Canadian regulatory perspective

By: Peter Graversen

Transport Canada takes a leading position and provides regulatory framework for the use of Holdover Time Determination Systems

Transport Canada has recently (March 2007) developed a regulatory process allowing WestJet to use Holdover Time Determination Reports from DIIS as part of the company's Ground Deicing Program. 

The process consists of an "Exemption to CAR 622.11" and a set of "Minimum Performance Specifications for Holdover Time Determination Systems". With this step Transport Canada has taken a highly proactive and internationally leading step in aircraft de-icing by ensuring a continued drive towards making winter time air travel even safer. This is a strong show of commitment to pursuing the recommendations that came out as a result of the Dryden accident in 1989, that resulted in the loss of 24 lives. One of the recommendations by the comission of inquiry stated that:

 

"Transport Canada should strongly encourage Canadian air carriers to provide their flight crews with de/anti-icing fluid holdover time charts that are based on the most recent technological information"

 

The development of the regulatory process is an important step forward for the implementation of automated Holdover Time Determination Systems in Canada, and a milestone for D-ICE in the development and technological rollout of such systems in airports.

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