Operating Minima

CAR 602 specifies take-offs for all Canadian aircraft as being governed by visibility only, approach restrictions by RVR values only, and landings by published DH/MDAs only.

Aerodrome Operating Restrictions – Visibility

CAR 602.96 (2)(b) requires that before taking off from, landing at or otherwise operating an aircraft at an aerodrome, the pilot-in-command of the aircraft shall be satisfied that the aerodrome is suitable for the intended operation. One factor that needs to be considered to ensure compliance with the regulatory requirements above is the Aerodrome Operating Visibility. The Aerodrome operating visibility is defined as follows:

At sites with an active ATC Tower

For arrivals and departures, the aerodrome operating visibility is in accordance with the following hierarchy:

  1. Runway Visual Range (RVR) for the runway of intended use
  2. Ground visibility (METAR)
  3. Tower visibility
  4. Pilot visibility

NOTE: Tower observed visibility does not take precedence over reported ground visibility. Where ground visibility is reported, tower observed visibility is considered advisory only. However, where ground visibility is either not reported or the visibility reported by the AWOS is non-representative of the prevailing visibility at the airport, tower reported visibility, when available, replaces ground visibility and needs to be considered in the determination of the aerodrome operating visibility.

At sites without an active ATC Tower

For arrivals, the aerodrome operating visibility is in accordance with the following hierarchy:

  1. Runway Visual Range (RVR) for the runway of intended use
  2. Ground visibility (METAR)
  3. Pilot visibility

For departures, the aerodrome operating visibility is the lowest of the following visibilities:

  • Ground visibility (METAR)
  • Any reported RVR
  • Pilot visibility

Taxi Opertions

Where the Aerodrome Operating Visibility is less than the minimum visibility published in the CFS, taxi operations are deemed to be occurring below the published aerodrome operating visibility; except when:

  • Visibility deteriorates below the published aerodrome operating visibility after the aircraft has commenced taxi for departure (including de-icing stop)
  • Visibility deteriorates below the published aerodrome operating visibility after the aircraft has landed and is taxiing to the destination on the aerodrome
  • The aircraft is taxiing on the manoeuvring area as authorized by ATC in accordance with the aerodrome’s published operational procedures*
  • The aircraft is taxiing for departure at a site without an active ATC Tower, in accordance with the aerodrome’s operational procedures published pursuant to CAR 602.96(3)(d)*
  • The aircraft is taxiing on the manoeuvring area for purposes other than take-off or landing as authorized by the Aerodrome Operator in accordance with the aerodrome’s RVOP/LVOP*

*NOTE: Where required, the aerodrome operator will publish special reduced/low visibility restrictions or procedures for pilots in the appropriate aeronautical publication(s).

Landing

Where the aerodrome operating visibility is less than the minimum visibility published in the CFS, a landing is deemed to occur below the published aerodrome operating visibility for the runway of intended use, except where:

  • At the time a visibility report is received, the aircraft has passed the FAF inbound or where there is no FAF, the point where the final approach course is intercepted
  • The RVR for the runway of intended landing is varying between distances less than and greater than the minimum RVR and the ground visibility is equal to or greater than the minimum visibility
  • At sites without an active ATC Tower, the ground visibility is varying between distances less than and greater than the minimum ground visibility and the RVR is equal to or greater than the minimum visibility
  • At sites without an active ATC Tower, prior to 1,000′ above aerodrome elevation the PIC determines that a localized meteorological phenomenon is affecting the ground visibility by observing that the runway of intended landing and the taxi route to the destination on the aerodrome are seen and recognized.

Application of Low and Reduced Visibility Procedures

Low and reduced visibility procedures apply to ground movements of aircraft arriving and departing under low or reduced visibility conditions. Arrivals and departures below RVR 600 are not authorized. When weather conditions indicate visibility below RVR 2600 is imminent procedures will be implemented restricting aircraft and vehicle operations on the movement area. The following message will be added to the ATIS broadcast: “LOW VISIBILITY PROCEDURES IN EFFECT” or “REDUCED VISIBILITY PROCEDURES IN EFFECT”.

The CAP will contain a Low Visibility Procedures Page and a Low Visibility Taxi Chart for aerodromes with runways certified to operate below RVR 1200 down to and including RVR 600. Aerodromes with runways certified for Reduced Visibility procedures (RVR 2600 down to and including RVR 1200) may have a Reduced Visibility Procedures Page and a Reduced Visibility Taxi Chart if there are special pilot procedures that need to be published.

The CAP will also contain the level of service for each runway in the Aerodrome Chart. The certification will list the RVR number (“RVR 1200”) if the runway has RVR equipment or only the statute mile visibility (“1⁄4 SM”) if no RVR equipment is present. An entry of RVR 600 indicates the runway meets the requirements to operate below RVR 1200 (1⁄4 SM) down to and including RVR 600.

REFERENCES
CAP GEN - Operating Minima
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