RAC - 5.0 VFR EN ROUTE PROCEDURES

• 5.1 Monitoring 126.7 MHz and Position Reporting En route
• 5.2 Acknowledgement of Clearances
• 5.3 Altitudes and Flight Levels - VFR
• 5.4 Minimum Altitudes - VFR (CARs 602.14 and 602.15)
• 5.5 Minimum Altitudes - Overflying Aerodromes [CARs 602.96(4)and(5)]
• 5.6 Controlled VFR (CVFR) Procedures
• 5.7 En route Radar Surveillance
• 5.8 VFR Operations Within Class C Airspace

5.1 Monitoring 126.7 MHz and Position Reporting En route

Pilots operating VFR en route in uncontrolled airspace when not communicating on an MF, or an ATF, or VFR on an airway should continuously monitor 126.7 MHz and whenever practicable, broadcast their identification, position, altitude and intentions on this frequency to alert other VFR or IFR aircraft that may be in the vicinity. Although it is not mandatory to monitor 126.7 MHz and broadcast reports during VFR or VFR-OTT flights, pilots are encouraged to do so for their own protection.

Pilots are encouraged to make position reports on the appropriate FISE frequency to a FIC where they are recorded by the flight service specialist and are immediately available in the event of SAR action. The following reporting format is recommended:

1. Identification
2. Position
3. Time over
4. Altitude
5. VFR / VFR-OTT
6. Destination

Example:

NOTES:

1. As shown in the example, it is important on initial contact that the pilot alerts the FIC to the fact that it is a VFR or VFR-OTT position report and indicates the name of the location of the RCO followed by the letters R-C-O in a non-phonetic form.
2. The ETA destination or next reporting point may be included.
3. Under certain conditions position reports are required prior to entering the ADIZ when operating on a DVFR flight plan or a defence flight itinerary. (See RAC 2.13 and RAC 3.9.)

 

5.2 Acknowledgement of Clearances

Pilots of VFR flights shall read back the text of an ATC clearance when requested by an ATC unit.

5.3 Altitudes and Flight Levels - VFR

Aircraft shall be operated at altitudes or flight levels appropriate to the direction of flight when in level cruising flight above 3 000 feet AGL.

5.4 Minimum Altitudes - VFR (CARs 602.14 and 602.15)

Minimum Altitudes and Distances

602.14

(1) This subsection was repealed on 2003/03/01.

(2) Except where conducting a takeoff, approach or landing or where permitted under Section 602.15, no person shall operate an aircraft

(a) over a built-up area or over an open-air assembly of persons unless the aircraft is operated at an altitude from which, in the event of an emergency necessitating an immediate landing, it would be possible to land the aircraft without creating a hazard to persons or property on the surface, and, in any case, at an altitude that is not lower than

(i) for aeroplanes, 1,000 feet above the highest obstacle located within a horizontal distance of 2,000 feet from the aeroplane,

(ii) for balloons, 500 feet above the highest obstacle located within a horizontal distance of 500 feet from the balloon, or

(iii) for an aircraft other than an aeroplane or a balloon, 1,000 feet above the highest obstacle located within a horizontal distance of 500 feet from the aircraft; and

(b) in circumstances other than those referred to in paragraph (a), at a distance less than 500 feet from any person, vessel, vehicle or structure.

Permissible Low Altitude Flight

602.15

(1) A person may operate an aircraft at altitudes and distances less than those specified in subsection 602.14(2) where the aircraft is operated at altitudes and distances that are no less than necessary for the purposes of the operation in which the aircraft is engaged, the aircraft is operated without creating a hazard to persons or property on the surface and the aircraft is operated

(a) for the purpose of a police operation that is conducted in the service of a police authority;

(b) for the purpose of saving human life;

(c) for fire-fighting or air ambulance operations;

(d) for the purpose of the administration of the Fisheries Act or the Coastal Fisheries Protection Act;

(e) for the purpose of the administration of the national or provincial parks; or

(f) for the purpose of flight inspection.

(2) A person may operate an aircraft, to the extent necessary for the purpose of the operation in which the aircraft is engaged, at altitudes and distances less than those set out in

(a) paragraph 602.14(2)(a), where operation of the aircraft is authorized under Subpart 3 or Section 702.22; or

(b) paragraph 602.14(2)(b), where the aircraft is operated without creating a hazard to persons or property on the surface and the aircraft is operated for the purpose of

(i) aerial application or aerial inspection,

(ii) aerial photography conducted by the holder of an air operator certificate,

(iii) helicopter external load operations, or

(iv) flight training conducted by or under the supervision of a qualified flight instructor.

NOTE: The hazards of low flying cannot be over emphasized. In addition to the normal hazards of low flying, two important aspects regarding man-made structures should be stressed. The first concerns vertical structures. All known objects extending 300 ft AGL or higher, or lower if deemed hazardous, will be charted on VNCs and on VTAs, while only objects extending 500 ft or higher will be charted on WACs. However, due to limited control over the construction of man-made structures, there is no guarantee that all such structures are known. It is thus entirely possible for tall structures to exist before they can be shown on visual aeronautical charts. (Pilots noting tall structures not depicted are asked to alert Transport Canada).

The second concerns hydro and telephone lines. Wire-strike accidents accounted for three percent of the total accidents for the period from 1970 to 1977. Most of these accidents occurred over level terrain in good weather and at very low altitudes.

