Transport Canada
Symbol of the Government of Canada

No. H099/06
For release - September 6, 2006

Low Visibility Landings to Become Safer

OTTAWA — Aviation regulations have been amended to prohibit commercial air operators from beginning an approach when visibility is so poor that a successful approach to a landing is unlikely. These amendments were announced today by the Honourable Lawrence Cannon, Minister of Transport, Infrastructure and Communities.

"This new requirement, combined with existing safety measures and regulations, will help to enhance the safety of passengers and crew and help to prevent accidents," said Minister Cannon.

The regulations will establish, for all runways where visibility is reported, the minimum visibility for the crew to begin an approach.

The amendments will also extend the requirements to runways where conditions are reported by a qualified person rather than a sensor. In addition, the regulations will help harmonize Canadian regulations with international standards and respond to recommendations from the Transportation Safety Board.

The amendments will be published in the Canada Gazette, Part II on September 20, 2006 and the requirements will come into force on December 1, 2006.

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Contacts:

Natalie Sarafian
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Transport,
Infrastructure and Communities, Ottawa
613-991-0700
Lucie Vignola
Communications
Transport Canada, Ottawa
613-993-0055

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