemic. Powered by the Pratt & Whitney 1,200-horsepower PT6A-67A, the all-carbon-fibre E1000 cruises at over 330 knots and climbs at 4,000 feet per minute. It provides a full-fuel payload of nearly 1,100
WWW.WINGSMAGAZINE.COM WG_FastAir_Kingairsummit_JulyAug20_CSA.indd 1
pounds and is RVSM certified to 34,000 feet. The aircraft has a range of approximately 1,560 nautical miles when carrying a full-fuel payload.
GULFSTREAM ACCELERATES G700 Since Valentine’s Day 2020, three all-new G700 test aircraft have taken their first flights as Georgia-based Gulfstream Aerospace works toward certification. Before
the COVID-19 pandemic, Gulfstream projected to begin deliveries of the G700 in the summer of 2022, with a base cost of approximately US$75 million. The three G700 flight-test aircraft have now flown more than 100 hours since the program’s first flight on February 14. Over that time, the G700 has reached a maximum altitude of 54,000 feet (16,459 metres) and a maximum speed of Mach 0.94. Gulfstream initially projected to commercially release the aircraft with a rated top speed of Mach 0.925. The G700 is powered by Rolls-Royce Pearl 700 engines and can fly at its highspeed cruise of Mach 0.90 for 6,400 nautical miles (11,853 kilometers) or at its long-range cruise of Mach 0.85 for 7,500 nm (13,890 km). The G700 also includes the Gulfstream Symmetry Flight Deck with what Gulfstream describes as the industry’s only electronically linked active control sidesticks, extensive use of touch-screen technology, and the company’s Predictive Landing Performance System. | W
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2020-06-21 4:20 PM
AIR
TRAFFIC By Kendra Kincade |
Driven to fly
Zoey Williams describes her growth as an inspiring role model for Canadian aviation
A
s the founder of an organization with a mandate to develop gender balance in the aviation industry through education and mentorship, I have been privileged to meet some incredible women who are forging a path in leadership. With the Black Lives Matter movement front and centre in our conversations today, it is important to understand, that while pushing for gender diversity in the aviation industry, we must also develop a voice to advocate for racial diversity. The lack of women of colour in aviation was never more apparent to me than when I started a search to interview a black female pilot. I called all of my friends and industry contacts. I Googled. Finally, I found someone who could make an introduction. How could I possibly have to search so hard to find a black woman pilot in Canadian aviation? Well – the digging was worth it because I uncovered a rare gift in Zoey Williams. At age 23, Williams is Caribbean-Canadian woman, who is poised, intelligent, beautiful and – best of all – inspirational. With few role models who looked like her, fighting her way through systemic challenges as a woman of colour in aviation was not easy, but as her father told her, “You have a responsibility to be a role model for other young girls like you. Hold your head high and encourage others to follow their dreams.” In my commitment to learn more and contribute to the systemic change that must happen, I wanted to dedicate this space to amplify the voices of women of colour in aviation and to hear what someone from the black aviation community has to say about it. In early 2020, Williams was thrilled to be hired at an airline as a pilot on the A321, beginning with the effort to obtain her type rating. As the start date for her simulator training approached, Williams’ schedule was interrupted by the COVID-19 pandemic. How did your journey in aviation begin? Williams: I have been around aviation as a child through my father and living close to a flight-training school. I saw a lot 12 WINGS | July/August 2020
that no matter what it took, I was going to become a pilot. How long have you been flying? I began my flight training in June 2012 and I started flying commercially in 2017. Did you know you wanted to become an airline pilot from the beginning or where you pursuing other options? At the beginning of my pursuit of a piloting career, I was only aware of job opportunities at the airline level. However, during my flight training, I obtained a float rating and fell in love with the idea of working in the float industry. I was told that I was too small to find a job in such a physically demanding position, but I was determined. After applying all across Canada in a competitive job market and phoning countless float operators, I was met with rejection after rejection. During my search for a float position, I was told, that in this industry, having someone vouch for you is important and searching for a job would be difficult without it. Although I kept applying, I continued my pursuit of aviation by obtaining a flight instructor rating. I began flight instructing and continued to build my career in Northern Ontario. As I built rapport and a reputation for being a hard worker, I found more opportunities and even some operators asking if I would consider float flying. However, at that point in my career, I had shifted my focus back to airline flying.
Representation is important and we need to encourage young women and minority groups... aviation is a great option. of airplanes flying above the house. At a young age, I had little interest in aviation, but I wanted to become an engineer. After some encouragement from my father, we drove to the airport and I got into a Cessna for an introductory flight lesson. My introductory flight was during a day with some turbulence. I was uncomfortable and there was nothing to hold onto in the airplane. Being so high up made my knees shake and I felt sick to my stomach. Once the engine stopped and we were back on the ground, I thought to myself, “There is no way I am going back up there. You can forget about becoming a pilot!” I went home and tried to push the experience to the back of my mind, but I could not. That was the first time as a young teenager that I felt paralyzing fear, but I knew this would not be the last time fear would enter my life. So, I had to make a decision to run from it or face it; and I knew this would set the tone for how I dealt with fear in the future. Through the mentorship and advice of my father, I mustered the strength to get back into a Cessna and I promised myself,
You now work for an international carrier. How exciting does it feel to be training on the Airbus? I am incredibly excited to have the opportunity to fly the Airbus. After getting the phone call about the job offer and I had to remind myself I was not dreaming. WWW.WINGSMAGAZINE.COM
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fter spending months and years earning the licenses and hours necessary to become a pilot or AME, many people both new to the aviation industry and those with many years of experience find themselves wondering how to find employment that suits them. Because many airlines and other leaders in the aviation field work exclusively with recruitment agencies to find employees, people starting out in the industry are often at a loss when it comes to finding work. Avicrew Management Inc. aims to change all that. In 2017, pilot Burke McKenzie and NDT specialist Tyler Davidson set out to make finding employment in aviation easier. They started Avicrew Management Inc. to use their contacts in the industry and their combined knowledge of how things work to help new and experienced pilots and AMEs find the work they’re looking for by connecting them with airlines and carriers that are hiring and by offering contract services to AMEs.
employers and employees. The company collects specialized personality and career goals from each of their candidates. This allows them to place people in work situations that align with their values and work ethic, resulting in higher retention rates. Avicrew Management’s easy sign-up process for AMEs and pilots seeking work aims to put an end to the drawn out process of finding employment. Professionals simply need fill out one form and upload their CV in order to be seen by a variety of aviation companies that are hiring. The company also collects personality and career goal information about every one of their candidates. They use this data to place employees in companies that suit their values and personal objectives. More recently, Avicrew Management has hired AMEs to work on special contracts all across the country. As employees, these AMEs benefit from higher than average salaries and guaranteed working hours.
HELPING PILOTS AND AMES FIND WORK While there are many recruitment firms that specialize in aviation, Avicrew Management is the only one in Canada to focus on finding work for pilots. Their service is free to all pilots, including those who are just starting out in the industry. They go beyond using simple professional qualifications and experience to match
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Already providing free services to pilots and AMEs, Avicrew Management in April waived recruitment fees for operators to help out the Canadian aviation industry during the COVID-19 pandemic.
pilots and AMEs with different levels of experience. They collect all pre-screening information necessary and make qualified candidates available to companies, ready for the final say by the company’s human resources department. HELPING IN TRYING TIMES Like many in the aviation industry, Avicrew Management was affected by the current COVID-19 pandemic. However, McKenzie and Davidson saw an opportunity to give back to the industry that they’ve spent their lives working in. They saw, that while the larger airlines were laying off their employees in order to stay afloat, Northern carriers and medevac operations saw demand for their services increase. Many of these companies struggled to find adequate staff. As such, for the duration of the current health crisis, Avicrew Management is offering their services to all Northern airlines and medevac services that need them free of charge. This allows companies to continue their important work and helps pilots and AMEs continue to work during these troubled times. Their services will remain free for all pilots and AMEs looking for employment.
