Pilot Procedures Photographic Survey Flights
2006-1 – Summary of changes
1. A periodic review found some errors, redundancies and out-of-date information in the Pilot
Procedures Photographic Survey Flights manual.
2. The changes to the Pilot Procedures Photographic Survey Flights manual are:
A. Foreword — is updated;
B. Table of Contents — is updated to delete Appendix A; the implementation of reduced vertical
separation minimum in southern domestic airspace means that the table of cruising altitudes
found in the CARs has been superseded;
C. Abbreviations — “AIP” is deleted; “SCURF” is corrected to “CVFR”; and “NTSC” is corrected to
“NTS”;
D. 1.1.4 — is amended to refer pilots to CAR 602.34 and relevant Aeronautical Information
Circulars;
E. 1.3.3 — is amended to replace “AIP Canada” with “Transport Canada Aeronautical Information
Manual”;
F. 1.6.7 — is edited for correctness;
G. 1.9.1 — is amended for correctness; Vancouver ACC moved in 2005; and
H. Appendix A — is deleted; pilots should check with the current Canadian Aviation Regulations and
relevant AIC to determine the rules that apply.
PILOT PROCEDURES
PHOTOGRAPHIC SURVEY FLIGHTS
FOREWORD
The aim of this publication is to provide direction to users in order that Air Traffic Services
may better accommodate the special demands and unique operational requirements of air-
craft conducting photographic survey flights.
The procedures detailed in this document were developed in consultation with the Geomatics
Industry Association of Canada whose assistance is gratefully acknowledged.
R.R. Speiran
Manager
ATS Standards and Procedures
JANUARY 27, 2000
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RECORD OF AMENDMENTS
NUMBER DATE DATE ENTERED ENTERED BY
2006-1 2006-10-26 Included in this electronic edition
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
ABBREVIATIONS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
PILOT PROCEDURES PHOTOGRAPHIC SURVEY FLIGHTS. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
1.1 INTRODUCTION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
1.2 SYSTEM DESCRIPTION. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
1.3 OPERATIONAL REQUIREMENTS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
1.4 FLIGHT PLANNING PHOTO BLOCKS. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
1.5 FLIGHT PLANNING BY PHOTOGRAPHIC FLIGHT LINES . . . . . . . . . . . 18
1.6 IN-FLIGHT OPERATING PROCEDURES. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
1.7 APPLICATION OF SEPARATION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
1.8 COMMUNICATIONS FAILURE PROCEDURE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
1.9 CHART PROCUREMENT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22
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ABBREVIATIONS
ACC Area Control Center
ATC Air Traffic Control
ATS Air Traffic Services
CARs Canadian Aviation Regulations
CVFR Controlled Visual Flight Rules
FIR Flight Information Region
FSS Flight Service Station
IFR Instrument Flight Rules
NTS National Topographic System
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PILOT PROCEDURES
PHOTOGRAPHIC SURVEY FLIGHTS
1.1 INTRODUCTION
1.1.1 Pilot Procedures Photographic Survey Flights was originally distributed on June 1,
1984 and subsequently revised March 1, 1987 and January 1, 1993. The Pilot Proce-
dures manual was introduced for the purpose of simplifying the flight planning pro-
cess for photographic survey flights while providing better coordination and therefore
more efficient control.
1.1.2 This edition replaces the January 1, 1993 revision in its entirety and is effective Jan-
uary 27, 2000.
1.1.3 The major change which precipitated this revision was the introduction of the Cana-
dian Aviation Regulations (CARs) and the commercialization of Air Traffic Services.
1.1.4 Pilots intending to conduct aerial survey or mapping operations should refer to CARs
602.34 and relevant Aeronautical Information Circulars.
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1.2 SYSTEM DESCRIPTION
1.2.1 Photographic grid maps are based on a mapping system that is a slightly modified ver-
sion of the National Topographic System (NTS). This mapping system divides Canada
into numbered primary quadrangles, each four degrees in latitude by eight degrees in
longitude (three degrees of latitude by 16 degrees of longitude north of 80 degrees lat-
itude). Identification of each photo survey block is based on the sub-division of each
primary quadrangle as follows:
93 - a primary quadrangle
93 SW - the Southwest quarter of the primary quadrangle
93 G - a lettered quadrangle which is one sixteenth (1/16) of a
primary quadrangle and lettered A to P. North of 68 de-
grees latitude a lettered quadrangle is one eighth (1/8) of
a primary quadrangle and lettered A to H.
