by Mike Treskin, Civil Aviation Safety Inspector, Transport Canada, Ontario Region

Transport Canada (TC) has noticed an alarming number of aircraft not following the recommended visual flight rules (VFR) procedure in CYR 518, a restricted area located in the vicinity of Niagara Falls, Ont., and outlined by a chart in the Canada Flight Supplement (CFS). CYR 518 is located over the Canadian side of the Niagara River, overlaying the Falls. The zone extends from the ground up to but not including 3 500 ft above sea level (ASL)—approximately 3 000 ft above ground level (AGL). A racetrack pattern is published for all air traffic wanting to fly above (at or over 3 500 ft) the restricted area and view the Falls.

There are two entry points and two exit points that are clearly marked on the chart. Many fixed- and rotary-wing commercial operators fly inside CYR 518 with authorization from TC to transport sightseeing passengers to view the Falls. These operators all have pre-established flight paths and altitudes that they must follow to operate in a safe manner. There is an air-to-air frequency (122.050) on which advisory calls are made to ensure that everyone is on the same page. Calls should be made upon entry, indicating through which entrance point the aircraft is flying and its intentions (i.e. how many circuits it will complete, its speed, and more importantly, its altitude).

Probably the most important factor to remember is that this is a VFR procedure, which means that aircraft must “SEE AND BE SEEN”. Pilots are responsible for their own separation. All pilots wanting to view the Falls must follow the recommended published circuit as accurately as they can and maintain a very good look-out for other aircraft at all times.

This procedure must be followed at 3 500 ft and above. Any dipping below 3 500 ft is an airspace violation and could result in TC enforcement action. It is highly recommended that pilots enter and exit at these recommended points even if they are coming in for a quick fly-by. Remember, this area is extremely congested with all sorts of aircraft, big and small. Pilots must keep their eyes open and remember to broadcast their intentions.

Most importantly, pilots should review attentively the recommended procedures for CYR 518 in the CFS before their flight, then enjoy the sights and colours of the Falls!

NAT2 wrote:Why not just treat it like every other CYR and steer clear of it?

photofly wrote:If you do in error bust your altitude or don't stick rigidly to the charted route....

photofly wrote:

NAT2 wrote:Why not just treat it like every other CYR and steer clear of it?

photofly wrote:If you do in error bust your altitude or don't stick rigidly to the charted route....

Thanks for the heads up about the radar surveillance. To the OP: if you make a mistake with the altitude, make sure you disable your mode C first.

Pop n Fresh wrote:I want a trip report if you go. I'm suffering a serious shortage of tales about fun flying stuff to vicariously live through here.

KnownIce wrote:

Pop n Fresh wrote:I want a trip report if you go. I'm suffering a serious shortage of tales about fun flying stuff to vicariously live through here.

I'll second that call for someone to post an interesting flight. Been in a drought myself stuck at work 24/7. First person to post a picture of the Christmas lights over the falls taken this season will be awarded a prize package consisting of 100 AvCanada Points, an oversized JPG of a Pitts doing a surface level outside loop in formation (multiple photos may be provided), and a personalized letter, in all caps, containing career advice from 748Ho.