Media Release
Media Release Date:	July 3, 2003
Subject:	TAWS NPAs

Here is the latest information we have from Transport Canada regarding the Notice of Proposed Amendments (NPAs) related to aeroplanes that are operating under CARs 604, 703, 704 & 705.

Assuming that there are no further changes or revisions, the following conditions currently apply:

1. Class B TAWS – which meets FAA TSO C-151b – will be the minimum acceptable standard of TAWS equipment for the operation of CAR 703 aircraft that have been configured with 6 or more passenger seats (exclusive of the cockpit seats) and also will be the required minimum for CAR 704 aircraft with 6 – 9 passenger seats. Class A TAWS (per the TSO), will also be acceptable for these aircraft.

2. Class A TAWS – under TSO C-151b – and a Terrain Awareness display will be required for CAR 704 aircraft configured with 10 or more passenger seats and for all CAR 705 aircraft – regardless of number of seats.

3. All TAWS equipment installation will be required "to perform its intended function irrespective of the barometric setting on the Pilot's Altimeter" – ensuring that the TAWS has the required vertical accuracy in all scenarios. This also insures correct operation of the TAWS in standard pressure regions.

4. Due to incompatibilities between the TAWS alerting envelopes and the minimum altitudes permitted by the regulations for enroute obstacle clearance, TAWS will not be required for aeroplanes conducting DAY VFR operations under CARs 703 and 704. This will be reviewed by Transport Canada to allow for future compatibility with TAWS.

5. Current target date for TAWS is March 29, 2005 for all aircraft not so equipped already. TC advise that these dates may be revised however this date is in harmonization that in the US and while the Canadian date may shift, US operators will have to meet that date for compliance with the FAA TAWS rule.

These NPAs are intended to supersede NPA 2000-131 which is currently under regulatory review and requires TAWS for all aircraft the operate under CARs 703, 704 & 705. The purpose of the new NPAs is to address some technical issues that were not considered when 2000-131 was first issued.

Also of note, the NPAs for CAR 604 were withdrawn. The reason given was that with the Private Passenger Transportation operations of this CAR switching to the 3rd Party Management under the CBAA, further review and discussion are required. Also we can look forward to a new NPA under CAR 605 – General Operating And Flight Rules – that when submitted will be worded as such to deal with aircraft configured with 6 or more passenger seats – exclusive of crew – that will need to be equipped with Class B TAWS as a minimum standard.