In order to interpret a regulation, we must look at it in its entirety.

CAR 602.14 opens with “Except where conducting a take-off, approach or landing…”. This is a critical clause, as all following points are superseded by it. Included in those subsequent points is the one which Mr. Koytk references regarding 1,000-ft above the highest obstacle with a 2000-ft radius.

A strict, literal interpretation of CAR 602.14 without the opening clause would make every take-off and landing illegal!

CAR 602.15 expands permissible low altitude flight, making exceptions for operations falling under eleven, very broad categories.


602.14 (1) [Repealed]
(amended 2003/03/01; previous version)
(2) Except where conducting a take-off, approach or landing or where permitted under section 602.15, no person shall operate an aircraft
(a) over a built-up area or over an open-air assembly of persons unless the aircraft is operated at an altitude from which, in the event of an emergency necessitating an immediate landing, it would be possible to land the aircraft without creating a hazard to persons or property on the surface, and, in any case, at an altitude that is not lower than
(i) for aeroplanes, 1,000 feet above the highest obstacle located within a horizontal distance of 2,000 feet from the aeroplane,
(ii) for balloons, 500 feet above the highest obstacle located within a horizontal distance of 500 feet from the balloon, or
(iii) for an aircraft other than an aeroplane or a balloon, 1,000 feet above the highest obstacle located within a horizontal distance of 500 feet from the aircraft; and
(b) in circumstances other than those referred to in paragraph (a), at a distance less than 500 feet from any person, vessel, vehicle or structure.
Ref: http://www.tc.gc.ca/CivilAviation/Regserv/Affairs/cars/PART6/602.htm#602_14