Canadian Airport Security Pass.

[C130Dreamer]

Hi all,
Here’s a heads-up for any non-Canadian pilots thinking of working in Canada on a work permit only.
There’s a problem with airport security clearance if you are not a Canadian citizen or a permanent resident of Canada. Basically you can’t apply for an airport security clearance if you’re a foreign national working for a Canadian operator on a work permit basis only.
Unfortunately, not many people in the Canadian aviation industry are aware of this problem, and I didn't find out until I had my Canadian work permit, my UK licence converted and a job for two moths! Neither the office that issued my Canadian licence nor my employer knew/informed me that I would not be able to apply for a Red Pass (the local term for an airport security pass).
Times are good in the Canadian aviation industry, there’s a lot of movement and experienced pilots are in short supply. However, make sure you’ve done your homework with regards airport security clearance before you spend any time, money and effort coming to Canada.
Good luck, I certainly didn’t have any! :sad:
Red Pass application details here. (http://www.tc.gc.ca/vigilance/sep/tscp/tscp_manual_contents.htm)

[604guy]

There is many a Canadian pilot that does not have a "red pass". While it can make working out of some Canadian airports less of a hassle, it is not a requirement. Your pilot licence is all the identification that is required. You may find yourself being escorted at some locales but you can still get around.

If however being able to obtain said pass is a condition of employment..........well that's a whole other kettle of fish.

[Panama Jack]

While technically correct, 604guy, not having a red-pass, if you are working in an airline environment at any one of Canada's major airports makes life a major inconvenience. The problem is that the airport people issue an "Escort Required" pass. Legally, they explain, that you cannot even do a walk-around of the aircraft on the ramp without an escort then.

[North Shore]

Hilarious! You could be qualified and hired to fly a plane spifr, and yet unsafe to be allowed on the ramp by yourself. Who writes this stuff??

[C130Dreamer]

It's a joke isn't it?

The really annoying thing is that foreign nationals can apply for a BAA airside pass in the UK, as long as they can prove the right of abode in the UK. :*

Details here (http://www.aberdeenairport.com/assets/B2CPortal/Static%20Files/GSN_03_04_2007.pdf).

[AngrySquirrel]

C130,

As the holder of a red pass for different reasons, I can empathize with your difficulties with TC's eccentricities. In reading over the policy, the following section seems most relevant for you:

http://www.tc.gc.ca/images/18px.gif (http://www.tc.gc.ca/vigilance/sep/tscp/tscp_manual_standards.htm#cnav)
FOREIGN NATIONALS
II.6
The following documentation must accompany the application:


Where applicable a certificate signed by an official of the Canadian air carrier stating that the foreign national has been directly employed by the Canadian air carrier or by the foreign company for the previous five years.

To my eyes, it seems that if you provide a certificate both from your current CA employer and whichever foreign carrier(s) for whom you worked, that may be an avenue.

Or have you already tried this? Good luck.

[C130Dreamer]

Update.

More Canadian airports to be included in the Restriced Area ID card system!

Canadian Air Transport Security Authority (CATSA) Act review Here (http://www.tc.gc.ca/tcss/CATSA/Final_Report-Rapport_final/chapter3_e.htm#33)

If this comes into affect, I would think some of the flight schools that train foreign pilots will be affected!

List of the 89 affected airports Here (http://www.tc.gc.ca/tcss/CATSA/airports_e.htm)

:mad: