Category Archives: West Wind Aviation

Transport Canada reinstates West Wind Aviation’s Air Operator Certificate

West Wind Aviation ATR 42-300 C-GWWC (msn 209) (Jacques Guillem Collection). Image: 941824.

Transport Canada has reinstated West Wind Aviation’s Air Operator Certificate for its commuter operations after a review of the company’s operations. The reinstatement is effective immediately and allows the company to provide commercial air service in Canada.

West Wind Aviation has addressed Transport Canada’s concerns regarding the deficiencies in its Operational Control System. Transport Canada will closely monitor West Wind Aviation to verify that the company remains compliant with aviation safety regulations.

On December 22, 2017, Transport Canada suspended West Wind Aviation’s Air Operator Certificate because of deficiencies in the company’s Operational Control System. An effective Operational Control System ensures that a company’s day-to-day actions are compliant with safety requirements for things such as the dispatching of personnel and aircraft. The safety and security of Canadians is a top priority and the department will not hesitate to take swift action when a deficiency is detected.

Copyright Photo: West Wind Aviation ATR 42-300 C-GWWC (msn 209) (Jacques Guillem Collection). Image: 941824.

Transport Canada suspends West Wind Aviation’s Air Operator Certificate

Transport Canada on December 22, 2017 suspended West Wind Aviation’s Air Operator Certificate (AOC), which prohibits the company from providing commercial air services. The department took this serious action in the interest of public safety because the department identified deficiencies in the company’s Operational Control System. An Operational Control System ensures that a company’s day-to-day actions are compliant with safety requirements for things such as, for example, the dispatching of personnel and aircraft.

Photos: Transportation Safety Board.

On December 13, 2017, a West Wind Aviation aircraft, with 25 people onboard, crashed in Fond-du-Lac, Saskatchewan. Transport Canada identified deficiencies during a post-accident inspection of West Wind Aviation from December 18 to 20, 2017. As a result, in the interest of public safety, Transport Canada suspended West Wind Aviation’s Air Operator Certificate and will not allow the company to resume its commercial air service until it demonstrates compliance with aviation safety regulations.

Transport Canada takes its aviation safety oversight role very seriously and expects every air operator to fully comply with aviation safety regulations.

Quick Facts

  • Transport Canada does not hesitate to take action when regulatory non-compliance is identified which is why the department has now suspended West Wind Aviation’s Air Operator Certificate.
  • Transport Canada will continue to monitor West Wind Aviation’s actions as it works towards compliance with aviation safety regulations.
  • Transport Canada continues to support the Transportation Safety Board of Canada’s investigation into the December 13 accident.

West Wind Aviation’s flight 280 crashes on takeoff in Saskatchewan

West Wind Aviation ATR 42-320 C-GWEA (msn 240) crashed on December 13, 2017 after takeoff 1 km from Fond-du-Lac Airport, Saskatchewan, Canada. All 22 passengers and three crew members on board were rescued but there were some reported injuries.

C-GWEA was being operated on flight WEW 280 to Stony Rapids.

Read more from CBC: CLICK HERE

Established in 1983, West Wind Aviation operates scheduled flights throughout Saskatchewan.

West Wind Aviation operates from bases in Saskatoon, La Ronge and Stony Rapids, as well as in satellite locations in northern Saskatchewan. With our diverse fleet of aircraft, we can accommodate a broad range of passenger and cargo needs.

West Wind Aviation is proud to be First Nations and Employee-owned.  Athabasca Basin Development, who represents the seven communities in the Athabasca Basin, is the majority shareholder with 65% of the organization.  The Prince Albert Development Corporation has held 22% of the organization since 2002. 

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Top Photo: West Wind Aviation.

Video:

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Lhrc9DOCQjk&w=560&h=315%5D