A Big Gotcha in Canadian Airspace!

[Don Gieseke]

Big Changes Coming for Canadian Airways, RNAV SIDs and STARs
On Feb 09 2012 Nav Canada is implementing comprehensive changes in the Toronto-Quebec City Corridor, including:
* New RNAV airways in the Toronto - Ottawa - Montreal - Quebec City Airspace Corridor
* New SID & STAR procedures for CYYZ, CYOW and CYUL
Airways

If you are flying to, from, or through this area in the coming weeks, please make sure you review your current charts effective February 9th. Many of the Jet and Low Airways have been deleted or partially removed. In place of these airways, there are new Q (High Altitude) and T Routes (low Altitude). There are also many new RNAV intersections created in this area.

If you are a flying in this area whether as a regular or a newbie, on or after February 9 things will be different. Take the time to review your charts to help things go smoother for both yourself and the Nav Canada Controllers.


RNAV SIDs and STARs

There are new RNAV SIDs and STARs for CYYZ (Toronto), CYOW (Ottawa), and CYUL (Montreal).
In addition to these new procedures, please note a significant difference in the meaning of ATC altitude clearances on SIDs and STARs between Nav Canada and the FAA. Receiving clearance to a lower altitude does not cancel any intermediate altitude restriction as it does in the US. The specific language is below:
ATC will issue descent clearance, and once a lower altitude is issued by ATC, the pilot shall descend on the STAR profile to the assigned altitude. The pilot will comply with all charted altitude restrictions above the ATC-assigned altitude, unless specifically cancelled by ATC. When an approach clearance is received, all altitude restrictions on the STAR profile remain mandatory, unless specifically cancelled by ATC.

Please see: www.tc.gc.ca/eng/civilaviation/publications/tp14371-rac-9-0-2604.htm#9-2-3 for more information.

[Bruce Gorrell]

Just like the "climb/descend via" clearances we get now.

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[Don Gieseke]

>>Just like the "climb/descend via" clearances we get now.<<


Not exactly, Bruce. Here's the difference:

...Receiving clearance to a lower altitude does not cancel any intermediate altitude restriction as it does in the US...

If you are cleared to cross intersection "A" at FL220 and then later given a "descend to 17,000" clearance the crossing is no longer in effect. After the change in Canada later this month it will still be in effect!

[Bruce Gorrell]

Feb 5, 2012 20:06:33 GMT -6 Don Gieseke said:

>>Just like the "climb/descend via" clearances we get now.<<


Not exactly, Bruce. Here's the difference:

...Receiving clearance to a lower altitude does not cancel any intermediate altitude restriction as it does in the US...

If you are cleared to cross intersection "A" at FL220 and then later given a "descend to 17,000" clearance the crossing is no longer in effect. After the change in Canada later this month it will still be in effect!

If you are cleared "via" all the intermediate restrictions are still valid, too, but I get your point.

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