Air Canada pilots issue notice about controller shortage at Winnipeg airport

Air Canada pilots have been advised to stay away from the Winnipeg airport during times its control tower has to close temporarily because there’s one controller on duty who has to take a break.

In an Oct. 14 memo to Air Canada pilots, obtained by the Free Press, Captain Carleen Howarth, the company’s flight standards manager, advised pilots to avoid airports in Winnipeg and Kelowna, B.C., when lack of staff forces a temporary shutdown.

Howarth said NAV Canada has told Air Canada it is “experiencing staffing shortages across Canada.”

“(Air Traffic Control) may intermittently reduce staffing to one controller at specified airports,” she said. “In this circumstance, the controller is required to take mandatory breaks of 30 minutes or more at a time.

“For this reason, Air Canada, along with other Canadian operators, have decided not to operate into these airports during short-term ATC staffing shortage closures. Flight crew should not depart and arrive at these airports until the tower reopens. For arrival, be prepared to hold or divert as required.”

The Free Press reported in August that the control tower at Winnipeg’s airport was closed for half an hour on Aug. 10 for “fatigue management purposes.”

During that time, pilots were advised to contact the flight information centre in Edmonton. The Winnipeg Airports Authority reported that the closure caused minor delays of less than 25 minutes for two departing flights.

Tim Perry, a WestJet pilot who is president of the Air Line Pilots Association Canada, said “air traffic-control shortages continue leading to delays at various airports across Canada.

“This lack of stability in Canada’s aviation sector must be addressed.”

Perry said his association has been working with the Canadian Air Traffic Control Association on ways to “secure Canada’s aviation future by prioritizing safety, reliability, and affordability that travellers and workers deserve.” That includes investing in training, as well as recruitment and retention initiatives.

The Canadian Air Traffic Control Association has said NAV Canada has fewer than 1,500 fully qualified air traffic controllers, which is about 250 controllers short of a full complement.

Nick Von Schoenberg, the president of CATCA, said Winnipeg’s tower, considered one of the most understaffed in the country, requires 20 controllers and is short six.

“CATCA and air traffic controllers do not want to see unit closures occur, however, these decisions reflect a responsible approach to ensuring safety, made by NAV Canada and supported by the union,” Von Schoenberg said.

“While we regret any disruption to travellers, safety is always the first priority in air traffic control and these closures reflect that commitment.”

Von Schoenberg said CATCA is pushing for Canada to follow the lead of New Zealand by creating a permanent aviation council, with a cross-section of members, to “address current and future challenges in an informed and coordinated manner.”

NAV Canada issued a statement that said its top priority is the safety of Canadian airspace.

“The recent closure in Winnipeg were precautionary measures taken under our fatigue-risk management system to ensure safe operations as well as the well-being of our dedicated employees,” the statement said.

“Winnipeg experienced only one such temporary closure. These decisions, while never taken lightly, demonstrate a responsible approach that puts safety first.”

NAV Canada said it communicates with the airport and airlines before it closes a control tower.

As well, the agency says it has hired 240 controllers and close to another 500 are in training.

“We are finding new ways to build long-term capacity and prepare the next generation of air traffic controllers nationwide.”

The shortage of controllers has affected airports across North America.

kevin.rollason@freepress.mb.ca