Low Flying Aircraft

Canadian Aviation Regulations (CARs) 602.14-602.16, prescribes 1,000 feet as the minimum altitude that an aircraft may over-fly a built up area , unless the aircraft is conducting a take-off, approach or landing, except in some exemptions. If you suspect an aircraft is operating too low or in an unsafe manner, the details of the incident should be forwarded to Transport Canada.

In most cases, aircraft operating over the Lower Mainland are flying at altitudes consistent with regulations and published procedures. However, there are certain regular operations that often raise questions from the community about low-flying aircraft. The following document provides information on these activities.

Instrument Landing System – Flight Check

The Instrument Landing System (ILS) provides critical information to aircraft on approach to assist with landings. Routine checks of the ILS are required to ensure the system meets stringent certification standards prescribed by Transport Canada. These checks involve having a specially equipped NAV CANADA jet aircraft fly simulated approaches to the airport from several angles, elevations, and speeds. These flight profiles include low level circuits around the airport that are unusual and are not seen during normal daily operations.

To keep residents informed about upcoming ILS checks, we post community advisories on our YVR Newsroom whenever possible. At times, we are not given advanced notice, and the date may change due to operational needs or poor weather conditions.

Air Ambulance

There are some operators at YVR that provide BC Air Ambulance Service using both helicopters and fixed wing aircraft. These aircraft and their crew are on call 24 hours a day to transport patients to and from remote locations in B.C. to the Vancouver area for care at local hospitals.

Due to the needs of the patient and time sensitivity, air ambulance aircraft are often expedited and given the shortest route. Some of these aircraft may also require flights at lower altitudes.

Circling Aircraft/Helicopters

There are many activities that may account for the sound of circling aircraft. These activities are often related to news and traffic reporting, aerial filming or photography, and policing or surveillance.The associated aircraft often operates out of other smaller airports in the region. Questions or concerns related to non-YVR aircraft operations should be directed to Transport Canada.

Do you have additional questions?

Please contact YVR Noise Management.

You can also view “real-time” and historical flight tracks over your neighbourhood using the YVR WebTrak system.