IVAO Canada > Pilots > Guidelines

General guidelines

  1. Frequency
    Whenever practicable 122.8 (in real and if possible 126.7) should be continuously monitored via text mode only in uncontrolled airspace and when VFR in controlled airspace unless another frequency is more appropriate.

  2. Altitudes
    All altitudes are above sea level (ASL) in feet.
    • Transition Level: FL180 (exceptions in Northern Canada)
    • Transition Altitude: 18'000 feet.
    • Altimeter settings are in inches mercury and standard setting is 29.92

  3. Squawk codes
    The following codes are allocated for use by pilots, without direction from ATC, for the purposes specified. Use these codes unless ATC instructs otherwise.
    a) Code 1200 - VFR flights at or below 12,500 feet.
    b) Code 1400 - VFR flights between 12,500 feet and FL180.
    c) Code 1000 - IFR flights in Low (below FL180) Level Airspace.
    d) Code 2000 - IFR flights in High (FL180 and above) Level Airspace.

  4. Speed restrictions
    Do not exeed 250 Knots indicated below 10,000 feet ASL. Below 3000 feet AGL and within 10 NM of a controlled airport do not exeed 200 KT unless authorized to do so in an air traffic control clearance. (3 exceptions are departure, special event, min safe speed). There is no speed restriction below 10'000ft for departing aircraft unless published.

  5. Cruising Altitudes / Flight Levels appropriate to aircraft track:

The appropriate altitude or flight level for an aircraft in level cruising flight is determined in accordance with the semicircular rule (also known as the hemispheric rule) and applies as follows in Canada:

    • IFR Eastbound - Track 000 to 179° - odd thousands (FL 250, 270, etc.)
    • IFR Westbound - Track 180 to 359° - even thousands (FL 260, 280, etc.)
    • VFR Eastbound - Track 000 to 179° - odd thousands plus 500 feet (3500, 5500, etc.)
    • VFR Westbound - Track 180 to 359° - even thousands plus 500 feet (4500, 6500, etc.)

  1. QNH
    Altimeter settings are in inches mercury and standard setting is 29.92

  2. No available ATC
    Intentions are to be broadcast always on text via 122.8 (and in real and if possible - the local traffic frequency MF/UNICOM/ATF) which can be found on the local charts.

  3. Charts
    Charts for every airport in Canada are available on the FIR home pages, or from the quick link in the main menu. We strongly recommend you use them.