Canada’s Department of Transport has issued Interim Order No. 2 (2026) Respecting Certain ICAO Requirements, under the Aeronautics Act, to address aviation safety risks and give effect to international standards. The order applies where provisions are inconsistent with the Canadian Aviation Regulations, in which case the Interim Order prevails.

One area covered by the order is standard operating procedures for international single-pilot operations. Beginning September 24, 2026, air operators conducting air taxi or commuter operations with single-pilot aircraft on international flights must establish and maintain standard operating procedures that meet the Commercial Air Service Standards. The procedures must allow pilots to operate aircraft within the limitations specified in the applicable flight manual. Operators must also ensure that a copy of the procedures is carried on board the aircraft.

The order also introduces specific requirements concerning conflict zones. Air operators must establish procedures ensuring that, before a flight, they are familiar with available information relevant to the flight. Where information indicates that a flight may take place near or in a conflict zone, operators must use reasonable means to conduct a risk assessment and mitigate identified risks. This includes consulting official aeronautical information and other accessible sources.

For scheduled international air taxi services, the order establishes additional minimum equipment list requirements. Where a master minimum equipment list exists for an aircraft type, an applicant for or holder of an air operator certificate must have a Minister-approved minimum equipment list for each aircraft of that type.

Another requirement concerns flight data monitoring. Certain operators of scheduled international airline services must incorporate a flight data monitoring program into their safety management systems. The requirement applies to specified aircraft based on maximum certified take-off weight and, for certain smaller aircraft, passenger seating capacity and the date of the initial certificate of airworthiness. Programs must establish standard operating parameters, identify deviations, highlight operational risks and establish corrective-action procedures.

The final major component addresses air navigation services training and licensing. Beginning November 2, 2026, most new applications for air traffic controller licences must include evidence of Minister-approved training and successful completion of a proficiency check. Controllers moving into new areas of responsibility must also complete proficiency checks, while controllers absent for 180 consecutive days or more cannot resume exercising licence privileges at an air traffic control unit until they successfully complete one.

Canada (Notice/2026) September 15, 2026
Disclaimer: Insights are for informational purposes only and does not reflect RRI’s official position or constitute legal opinion.