July/August 2020 | WINGS 13
Although my type rating is on pause for the time being, I am enthusiastic to return to the flight deck soon. The world is changing before our very eyes in 2020, initially with COVID 19, but now the Black Lives Matter movement has come to the forefront. Do you know the percentage of black women pilots in Canada? This year has undoubtedly challenged many people’s perception of the world we live in. The percentage of black women in aviation is a number I have wanted to know
for some time. I have had no luck finding any published data on this specific demographic. I can only speak personally to my experience flying and I have met one other black female pilot working in Canada. I have had the pleasure of meeting other women of colour, who have an interest in flight training or have begun to pursue their training; and I look forward to sharing the flight deck with them in the future. How do you think we can best increase diversity in aviation? I believe that diversity in aviation can be
increased through outreach and community involvement. I often meet young girls who have said, “I did not know that being a pilot was an option.” Representation is important and we need to encourage young women and minority groups... aviation is an option and a great one too! Have you faced any racism in aviation; and what can be done to create change? Yes – I have faced racism in aviation. First and foremost, we have to stand up when we see or hear racism or prejudice. When you hear something inappropriate stand up, say something, and if applicable follow the appropriate chain of reporting. Secondly, mentor young people of all different backgrounds and be involved in all different types of communities. Working together as a cohesive group is how we can create change. I want this article to be a place to share your voice. What message do you want to share about diversity? I would like to share that we are all stronger when we support and encourage each other. Now is the time for unity and to reach out to others. This year has been an opportunity to strengthen our understanding of each other and to continue moving forward together. I strongly encourage the idea of mentorship and community outreach to increase inclusion and diversity on all platforms.
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Do you believe in the importance of mentorship? What advice can you give to any girls or young women reading this article who may be – for the first time perhaps – considering a career in aviation? I certainly believe in the importance of mentorship. I have amazing mentors who encouraged and guided me during my career. My mentors have had a huge impact on my life; and I could not imagine my career without them. The message I have for young women interested in aviation is you can do it and to believe in yourself. Do not let the doubts of others cause you to doubt yourself. You will be met with challenges in this career and I know the feeling of wanting to give up when things are hard, but you have to keep fighting. You are the future and you will have little girls that look up to you to represent them in this field. Wear your uniform with pride. Always study hard and do not believe anyone who tells you that you are incapable. | W Kendra Kincade is the founder and director of Elevate Aviation, a non-profit dedicated to inspiring youth to pursue careers in aviation.
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From all of us at WWFC, congratulations to Flight Instructor & Team Lead, Steve Johns on being selected as one of Canada’s Top 20 Under 40 in Aviation!
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INNOTECH-EXECAIRE AVIATION GROUP
lnnotech-Execaire Aviation Group is Proud to Congratulate
Patrick O'Brien
Manager of Flight Operations & Business Development For being chosen as one of the
Patrick's unwavering commitment to operational excellence has greatly contributed to the success of IEAG and is an integral part of what continues to drive our growth. www.innotech-execaire.com WWW.WINGSMAGAZINE.COM WG_Innotech_halfpage_JulyAug20_CSA.indd 1
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on regulation and compliance, before adding more complex sustainability integrations from operations and employees to passengers and the community. Banga then joined the team preparing Pearson’s 201737 Master Plan, delivering content and project management. This would evolve into an integral role in writing GTAA’s strategic plan, as a key member of the airport’s new Strategy and Growth department. Here, Banga increasingly worked with then GTAA CEO, Howard Eng, who was succeeded by Deborah Flint in mid-2019. “Deborah is very much known as a leader in sustainability in the aviation world. She was integral in developing LAX’s sustainability plan… using [it] as a business driver,” says Banga. “I'm working closely with her now on thinking about what sustainability looks like in a post-COVID environment… and how do we use this as an opportunity to not only rebuild ourselves, but to also shape the aviation industry.” Banga is involved with a range of international working groups like Airports Council International North America, Transportation Research Board, Global Reporting Initiative Stakeholder Council, and the Sustainability Consortium. She also represents Toronto Pearson on the Airport Benchmarking Group, a collaboration of nine of the world’s largest airports focused on customer experience and emissions reduction.
Geoff Koots and Ian Cosco, co-owners of Tintina Air based in Whitehorse, Yukon. (Photo: Eli Pasquali)
AGENTS OF CHANGE
TOP 20 UNDER 40, INFLUENCING THE FUTURE OF CANADIAN AVIATION BY JON ROBINSON
T
he annual Top 20 Under 40 program, presented by WINGS and sponsored by the Seneca School of Aviation, recognizes exceptional young leaders influencing the direction of Canadian aviation and aerospace. These leaders, who are all under the age of 40, were initially put forward through a nomination process lasting over several months. WINGS then determined the 20 honourees, presented here alphabetically, based on their demonstration of leadership, innovation, influence, achievement and dedication shown to their organization and the Canadian aviation industry.
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PRABH BANGA
Associate Director, Strategy and Growth, Greater Toronto Airports Authority Toronto, ON Prabh Banga, age 34, was deeply involved with municipal public policy when an opportunity arose at Toronto Pearson. “I always had a desire to work in the sustainability field at a global level,” says Banga. Moving over to Canada’s largest airport in 2015, she initially focused
ADAM BENINGER
Director, Operational Control Centre, Canadian North Ottawa, ON Adam Beninger, age 36, in 2018 was promoted into a challenging new position as Director of Integration to establish the structure, planning, communications and reporting to steer the merger of First Air and Canadian North – forming one of Canada’s most-important transport networks. Beninger first joined the company in 2003 in the cargo department of First Air’s Ottawa International Airport location. In 2011, he transitioned to the Operational Control Centre as Duty Manager, ultimately being promoted to Chief Duty Manager three years later. In this role, Beninger was responsible for leading an essential unit and a team of eight duty managers, becoming a change management leader for the 24/7/365 department. He is also a primary contributor to its Emergency Response Planning team. In 2017, Beninger, who was promoted to his new OCC Director role in April 2020, was the recipient of the Canadian North’s WWW.WINGSMAGAZINE.COM
Seneca congratulates Aviation graduate, Prateek Konnur, for being recognized as one of the Top 20 Under 40. #SenecaProud
senecacollege.ca
Nanuq Award, an annual peer-driven program to recognize exceptional leadership and contribution.
IAN COSCO
Check Pilot and Co-owner, Tintina Air Whitehorse, YT Ian Cosco, age 32, grew up in a family of pilots. After spending nine years as a professional freestyle skier, reaching the World Cup circuit, Cosco earned his Commercial Pilot's License in 2014 through BCIT’s Flight Operations program and in early 2015 became a First Officer on the Super King Air with Alkan Air out of Whitehorse. He would then also fly the BE20 for Carson Air before returning to Whitehorse to join Tintina Air in April 2017. Dave Sharp, who founded Tintina 10 years ago, was engaging a succession plan. Cosco invested in the company with two other pilots, Geoff Koots (page 20) and Freddie Feldman. Tintina Air provides access to many remote locations throughout the Yukon, Northwest Territories, Northern BC and
Alaska. Collectively, its pilots average more than 9,000 hours in a variety of aircraft – with Sharp holding more than 15,000 hours of primarily bush flying. “Dave started the idea that he could go into more aggressive strips [and] that has held true for Tintina,” says Cosco. “We go into some strips some other companies won’t, because we have the experience and different safety measures.” Tintina now has eight aircraft in its fleet and the operation is focused on developing a new business model for single-pilot IFR and VFR bush flying. Tintina in 2018 completed the build of a 10,000-square-foot hangar to house its new AMO capabilities.
