Canadian Aviation Regulations
The CARs govern civil aviation in Canada under the Aeronautics Act.
The Canadian Aviation Regulations (CARs) set the legal framework for civil aviation across Canada. They came into effect on October 10, 1996, taking over from the earlier Air Regulations and Air Navigation Orders. The Aeronautics Act provides the legal authority for these rules, which fall under the responsibility of the Minister of Transport and Transport Canada.
The CARs are organized into ten functional parts: Part I covers general provisions; Part II deals with aircraft identification, registration, and the operation of leased aircraft by non-registered owners; Part III addresses aerodromes, airports, and heliports; Part IV covers personnel licensing and training; Part V focuses on airworthiness; Part VI contains general operating and flight rules; Part VII governs commercial air services; Part VIII covers air navigation services; Part IX regulates remotely piloted aircraft systems; and Part X addresses greenhouse gas emissions from international aviation under CORSIA.
The regulations are composed of three layers: regulations, standards, and advisory material. Compliance with regulations and standards is mandatory, while advisory material is not. Standards explain how to meet the corresponding regulation. Except for Part V, regulations are numbered starting at the beginning of each part (for example, CAR 700 is a regulation). Standards are numbered in the "20" series (such as CAR 720), and advisory material appears as notes within the text or as separate "40" series text (like CAR 740). Part V (Airworthiness) is numbered differently to align with the U.S. FAA FARs, as well as EASA and JAA regulations, so it includes regulations and standards with the same number (for instance, both CAR 507 and STD 507 exist).
New regulations and standards, or amendments to existing ones, are developed through a public consultation process called the Canadian Aviation Regulation Advisory Council (CARAC). Transport Canada also publishes Advisory Circulars to help individuals and companies comply with the rules. Before February 1, 2007, these were issued under various names such as Commercial and Business Aviation Advisory Circulars, General Aviation Advisory Circulars, Aerodrome Safety Circulars, General Aviation Policy Letters, and Maintenance and Manufacturing Policy Letters.
- Effective date
- October 10, 1996
- Governing body
- Transport Canada
- Number of parts
- 10
- Part for drones
- Part IX - Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems
Lore & Background
The Canadian Aviation Regulations (CARs) were established under the authority of the Aeronautics Act and became law on October 10, 1996, replacing the earlier Air Regulations and Air Navigation Orders. Both the Act and the CARs are the responsibility of the Minister of Transport and her department, Transport Canada. The CARs are divided into ten functional parts, ranging from Part I (General Provisions) to Part X (Greenhouse Gas Emissions from International Aviation - CORSIA). Part IX specifically addresses Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems.
The CARs consist of regulations, standards, and advisory material. Compliance with regulations and standards is mandatory, while advisory material is not. Standards explain how to comply with the corresponding regulation. With the exception of Part V (Airworthiness), regulations are numbered starting at the beginning of the part (e.g., CAR 700), standards are numbered in the "20" series (e.g., CAR 720), and advisory material appears as notes or as "40" series text (e.g., CAR 740). Part V is uniquely numbered to match US FAA FARs parts and EASA and JAA regulations, so it has regulations and standards with the same number (e.g., CAR 507 and STD 507).
Creation of new regulations or standards and amendments to existing ones are accomplished through a public consultation process known as the Canadian Aviation Regulation Advisory Council (CARAC). Transport Canada also makes available Advisory Circulars to assist compliance. Prior to February 1, 2007, these were divided into other groups such as Commercial and Business Aviation Advisory Circulars, General Aviation Advisory Circulars, Aerodrome Safety Circulars, General Aviation Policy Letters, and Maintenance and Manufacturing Policy Letters. Although these alternate documents are no longer issued or amended, historical versions that have not been cancelled remain in effect.
Reader's Guide
The Canadian Aviation Regulations (CARs) serve as the foundational legal framework for all civil aviation activity in Canada, including drone operations under Part IX. Their significance lies in replacing the fragmented Air Regulations and Air Navigation Orders with a unified, structured code organized into ten functional parts. The inclusion of Part IX for Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems reflects the adaptation of aviation law to emerging technology. The CARs' three-tier system—mandatory regulations, mandatory standards that detail compliance methods, and non-mandatory advisory material—provides clarity and flexibility. The unique numbering of Part V to align with US FAA, EASA, and JAA regulations facilitates international harmonization in airworthiness. The public consultation process through CARAC ensures stakeholder input into regulatory changes. The legacy of the CARs includes the preservation of historical advisory documents issued before February 1, 2007, which remain in effect if not cancelled, providing continuity for operators. Overall, the CARs establish a comprehensive, transparent, and adaptable regulatory environment for Canadian civil aviation.
Did You Know?
- The CARs became law on October 10, 1996, replacing the former Air Regulations and Air Navigation Orders.
- Part IX of the CARs is dedicated to Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems.
- Standards in the CARs are numbered in the '20' series, while advisory material uses the '40' series.
- Part V (Airworthiness) is uniquely numbered to match US FAA FARs and EASA/JAA regulations.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the Canadian Aviation Regulations?
The CARs are the comprehensive rulebook that governs all civil aviation activity within Canadian airspace. They replaced the older Air Regulations and Air Navigation Orders when they took effect in 1996.
When did the Canadian Aviation Regulations come into force?
They officially took effect on October 10, 1996, at which point they superseded the previous regulatory framework for civil aviation in Canada.
Who enforces the Canadian Aviation Regulations?
Transport Canada, acting under the authority of the Minister of Transport, is the body responsible for administering and enforcing these rules. The legal power for the regulations derives from the Aeronautics Act.
Which part of the CARs deals with drones?
Part IX, titled "Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems," is the specific section that sets out the operating rules for drones in Canadian airspace. It is one of ten functional parts that make up the full regulation.
How is the Canadian Aviation Regulations organized?
The CARs are divided into ten distinct parts, each covering a different area of civil aviation from general provisions to specific operational rules. Part I handles general provisions while later parts address topics like registration, aerodromes, and drone operations.
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