Launch Your Other Nonscheduled Air Transportation in Burnaby
This page guides you through starting an Other Nonscheduled Air Transportation business in Burnaby (NAICS 481219). Get a practical, step-by-step overview of the nine requirements, the permits and registrations you’ll need, and the costs and timelines to plan around. Whether you’re new to aviation or expanding a small fleet, you’ll walk away with a clear path to launch confidently.
Learn exactly what to secure: Transport Canada permits and licenses, aircraft registration, operator approvals, airport use agreements, safety and security programs, insurance, crew and maintenance training, and local business registrations. We break down where to apply, what documents to prepare, and the typical costs involved. We also map a realistic timeline from initial setup to first flight.
Burnaby's strategic location near Vancouver and its growing aerospace ecosystem make it a smart place to launch a non-scheduled air transport business. With access to skilled talent, supportive services, and nearby airports, your Burnaby-based venture can take off efficiently.
Requirements Overview
The most critical requirement for operating a nonscheduled air transportation business in Burnaby is Pilot and Crew Licensing. This is a legal must-have and you cannot operate without valid pilot licenses and crew qualifications, plus the necessary medicals and ongoing training for anyone who will fly or help run aircraft operations. This requirement is non-negotiable—treat it as the absolute first thing you secure to avoid costly delays or a shutdown of your plans.
Beyond licensing, there are essential operational prerequisites that keep you compliant and safe. If you fly commercially, you’ll typically need an Air Operator Certificate (AOC) from Transport Canada to authorize your flights. You must also ensure Aircraft Maintenance and Airworthiness by following regular inspections and service to keep aircraft safe and airworthy. Protect people and the business with Cargo and Liability Insurance, and keep workplace safety up to date with WorkSafeBC Coverage and Registration so staff health and safety rules are followed on the ground and in the air.
For the business side, you’ll want solid registration and tax footing. This means obtaining a Business Number (BN) and, if you’re registering a BC-based entity as a sole proprietorship or partnership, a BC Business Name Registration. Plan ahead for GST/HST Registration if your revenues meet the threshold, and set up Payroll Deductions Registration for employee withholdings. These steps help with smooth taxes, reporting, and compliance across federal and provincial programs.
Next steps: start by confirming and applying for the required licenses and permits, then line up the AOC and maintenance arrangements. Talk to a local business advisor or regulatory consultant, gather the necessary documents, and begin registrations so you can move forward with confidence and clarity. You’ve got this—with clear priorities and practical steps, you’ll be on solid footing.
Detailed Requirements
Here are the specific requirements for starting a other nonscheduled 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 other nonscheduled 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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