Governance & Responsibility
Regulatory basis and operational control for Air Canada Virtual Airline
Governance, Scope & Responsibility
This section outlines the regulatory framework, operational control model, and responsibility structure for Air Canada Virtual Airline operations.
Regulatory Framework
Item | Provision |
---|---|
Regulatory Basis | Canadian Aviation Regulations (CARs) Subpart 705, Transport Canada Advisory Circulars, ICAO Annexes 2, 6, 11, 14. |
Operational Control | Type B dispatch – shared between Dispatcher (virtual) and Pilot‑in‑Command (PIC). |
Manual Hierarchy | 1. Aircraft QRH / ECAM / EICAS; 2. AFM; 3. This ASOP; 4. Company Notices & Bulletins. |
Deviation Authority | PIC may deviate from SOPs when safety necessitates. Deviation must be logged in post‑flight report. |
Amendment Control | Flight Ops Mgr issues electronic change notices. Version & date appear in front matter. |
Pilot-in-Command Authority
The Pilot-in-Command (PIC) has the final authority and responsibility for the operation and safety of the aircraft. This authority extends to:
- Making operational decisions regarding weather, route, and alternate airports
- Deviating from standard procedures when necessary for safety
- Determining fuel requirements beyond the minimum prescribed
- Accepting or refusing aircraft with mechanical discrepancies
Operational Control Model
Air Canada Virtual Airline operates under a Type B dispatch system where:
- Operational control is shared between the PIC and dispatcher
- Flight release requires both PIC and dispatcher approval
- The dispatcher prepares the operational flight plan (OFP)
- The PIC makes the final decision on operational matters
- Both the PIC and dispatcher monitor flight progress and weather conditions
Documentation Standards
All pilots must maintain access to current versions of:
- This ASOP manual
- Aircraft operating manuals specific to their type
- Current navigation charts for planned routes
- Company bulletins and notices
Regulatory Compliance
While operating within a simulation environment, all Virtual Air Canada pilots are expected to:
- Comply with Canadian Aviation Regulations (CARs) appropriate to our operations
- Follow ICAO procedures for international operations
- Adhere to local airport and airspace regulations
- Respect the rules of the simulation networks (VATSIM, IVAO, etc.)
Next Section: Safety Culture & CRM
Continue to learn about Crew Resource Management and the Threat & Error Management model