Low-level speed limits
Indicated-airspeed ceilings at low level (CAR 602.32):
| Aerodrome | Max | Below | Within | Condition |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Any | 250 KIAS | 10,000 ft ASL | - | - |
| Controlled | 200 KIAS | 3,000 ft AGL | 10 NM | Unless ATC authorizes faster |
| Uncontrolled | No mandatory limit | 3,000 ft AGL | 10 NM | Reduce speed as much as possible (recommended, TC AIM RAC 4.1) |
Exceptions:
| Exception | Limit | Effect | Cite |
|---|---|---|---|
| ATC clearance | 200 KIAS only | Waives limit. Cannot approve more than 250 KIAS below 10,000 ft ASL | 602.32(1)(b) ("unless authorized to do so in an air traffic control clearance"); TC AIM RAC 2.5.2 |
| Special flight operations certificate - special aviation event (air show, air race) | Either | Exceed limit (602.32(1) opens "subject to subsection (2)") | CAR 603.02; CAR 602.32(2) |
| Minimum safe airspeed for flight configuration exceeds applicable limit | Applicable limit | Fly that speed instead | CAR 602.32(3) |
- Pilot responsible for not operating at unsafe speed; must inform ATC when unable to comply with an issued speed reduction (TC AIM RAC 9.7.3).
Trap: swapping the limits (250 vs 200 KIAS), swapping the datums (ASL vs AGL), or thinking ATC can approve more than 250 KIAS.
References
- CARs 602.32
- TC AIM RAC 2.5.2
- TC AIM RAC 4.1