Aircraft certification and validation processes around the world have received significant attention since two fatal incidents involving Boeing 737 MAX aircraft in 2018 and 2019. To examine this ongoing issue, the Standing Committee on Transport, Infrastructure and Communities undertook, in February 2020, a study on Canada’s aircraft certification process. The Committee returned to this study in October 2020, following prorogation of Parliament.

Witnesses were clear that Canada is a world leader in aircraft certification with a rigorous and time-tested process for certifying domestic aircraft and validating foreign-built aircraft. However, the Committee heard numerous concerns regarding the involvement of manufacturers in the certification process and the possibility of industry pressure on Transport Canada as the regulator. Several recommendations were made to improve the certification process, particularly in regard to the changed product rule and the involvement of pilots and flight crew reducing our reliance on airplane manufacturers for information.

Testimony from Transport Canada officials and from witnesses representing the manufacturing sector strongly defended the quality, rigour and independence of Canada’s validation process. However, with regard to the validation of internationally manufactured aircraft, many witnesses referred to Transport Canada being overly reliant on the initial certifying authority, raising concerns of “rubber stamping.”

The Committee also heard from witnesses who had lost family members in the tragic incident involving Ethiopian Airlines Flight 302. The study reviewed Canada’s process in responding to aviation-related incidents.

The Committee dedicates this report to the memory of all those who lost their lives on Lion Air Flight 610 and Ethiopian Airlines Flight 302.