JONATHAN DAVIS
Instructor, Aerobatic and Tailwheel, Calgary Flying Club Springbank, AB Jonny Davis, age 30, first flew in a helicopter at age eight growing up in Newfoundland and Labrador, but his passion for flight was fueled by his older brother, Ben, a
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fixed-wing pilot. The younger Davis focused on becoming a Canadian Forces pilot, but with few new spots becoming available, he instead turned toward a military SAR Technician program that was accepting direct-entry applicants. Davis in 2010 trained at Manitoba Emergency Services College, but the Canadian military changed plans with the bulk of its deployed members set to return from Afghanistan. Davis refocused on flight training, leveraging Harv’s Air in Manitoba to receive a mix of Private Pilot’s Licence and aerobatics training. He became qualified as an aerobatic flight instructor in mid-2015 and that same year began his Commercial Pilot’s License out of Gander Flight Training. His CPL was finished in Pitt Meadows, BC, while pursuing a Bachelor of Interdisciplinary Studies at Thompson Rivers University in Kamloops, focusing on Expedition Leadership. “I have a dedication to learning… sharing knowledge is a gift when it's done the right,” says Davis, who has been involved in a number of aviation working groups, including Transport Canada’s GA Flight Safety Campaign. He is now exploring the impact of human factors in aviation.
ADAM FALLWELL
Director, Flight Operations, AirSprint Calgary, AB Adam Fallwell, age 37, was introduced to aviation at a young age due to his father’s career at Canadian Airlines. He began flying lessons at the age 14 and then attended the aviation program at Mount Royal College, graduating in 2003. After a few years of flight instructing, Fallwell was hired by AirSprint as a PC-12 First Officer. Fallwell, over the next 12 years at AirSprint, would climb the ranks of PC-12 Captain, Senior PC-12 Captain, Assistant Chief Pilot, Chief Pilot, and now Director, Flight Operations. He would play important roles in the launch of two new aircraft types in Canada, the Cessna CJ3+ and the Embraer Legacy 500/450. Fallwell worked with Transport Canada and Embraer in assuring aircraft Type Certificate approval, training program development, writing standard operating procedures, and line indoctrination programs for the new Legacy 500/450 aircraft. In his current role, Fallwell oversees the flight department consisting of around 80 pilots; and liaisons with Transport Canada and the other departments within AirSprint. With AirSprint’s recent expansion into overseas operations, Fallwell continues
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to work with his team in developing new training and standards for these operations.
BLAKE HACHÉ
First Officer, Air Transat Toronto, ON Blake Haché, age 26, has been with Air Transat for 1 1/2 years, becoming one of the youngest North American pilots ever to fly an Airbus widebody. He was crossed trained as an Airbus 330/320 First Officer before being furloughed as a result of COVID-19. Without any family connections to aviation, Haché became an Air Cadet and received both a Glider Pilot Scholarship and Private Pilot Scholarship with the program, finishing as a Warrant Officer 1st Class. He started at Air Transat at just 24 years of age on the Airbus 330, having already amassed some 3,000 hours. Prior to Air Transat, Haché joined Bearskin Airlines as a First Officer on the Fairchild Metro. He was promoted to Captain at age 22 and spent two years with the Thunder Bay operation. Prior to Bearskin, Haché was a PC-12 First Officer for Air Bravo for one year. There, he flew medevac and charters, obtaining his ATPL at just 21 years of age. Prior to Air Bravo, Haché at age 20 began flying a GA-8 Airvan in Northern Ontario on a summer contract. He started his career as a Flight Instructor with Confederation College at 19 years of age after graduating from the college's Aviation Flight Management Program.
JONATHON JESSOME
MPI Technician and Operations Lead Hand, StandardAero Summerside, PE Jonathan Jessome, age 27, began working with Vector Aerospace in 2016 as a Parts Cleaner, employing chemicals and an abrasive blast process in accordance with Pratt & Whitney Canada manuals. He also signed on as one of the company’s First Responders. A year later, Vector was sold by owner Airbus to StandardAero. By this time, Jessome took on a new role as Accessories Technician, testing and inspecting fuel surge accumulators, oil to fuel heaters, and reduction gearbox rear housing PCU port repairs. Concurrently, Jessome was also tasked as a Training Associate to develop a program for Cleaning Technicians.
Jessome in January 2019 was appointed to his current role, overseeing a group of employees and helping to lead daily operations. Earning his Magnetic Particle Inspection Level II certification, Jessome also performs magnetic particle inspections of PW100, PT6A and JT15D engines, complying with quality regulations and ensuring that applicable checks and tests are completed and documented. With his best-practices acumen, Jessome continues to take on challenges for the department’s training requirements, identifying gaps and creating new training materials.
STEVEN JOHNS
Flight Instructor and MIFR Team Lead, Waterloo-Wellington Flight Centre Waterloo, ON Steve Johns, age 35, started flying in 2004. A graduate of the Conestoga College/Waterloo-Wellington Flight Centre Aviation Program, Johns completed his Flight Instructor
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Rating and has now been working with the Waterloo-Wellington Flight Centre (WWFC) as a flight instructor for 14 years. As a Class 2 instructor, with his vast experience, Johns’ duties with WWFC have included Ground School Instructor, Flight Instructor, Multi/IFR Team Lead, Supervisor, Company Check Pilot, Duty Pilot, Authorized Person, Radio Examiner, and Acting CFI. As a flight instructor, he provides multi and IFR ground school and flight instruction to students enrolled in Conestoga College, University of Waterloo, and Integrated Airline Transport Pilot’s Licence
programs. As a Multi/IFR Team Lead and Supervisor, he trains and supervises new instructors teaching in these departments He also ensures students in this phase of training meet program benchmarks, which includes conducting check rides for students. Johns is currently working with Sunwing and Jazz pilots to design and implement a syllabus for WWFC’s new Multi-Crew Cooperation Course. He has also spent multiple summers in Northern Ontario as a Birddog Pilot, patrolling for wildfires, flying reconnaissance, and assisting waterbombers in suppressive air attacks.
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PRATEEK KONNUR
Aviation Safety Manager, Barrick Gold Toronto, ON Prateek Konnur, age 27, enrolled Seneca’s Aviation Safety program in September 2011. As a student, Konnur served two internship placements at Porter Airlines, which included a team project to explore the threat of lasers to aviation. The work was recognized nationally by the industry based on compelling data focused on mitigating the risk. Konnur graduated from Seneca with the highest academic standing in 2014 and was immediately offered a full-time position within Seneca’s School of Aviation Safety department. Over the next four years, he played an integral role toward elevating the safety and quality of Seneca’s flight training and producing the next generation of professional pilots. During this time, Konnur obtained his Commercial Pilot’s License and completed a Masters’ degree in Aviation Management with Griffith University via distance learning. In September 2018, Konnur was hired by Barrick Gold’s corporate flight department as an Aviation Safety Analyst. To expand his professional development, he earned another postgraduate qualification in Leadership Communication from Harvard Extension School. Today, Konnur is responsible of overseeing all aspects of Barrick’s Safety Management Systems, working toward being qualified as a corporate pilot with Barrick to complement his managerial duties and fulfill a long-term career goal.
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Chief Pilot and Co-owner, Tintina Air Whitehorse, YT Geoff Koots, age 31, found his passion for aviation after starting flying lessons in his last year of high school. After completing his primary flight licences, Koots moved from a small town just outside of Red Deer, Alberta, to take a ramp job in Fort Simpson, Northwest Territories, with Wolverine Air. Koots returned next summer to fly a Cessna 206 for Wolverine. “It was a great place to learn with a lot of experienced people,” says Koots, who then had an opportunity to fly for Whitehorse Air Services. In the summer of 2012, Koots met Dave Sharp who was hauling fuel drums to his Beaver at Dawson City Airport.
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WWW.WINGSMAGAZINE.COM 2020-01-13 AM 13/01/2020 9:41 11:22
...is pleased to congratulate:
Wes Phillips
Operations Manager
…. Of Cascade Aerospace; being recognized as Canada`s Top 20 under 40 in Canadian Aerospace. Cascade Aerospace is an Operating Unit of IMP Aerospace & Defence
IMP Aerospace & Defence www.impaad.com For more information contact Kim Tamminga, ktamminga@impaad.com.
