Harmonic Convergence

Two weeks ago many of the CANSO Managers converged on Montreal in an unprecedented outreach effort focused on harmonising activities with ICAO, IFATCA, IATA, and IFALPA. In addition, Tim Rees, Environment Manager, represented CANSO at the ICAO Environment Colloquium and addressed the forum with prepared remarks. In his usual professional manner Eugene Hoeven, Director ICAO Affairs, proved the perfect host arranging meetings for the Safety, Operations and Environment Managers.

Brendan Booth, Manager Safety, and I met with IFATCA representatives to discuss plans for assessment and simulations on SID/STAR phraseology. IFATCA has been a key player in these discussions and has been working to assist ICAO with improvements. Andrew Beadle of IFATCA offered to assist CANSO in scripting and development of simulation scenarios and outcomes. Documents are being shared to gain this valuable input and IFALPA has offered to assist in providing the pilot’s perspective to the equation.

Eugene and I met with Chris Dalton, ICAO Chief, ATM Section of the Air Navigation Bureau to ensure that ICAO’s broader concerns are included in the SID/STAR review. Chris voiced his concern about including a review of continuous descent operations with regard to SID/STAR phraseology and procedures. His staff has been and will continue to be a part of the review in this harmonious approach to a solution.

Brendan, Eugene, and I met with IFATCA, IFALPA, and IATA in a lengthy and very useful discussion on Just Culture and considered a variety of avenues to pursue in a collaborative and unified approach to further the global discussion. Brendan met separately with IATA to coordinate safety initiatives, while I had one-on-one discussions with IATA to determine areas of harmonisation in our operations programmes.

Eugene and I met with Vaugh Maiolla, ICAO Technical Officer CNS Section of the Air Navigation Bureau to discuss the upcoming ICAO Standards Roundtable. The OSC will review the materials provided and consider how best to assist in this necessary and rather large undertaking. The roundtable is a proactive approach for addressing the large volume of new standards being driven by modernisation and CANSO is keen to assist where we can in providing a globally harmonised response.

There were several other side-bar conversations and meetings between CANSO Managers/Directors and other visiting ANSP and ICAO representatives. Additionally we held several teleconferences and meetings with the CANSO Secretariat in preparation for the June Annual General Meeting. Brendan, Tim, and I also spent many hours working towards harmonising our individual work programmes in support of the new CANSO Waypoint 2013 proposal.

With all of that we even had a chance to watch the Montreal Canadiens ice the reigning National Hockey League (NHL) Pittsburg Penguins in the semifinals. The game lasted 3 hours, the ensuing celebration last 5-6 hours. I’m certain I heard every car horn in Montreal at least once trumpeting the victory! So all-in-all a very successful 3 days.