Lesson 4 Flashcards
What is the difference between Ground Visibility and Flight Visibility?
Ground visibility refers to the visibility at an aerodrome as reported by:
• An air traffic control unit
• A flight service station
• A community aerodrome radio station
• An automated weather observation system (AWOS) used by the Department of Transport, the Department of National Defence, or the Atmospheric Environment Service
• A ground-based radio station operated by an air operator
Flight visibility refers to the visibility forward from the cockpit of an aircraft in flight.
(Section 4 - 2/24 Key points)
What are the minimum visual condition requirements for VFR flights in controlled airspace as outlined in CAR 602.114
• The aircraft must be operated with visual reference to the surface.
• Flight visibility must be at least 3 miles.
• The aircraft’s distance from any cloud must be at least 500 feet vertically and 1 mile
horizontally.
• When the aircraft is operated in a control zone:
o Ground visibility must be at least 3 miles.
o The aircraft must be at least 500 feet above the ground, except during takeoff or
landing.
During a VFR flight, pilots may encounter instrument meteorological conditions (IMC):
visual conditions that require them to fly using instrument flight rules (IFR) rather than
visual checkpoints.
What is IMC?
Generally, IMC refers to less than 1 mile of visibility.
During a VFR flight, pilots may encounter instrument meteorological conditions (IMC). What should they do?
CAR 602.121 states that a pilot-in-command* must operate according to IFR if they are flying in
IMC in any airspace class.
This means that if a pilot encounters IMC during a VFR flight, they must exit the area or fly
under IFR, if they and the aircraft are rated to do so.
(Section 3 - 4/14 Key points)
In conditions below the minimum visual requirements for VFR flights but above IMC,
CAR 602.117 states that an aircraft may be operated in special VFR flight (SVFR) within a
control zone if: (list the conditions)
In conditions below the minimum visual requirements for VFR flights but above IMC,
CAR 602.117 states that an aircraft may be operated in special VFR flight (SVFR) within a
control zone if:
• Flight visibility is 1 mile or greater, for aircraft other than helicopters
• Flight visibility is 1/2 mile or greater, for helicopters
• The aircraft is operated clear of clouds and with visual reference to the surface at
all times
• When reported, ground visibility is not less than 1 mile for fixed-wing aircraft or ½ mile for
helicopters
Note: For aircraft other than helicopters, nighttime SVFR operations are limited to landings only.
(Section 3 - 4/14 Key points)
A pilot in VFR flight might encounter clouds that prevent them from having visual reference to
the ground. This situation is called VFR over-the-top (VFR OTT) and is described in
CAR 602.116. What are the rules for operating a flight in VFR OTT?
A pilot in VFR flight might encounter clouds that prevent them from having visual reference to
the ground. This situation is called VFR over-the-top (VFR OTT) and is described in
CAR 602.116.
Rules for VFR OTT Flight
Aircraft may be operated in VFR OTT flight during the day in the cruise portion of the flight if:
• It is operated at a vertical distance of at least 1000 feet from any cloud
• The vertical distance between cloud layers is at least 5000 feet when the aircraft is
between two cloud layers
• Flight visibility at cruising altitude is at least 5 miles
• An aerodrome forecast (TAF) for the period from 1 hour before to 2 hours after the
estimated time of arrival indicates
o No broken, overcast, or obscured layer lower than 3000 feet above the planned
flight altitude; and
o Scattered cloud or clear sky; and
o Ground visibility of at least 5 miles with no precipitation, fog, thunderstorms, or
blowing snow
Note: If there is no TAF, an area forecast (FA) can be used; the same conditions must be met
for the period from 1 hour before to 3 hours after the estimated time of arrival.
When two aircraft are converging at approximately the same altitude, the pilot-in-command of
the aircraft that has an aircraft on its ____ must give way. (right or left)
When two aircraft are converging at approximately the same altitude, the pilot-in-command of
the aircraft that has an aircraft on its right must give way. (Section 4 - 6/14 Key points)
When two aircraft are converging at approximately the same altitude, the pilot-in-command of
the aircraft that has an aircraft on its right must give way, with the following exceptions: (List the exceptions)
When two aircraft are converging at approximately the same altitude, the pilot-in-command of
the aircraft that has an aircraft on its right must give way, with the following exceptions:
• A power-driven, heavier-than-air aircraft must give way to airships, gliders, and balloons
• An airship must give way to gliders and balloons
• A glider must give way to balloons
• A power-driven aircraft must give way to aircraft that are towing gliders or other
objects, as well as helicopters carrying a slung load
(Section 4 - 6/14 Key points)
When two aircraft are approaching head-on, or close to head-on, the pilot-in-command of
each aircraft must alter its heading to the _____. (left or right)
When two aircraft are approaching head-on, or close to head-on, the pilot-in-command of
each aircraft must alter its heading to the right.