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next 12 years, established himself as one of Canada’s foremost aviation planners and airport technical experts. His background includes the creation of airport master plans both in Canada and internationally, instrument approach design, and he is just one of a handful of heliport exports in Canada. Lindsey eventually went on to lead WSP Canada’s aviation planning, engineering and architectural efforts as Director, Aviation. In 2016, Lindsey moved to a subsidiary of Winnipeg Airports Authority as Director, Airports. In this role, he developed and rolled out a SMS-as-a-service model that is now offered at more than 30 airports in Canada. In January 2020, Lindsey moved to Perimeter Aviation as VP of Corporate Business Development, where he has helped to led the organization through the unprecedented impact of COVID-19. At Perimeter, Lindsey is also leveraging his background in planning for a new terminal expansion. He explains Perimeter’s engagement with the Northern communities it serves has really stood since he first joined the organization. “We understand and appreciate how these communities rely on us. We take that responsibility very seriously,” says Lindsey.
OMRINDER MAHIL
Airport Duty Officer, City of Abbotsford Abbotsford, BC Mindi Mahil, age 30, has been in aviation since being hired by YVR as a screening officer for G4S and the Canadian Aviation Transportation Security Association in 2008. During this time, he attended SFU to obtain a Bachelor’s degree in Political Science. In 2014, he was hired as an Airport Service Delivery Manager for CATSA from 2014 to 2016. Mahil then joined Abbotsford International Airport, YXX, as an Airport Technician. During his first year, Mahil too, the team lead in fostering critical relationships with all airport partners and tenants. He was then promoted to Airport Duty Officer, overseeing the entire operation (terminal and airside) at the age of 28. As Duty Officer, Mahil played a vital role during YXX’s growth from 480,000 passengers in 2015 to 1 million in 2019. Mahil works closely with Transport Canada to keep all of the airport’s documentation up to standards, which included rebuilding the Safety Management System, Emergency Response Plan and Security Plan. For the past three years, he has led the emergency operations planning and execution of the annual WWW.WINGSMAGAZINE.COM
Matt Leis with a Super King Air B200 at around midnight this June in Pond Inlet, Nunavut, .
Abbotsford International Airshow, one of the country’s most important. Mahil was recently elected to the Abbotsford Youth Commission board.
PATRICK O'BRIEN
Manager, Flight Operations, InnotechExecaire Aviation Group Dorval, QC Patrick O’Brien, age 31, began his life in aviation at age 12 with the Air Cadets, where he earned both his Glider and Private Pilot’s Licences, aging out as Squadron Commander of 690 Lakeshore in Montreal. O’Brien then received a Bachelor of Science degree from Carleton University, where he also earned an MBA in International Business, while pursing his Commercial Pilot’s Licence and multi-IFR at Cornwall Aviation. In 2013, O’Brien joined Execaire, a division of IMP Group, where he currently manages the company’s Operational Control Center based out of the Pierre-Elliot Trudeau International Airport. It is one of the busiest 24/7 dispatch and flight following centres for business aviation in the country, managing more than 10,000 flight legs a year to every continent. “[We flew around] 585 city pairs last year, which is unbelievable if you compare that to an airline schedule… it’s a real delicate dance and that’s why I love it,” says O’Brien, who remains an avid aviator, earning type ratings on the B1900D, Learjet 60, Citation X and the Challenger 650. In his role as a pilot, he has amassed experience flying the B1900D in West Africa, the Learjet 60 around North America and the Citation
X and the Challenger 650 in worldwide operations. O’Brien is also helping to lead Execaire’s technological development, rolling out an industry-first, full-service client iPhone app called FlyExecaire. The newest version of the app will also centralize Execaire’s Fatigue Risk Management, Flight Risk Analysis and SMS. O’Brien is also leading the implementation of paperless flight deck solutions with plans to convert the company’s 40-plus aircraft fleet to electronic journey logbooks in 2021. O’Brien is also leading Execaire’s CORSIA implementation, leveraging data analytics to formalize plans to minimize the operation’s carbon footprint.
WESLEY PHILLIPS
Manager, Operations and Avionics, Cascade Aerospace Abbotsford, BC Wes Phillips, age 36, started his career as an Avionics Apprentice after graduating from BCIT as one of its top students in 2004, quickly gaining his AME license. Within three years at Cascade Aerospace, Phillips became Crew Lead for a team of technicians on multiple aircraft types, performing in a range of situations from heavy C-Check maintenance to complex modification programs. Phillips was soon promoted to the Engineering Liaison Group as Cascade’s Avionics Representative in 2010 before another promotion to Avionics Supervisor. He oversaw approximately 80 Avionics Technicians, across multiple aircraft, project types and shifts, while also helping to recruit and develop apprentices. In a supervisor role on the Q400 multi-mission July/August 2020 | WINGS 23
Vector’s Mainline Inspection team, which he joined later that year. Since moving to Mainline Inspection, within what is now StandardAero, Ross has qualified for his Class 1 and Class 4 inspection stamps. He has trained on all sections of the PT6A, PW100 and JT15D engine lines, and spent several months in the PW150A shop, before its relocation to Singapore. Ross’ main focus now is to support the PostInspection group, but he also supports the Piece Part group and the Class 4 (final inspection) groups when required.
ELIZABETH TESSIER
AirSprint VP Jared Williams has amassed more than 6,000 hours of flight time and nine type ratings.
program, his organizational skills and influence among the functional departments enabled the successful execution of an exceptionally challenging modification – one of the most complex ever undertaken in Canada. Phillips gained a LEAN Blackbelt certification and was instrumental in streamlining the Avionics wiring harness shop, reducing turn times to complete harness wiring kits for RCAF C-130 aircraft, before turning his attention to an AUP program for Mexico. He was then promoted as Project Engineer to help streamline the process for a subsequent Avionics Upgrade Project. With is most recent promotion, Phillips is now responsible for overseeing all of Cascade’s avionics and modifications programs. On a current multi-line Avionics flight deck upgrade program, his team executed work on more than 50 aircraft, averaging 40 per cent shorter times than competing MROs, and with zero post check defects related to the modification.
ANDREW POPE
Vice President, Customer and Commercial, Canadian North Ottawa, ON Andrew Pope, age 32, leads Canadian North’s airport and cargo operations, marketing and sales, and community relations. His team plays a critical role in representing the airline in all 35 communities in which it operates. An alumni of Queen’s University, where he completed a Bachelor of Engineering degree, Pope joined Canadian North in 2015 as VP, Scheduled Services & Cargo; 24 WINGS | July/August 2020
and as Senior Director, Strategic Analysis & Business Planning. With a background in productivity improvement and project management, Pope was promoted in 2018 to lead the process of merging First Air and Canadian North in terms of operations. As Vice President, Integration, Pope provided critical leadership to the planning and post-merger integration efforts into 2019, which resulted in many notable corporate achievements. Pope also led a critical list of deliverables, including a merged network and integrated flight schedule, migration to a single reservation system, rebranding, and a harmonization of commercial processes.