93 G4 - a quarter of a lettered quadrangle. South of 68 degrees
latitude the size of the quarters are half a degree in lati-
tude by one degree in longitude (at 50 degrees latitude
each quarter block is approximately 40 NM by 30 NM).
These quarter blocks are numbered 1 to 4 clockwise from
the southeast corner of the lettered quadrangle and are
hereafter referred to as “Photo Blocks”.
(Example of Plotted Photo Area - See Figure 1.2.1)
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Figure 1.2.1 - Grid Map with Plotted Photo Area
SHADED AREAS ARE PHOTO BLOCKS TO BE PROTECTED AND SHOWN ON FLIGHT
PLAN AS 93 F3-4, G1-2-3-4 AND K1-2.
NOTE: PHOTO SURVEY AREA INCLUDES MANOEUVRING AREAS.
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1.2.2 These grid maps are to be used as a common aeronautical reference chart by Flight
Service Specialists, Air Traffic Controllers and survey pilots or operators. Area Con-
trol Centers (ACCs) distribute the charts as required to Flight Service Stations (FSSs)
where they are made available to the operators. The charts are identified as grid plot-
ting charts and numbered as follows:
A. Vancouver and Edmonton (South)
B. Winnipeg and Ontario (North)
C. Montreal and Ontario (South)
D. Gander, Moncton and Goose
E. Edmonton (Northwest)
F. Edmonton (Northeast)
(Depiction of Plotting Charts - See Figure 1.2.2)
1.2.3 If a flight line, or the area to be photo surveyed, crosses a common Flight Information
Region (FIR) boundary between two adjacent ACCs, prior coordination by the survey
pilot or operator is required with only one ACC. The subsequent flight plan may be
filed with either that ACC or the nearest FSS.
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70 150 150 140 130 120 110 100 90 80 70 60 50 40 30 70
ARCTIC
Figure 1.2.2
160 OCEAN
ALASKA
150 GREENLAND 30
60
BAFFIN
YUKON Great
60 TERRITORY Bear Lake
ISLAND
140 Whitehorse
. NORTHWEST
NORTHWESTTETERRITORIES
RRITORIES
ATLANTIC
OCEAN 40
PACIIFIC
OCEAN
OCEAN No. 55
No. No. 6 .
Yellowknife
.Yellowknife
Great Slave
Grea t Slave
Lake
Lake
BRITISH
COLUMBIA Lake Athabas
Lake Athabasca
ca
.
Kuujjuaq
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NEWFOUNDLAND 50
130
ALBERTA MANITO
BA Hudson 50
50
Bay
Edmonton .
SASKATCHEWAN St. John's
.
.Vancouver Calgary Lake QUÉBEC
. Winnipeg .Big
Trout
Regina Lake
. P.E.I.
P.E.I.
Winnipeg N.- B.
. Charlottetown
Charlotteto wn
.
ONTARIO Québec Fredericton
. Halifax
Halifax
. .
No. 1 No. 22
No.
Lake Superior Montréal NOVA
. . SCOTIA
Ottawa
UNITED STATES
Toronto Lake Ontario
Lake .
Michigan 60
Lake No. 4
120 110 100 90 Huron 80 Lake Erie 70
No. 3
1.3 OPERATIONAL REQUIREMENTS
1.3.1 Photo survey pilots should inform Air Traffic Services (ATS) when they are commenc-
ing their flight line(s). This will ensure that, whenever possible, the flight line will be
permitted to continue uninterrupted. If it becomes necessary to discontinue an IFR or
CVFR aircraft's flight line, the controller will vector or clear the aircraft back into po-
sition as soon as possible.
1.3.2 Prior coordination with the appropriate Air Traffic Control (ATC) facility is a prereq-
uisite to the smooth operation of photogrammetry missions which will operate IFR or
CVFR. Facility personnel should be aware that flight conditions or other factors may
cause photogrammetry missions to be delayed for several days. Facility personnel
must be adequately briefed to ensure that they will be able to react to this or any other
requirement. The point of contact for approval of IFR or CVFR flight in controlled air-
space is the appropriate ACC Shift Manager. Pre-flight coordination should be initi-
ated at least one week in advance and should ensure a complete understanding of the
operations to be conducted. It is also recommended that the pilot or crew member con-
tact the ATC facility on the day of the mission to confirm previous arrangements.
