— Text provided by COPA

If you have ever considered flying an instrument approach procedure published in the Restricted Canada Air Pilot, there are a few things you should know. Only operators with specific authority from Transport Canada (Ops Spec 099 or 410), operating under CAR 604, 702, 703, 704 and 705, can legally fly these procedures because they have been designed with certain deviations from the regulations.

These deviations are permitted because special crew training, operational procedures and/or aircraft capability permit. As a general aviation pilot, it’s important to understand why these procedures are not available for you use.

Who is considered a 604 operator? A 604 Operator is considered a Private Operator, and applies to anyone, for the purpose of transporting passengers or goods, flying the following aircraft:

• large aeroplanes (MCTOW of more than 5,700kg or 12,566 pounds);
• turbine-powered aircraft;
• pressurized aircraft; and
• multi-engined aircraft.

CAR 702-705 operators fall under the Commercial Air Services. It should be clear that neither of these designations will apply to general aviation.

Even though you may look at an airport with a procedure in the RCAP, and feel tempted to use that approach, it is not something you are authorized to fly. In order to receive permission to use RCAP procedures, operators must prove to Transport Canada an acceptable level of training, procedures and aircraft performance. The procedures listed in the RCAP are simply not designed to be flown by pilots and aircraft without authorization. Limit yourself to regular Canada Air Pilot procedures, and be safe.

(Photo: Adobestock)