Things take time in aviation and that is certainly the case with improving the state of Toronto’s airspace. As they say: “Time heals all”.
The airspace review that was promised by NavCanada has been underway since October 2024. In order to do this properly a lot of work needs to be done:
The Study will identify, assess, and analyze information gathered through data collection and user and stakeholder consultation. The Study will:
1) Confirm stakeholder requirements for the service(s) under review,
2) Analyze the concerns and issues raised by the stakeholders,
3) Develop possible solutions and options,
4) Conduct a Hazard Identification and Risk Assessment on issues, as required,
5) Present recommendations for Executive Management and Board of Directors approval,
6) Coordinate with the appropriate managers who would be involved with the technical and
operational implementation of any proposed service change and,
7) Coordinate with Transport Canada.
According to the Terms of Service published by NavCanada we can expect the study to be completed sometime in the winter of this year (2025). So realistically improvements to Toronto’s Airspace wont be realized and implemented until summer of 2026 at the earliest.
In the meantime, my how-to article on flying in and around Toronto’s airspace still applies for the 2025 season. This also means that city tours remain “prior permission required” for the foreseeable future.