1.3.3 The airspace between FL 330 to FL 390 inclusive, within the Arctic Control Area, the
Northern Control Area and portions of the Southern Control Area has been designated
as Canadian Minimum Navigation Performance Specifications (CMNPS) airspace.
Aircraft certified as meeting CMNPS requirements are given priority in this airspace
(see Transport Canada Aeronautical Information Manual RAC 12.5 - Canadian Mini-
mum Performance Specifications Airspace).
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1.4 FLIGHT PLANNING PHOTO BLOCKS
1.4.1 The following flight planning procedures will apply when flight planning by photo
blocks:
A. A flight plan or flight itinerary is to be filed with the ATS facility closest to the
point of departure at least one hour prior to proposed departure time.
B. The photo block(s) specified in the flight plan must:
1. be determined by reference to the air photo block reference grid chart
provided by ATS;
2. include the area to be photographed and all manoeuvring areas;
3. include all quarters which may be entered. ATC will not protect
additional airspace to guard against excursions of IFR or CVFR
photo flight aircraft from the flight planned photo block area.
(Sample Photo Survey Flight Plan - Figure 1.4.1)
C. The flight plan information provided in the “Flight Altitude/Level and Route”
section shall include:
1. Planned altitude en route to photo block
2. Route to photo block
3. (WORDS) “ENTER PHOTO BLOCK”
4. Point of entry
5. Requested altitude within photo block
6. (WORDS) “EXIT PHOTO BLOCK”
7. Point of exit
8. Planned altitude to destination:
9. Route to destination
Note: The entry and exit points listed above can be described by:
i) bearing/distance from a navigation aid; or
ii) latitude/longitude.
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D. The “Other Information” section shall contain:
1. (WORDS) “PHOTO BLOCK” - (followed by grid numbers and letters).
2. (WORDS) “TIME TO PHOTO BLOCK” - (followed by the estimated
elapsed time from departure to point of entry of photo block expressed
in hours and minutes.
3. (WORDS) “TIME IN PHOTO BLOCK” - (followed by the length of time
within photo block area).
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Figure 1.4.1
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1.5 FLIGHT PLANNING BY PHOTOGRAPHIC FLIGHT LINES
1.5.1 In most areas, photo survey flights will be able to flight plan using the abbreviated
NTS photo blocks. However, due to traffic density, there may be occasions when it will
not be possible to protect the required photo blocks. In such cases, ATC will request
that the flight plan be by individual flight lines. ATC will protect four nautical miles
each side of the flight line being flown.
1.5.2 When it is necessary to flight plan by photographic flight lines, the ATC facility re-
sponsible may request that the photo survey pilot or operator file a flight plan, at least
72 hours in advance, with a topographical chart of adequate scale (1:500,000 or
1:1,000,000) on which the applicable flight lines, entry and exit point are clearly delin-
eated.
1.5.3 This special flight planning requirement will only be exercised where ATC considers
that the flight line information would enable the controller to accommodate the affect-
ed air traffic more efficiently. This requirement will be made known to the photo sur-
vey pilot or operator during the initial coordination contact.
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1.6 IN-FLIGHT OPERATING PROCEDURES
1.6.1 The photo survey pilot should advise ATS on initial contact that, “This is a photo sur-
vey mission”.
1.6.2 During the photo survey mission, the appropriate ATS facility should be advised when
work has progressed to the point where the area, as defined in the flight plan can be
reduced in size by blocks or quarter blocks.
1.6.3 IFR flights requesting clearance from the photo area must include a position report,
preferably as a bearing/distance from a navigation aid or, if not practical, by reference
to the aircraft's position in the quarter block being flown.
1.6.4 ATS should be advised when entering and exiting the photo block.
1.6.5 ATS frequencies should, when possible, be monitored at all times.
1.6.6 Pilots of photo survey aircraft operating within controlled airspace shall operate tran-
sponders as directed by ATC, except in an emergency or communications failure situ-
ation, at which time the standard emergency SSR codes shall be used.
1.6.7 Pilots of photo survey aircraft, operating in accordance with IFR or CVFR, are respon-
sible for the navigation necessary to confine their activity to the airspace allocated.
For information regarding airspace that will be protected by ATC see 1.7 Application
of Separation.
