Subscriber question:
"I’m planning a flight to Canada. I’m good with the cross border procedures and flight plans (and notifications) within Canada. But what do I need to know about 'Canadianisms' in aviation?" —Yvonne K.
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David:
“You will love flying in Canada. And don’t worry, there’s much more that will be familiar to you than different. There are numerous online resources that hit the high points, but here are some I’ve seen trip up U.S. pilots.
There are some radio terminology differences:
- We say “Circuit” instead of “Pattern” for what you call a traffic pattern.
- We say “Back Track” instead of “Back Taxi.”
- Canadian airplane registrations have the letter C followed by 4 letters. But just like the U.S., it’s common after the initial call to use the last 3 letters. You would do the same with your U.S. registration on the radio.
- If no frequency is specified for an aerodrome (what we call an uncontrolled airport) use 123.2
- Enroute position advisories can be broadcast on 126.7 anywhere in Canadian uncontrolled airspace.
- Both English and French may be used for radio calls when flying in Quebec airspace. If you hear a French language transmission that you don’t understand, just ask for it to be repeated in English. Almost all Quebec pilots have operational-level English.
- Runway numbers are always 2 digits, so it’s “Runway 09” not “Runway 9.”
- At controlled airports, you will only be cleared to land when you are number 1 and the runway is clear.
In the U.S. controlled airspace starts at 18,000 feet, in Canada it starts are 12,500. You must have an ATC clearance either IFR or controlled VFR to fly above 12,500 feet in Southern Canada and your airplane must be fitted with a 1090Mhz Extended squitter ADSB out system with top and bottom mounted antenna’s.
Another difference is the Flight Service system. Canada has a National FSS system with a regional Flight Information Centres (FICs). Access them by phoning 1-866-WX BRIEF or calling on the designated frequency. (Note that’s 1-866 as opposed to 1-800 for U.S. Flight Service.) You can also file VFR flight plans with the FIC and since Canada has a lot of sparsely settled geography. VFR flight plans are highly recommended for all flights. Or at least, provide a flight itinerary to a responsible person.
Canada also has Flight Service Stations that are airport-specific and provide advisory service for the airport and adjacent airspace. Contact with an Airport FSS is mandatory and the call sign will be the name of the airport followed by Radio, for example “Kamloops Radio.” All of this information is available in the Canada Flight Supplement, which is the Canadian equivalent of the FAA Airport Facilities Directory.
Finally, Canadians are pretty friendly, so don’t hesitate to talk to the locals for route, weather, or procedural advice.”