MATT ROSS
Technician, StandardAero Summerside, PE Matt Ross, age 35, has 13 years of experience in the Canadian aerospace industry, having initially joined Atlantic Turbines (a predecessor company of StandardAero) as a Process Assistant in 2007, working in the company’s Thermal Spray and Epoxy shop. In this role, Ross helped to develop a new hard masking process as part of a continuous improvement project. This reduced the time and consumables required to repair components, minimizing cost and TAT. Two years later, Ross transitioned to the Paint Shop within what was by then Vector Aerospace. He was also able to crosstrain in the company’s Plating Shop and on Vector’s CNC thermal spray and subassembly processes. In 2011, Ross earned the opportunity to cross-train within
Sales Executive, World Fuel Services Montreal, QC Elizabeth Tessier, age 38, discovered a passion for aviation in her youth attending air shows at St. Hubert Airport, YHU. At age 16, she landed a job at the airport’s cafeteria, even if it meant a long bus ride, to spend the summer learning about aircraft. Tessier also found a passion for business development, which led her to pursue a communications degree at Université du Québec à Montréal. Her career began leading the Montréal region for DO & CO, a hospitality and airline catering company, while also focusing on the early development of her three children. Tessier returned to work full time with a pharmaceutical lab before taking on a role to lead corporate accounts for operator Airmedic based at YHU. After two years with Airmedic, Tessier connected with Chrono Aviation, which operates one of the largest air charter fleets in Quebec. Chrono wanted to develop an FBO at YHU, under a tight timeline based on a new transport contract with a mining company that would require the use of 737-200s. Tessier jumped at the opportunity to lead sales development for the new FBO, LUX Ground Services. “We worked really hard to open and the result is incredible... it gave me so much experience.” After completion of the LUX FBO, Tessier moved to World Fuel, which she describes as an incredible opportunity to visit airports and FBOs across Eastern Canada. “Being part of the biggest network in the country, we’re not only selling fuel, we’re doing so much more with software, customer service, contract fuel… There are so many different models everywhere and this is what makes it even more exciting,” she says. Overseeing Ontario, Quebec and all of the Atlantic provinces since late-2019, Tessier has already established new contracts with facilities in WWW.WINGSMAGAZINE.COM
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the Montreal area and in the competitive Atlantic region. “They’re our business partners… helping them grow is our core business,” she says. “I truly enjoy working with our customers and take it personally when providing them with support.”
SAYGE TREMBLAY
Duty Officer, Vanguard Air Care Winnipeg, MB Sayge Tremblay, age 20, became involved in the aviation industry at age 14 through a unique program at Sturgeon Heights High School, which has been running for 18 years under the leadership of former bush pilot Joe Vodopivec. Tremblay then joined the Air Cadets, earning Glider and Private Pilot’s Licences Tremblay has been a Duty Officer with Vanguard Air Care for the past two years, serving as a key part of the team providing air ambulance services for Manitoba. As the interface between the Provincial Centralized Dispatch System, medical teams and the operational Flight Crews, her duties are critical to the success of Vanguard’s
medevac missions. Tremblay also works closely with the maintenance department at Fast Air and is relied upon to train new duty officers joining the team. Outside of work, Tremblay is tremendously active in a number of organizations promoting the aviation industry. She a is member of the Board of the Manitoba Aviation Council, recently becoming its membership lead. She is also active with Canadian Women in Aviation and the Manitoba 99s. She recently began her own program called CJL5 Millennials in Aviation to engage young professionals to expand their networks and career opportunities. Tremblay’s ultimate goal is to become a commercial pilot, which she is currently working toward.
JARED WILLIAMS
Vice President, Operations, AirSprint Calgary, AB Jared Williams, age 38, has amassed more than 6,000 hours of flight time and nine type ratings. At age of 18, he became one of Canada’s youngest ever flight instructors
and by age 21 held an Airline Transport Pilot Licence, flying as a First Officer on various turboprops. At age 26, Williams became Chief Pilot of a regional airline where he was eventually promoted to VP of Operations at the age of 30. In 2017, Williams joined AirSprint, Canada’s largest private aviation fractional ownership company, where he took on the role of Vice President of Safety and Quality. During this time, he implemented new practices and increased his knowledge through Safety Leadership Training Certification with both Wyvern and University of Southern California. Williams also obtained a MOOC Aviation Accident Investigation Certificate through Embry Riddle University and trained with the Canadian Council for Aviation & Aerospace Quality Systems Auditor Certification. He became a Kenyon Team Member for Emergency, Accident and Disaster response in the aviation sector. In his current role, Williams oversees a staff of more than 100 and all operational aspects of AirSprint, including operations control, flight operations, maintenance, training and standards, and owner services. Maintaining his passion for flight, Williams continues to fly for AirSprint and is currently an Embraer Legacy Captain. | W
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2019-09-13 2:31 PM
OPENING STATEMENT BY ATAC PRESIDENT AND CEO BEFORE THE HOUSE STANDING COMMITTEE ON FINANCE TO DISCUSS COVID-19 May 26, 2020 Good afternoon. We welcome the opportunity to comment on the devastating impact this pandemic and its containment measures are having on our industry. Although we support the Government in its actions aimed at curbing the spread of COVID-19, containment and restrictions on air travel have had a truly horrendous economic impact on most segments of the air transport industry with traffic, and revenue, down to less than 10% of usual levels. Many of our members have ceased operations altogether. Air operators are counting on a financial aid package from the Government while some operators struggle to continue servicing remote and northern communities that rely on air transport for survival. We believe that, unfortunately, a significant number of air operators will probably not survive and the quality of air services to Canadians will undoubtedly suffer. Canada is lagging behind as most foreign governments acted within weeks to come to the aid of their aviation industry, including the USA, Australia, Brazil, China, Denmark, Finland, Germany, Hong Kong, Italy, New Zealand, Norway, Singapore, Spain and Sweden. Meanwhile, our letters to the Prime Minister, to the Minister of Finance, the Minister of Transport, the Minister of Economic Development, and the Minister of Indigenous Services remain unanswered. Our industry is capital intensive with very high fixed costs. While little or no revenue is generated, operators still have to pay for their aircraft through loans or leases, insurance, basic regulatory required airworthiness upkeep, hangars, and parking fees, in addition to all the other normal business overhead costs. So far, the Government has tabled Canada‘s Emergency Wage Subsidy program, which can only help pay for a skeleton staff when operations are all but stopped. Canada’s Large Employer Emergency Financing Facility (LEEFF) is interesting but its $300M threshold eliminates the vast majority of air carriers. We estimate that only 5 or 6 Canadian carriers qualify for this program while over thirty other carriers, key socio-economic enablers in their regions, and critical to Canada’s connectivity, are left out. The Canadian Government must recognize the critical role that aviation plays in Canada. Without immediate government help, many Canadian air operators will not be around to provide their critical service and its enabling role on the economy at the beginning
of the long recovery when they will be most desperately needed. This critical government financial aid package would also avoid greater economic damage by ensuring that operators can rapidly scale-up when travel restrictions are lifted and quickly contribute to “jump-starting” the Canadian economy. However, some airlines may require more than loans if they are to continue providing essential services to Canadian communities. Our industry is facing two major challenges. The first, of course, is short term survival. The other is the uncertainty of what our market will look like coming out of this crisis, which is best summarized by the following questions. How long before people are willing and able to travel by air again? When will foreign borders open up and remain open? What health and safety restrictions will the government impose on our operations? And will those restrictions make the cost of flying prohibitive? We expect that the impact of COVID-19 will be much longer lasting than initially thought and that recovery will be very slow, and unfortunately impossible for a number of our members. A comprehensive government action plan will help the air transport industry save over 55,000 direct skilled jobs and many times that in indirect jobs, maintain essential connections, transport people who require medical treatment, deliver life-preserving supplies and overall be a key enabler for the recovery of the Canadian economy. I thank you for your attention and I am happy to answer your questions.
ATAC CONFERENCE COMMITTEE MEETINGS VIA VIDEO CONFERENCING
Faced with having to cancel its annual conference and tradeshow that was to be held in Vancouver in November, ATAC is now planning to hold the Conference committee meetings by video conference. The valuable dialogue, exchange of ideas and information sharing usually generated by the Conference committee meetings can still be achieved using video platforms. ATAC will announce in September the proposed agenda of committee meetings open to all members. Invitations to all committee members will be sent shortly thereafter.
