Avionics News June 2012 - 47

“Annual sales of Canadian aerospace products and services total more than $20 billion and, each year, Transport Canada approves more than 1,500 new and modified aeronautical products built or operated in Canada.”

products and services total more than $20 billion and, each year, Transport Canada approves more than 1,500 new and modified aeronautical products built or operated in Canada. Products range from advanced aircraft, avionics and electronics to space products and services. For example, in November 2010, Transport Canada certified the Bombardier Aerospace CRJ1000. Due to the significant economic contribution of this sector, Transport Canada must not only be timely and thorough in its certification process, but also create the right conditions for prosperity. In relation to the former, Transport Canada attempts to find the right balance between speed and process. Acting too slow is not an option; neither is acting too fast, without proper checks and balances. Certification of aeronautical products requires highly skilled specialists working regularly with the aviation industry. In relation to the latter, Transport Canada pursues agreements with civil aviation authorities worldwide to facilitate the export of Canadian aeronautical products. For example, on July 26, 2011, a Canada-European Union Bilateral Aviation Safety Agreement came into force. Under the agreement, the European Aviation Safety Agency will recognize certification of Canadian aviation products and services, allowing the Canadian aviation industry to be much more competitive in the European market. Civil aviation safety also will be enhanced, as EASA and Transport Canada will work cooperatively to resolve safety issues. A similar agreement was signed between Canada and the U.S. in 2000, and has had a positive effect on Canada’s civil aviation industry. Transport Canada also is working with the Federal Aviation Administration to streamline FAA validations

of Canadian design approvals in support of the business needs of the Canadian aviation industry. Approximately how many private and non-scheduled aircraft are registered in Canada? There are more than 34,000 private and non-scheduled aircraft registered in Canada. Can you describe Transport Canada’s regulatory approval process for aftermarket (in-service) avionics installations in general aviation aircraft bearing Canadian registration? The process is similar to what is being done in the U.S. As a majority of general aviation products are not of Canadian design, the avionics installations are typically done through supplemental type certificates, and often the avionics components or suites come with approval under a technical standard order that is recognized in Canada. If initially done by means of a U.S. STC, the STC is validated in Canada and a corresponding Canadian STC is issued. If developed in Canada, the CAN-TSO is typically the prerequisite for approving the installation through a Canadian STC. Have technology advances – GPS, glass panels, ADS-B, for example – challenged Transport Canada’s regulatory framework? How? Transport Canada supports any new initiatives that have the potential to increase safety and efficiency. NAV CANADA is the lead for initiatives like ADS-B and involves us early in the process so that we have sufficient
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Avionics News June 2012

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