All throughout our training we’ve been told to know how to read and interpret the CARs.
However, what happens if you have to make an emergency landing on a road? You are now subject to the Highway Traffic Act.
Section 187 of the Ontario Highway Traffic Act states clearly what the responsibilities and consequences are of operating an aircraft on Ontario roads.
In essence here is what you can and can’t do:
You are allowed to make an emergency landing on a road without penalty or charges so long as you remove the aircraft from the road as soon as possible.
If you would like to take off from a roadway, you need to ensure the following:
1. A licensed commercial pilot that is not the owner of the aircraft in question, along with the pilot in command, ensures that the aircraft is airworthy and that there are no obstructions on or over the road/highway.
2. The pilot in command is satisfied that the weather conditions warrant an VFR take-off, or an IFR take-off with arrangements made with the proper ATS unit.
3. The road is closed by the police.
4. The police agrees to the take-off.
If you are caught taking off from a road/highway without following the above rules, you can be fined up to $10,000.
