TRANSPORT CANADA and NAV CANADA Joint Toronto Airspace Presentations

Last month we reported there will be change in the classification and size of certain airspace near Toronto. Currently, the Terminal Control Area (TCA) extends to 26 nm. The TCA is Class C mode C, meaning a clearance and a mode C transponder is required to enter.

On July 5, a new ring of airspace will extend from 26 nm to 65 nm and from above 6,500 feet ASL up to 12,500. This airspace will be Class E mode C, meaning there is no requirement to contact ATC for a clearance to enter, but a mode C transponder will be required to fly through this new segment of airspace.

Please note for clarity that you will still be able to fly at or below 6,500 feet ASL from 26 to 65 nm without a transponder.

The change came about because of an ongoing debate between Transport Canada and Nav Canada concerning the need for and timing of airspace changes. Nav Canada procedures routinely cause airliners to fly at relatively low altitudes as they approach or depart Toronto and Hamilton. Consequently these high speed aircraft are forced to exit the protection of Class C or B airspace, where a combination of mandatory transponders, airborne collision avoidance systems and air traffic controllers watching all traffic on their radars help keep metal separated.

The airspace outside of the TCA and lower than 10,000 feet does not require a transponder and pilots do not have to talk to anyone. Consequently, the airliners are mixing it up with some aircraft that are invisible to both the on board detection systems and Nav Canada’s radar, except perhaps for some primary targets at times.

So, here is what is planned to help publicize this change.

Nav Canada is in the process of creating an updated VTA for Toronto on which the new airspace and the arrival routes and fixes for Hamilton will be depicted. The CFS and the VNC will also be modified and all should be in place prior to the July 5, implementation date.  

Nav Canada will release an Aeronautical Information Circular on May 10,   www.flightplanning.navcanada.ca (click on “AIC”).

COPA has put the Nav Canada people in contact with our COPA Flights for opportunities to meet and this is reflected in the schedule below. If you have any questions about the COPA Flight meetings, please refer to the contact information in our COPA Flights list.

It should also be emphasized that there is no change to the exemption for gliders that can now operate in transponder airspace without a transponder.

This exemption as well as other issues will be examined as part of an Aeronautical Study that will be commenced in the near future for all of the airspace extending from Montreal to Windsor. COPA will be active in this study to investigate ways to address the issues other than grabbing more airspace.