Launch Nonscheduled Chartered Passenger Air Transport in Burnaby
This page walks you through starting a nonscheduled charter passenger air transport business in Burnaby. You'll find a practical, step-by-step overview of the nine regulatory requirements, the permits you’ll need, typical costs, and what the timeline looks like from initial planning to first flight. It’s designed to be clear and action-focused so you can map your path with confidence. We'll outline the nine requirements you'll navigate, plus typical costs and a realistic timeline.
What you’ll learn: the essential approvals (Air Operator Certificate and operations specifications), key permits (insurance, aircraft registration, maintenance arrangements), and the practical pieces such as training programs and a Safety Management System. We also cover how to prepare for Transport Canada reviews, common pain points, and tips for staying on track. We'll share practical checklists, common pitfalls, and examples of documents to prepare, so you can anticipate Transport Canada reviews and keep momentum.
Burnaby's proximity to Vancouver's aviation ecosystem, skilled workforce, and accessible business resources make it a strong fit for launching non-scheduled charter services. It also offers easy access to airports, maintenance networks, and potential customers, helping your first flights take off with confidence.
Requirements Overview
The most critical requirement for operating a nonscheduled chartered passenger air transportation business in Burnaby is Pilot and Crew Licensing. This is a legally required certification for anyone who will fly or work on the aircraft, and you cannot legally operate without properly licensed pilots and crew. It is NON-NEGOTIABLE, so plan to secure current licenses, medical certificates, and ongoing training for all flight and cabin crew before you start flying.
For safe, legal operations you’ll also need several mandatory operational requirements. These include obtaining an Air Operator Certificate (AOC) to conduct charter flights, maintaining Aircraft Maintenance and Airworthiness programs to ensure the aircraft are safe to fly, and securing appropriate Insurance (cargo and liability) to cover potential risks. You’ll also need to adhere to worker safety rules, including WorkSafeBC coverage and registration, and comply with general health and safety regulations that apply to aviation activities.
On the business side, you’ll handle registrations and tax numbers. This means obtaining a Business Number (BN) for your company, registering your BC Business Name if you’re operating as a sole proprietorship or partnership, and completing GST/HST registration as applicable. If you have employees, you’ll also need Payroll Deductions Registration (and ensure you meet all payroll tax obligations). These registrations help you stay compliant with federal and provincial rules.
If you’re feeling excited but a bit overwhelmed, you’re not alone—and you don’t have to figure it out all at once. Start by confirming Pilot and Crew Licensing requirements, then connect with Transport Canada and a local aviation regulatory advisor to map the AOC path. Gather documents, set up your registrations in steps, and work with insurance and a tax advisor to lock down the remaining pieces. You’ve got this—your Burnaby charter business can take off with a clear, practical plan.
Detailed Requirements
Here are the specific requirements for starting a nonscheduled chartered passenger air transportation in Burnaby:
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Pilot and Crew Licensing RequiredCommercial pilots and crew must hold appropriate licenses from Transport Canada including commercial pilot license, airline transport pilot license, and medical certification. Transport Canada pilot licensing. Private, commercial, ATPL levels. Medical certificate. Flight training. Written and flight exams. Contact TC: 1-800-305-2059.
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Business Number (BN) Registration RequiredA 9-digit Business Number is required for most businesses operating in Canada. It is used to interact with the Canada Revenue Agency and other federal programs. Required for GST/HST, payroll, corporation income tax, and import/export accounts. Register FREE online through Business Registration Online (BRO) at canada.ca. Takes 15-30 minutes. As of November 3, 2025, online registration is MANDATORY for new BNs - phone registration no longer available. You'll need: business name, address, owner SIN, business type, and start date. BN (9-digit number) issued INSTANTLY online. Available 21 hours/day, 7 days/week (closed 3-6am ET for maintenance).