Air Transport Association of Canada 1505 - 222 Queen Street, Ottawa, Ontario, K1P 5V9 Phone: (613) 233-7727 • Fax: (613) 230-8648 • Website: www.atac.ca
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The official publication of the Canadian Business Aviation Association
NEWS BRIEF
“Doing the Right Thing All the Time” CBAA’s new chair shares his values and hopes for the future of BA
CBAA’s new chair, James Elian, president of AirSprint, has been on the CBAA board since 2016 and its vice chair since 2018, but even he was surprised at how rapidly and how effectively CBAA met the needs of its members during the COVID-19 crisis, even during the earliest and most turbulent times. “AirSprint is one of the larger business aviation companies in the country, and even with the resources we have, we relied on the CBAA to get many of the answers we needed, when it seemed like things were changing hour by hour. I can only imagine what it was like for members that have four or five people, or even fewer and only one aircraft. Without the CBAA you wouldn’t be able to get the help you needed. The CBAA response was exceptional, and member feedback I heard has been 100% positive.” It’s CBAA’s ability to communicate effectively with its members, along with its role to educate and influence government that is at the heart of James’ vision for the future direction of the association. “I am not sure the government looks at business aviation as anything more than a luxury, but as we start reopening the economy following the recent coronavirus challenge, business aviation will play a much larger role in the recovery than the government realizes, particularly for the size of our sector.” James’ view of the important economic role for business aviation came from not only his own experience in aviation and as a CBAA board member, but from speaking with AirSprint fractional owners. “The majority of our customers, have indicated that they are itching to get flying as soon aspossible once the government travel restrictions are eased. They want to do their part to get the
Canadian economy up and running again.” James thinks that the CBAA is key in helping government understand business aviation’s potential. “Going forward is that we will be communicating with the right people in both government and media to truly show what business aviation is and what it can accomplish for the economy. I see CBAA as being that voice for operators so they can focus on what they do best and not have to take up that conversation themselves.” “Communication is key. There is not a true understanding by government and the public of what business aviation is – but now we have a real, meaningful opportunity to show how BA could lead the turnaround of the economy as things start to open up. Our goal is to influence the government to make it easier for business aviation to flourish with positive government action from both a regulatory and tax perspective.” James’ vision for the association is underscored by the values that drive AirSprint; values that he shares in his work with CBAA. “It comes down to integrity and trust. At the end of the day I have to be able to look in the mirror, at the faces of the people who work with me, and at our customers, and know that the decision was made to do the right thing each and every time.” It’s an approach James intends to take to the CBAA board, making sure that the right people are around the table, providing expertise and insight, and setting the strategic direction that will drive CBAA work going forward. “We need to have the absolute best around the table, to support Anthony and his team.” Named president of AirSprint in 2015, James started with the company in 2001 as first officer and since has held various positions, including, chief operating officer, vice president of operations, director of flight operations and chief pilot, among others. To this day, James maintains his airline transport pilot license. AirSprint, founded in 2000, is Canada’s largest provider of fractional aircraft and has been a member of the CBAA for over 15 years.
CEO’S CORNER
Business aviation is a powerful tool in a post-COVID 19 environment Many people are taking their best guess at what a postCOVID 19 environment might look like. Will city cores be hollowed out as masses of workers decide to keep telecommuting? Will we make the shift completely from window shopping to shopping from Windows? There are many questions, but few answers. Except when it comes to business aviation. The true silver lining that emerged over the last few months was to heighten the distinctions between business aviation flights and scheduled service. And these differences have never been more important than they will become in the days and months of economic recovery. Business aviation supports commerce and trade, getting people where they want to go, when they need to get there. Here are a few of the areas
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CBAA-ACAA News Brief
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TSB King Air Report
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CBAA joins aviation colleagues calling for government-led sector-specific recovery strategies
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CBAA welcomes 2020 – 2021 board of directors
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CBAA 2020/2021 Buyer’s Guide is now online
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BizAv making a difference during covid-19 Thank you to our 2020 members! Partner with the CBAA and Promote your Products and Services CBAA can help to ensure you are fully compliant and ready to fly CBAA delegations help simplify your business Air travel during and after the pandemic: preparation is key CBAA Member Testimonials
1 Rideau Street, Suite 700 Ottawa, ON K1N 8S7 Tel: (613) 236-5611 Email: membersupport@cbaa.ca Website: www.cbaa-acaa.ca
STAFF MEMBERS President & CEO Anthony Norejko, 613.236.5611 ext. 238, anorejko@cbaa.ca Executive Assistant and Director of Administration Aime O’Connor, 613.236.5611 ext. 228, aoconnor@cbaa.ca Vice President, Government and Regulatory Affairs Merlin Preuss, 613.883.7738, mpreuss@cbaa.ca Membership and Communication Services Manager Lindsay Berndt, 613.236.5611 ext. 221, lberndt@cbaa.ca Industry & Public Relations Debra Ward, 613.274.0619 dward@cbaa.ca Events Coordinator Lise Hodgson, 613.854.4686, lhodgson@cbaa.ca
Finance accounting@cbaa.ca 613.236.5611 ext. 222
BOARD OF DIRECTORS EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE Chair • James Elian President & COO AirSprint Inc. Vice Chair • Ehsan Monfared Partner YYZlaw
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CEO’S CORNER continued from page 1
Past Chair • Peter Bing Director Aviation Operations - Chief Pilot Sobeys Inc.
where business aviation shines: Safety and contact tracing. Whether it’s corporate staff or charter clients, business aviation operators have a unique understanding of who’s on board, and the ability to monitor travel patterns and health. Reliability. Airline schedules can change for dozens of reasons with delayed or cancelled flights playing havoc with travellers’ schedules. And with health measures being put into place to protect the safety of passengers, you could be looking at hours of extra time needed to simply board a flight. Business aviation’s private FBOs adhere to the highest cleaning and sanitization standards, and since the FBOs maintain their own security screening and boarding protocols, passengers are guaranteed a safe, efficient and reliable experience. Cost-effectiveness. By selecting the right aircraft, and the right ownership structure, users can directly control the
President & CEO • Anthony Norejko Canadian Business Aviation Association
CBAA-ACAA News Brief
costs associated with their travel. This is even more important as in a postCOVID economy the airlines will have little choice but to mitigate their own increased costs by passing them along to passengers, adding to the cost of a commercial ticket. The right aircraft will make your break even, even better. Environment. Even though air travel has been reduced by as much as 90 percent, we have not forgotten our commitment to carbon reduction. BA fleets tend to be newer than airline fleets and adopt new technologies more quickly. But a fraction of the two percent of global aviation emissions before the onset of the coronavirus, business aviation was already reducing its impact on the environment. Now more than ever, it is essential that the government listens –and understands – what business aviation can do to benefit businesses and communities across Canada, and takes action to ensure that business aviation can flourish.
Secretary • Aime O’Connor EA and Director of Administration and Board Secretary Canadian Business Aviation Association Treasurer • Scott Harrold Executive Director Sky Aviation International
DIRECTORS Ivano Mosca, CPA, CMA • Vice-President Finance and Administration Innotech-Execaire Aviation Group a Division of I.M.P. Group Limited Jean-Christophe Gallagher, Eng. • Vice President and General Manager Customer Experience Bombardier Aviation Gary Wood • Director – Corporate Sales & Marketing Flying Colours Lisa Clarke • Regional Sales Manager FlightSafety International Paul Carter • Toronto Based Engineer Levaero Aviation Ian Darnley • Director of Business Development Sunwest Aviation Ltd. Jacqueline Bailey • VP Inflight Sterling/ICFS Aviation Group David Arbon • Aircraft Maintenance Manager/DOM Canadian Utilities Emlyn David • President and CEO Skyservice Business Aviation Inc.
www.cbaa-acaa.ca
ADVOCACY AND NEWS TSB King Air Report
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he Transportation Safety Board of Canada has found that flying with partial instruments led to the January 30, 2019 loss of control and collision with ground by an Air Tindi Ltd. Beechcraft King Air 200 aircraft. The investigation determined that the crew did not effectively manage and mitigate the risk associated with the unserviceable right-side attitude indicator. Crew resource management was also not effective and resulted in a breakdown in verbal communication, loss of situation awareness, and the aircraft entering an unsafe condition. The investigation also determined that if flight crews do not use the guidance material provided in the minimum equipment list when aircraft systems are unserviceable, there is a risk that the aircraft may be operated without systems that are critical to safe operation. Additionally, if flight crews do not use all available resources at their disposal, a loss in situation awareness can occur, which can increase the risk of an accident. Following the occurrence, Air Tindi Ltd. took a number of safety actions, which included the conduct of an internal safety investigation and the implementation of changes to the minimum equipment list. Air Tindi Ltd. also installed a third attitude indicator in all company aircraft that had not already been so equipped; standardized and labelled power supplies for all attitude indicators in the company’s King Air fleet; established life limits on all attitude indicators in company aircraft; and amended its training programs.
