Approach Ban Regulations

WHEREAS the new rules from Transport Canada as Gazetted in November 2004 in their current form will affect all IFR Instrument Flight Rules Airports, and particularly smaller and northern airports supported by non-precision approaches; AND WHEREAS the study initiating these rules was focused on operations conducted at the larger airports; AND WHEREAS the assessment of the cost of the new proposals was significantly underestimated in the RIAS Notice of Intent to Implement Regulations; AND WHEREAS the net affect of the proposed rules will limit access to many airports without enhancing the safety of operations; AND WHEREAS the travelling public will be inconvenienced in the form of a greater number of missed approaches, diverted flights and reduced number of scheduled departures; AND WHEREAS the new rules will result in higher ticket prices; AND WHEREAS the new proposal will impose a significant impediment to access at smaller airports serving many northern and remote communities: THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Union of BC Municipalities write to Transport Canada asking that it evaluate the effect this regulation will have on small airports and the negative impact the regulation will have on economic development.