Olympic Aviation Security Screening Program
In order to facilitate the continued movement of air traffic, Transport Canada will mitigate risks by introducing a suite of temporary security requirements for non-secure operators planning to enter restricted airspace above Vancouver, Whistler and a corridor in between during the 2010 Games.
The safety and security of aircraft, passengers, crews and airports lies at the heart of every country’s ICAO obligations. These regulations will underscore Canada’s international commitment to aviation security.
The regulations:
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Temporarily require the Canadian Air Transport Security Authority (CATSA) to screen persons and goods at additional aerodromes in British Columbia and expand passenger screening to additional areas at airports that currently have CATSA screening (e.g. the general aviation area at Victoria airport);
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Require the post-screening segregation of passengers, belongings and other goods going on board an aircraft;
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Require aircraft searches; and
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Expand the prohibitions respecting firearms and explosives to operators of non-commercial (corporate and private) aircraft and aerodromes that do not serve air carriers.
All flights entering restricted OCA airspace will be subject to screening for crew members, passengers and goods. This includes operators of floatplanes, helicopters, small commuter aircraft and air taxis, corporate and privately owned aircraft, and training flights. Those operating from locations that do not have screening services must reroute to a temporary screening facility prior to entering the OCA.
Temporary sites will include general aviation facilities, heliports, float bases and several smaller regional aerodromes. Selected airports with existing screening will have additional checkpoints established away from air terminal buildings to facilitate fixed-base operations as well.
The list of temporary CATSA screening facilities remains subject to change. Additional sites may be added if deemed necessary to better accommodate aviation industry needs and/or changes to RCMP-led threat assessments.
Detailed information can be found in the Transport Canada Gazette, which was released on 25 Nov 2009.