CBAA joins aviation colleagues calling for governmentled sector-specific recovery strategies
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n May 7, 2020, the CBAA and twelve other Canadian aviation associations sent a joint letter to the prime minister outlining a number of industry-specific actions that the government could take to provide short-term relief and aid our sector’s recovery. We have already received a positive response on a few of our asks, including an extension to the Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy and some regulatory deferrals. We are still working to obtain: Financial support for all of Canada’s air operators, airports, maintenance, repair and overhaul organizations, and flight training units devastated by the impact of COVID19 Ensuring that all airports, regardless of ownership model, are eligible for all support programs implemented to combat COVID-19 A suspension of all federal carbon taxes on jet fuel and av gas Federal financial assistance for air navigation charges incurred for essential and repatriation flights during this pandemic period Extended rent relief for National Airport Systems airports Extension of the Canada Emergency Commercial Rent Assistance (CECRA) program to all airports, regardless of ownership model Subsidies to support upskilling and reskilling of our workforce.
CBAA welcomes 2020 – 2021 board of directors The executive committee
James Elian, president of AirSprint assumed the role of chair at the CBAA on June 17th during the association’s first ever online AGM. With 20 years of aviation experience, James maintains an airline transport pilot license and holds an MBA, a Master of Aeronautical Science degree, and a diploma in Aviation Technology. James has also been published in an academic journal. With over 30 years in the business aviation industry with a multitude of business development, airport, construction, events and operational successes, Scott Harrold, president, business development, SKYAviation International and long-time CBAA champion will continue his role as association treasurer. Newly appointed vice chair, Ehsan Monfared is an aviation lawyer and partner at YYZlaw, and a trained commercial pilot. He counsels both public and private companies in the aviation industry negotiating a variety of commercial transactions as well as providing regulatory compliance advice related to operations to and within Canada. He is separately a principal at EscroAir Canada Inc., Canada’s first and only aircraft transaction escrow company. Board continuity will be assured with Peter Bing, director of aviation operations and chief pilot at Sobeys Corporation taking on the mantle of past chair. In addition to Peter’s flying he has a distinguished parallel career as a leader in aviation education. Beginning as chair of Algonquin College’s aviation programs, he then went on to found, lead and ultimately build one of the
prominent Aviation Colleges in Canada, the Nova Scotia Community College - Aviation Institute. CBAA’s director of administration and executive assistant, Aime O’Connor continues in the position of board secretary. An association administrative professional, Aime is passionate about business aviation – and about the CBAA, where she has worked for eleven years. Prior to joining the CBAA, Aime held a position at the Air Transport Association of Canada (ATAC) and before that, managed executive offices for numerous clients.
The 2020/2021 board of directors
Ivano Mosca, CPA, CMA - Vice-President Finance and Administration - Innotech-Execaire Aviation Group a Division of I.M.P. Group Limited Jean-Christophe Gallagher, Eng. - Vice President and General Manager Customer Experience - Bombardier Aviation Gary Wood - Director – Corporate Sales & Marketing Flying Colours Lisa Clarke - Regional Sales Manager - FlightSafety International Paul Carter - Toronto Based Engineer - Levaero Aviation Ian Darnley - Director of Business Development - Sunwest Aviation Ltd. Jacqueline Bailey - VP Inflight - Sterling/ICFS Aviation Group David Arbon - Aircraft Maintenance Manager/DOM - Canadian Utilities Emlyn David - President and CEO - Skyservice Business Aviation Inc CBAA-ACAA News Brief
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EVENTS AND MEETINGS
BIZAV MAKING A DIFFERENCE DURING COVID-19
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he CBAA is proud to celebrate our industry colleagues who are offering special support, helping their communities, colleagues and customers cope during the COVID-19 pandemic. Find snapshots of these great stories below, full stories are available on our website.
NovaJet Aviation Group
Repatriated over 250 passengers and counting. Transported medical equipment, supplies and staff facilitated the transfer of time sensitive blood plasma....
Bombardier
CBAA 2020/2021 Buyer’s Guide is now online
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sually bundled with the CBAA Convention and Exhibit Show Guide, the 2020/2021 CBAA Buyer’s Guide has been issued in an online only version this year : a reflection of the extraordinary times we are currently in. Some things haven’t changed: The companies listed in the Guide are some of the leading aviation-related businesses in the world. As CBAA members, they have taken an additional step, demonstrating their commitment to Canadian operators and their support of the CBAA’s critical work on behalf of business aviation. Now more than ever, we thank them most sincerely and urge you to consider them first when sourcing your suppliers. We trust you will find this an invaluable resource, with information on suppliers, CBAA activities, member benefits and as a year-round reference that you can return to again and again.
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CBAA-ACAA News Brief
Supplied 40,000 face shields for the province of Quebec. Production took place at Bombardier Transportation Prototype Center with key assistance from Bombardier Aviation in sourcing and obtaining raw material. Donated protective equipment such as N-95 mass, gloves and Tyvek suits in Ontario and Quebec.....
Skyservice Business Aviation Inc.
Recognizes that some individuals still need to travel albeit for essential business or to be with loved ones (repatriation back to Canada or back to their homes abroad). To ensure our passenger safety, and our crew, they are providing an inflight safety kit to all passengers and crew. Kits contain masks, gloves, hand sanitizer and disposable bag....
Avfuel
To assist with local PPE shortages, Avfuel has created face mask ear hooks and face shield headbands to protect font line workers. Avfuel is collaborating with industry organizations on critical measures like actions for reduced operations and decommissioning fuel equipment due to coronavirus.....
Flying Colours Corp.
The FCC sewing team has sewn 1000 face masks for the Peterborough hospital (PRHC). Made to hospital specified design, the first batch, to be worn by hospital visitors and outpatients.....
Suncor
Suncor announced a donation of 40,000 N95 masks to the federal government in an effort to limit the spread of COVID-19. Three territories were chosen after the government identified them as communities in critical need of supplies.....
Albatross Aircraft Detailing Inc.
At the beginning of the pandemic, they submitted an application for the “Call to Action” initiative. With swift action, they were approved by Health Canada to produce hand sanitizer. They are also producing hand sanitizer sachets – special BIZAV and Airline format....
Innotech-Execaire Aviation Group
Three aircraft from the Execaire and Image Air managed fleet flew to Ecuador to repatriate a group of 27 Canadians who got stranded when the South American country decided to close its borders. They have launched a hotline to provide information about their aircraft and availability for repatriation flights. www.cbaa-acaa.ca
MEMBERSHIP
THANK YOU to our 2020 members!
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hank you for renewing your membership for 2020! We are honoured to support your operations, especially during these extraordinary times. Thanks to your engagement, we have been able to stay on top of events as they unfolded and to keep key government agencies apprised of issues or critical situations that you have brought to our attention. The CBAA board and staff are working with industry and government partners to identify recovery strategies that will help put business aviation - and the Canadian economy – back on track. As a member, you can take advantage of the many tools we offer– from SMS and RMS programs, through real time COVID-19 updates, Flight Ops Leadership webinars and more – to keep flying safely and efficiently.
NOT YET A MEMBER? JOIN TODAY!
