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Environmental Policy & Noise Abatement

This section outlines the environmental policies and noise abatement procedures at Air Canada Virtual Airline.

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Noise Abatement Procedures

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Departure Procedures

• Idle reverse thrust is preferred when runway length is adequate
• Use of NADP (Noise Abatement Departure Procedures) as specified:
  • NADP 1: Used over noise-sensitive areas (e.g., YYZ runway 23)
  • NADP 2: Used when runway obstacle clearance is the primary concern
• Adherence to published SIDs with noise abatement routing
• Flight path monitoring via FOQA noise gate compliance tracking

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Arrival Procedures

• Continuous Descent Approach (CDA) when approved by ATC
• Delayed flap extension to reduce airframe noise
• Reduced engine power settings during approach
• Adherence to published noise-preferred runways when available

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Ground Operations

• Single-engine taxi-in is standard procedure on dry surfaces:
  • All A320 and B737 aircraft
  • For wide-body aircraft, left engine (Engine 2) remains running for packs
• APU usage limited to 30 minutes at gate when Ground Power Unit (GPU) is available
• Engine run-ups restricted to designated areas and approved times
• Minimize use of reverse thrust during taxi operations

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Fuel Conservation

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Flight Planning

• Optimize flight levels for maximum efficiency
• Use Cost Index (CI) values that balance fuel burn and time
• Calculate accurate Zero Fuel Weight (ZFW) to avoid carrying excess fuel
• Tankering analysis to minimize overall network fuel consumption

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In-Flight Techniques

• Use of optimum cruise altitudes and speeds
• Step-climb procedures to maintain optimum altitude
• Idle descent planning from Top of Descent
• Use of VNAV path guidance for efficient descents

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Emissions Reduction

• Route optimization to minimize total CO2 emissions
• Aircraft weight reduction initiatives:
  • Electronic Flight Bags (EFBs) instead of paper
  • Optimized water uplift
  • Careful cargo planning
• Reduced APU usage during turnarounds
• Engine washing schedule to maximize efficiency

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Environmental Management System

Air Canada Virtual Airline’s Environmental Management System includes:

1. Setting realistic environmental goals and targets
2. Regular measurement of performance against targets
3. Training for all operational staff on environmental procedures
4. Recognition of environmental achievements
5. Continuous improvement process

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Airport-Specific Procedures

Many airports have specific environmental procedures, including:

• Noise-preferred runways
• Noise abatement routes
• Time-of-day operating restrictions
• Engine run-up limitations
• APU usage restrictions

Pilots must review airport-specific procedures during flight planning and adhere to local requirements.

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Performance Monitoring

Environmental performance is monitored through:

• Fuel efficiency tracking by aircraft and route
• Noise compliance monitoring via FOQA data
• Carbon emissions calculations
• Regular reporting on environmental metrics
• Comparison against industry benchmarks