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BC Business Name Registration (Sole Proprietorship/Partnership) RequiredRegistration of sole proprietorship or partnership business names with BC Registries Register sole proprietorship or partnership at bcregistry.gov.bc.ca. Name reservation: $30 (standard) or $100 (priority 1-2 days). Registration fee: $40. Total: ~$70. Name reserved for 56 days after approval. Registration is continuous (no renewal required). No name protection for sole proprietorships. Personal names operating under own name do not require registration. Contact BC Registries: 1-877-526-1526.
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Cargo and Liability Insurance ConditionalRequired for specific regulated activities. Commercial carriers must maintain adequate cargo insurance, public liability insurance, and in some cases surety bonds to cover loss, damage, and third-party claims. Cargo liability insurance for freight carriers. Transport Canada requirements. Minimum coverage levels. Interstate/international requirements. Bill of lading requirements. Contact insurance broker or Transport Canada.
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Aircraft Maintenance and Airworthiness ConditionalRequired for air emissions. Aircraft operators must maintain airworthiness standards including regular inspections, approved maintenance organizations, and compliance with airworthiness directives. Transport Canada Aircraft Maintenance Organization (AMO) certificate. CAR 573 compliance. Licensed AME personnel. Maintenance Control Manual. Quality assurance program. Facility requirements. Annual audits. Contact Transport Canada: 1-800-305-2059.
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GST/HST Registration ConditionalRequired if annual taxable revenue exceeds $30,000 (small supplier threshold). Taxi/ride-share drivers must register regardless of revenue. Businesses with gross revenues over $30,000 in any single quarter or over four consecutive quarters must register for, collect, and remit GST/HST. Small suppliers (under $30,000) may register voluntarily. Register FREE online through Business Registration Online (BRO) when your revenue exceeds $30,000 in any 4 consecutive quarters (small supplier threshold). Takes 15-30 minutes. You MUST register within 29 days of exceeding threshold and start charging GST/HST immediately on the sale that made you exceed it. Need your BN (or get one simultaneously). As of Nov 3, 2025, online registration is mandatory. Voluntary registration available anytime for input tax credits.
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Payroll Deductions Registration ConditionalRequired if you pay salaries, wages, or other remuneration to employees. Must register before first pay period. Required if you have employees. You must withhold Canada Pension Plan (CPP), Employment Insurance (EI), and income tax from employee wages and remit to CRA. Register FREE online through Business Registration Online (BRO) when you hire your first employee. Takes 15-20 minutes. You'll need your Business Number (BN) or can get one simultaneously. Payroll account (RP) added to your BN instantly. Register BEFORE your first pay date. Required to deduct CPP, EI, and income tax from employee wages. For 2025: CPP rate 5.95%, EI employee rate $1.66/$100 insurable earnings.
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WorkSafeBC Coverage and Registration ConditionalRequired if you have workers in BC. Workers compensation insurance coverage through WorkSafeBC for employers in British Columbia WorkSafeBC coverage required for most BC employers. Average base premium rate: 1.55% of assessable payroll ($1.55 per $100). Register online at worksafebc.com. Apply 30 days before starting business or hiring workers. Processing: ~10 business days. Premium rates vary by industry classification (514 classification units). COR certified employers eligible for 10% rebate. Contact: 604-276-3100 or 1-888-967-5377.
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Air Operator Certificate (AOC) ConditionalRequired for air emissions. Commercial air carriers must obtain an Air Operator Certificate from Transport Canada and comply with aviation safety standards, operations specifications, and maintenance requirements. Transport Canada Air Operator Certificate (AOC) for commercial air services. Safety Management System required. Qualified Operations Manager and Chief Pilot. Aircraft maintenance programs. Insurance requirements. Contact Transport Canada: 1-800-305-2059.
Funding & Grants
Available funding programs that may apply to your nonscheduled chartered passenger air transportation:
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ACAP funds rehabilitation projects at eligible local and regional airports offering year-round scheduled commercial service. Annual budget of approximately $38–55M. Airports with under 50,000 passengers receive 100% funding (graduated reduction above that). Maximum $30M per application. Annual deadline June 1 for following program year.
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