There is no better time to join. The best way forward is to move forward together. Business aviation should be part of the first wave of an economic recovery. But this will only happen if our voices are heard, and the government understands the vital and unique role that business aviation can play in kickstarting our economy. Membership in the CBAA– and the unity it represents – has never been more important to our businesses and to our sector. NEWS
Air travel during and after the pandemic: preparation is key
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ver the past few weeks, BA operators have been sharing their best practices to help ensure that there are no barriers to safe and efficient flights. The one most effective recommendation was the simplest: be “over” prepared. The most important action you can take is to do your homework and make sure that all of your documentation and supplementary paperwork is in order prior to takeoff. Most operators have created binders with the necessary exemptions and government regulations. Know the rules at your destination, and the CBSA rules you will have to follow upon your return. At this writing, the CBAA is in the process of asking the CBSA for an interpretation of the 14-day self-isolation rule upon arrival in Canada. Through this action we hope to remove any confusion on the exemptions and ensure we’re able to get moving again. Please refer to CBAA’s social media channels or our website for updates.
Partner with the CBAA and Promote your Products and Services COVID-19 restrictions continue to be lifted across the globe and businesses are opening to the “new normal”. The CBAA is here to help by partnering with our Associate members to promote their products and services to business aviation operators and industry leaders through our Industry Partnership program. This program is offered at no charge to CBAA members in good standing.
CBAA can help to ensure you are fully compliant and ready to fly
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ow is a great time to review your documentation, processes and procedures for SMS and more. CBAA can help with our Partners in Safety program. The program includes a suite of implementation and compliance tools such as an online Risk Management System (RMS), that includes online training, two Sample Operations Manuals (OM) including a QA audit manual and checklists, one for small corporate operators and the other for owner-operators, both available at no charge to members and requiring minimal customization. Finally, Partners in Safety also provides several downloadable resources for operations of all sizes.
CBAA delegations help simplify your business
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s a CBAA member, you can take advantage of two delegations that will help simplify your business. Our MEL delegate is Ed Ratzlaff, President of Aerofoil Consulting who brings years of experience in safety, quality, and management systems to the role, and has the expertise and knowledge to review the highly technical documentation related to MELs. CBAA delegate Aime O’Connor processes Type Ratings for members at no charge for both Single Pilot/High Performance Type Rating and Two Crew Type Rating. For more information, please visit www.cbaa-acaa.ca.
CBAA-ACAA News Brief
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e thank our members for their valued feedback. These past few CBAA months have been challenging for our industry and we are proud to work with and for our members on the road to recovery. CBAA’s MEMBER member forum and new WhatsApp group have been available to our members for important COVID-19 updates. Here’s what some of them have been saying: TESTIMONIALS
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Thank you for all the work you and the CBAA are doing to keep the aviation sector informed during these difficult times. - Carl Ward, Scotiabank
I have been following along on this chat (WhatsApp) and it has been very informative.
You and the team at the CBAA are creating huge value for us yet again.
- Ben Wierenga – Chief Pilot , BDK Air
- Jamieson Collins, Jamieson Collins & Company
The WhatsApp group and all the information that has been disseminated has been invaluable.
Thanks for all you are doing to help us stay ahead of this. Invaluable!
- Kevin Dicaire, Ocean Aviation Services
- Dave Smith – Director, Flight Operations, Aurora Jet Partners
CBAA promotes and simplifies business aviation. Program and benefits that support your business
ê Delegations ê Members’ briefings and forums ê RMS and SMS regulatory tools and templates ê Flight Ops Leadership Council meetings ê One-on-one expert advice and support ê Business Aviation’s Environmental Footprint ê Scholarships and special education opportunities ê Economic Impact Study
Strategies and lobbying that support your goals
ê Awareness and education ê Government lobbying and issue resolution ê Airport access ê Learning, networking and marketing opportunities
To find out what the CBAA can do for you, contact Lindsay Berndt at lberndt@cbaa.ca.
The voice of Canadian business aviation since 1961. www.CBAA-ACAA.ca
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CBAA-ACAA News Brief
www.cbaa-acaa.ca
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FINAL By Kathy Fox |
Battling complex approach rules Pilots cannot just ‘go have a look’ to see if they can figure out where the runway is
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n February 26, 2018, a Beechcraft King Air A100 was conducting a charter flight under instrument flight rules from the SeptÎles Airport, Quebec, to the Havre St-Pierre Airport, Quebec (CYGV). On board were two crewmembers and six passengers. Prior to takeoff, the weather at CYGV indicated light snow and visibility of 3/4 of a (statute) mile, which, although below the one-mile visibility published on the approach chart, was at the minimum limit permitted for the flight. Updated weather however, obtained as the crew began their descent, indicated that visibility had deteriorated to just 1/4 mile in heavy snow – well below the minimum allowed to conduct the approach. Although the pilot knew the visibility was below the published minimum, according to his interpretation of Canada’s complex approach-ban regulations, he could still conduct the approach. So he descended to the Minimum Descent Altitude and perceived a single visual cue, then decided he could continue the approach safely. But when the aircraft reached the runway, the pilot did not see it. A few seconds later, he saw a small patch of runway, lined up on it, and continued the landing. However, the touchdown point ended up being just 700 feet before the end of the runway and, without enough room to slow down, the aircraft came to a stop in a large snowbank, 220 feet past the end of the runway. Although there were no serious injuries, the aircraft suffered substantial damage. Runway overruns, in one form or other, have been on the TSB’s Watchlist of key safety issues since 2010, and the causes and contributing factors of each occurrence vary widely. In this case, the question of “what happened” – an aircraft that landed long in low visibility – was relatively easy to establish. The bigger question – why – is where TSB investigators learned the real safety lesson. Pilots are trained to be ready with their go/no-go decision once an aircraft reaches the published Minimum Descent Altitude or Decision Height. If they don’t have the required visual reference they conduct a 38 WINGS | July/August 2020
landing minima in Canada can, and sometimes does, lead to confusion, with – as we saw in this occurrence – flight crews concluding that they can conduct an approach, when in reality it is prohibited. To reduce the chances of this type of accident happening again, there need to be safeguards in place. And right now there aren’t enough. In fact, ATC in Canada will clear an aircraft for an approach regardless of the published minima, since the pilot has the sole responsibility for deciding whether to conduct an approach in poor weather. That’s why the TSB issued two recommendations as part of its investigation report (A18Q0030) into the overrun at CYGV. The first of these, Recommendation A20-01, calls for Transport Canada “to review and simplify operating minima for approaches and landings at Canadian aerodromes.” The second, A20-02, is for Transport Canada “to introduce a mechanism to stop approaches and landings that are actually banned.” Put another way, the rules have to be simple and clear to everyone. We can’t let pilots “go have a look” and see if they can figure out where the runway is. These approaches must be stopped before they even begin. | W
In Canada… flight crews are allowed to conduct approaches in visibility conditions below what is published. missed approach: climbing to regain altitude and deciding what to do next. But as we saw in this investigation, that doesn’t always happen. Elsewhere in the world, aerodromes use the visibility that is published on the approach chart as the minimum limit to determine if an approach is authorized. If the reported visibility is lower than what is published, Air Traffic Control (ATC) will not let an aircraft carry out the approach. In Canada, however, the published visibility is not the limit – and so flight crews are allowed to conduct approaches in visibility conditions below what is published. What’s more, the rules that govern landing in Canada are complex – too complex for ATC to be able to identify which aircraft are not permitted to conduct an approach. Accurately determining if an approach is allowed in Canada involves consulting multiple reference documents and considering a variety of factors. These include an aerodrome’s operational restrictions, which may feature a specific or general visibility limit; and the type of operation being conducted – including, for instance, commercial, commercial with a particular Operations Specification, or private. The interpretation of these complex
Kathy Fox is Chair, Transportation Safety Board of Canada, after being reappointed to serve a second five-year term in 2018. WWW.WINGSMAGAZINE.COM
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