1.5 Aerodromes, MF Areas & Communications

Flight Preparation, Flight Plans and Flight Itineraries

Pre-flight Information (CAR 602.71)

Before commencing a flight, you must be familiar with the available information that is appropriate to the intended flight.

Weather Information (CAR 602.72)

Before commencing a flight, you must be familiar with the available weather information that is appropriate to the intended flight.

Operations at or in the Vicinity of an Aerodrome

General (CAR 602.96)

1. Before taking off from, landing at or otherwise operating at an aerodrome, you shall ensure that:

   1. there is no likelihood of collision with another aircraft or a vehicle;
   2. the aerodrome is suitable for the intended operation.

2. When operating at or in the vicinity of an aerodrome, you shall

   1. observe aerodrome traffic for the purpose of avoiding a collision;
   2. conform to or avoid the pattern of traffic formed by other aircraft in operation;

   3. make all turns to the left when operating within the aerodrome traffic circuit, except where right turns are specified by the Minister in the CFS or authorized by the appropriate air traffic control unit;

   4. where the aerodrome is an airport, comply with any airport operating restrictions specified by the Minister in the Canada Flight Supplement;

   5. where practicable, land and take off into the wind unless otherwise authorized by the appropriate air traffic control unit;

   6. maintain a continuous listening watch on the appropriate frequency for aerodrome control communications or, if this is not possible and an air traffic control unit is in operation at the aerodrome, keep a watch for such instructions as may be issued by visual means by the air traffic control unit; and

   7. where the aerodrome is a controlled aerodrome, obtain from the appropriate air traffic control unit, either by radio communication or by visual signal, clearance to taxi, take off from or land at the aerodrome.

3. Unless otherwise authorized by the appropriate air traffic control unit, you cannot operate at an altitude of less than 2,000 feet over an aerodrome except for the purpose of landing or taking off.

Note

There are exceptions to this for police, air ambulance, fisherie aircraft, crop sprayers, etc. but none apply to us.

Mandatory Frequency (MF) Areas

VFR and IFR Aircraft Operations at Uncontrolled Aerodromes within a MF Area (Mandatory Frequency Area) (CAR 602.97)

1. You cannot normally fly within an MF area unless you have an aircraft radio. However, you can fly to/from an MF area without an aircraft radio under the following conditions:

   1. a ground station is in operation at the aerodrome;

   2. you have provided prior notice of your intention to operate at the aerodrome to the ground station;

   3. when taking off, you verify visually that there is no likelihood of collision with another aircraft or a vehicle during take-off; and

   4. when approaching for a landing, you enter the aerodrome traffic circuit from a position that will require you to complete two sides of a rectangular circuit before turning onto the final approach path. In other word, you have to at least a downwind leg and a base leg before turning final.

2. When operating within an MF area, you shall maintain a listening watch on the mandatory frequency specified for use in the MF area.

General MF Reporting Requirements (CAR 602.98)

1. In a MF area, you must make any radio call on the mandatory frequency that has been specified for use in the applicable MF area.

2. Every report shall be:

   1. directed to the ground station associated with the MF area, if a ground station exists and is in operation; or

   2. broadcast to the aerodrome traffic (E.g. Gatineau traffic), if a ground station does not exist or is not in operation.

MF Reporting Procedures on Arrival (CAR 602.101)

When arriving at an uncontrolled aerodrome that lies within an MF area, you shall report (if you have an aircraft radio):

1. at least five minutes before entering the area, giving your position, altitude, estimated time of landing and your intention for the arrival procedures;

2. when joining the aerodrome traffic circuit, giving the aircraft’s position in the circuit;

3. when on the downwind leg, if applicable;
4. when on final approach; and
5. when clear of the surface on which you have landed.

Reporting Procedures when Flying through an MF Area (CAR 602.103)

When flying through an MF area, you shall report:

1. at least five minutes before entering the area, giving the aircraft’s position, altitude and your intentions; and

2. when clear of the MF area.

Radio Communications

Language Used in Aeronautical Radiocommunications (CAR 602.133)

English and French are the languages of aeronautical radiocommunication in Canada.

Continuous Listening Watch (CAR 602.136)

If an aircraft carries an aircraft radio, then the pilot must be monitoring the appropriate frequency. If the pilot needs to communicate, then it must do so on the appropriate frequency.

Aircraft Equipment Requirements

Oxygen Equipment and Supply (CAR 605.31)

All HG/PG must be equipped with sufficient oxygen for each occupant for:

1. all flight exceeding 30 minutes between 10,000’ and 13,000’ ASL; and
2. all flights above 13,000’ ASL.