Flying North: Securing a Foreign Air Operator Certificate for Fire Season in Canada

Each summer, wildfires sweep across Canada, putting countless communities at risk. Fighting these fires requires a swift and coordinated aerial response. Thankfully, many U.S. operators answer the call, dispatching aircraft and crew for aerial firefighting, medevac, and other critical services on short notice.

If you’re a U.S.-based airplane or helicopter operator planning to fly into Canada during fire season, you’ll likely need to obtain a Foreign Air Operator Certificate (FAOC) for specialty air services under the Canada–U.S.–Mexico Agreement (CUSMA). While Transport Canada typically processes these applications on an expedited basis, the requirements differ from those of a standard FAOC. For example, operators must provide special FAA authorizations confirming their eligibility to conduct firefighting operations in Canada. In addition, applicants must identify a Canadian-approved maintenance provider and submit detailed information regarding their aircraft’s inspection and maintenance program—key steps in any international aircraft transaction or cross-border aircraft transaction management process.

How We Can Help

At YYZlaw, we regularly assist U.S. operators in securing their specialty air service FAOC from Transport Canada. As an experienced aircraft transaction company, our aircraft transaction lawyers work closely with clients to prepare and review application materials, coordinate with regulators, and ensure compliance with Canadian aviation law. In these time-sensitive situations, speed matters—our aircraft transaction attorneys aim to streamline the process and help you get approved as quickly and efficiently as possible.