Canadian Flight Supplement

The Canadian Flight Supplement, Canada Flight Supplement, or CFS for short, is the proverbial phonebook for all aerodromes and airport in Canada.

The publication contains the following sections: General: Tables, legends and associated information pertinent to interpretation of the supplement. Aerodrome Directory: Data and sketches for Canadian aerodromes and heliports and selected aerodromes in the North Atlantic. Planning: Information for flight planning, characteristics of airspace, chart updating, flight restrictions, IFR routes, airway intersections and chart distributors. Radio Navigation and Communications: Data for radio navigation aids and communication facilities. Military: Flight procedures and data, including sections on procedures for flight in the USA, North Atlantic and Alaska, air/ground communications and military training routes/areas. Emergency: Emergency procedures. The Canadian Flight Supplement, measuring 5¼ by 8¼ inches, is updated every 56 days and is available in English or a bilingual format. Data for the province of Quebec and the National Capital Region are presented in French in the bilingual edition.

The Canadian Flight Supplement online edition is available for purchase directly through Nav Canada. Pilots may also purchase a paper version from them for $29 plus tax. This price includes the cost of shipping which turns out to be a little cheaper than almost any other pilot shop in Canada.

Canadian Flight Supplement and Canadian Flight Trainers

All students enrolled in any online course with us will receive training on how to use the CFS. Our airline pilots who fly over Canada’s high north and over the Atlantic report loving the section on commercial broadcasting stations as the stations provide some entertainment when bored in their large airliner. This may seem silly, but it shows the experience our flight instructors have when it comes to practical pilot training.

Is it Mandatory to Have on Board?

This is subjective in our opinion. The Canadian Aviation Regulations state that pilots must be familiar with all information pertaining to their route of flight. Pilots are also required to adhere to the intercept orders found in the Canada Flight Supplement CFS if they are intercepted by an aircraft. If you are doing circuits or going on a local flight, it probably isn’t necessary. However, if you get intercepted, you need to know what to do. Although, we do teach that in our CPL Ground School.

What is the Canadian Flight Supplement used for?

Before embarking to a different or unfamiliar airport, pilots must conduct research on the airport or aerodrome they are intending on flying to. The Canada Flight Supplement contains most of the information a pilot could need when flying to a different airport. It also provides lots of guidance on general flying, such as oil weight vs. quantity, navigational aid locations, and services available at airports.

How do I read my Canadian Flight Supplement?

Sign up for ground school and we’ll give you a chance to learn that for yourself.

How often is the Canada Flight Supplement issued?

The Canada Flight Supplement is issued every 56 days.

How often the Canada Flight Supplement is revised?

The information in the CFS is revised once revisions need to be made. Operators of airports or aerodromes will notify Nav Canada of the appropriate changes and those changes will be reflected in due time on updated publications. This includes revisions to the CFS, VTAs, or VNCs. Often times, a NOTAM will be issued until the changes can be reflected in the CFS.