When two balloons at different altitudes are converging, the pilot-in-command of the balloon
at the _____ altitude must give way. (higher or lower)
When two balloons at different altitudes are converging, the pilot-in-command of the balloon
at the higher altitude must give way.
An aircraft that is being overtaken ____ (has or does not have) the right-of-way. The pilot-in-command of the overtaking aircraft, whether climbing, descending or in level flight, must alter the heading of their
aircraft to the _____ (right or left) until they have entirely passed and are clear of the other aircraft, regardless of any subsequent change in relative position.
An aircraft that is being overtaken has the right-of-way. The pilot-in-command of the
overtaking aircraft, whether climbing, descending or in level flight, must alter the heading of their
aircraft to the right until they have entirely passed and are clear of the other aircraft, regardless
of any subsequent change in relative position.
When an aircraft gives right-of-way, the pilot-in-command must not pass over, pass under or
cross ahead of the other aircraft, unless passing or crossing at a distance that will not create a
risk of a collision.
There are regulations in CARs for minimum altitudes of flight, including near or over built-up
areas and open-air assemblies of people, as well as stipulations for when exceptions are
allowed.
Airplanes must be ____ feet above the highest obstacle within a
horizontal distance of ____ feet.
Balloons must be ____ feet above the highest obstacle within a
horizontal distance of ____ feet.
Other aircraft must be ____ feet above the highest obstacle within a
horizontal distance of ____ feet.
There are regulations in CARs for minimum altitudes of flight, including near or over built-up
areas and open-air assemblies of people, as well as stipulations for when exceptions are
allowed.
Airplanes Airplanes must be 1000 feet above the highest obstacle within a
horizontal distance of 2000 feet.
Balloons Balloons must be 500 feet above the highest obstacle within a
horizontal distance of 500 feet.
Other Aircraft Other aircraft must be 1000 feet above the highest obstacle within a
horizontal distance of 500 feet.
(Section 4 - 9/14 Key points)
A pilot may fly below the minimum distance requirements near or over built-up areas and
open-air assemblies of people for the purpose of: (name 3)
A pilot may fly below these minimum distance requirements near or over built-up areas and
open-air assemblies of people for the purpose of:
• A police operation conducted in the service of the police authority
• Saving human life
• Firefighting or air ambulance operations
• Administration of the Fisheries Act or the Coastal Fisheries Protection Act
• Administration of the national or provincial parks
• Flight inspection
To fly below the minimum distance requirements, the pilot must:
• Have an authorization from the Minister of Transport or an air operator certificate that
authorizes them to do so
• Comply with the Commercial Air Service Standards
When a pilot flies below the minimum distance requirements, the aircraft must be operated at
altitudes and distances no less than are necessary for the purpose at hand, and without
creating a hazard to people or property on the surface.
(Section 4 - 10/14 Key points)
In what instances can a pilot conduct a takeoff or landing in an aircraft within a built-up area of a city or
town at a place that is not located at an airport, heliport or a military aerodrome?
Generally, a pilot may conduct a takeoff or landing in an aircraft within a built-up area of a city or
town at a place that is not located at an airport, heliport or a military aerodrome where all the
following conditions are met:
• The location is not set apart for the operation of aircraft.
• The flight is conducted without creating a hazard to persons or property on the surface.
• The flight is part of an authorized police operation or for the purpose of saving human life.
(Section 4 - 10/14 Key points)
In areas that are not built up and do not contain assemblies of people, airplanes, balloons and
other aircraft must be at least ____ feet from any person, vessel, vehicle, or structure.
However, with an authorization from the Minister of Transport, a pilot may fly below the
minimum distance requirements for the purpose of (name 2)
In areas that are not built up and do not contain assemblies of people, airplanes, balloons and
other aircraft must be at least 500 feet from any person, vessel, vehicle, or structure.
However, with an authorization from the Minister of Transport, a pilot may fly below the
minimum distance requirements for the purpose of:
- Aerial application or aerial inspection
- Aerial photography conducted by the holder of an air operator certificate
- Helicopter external load operations
- Flight training conducted by or under the supervision of a qualified flight instructor
(Section 4 - 11/14 Key points)