 

5.5 Minimum Altitudes - Overflying Aerodromes [CARs 602.96(4)and(5)]

602.96

(4) Unless otherwise authorized by the appropriate air traffic control unit, no pilot-in-command shall operate an aircraft at a height of less than 2 000 feet over an aerodrome except for the purpose of landing or taking off or if the aircraft is operated pursuant to subsection (5).

602.96

(5) Where it is necessary for the purposes of the operation in which the aircraft is engaged, a pilot-in-command may operate an aircraft at less than 2 000 feet over an aerodrome, where it is being operated

(a) in the service of a police authority;

(b) for the purpose of saving human life;

(c) for fire-fighting or air ambulance operations;

(d) for the purpose of the administration of the Fisheries Act or the Fisheries Protection Act;

(e) for the purpose of the administration of the national or provincial parks;

(f) for the purpose of flight inspection;

(g) for the purpose of aerial application or aerial inspection;

(h) for the purpose of highway or city traffic patrol;

(i) for the purpose of aerial photography conducted by the holder of an air operator certificate;

(j) for the purpose of helicopter external load operations; or

(k) for the purpose of flight training conducted by the holder of a flight training unit operator certificate.

 

5.6 Controlled VFR (CVFR) Procedures

Pilots intending to fly CVFR shall file a flight plan and obtain an ATC clearance prior to entering Class B airspace. The ATC clearance will not normally be issued prior to takeoff unless the airspace within a control zone is Class B. The ATC clearance will normally be issued upon receipt of a position report filed by the pilot upon reaching the last 1 000 feet altitude below the base of Class B or before entering laterally. This procedure is intended to ensure that the radio equipment is operating and to remind the pilots that, while outside of Class B airspace, ATC separation is not provided and that they must maintain a vigilant watch for other traffic. The ATC clearance will contain the phrase “MAINTAIN (altitude) VFR”.

CVFR flights must be conducted in accordance with procedures designed for use by IFR flights, except when IFR weather conditions are encountered, the pilot of a CVFR flight must avoid such weather conditions. This should be accomplished by:

(a) requesting an amended ATC clearance which will enable the aircraft to remain in VFR weather conditions

(b) requesting an IFR clearance if the pilot has a valid instrument rating and the aircraft is equipped for IFR flight.

(c) request special VFR if within a control zone.

If unable to comply with the preceding, ensure that the aircraft is in VFR weather conditions at all times and leave Class B airspace horizontally or by descending. If the airspace is a control zone, land, at the aerodrome on which the control zone is based. In both cases, inform ATC as soon as possible of the action taken.

5.7 En route Radar Surveillance

When operating in areas where radar coverage exists, VFR flights with transponder equipped aircraft may request radar traffic information. ATC will provide this information, traffic (or workload) permitting (see RAC 1.5.3).

The service is provided by the ACC or TCU responsible for IFR control service in the area(s) concerned. The appropriate frequency for the controlling ATC unit may be found in the CFS (nearest controlled airport), enroute (IFR) charts or by request to a FIC.

Phraseology: “REQUEST RADAR SURVEILLANCE”

Example:

“EDMONTON ADVISORY, CESSNA SKYLANE FOXTROT ALPHA BRAVO CHARLIE, TEN NORTHEAST OF CAMROSE AT 6500 VFR SQUAWKING 1200 EN ROUTE TO VILLENEUVE; REQUEST RADAR SURVEILLANCE.”

 

5.8 VFR Operations Within Class C Airspace

The following are the basic procedures for entry into, and for operation within Class C airspace. Pilots should consult the applicable VTA chart for any additional procedures that may be required for that particular Class C airspace.

(a) Pilot Procedures

(i) Obtain ATIS information (when available) prior to contacting ATC.

(ii) Contact ATC on VFR advisory frequency (depicted on VTA charts) prior to entry into Class C airspace and provide the following information:

• aircraft type and identification,
• position (preferably over a call-up point depicted on the VTA chart or a bearing and distance from it, otherwise another prominent reporting point or a VOR radial or VOR/DME fix),
• altitude,
• destination and route, and
• transponder code (if transponder equipped), and ATIS (code) received.

(iii) Comply with ATC instructions received. Any ATC instruction issued to VFR flights is based on the firm understanding that a pilot will advise ATC immediately if compliance with the instructions would result in not being able to maintain adequate terrain or obstruction clearance, or to maintain flight in accordance with VFR. If so advised, ATC will issue alternate instructions.

(b) ATC Procedures

(i) Identify the aircraft with radar. (Pilots may be required to report over additional fixes, or squawk ident on their transponder.) The provision of an effective radar service is dependent upon communications equipment capabilities and the adequacy of the radar-displayed information. In the latter case, it may be difficult to maintain radar identification of aircraft which are not operating on specific tracks or routes (i.e., sightseeing, local training flights, etc.), and pilots will be advised when radar service cannot be provided.

(ii) Issue landing information on initial contact or shortly thereafter unless the pilot states that the appropriate ATIS information has been received.

(iii) Provide the aircraft with routing instructions or radar vectors whenever necessary. The pilot will be informed when vectoring is discontinued except when transferred to a tower. Occasionally, an aircraft may be held at established fixes within Class C airspace to await a position in the landing sequence.

(iv) Issue traffic information when two or more aircraft are held at the same fix, or whenever in the controller’s judgement a radar-observed target might constitute a hazard to the aircraft concerned.

(v) When required, conflict resolution will be provided between IFR and VFR aircraft, and upon request, between VFR aircraft.

(vi) Visual separation may be effected when the pilot reports sighting a preceding aircraft and is instructed to follow it.

(vii) Inform the pilot when radar service is terminated, except when the aircraft has been transferred to a tower.