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1.7 APPLICATION OF SEPARATION
1.7.1 While the photo survey aircraft is en route to, arriving or departing from, or estab-
lished on a flight line ATC will apply lateral, longitudinal or vertical separation min-
ima between the photo survey aircraft and other aircraft operating under an ATC
clearance in accordance with the requirements of the airspace classification involved.
1.7.2 If the photo survey aircraft is operating within a photo block, ATC will protect the
whole block by ensuring the airspace to be protected for IFR and CVFR aircraft not
engaged in the photo survey work does not overlap the assigned photo block.
1.7.3 If more than one aircraft has been assigned to work in the same photo block(s), the op-
erator is responsible for separation between the individual aircraft. ATC will not pro-
vide separation between individual aircraft that are operating in the same block(s).
1.7.4 When operators flight plan to operate in photo blocks that abut, they are responsible
for providing their own separation in respect to the common line that separates the
two blocks. ATC will not provide separation between the individual aircraft in such
cases, but will advise each operator of the activity in the adjoining photo block.
1.7.5 When the photo survey aircraft has been requested to flight plan and operate in refer-
ence to individual photographic flight lines instead of photo blocks, ATC will protect
four nautical miles each side of the flight line. In addition, ATC will provide additional
airspace for the aircraft to complete a turn at the end of the flight line. This additional
airspace will be of the following dimensions:
A. 4 miles below FL 180;
B. 14 miles at FL 180 to FL 230; and
C. 17 miles above FL 230.
1.7.6 In areas of radar coverage, radar procedures may be applied in preference to a non-
radar procedure at any time that the survey pilot or controller will gain an operational
advantage. In such cases, a photo survey aircraft while operating within the flight
planned photo block(s) may be radar identified and provided with radar control ser-
vice. ATC is not to use a turn to radar identify an aircraft that is established on a flight
line.
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1.8 COMMUNICATIONS FAILURE PROCEDURE
1.8.1 Except where appropriate instructions to cover an anticipated communications failure
have been received from ATS, the pilot of a photo survey aircraft operating in, or
cleared to enter controlled airspace in accordance with IFR, who experiences commu-
nications failure shall:
A. set the transponder on Code 7600;
B. if operating in VFR weather conditions or if such conditions are subsequently
encountered, continue to fly in VFR weather conditions and land at the nearest
suitable aerodrome.
1.8.2 If the procedure in 8.1(b) cannot be followed and the communications failure occurs:
A. while an route to the photo area, the pilot shall proceed to the photo area via
the cleared routing and altitude;
B. while in the photo area, the pilot shall operate according to the flight times and
altitudes. When the estimated time in the photo area has expired, the pilot will
proceed to the destination airport as filed;
C. for which there is no laid down procedure, the pilot-in-command is expected to
exercise good judgment in whatever action is taken. In any event, ATC will
protect the airspace in the immediate vicinity of the aerodrome of first intended
landing for a period of 30 minutes from the time at which the aircraft is
expected to commence approach.
1.8.3 These procedures are in accordance with TWO WAY COMMUNICATIONS FAILURE
contained in Canada Flight Supplement, Emergency Section.
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1.9 CHART PROCUREMENT
1.9.1 Modified NTS charts are available from the following ACCs:
GANDER ACC MONCTON ACC
Manager, ACC Operations Manager, ACC Operations
Area Control Center Area Control Center
Gander International Airport Moncton International Airport
Memorial Drive 222 Old Coach Road
P.O. Box 328 Riverview, NB
Gander, NF E1B 4G2
A1V 1W7
MONTREAL ACC TORONTO ACC
Manager, ACC Operations Manager, ACC Operations
Area Control Center Area Control Center
Dorval International Airport Lester B. Pearson International Airport
1750 Chemin St. François 2490 Britannia Road East
Dorval, QB Mississauga, ON
H4P 2P6 L4W 2P7
WINNIPEG ACC EDMONTON ACC
Manager, ACC Operations Manager, ACC Operations
Area Control Center Area Control Center
Winnipeg International Airport Edmonton International Airport
777 Moray Street P.O. Box 9867
Winnipeg, MB Edmonton, AB
R3J 3W8 T5J 2T2
VANCOUVER ACC
Manager, ACC Operations
Area Control Center
7421-135th Street
Surrey, BC
V3W 0M8
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