2,000 ft minimum altitude over an aerodrome
Rule: PIC may not fly below 2,000 ft over an aerodrome, controlled or uncontrolled (CAR 602.96(1), 602.96(4)).
- Numeric floor on top of separate duty to observe aerodrome traffic and avoid collision (CAR 602.96(3)(a)).
Floor lifts only when:
- landing or taking off
- air traffic control authorizes lower
- operation listed in CAR 602.96(5), flown no lower than it needs
CAR 602.96(5) list (a)-(k):
- police service
- saving human life
- fire-fighting or air ambulance
- administering the Fisheries Act or the Coastal Fisheries Protection Act
- administering national or provincial parks
- flight inspection
- aerial application or aerial inspection
- highway or city traffic patrol
- aerial photography
- helicopter external-load operations
- flight training
Holder qualifier:
| Operation | Exempt only if done by | Cite | No exception for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Aerial photography | holder of air operator certificate | 602.96(5)(i) | private pilot taking photos |
| Flight training | holder of flight training unit operator certificate | 602.96(5)(k) | independent instructor outside an FTU |
Trap: confusing this 2,000 ft floor with CAR 602.14 built-up-area/open-country minima (1,000 ft above highest obstacle within 2,000 ft, or 500 ft from persons and structures), which apply away from an aerodrome; this rule applies over an aerodrome and its exception list is closed.
References
- CARs 602.96(4)
- CARs 602.96(5)