Aerodrome classes and use
Aerodrome: any area of land, water (including a frozen surface), or other supporting structure used, designed, prepared, equipped, or set apart for arrival, departure, movement, or servicing of aircraft, including its buildings, installations, and equipment (RIC-21 Appendix A; TC AIM GEN 5.1).
- Nearly anywhere in Canada can be one.
- No general restriction on where to land or take off, except defined exceptions (TC AIM AGA 2.1).
Narrower terms (CAR 101.01(1)):
| Term | Is an aerodrome with |
|---|---|
| Airport | airport certificate in force |
| Heliport | heliport certificate in force |
- Every airport or heliport is an aerodrome. Most aerodromes hold no certificate.
- Part III Subpart 1 applies to all aerodromes except airports, heliports, and military aerodromes (CAR 301.01).
Two classes of aerodrome:
| Class | Meaning | Cite |
|---|---|---|
| Registered aerodrome | listed in CFS or CWAS, not certified as an airport | TP 1102 Airport Operations; TC AIM AGA 2.1.1(d) |
| Certified airport | maintained and operated to Transport Canada standards | TP 1102 Airport Operations |
- Certification is about standards, not towers: a certified airport can still be uncontrolled (TP 1102 Uncontrolled Aerodromes).
Use restrictions (operator-set, shown in CFS/CWAS entry; TC AIM AGA 2.2):
| Restriction | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Public-use | no prior permission needed |
| Private-use | operator can limit use |
| PPR (Prior Permission Required) | operator's permission first; all military aerodromes require it for civilian aircraft |
| PN (Prior Notice Required) | notify owner or operator first, so they can give current info |
Exceptions to every restriction:
- Emergency: any airport or aerodrome may be used regardless of PPR (TP 1102 Airport Operations).
- Aircraft in distress: trespass restrictions never apply (TC AIM AGA 2.2).
Other limits:
- CFS/CWAS entries are for convenience only. Confirm with operator before use (TC AIM AGA 2.1.1).
- Outside an emergency, no indiscriminate use of a landing area (TP 1102).
- Private aerodrome is private property: owner or operator permission may be required.
- CARs, provincial laws, municipal bylaws, and property owners' rights may limit site choice (TP 1102).
Trap: "registered" and "certified" are mutually exclusive classes, not degrees; registered means not certified as an airport.
References
- CARs 101.01(1)
- RIC-21 Appendix A (Aerodrome)
- TC AIM GEN 5.1
- TC AIM AGA 2.1
- TC AIM AGA 2.1.1
- TC AIM AGA 2.2
- TP 1102 Airport Operations
- TP 1102 Uncontrolled Aerodromes