✈️ New Aeronautical Information Circular (AIC) Detected
AIC: AIC 16/24
Published: 2025-12-25
Effective: 2024-07-25
🧠 What Changed (Summary)
Transport Canada will establish “RPAS Restricted Airspace” under Aeronautics Act s.5.1 to prohibit/restrict remotely piloted aircraft (RPA/RPAS) operations over/near certain facilities and infrastructure where RPAS pose unacceptable safety/security/public risk. These restrictions will be published in a new DAH section, implemented via AIRAC cycles, and shown in NAV CANADA’s NAV Drone app; they will generally not appear in traditional pilot-focused aeronautical publications.
- Authority: Aeronautics Act section 5.1 allows TC to prohibit/restrict aircraft operations in specified areas/airspace for safety, security, or public protection.
- Publication vehicle: a new section in the Designated Airspace Handbook (DAH); amendments remain in force until removed.
- Request/approval process: proposals via TC Regional Service Centres; military proposals via RCAF ATM COORD (NDHQ Ottawa); TC assessment/review plus NAV CANADA analysis; stakeholder involvement as appropriate.
- Implementation: changes will adhere to AIRAC cycles after approval.
- Time-critical needs: may be issued by NOTAM prior to DAH publication; if in effect >90 days, will be transferred into the DAH.
- Depiction: NAV Drone application will depict RPAS Restricted Airspace; it will not be indicated in aeronautical publications used primarily for traditionally piloted aviation.
✈️ General Aviation Impact (Highlighted)
Airspace / Procedures:
- Expect some RPAS restrictions to be published in the DAH (not necessarily in pilot-oriented publications); pilots/operators who also conduct RPAS operations should ensure their preflight includes DAH and/or NAV Drone app checks for RPAS-specific restricted areas.
- Be alert for NOTAMs establishing time-critical RPAS Restricted Airspace before DAH updates; NOTAMs may be the only timely source initially.
Operational Notes:
- This AIC describes the framework and publication method; it does not list specific new restricted areas in the provided excerpt (specific locations/coordinates would be in DAH amendments or NOTAMs).
VFR Impact:
- No direct change to VFR/IFR procedures for traditionally piloted aircraft is stated; primary operational impact is for RPAS users and for awareness when operating near sensitive facilities where RPAS restrictions may exist and be communicated via NOTAM/DAH rather than CFS-style products.
🔗 Official Source
(official NAV CANADA document)
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