Transport Canada Releases Important Update to AIM
Effective March 23, 2023 to October 5, 2023
What's Changed and Why it Matters
In a move that has sparked both excitement and concern among aviation enthusiasts, Transport Canada has released a major update to its Aeronautical Information Manual (AIM). This latest edition, the 2023-1 edition, includes numerous significant changes that are set to impact pilots, air traffic controllers, and all other stakeholders in Canadian aviation. One of the most notable changes in the new AIM is the removal of references to pilotage and dead reckoning. These traditional navigation methods, which rely on visual cues and manual calculations, have become increasingly obsolete in the era of advanced avionics and satellite-based navigation systems. Their removal from the AIM reflects the growing reliance on technology in modern aviation. However, the removal of pilotage and dead reckoning has also raised some concerns. Some pilots worry that the loss of these skills could make it more difficult to navigate in emergency situations, particularly in remote areas where technology may not be reliable. Transport Canada has emphasized that the removal of pilotage and dead reckoning from the AIM does not mean that these skills are no longer necessary. Rather, it simply reflects the fact that they are no longer as essential as they once were. Pilots are still encouraged to maintain these skills, especially those who frequently fly in remote or challenging environments.
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