4.3 Time Zones and Wildlife Protection
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Canadian Time Zones (UTC / Zulu Time)
Section titled “Canadian Time Zones (UTC / Zulu Time)”Aviation operates on a universal clock to avoid confusion between regions. Coordinated Universal Time (UTC) is based on the 24-hour clock (0000 hours to 2359 hours).
An entry followed by UTC or Z (for Zulu) indicates this universal time is being used.
All aviation weather products are based on Zulu time, and if you call ATC, you are expected to use it.
To convert UTC to your local Standard Time, subtract the hours listed below:
| Time Zone | Conversion to Local Time |
|---|---|
| Newfoundland | UTC minus 3 1/2 hours (2 1/2 for Daylight Time) |
| Atlantic | UTC minus 4 hours (3 for Daylight Time) |
| Eastern | UTC minus 5 hours (4 for Daylight Time) |
| Central | UTC minus 6 hours (5 for Daylight Time) |
| Mountain | UTC minus 7 hours (6 for Daylight Time) |
| Pacific | UTC minus 8 hours (7 for Daylight Time) |
Protection of Wildlife
Section titled “Protection of Wildlife”All pilots must be aware of provincial game laws and flight restrictions protecting wildlife.
Migratory Birds
Section titled “Migratory Birds”Regulations prohibit the use of an aircraft to kill game birds. Low-flying aircraft seriously disrupt breeding habits, so pilots must avoid low flying over nesting and feeding areas.
Large Mammals (Reindeer, Caribou, Moose, Musk-oxen)
Section titled “Large Mammals (Reindeer, Caribou, Moose, Musk-oxen)”Low flying interrupts feeding and breeding, and can cause stampedes resulting in broken bones or exhaustion.
You must not fly below 2,000 ft AGL in the vicinity of these animals.
Flight restrictions over National, Provincial, and Municipal Parks are common. Boundaries for these restrictions are shown on VFR aeronautical charts.
Fur Farms
Section titled “Fur Farms”Animals on fur farms are easily frightened by aircraft, causing serious financial loss to farmers. Fur farms are marked by chrome yellow and black strips painted on pylons or roofs. During whelping season (February to May), a red flag may be flown.
You must remain clear of locations marked this way.
Poultry and Livestock
Section titled “Poultry and Livestock”Domestic animals are afraid of low-flying aircraft. Chickens and turkeys may flock, and cattle or horses may stampede to escape the noise and shadows, potentially resulting in injury or death.