Among the many laws that protect Canadian airspace, Canadian Aviation Regulations 704 plays a very important role. It sets the operational standards for airlines, covering everything from crew training to aircraft maintenance.
Aside from understanding if the regulation applies to them or not, air operators need to know how this regulation shapes safe and efficient airline operations.
What is the Canadian Aviation Regulations 704?
The Canadian Aviation Regulations (CARs) are enacted by Transport Canada to implement specific provisions of the Aeronautics Act. Canadian Aviation Regulations 704 (also called CARs 704) is a subpart of the CARs which applies to Canadian air operators engaged in commuter operations. When taken altogether, these laws govern civil aviation in the country, including certain activities related to aeronautics and requirements for professionals in the industry.
For instance, one of the main goals of CARs in general is to regulate pilots, whatever kind of aircraft they may be flying. In this video, know more about how the CARs and Transport Canada ensure the proficiency of pilots:
To know more details about the Canadian Aviation Regulations 704, reach out to one of the best aviation lawyers in Canada as ranked by Lexpert. A further explanation of some of the important parts of the Regulations is also given below.
What is a 704 operation?
704 operators or 704 carriers fall under the definition and coverage of the Canadian Aviation Regulations 704. These are:
1. airplanes that are:
- multi-engined: with MCTOW of 8,618 kg (19,000 pounds) or less and a seating configuration of 10 to 19, excluding pilot seats
- turbo-jet-powered: with maximum zero fuel weight of 22,680 kg (50,000 pounds) or less, and is allowed to transport less than 19 passengers
2. helicopters that are:
- multi-engined: with seating configuration of 10 to 19 excluding pilot seats; unless it is certified for operation with one pilot and operated under the visual flight rules (VFR)
Also, any airplane authorized by the Minister of Transport to be operated under CARs 704 will be considered a 704 carrier. It also covers operators of air transport services or aerial works involving sightseeing operations.
When it comes to 704 operations, the Canadian Aviation Regulations 704 requires that air operators must comply with their issued Air Operator Certificate. This certificate will specify conditions and operations that they must follow and is issued by the Minister of Transport only after meeting certain requirements.
What are the requirements under CARs 704?
The Canadian Aviation Regulations 704 are divided into these nine sections:
|
Division |
Legal requirement |
|
General |
Outlines who the CARs 704 apply to; defines specific terms as used in the regulations |
|
Certification |
discusses how operators can apply for an Air Operator Certificate, and its possible contents |
|
Flight Operations |
introduces the standard operating procedures and requirements during the flight operations of a commuter airplane |
|
Aeroplane Performance Operating Limitations |
states the limitations on the different aspects of commercial operations of airplanes
|
|
Aircraft Equipment Requirements |
lists the different equipment that airplanes engaged in commuter operations should have at the minimum |
|
Emergency Equipment |
lists the other emergency equipment needed for commuter operators |
|
Personnel Requirements |
describes the qualifications, licensing procedures, and standards for an airplane’s crew in a commuter operation |
|
Training |
provides for the required trainings that operators should give to their crew, and which the crew must complete |
|
Manuals |
mandates the requirement on having a Company Operations Manual and what should it at least contain |
Issuance of an Air Operator Certificate
An Air Operator Certificate is required before an entity can operate a commercial air service under the CARs. Specific for applications to become a 704 carrier, the applicant must show Transport Canada that it can:
- maintain an adequate organizational structure and an operational control system
- meet the training program requirements under the CARs and the Commercial Air Service Standards (CASS) for its flight operations
- follow the CARs’ maintenance requirements and safely conduct its operations
This certificate will also include the operations specifications and other conditions applicable to the 704 carrier.
Requirements in a 704 carrier’s flight operations
The Canadian Aviation Regulations 704 outlines flight operation requirements for airplanes engaged in commuter operations. For instance, it requires that all operations personnel must follow the procedures found in the company operations manual. It also provides for the cases when an aircraft can be operated in VFR flight. There’s also a requirement under the regulations that a 704 carrier must establish its own procedures when it comes to passenger and cabin safety.
Personnel and training requirements under CARs 704
The flight crew of the aircraft, including the pilots and other personnel, are required to undergo specific trainings, as provided by the Canadian Aviation Regulations 704, such as:
- ground and flight training program
- fatigue management training program
These trainings must be established and given by the operator after getting the approval of Transport Canada, given that it meets the CARs and the CASS. The conduct of these trainings must also be specified in the operator’s company operations manual.
During actual operations, CARs 704 provides for the minimum number of flight crew that an aircraft must have and that a pilot- and second-in-command must be designated. More importantly, the qualifications of an operator’s flight crew members (e.g., licence, pilot proficiency check, completion of training program) and operational control personnel are specified in the CARs 704.
Required equipment on board a 704 carrier
There are many technical equipment that the Canadian Aviation Regulations 704 requires for a 704 carrier, such as the aircraft and emergency equipment. These must also be read along with the CASS and other relevant portions of the CARs, which may require additional equipment for airlines engaged in commuter operations.
Aside from the Canadian Aviation Regulations 704, find out more about other similar statutes and regulations in our article on Canadian aviation law.
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