2014 was a very busy year for ATAC and its members. We are very proud of the important work done by ATAC last year and 2015 promises to be just as demanding on everyone. Election years have a tendency to grind to a halt the legislative and regulatory processes in Ottawa and this year will probably not be any different. This means that the demand for ATAC services will grow in reaction to this bog down.   

Popular policies announcements will be made by Party leaders but aviation issues will most likely be moved to the sidelines again this election year in favor of more popular vote generating infrastructure projects. Nonetheless, there are many pressing aviation issues which require the government's full attention. Transport Canada and Minister Raitt need the Government's support if TC is to provide the level of service our industry is entitled to. Also, major issues such as fatigue management warrant sober thought and can't be allowed to be used as political fodder by either side. It would perhaps be wiser to put such issues on hold rather than be tempted by quick fix solutions with irreversible long term repercussions. 

jmckenna@atac.ca  

ATAC schools are once again participating in the Global Opportunities for Association Program supported by the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade Development.

A proposal has been submitted to the federal government to help Canadian Flight Training companies participate in the AOPA Flight Training Expo in Shenzhen China (September 9-15, 2015). When approved 5 Canadian Flight Training Units will have the opportunity to attend the show and support a Canadian booth. In China the gradual opening of low level airspace is supporting the rapid growth of General Aviation aircraft. General Aviation in the context of Chinese airspace includes regional airline, on demand charter, business aircraft, rotary wing aircraft and personal aircraft. Orders for these new categories of aircraft have already surpassed the available supply of qualified Chinese pilots to operate these machines.     

The second GOA mission for 2015 will include participation in the Professional Flight Training Exhibition (PFTE) - London, England November 5 -10, 2015. This is the first trip for ATAC members to the PFTE in London and will provide an opportunity for Canadian FTUs to establish a presence in the European Flight Training market. Currently only 3% of Commercial pilot licenses in Canada are issued to the UK. Much work is needed to streamline the license conversion process and to promote the real value of Canadian pilot training to this market. The GOA project includes funding for 5 FTUs to participate in a Canadian booth and to attend meetings on the margins of the show.

If interested in participating in any of these events e-mail wgouveia@atac.ca