When summer arrives in Canada, aviation often sees a sharp uptick in activity. Pilots take to the skies for recreation, sightseeing, training, and work-related travel. However, before many aircraft take off, they must meet the regulatory requirements established by Transport Canada. Chief among those requirements is inclusion in the Canadian Aircraft Registry.
canadian aviation registry
At the National Aviation Registry, we’ve built a streamlined online portal that makes it easier than ever for aircraft owners, operators, and aviation professionals to apply for registration and stay compliant throughout the year—especially during the busy summer season.
Whether you’re a first-time applicant or managing a fleet, using our services simplifies the process, saves time, and helps avoid costly penalties.
How We Simplify the Canadian Aircraft Registry Process
Applying to register an aircraft in Canada can be a complicated, multi-step process. Whether you’re registering a new aircraft, transferring ownership, or making administrative updates, the government requires you to complete specific forms accurately and provide supporting documents.
Our portal eliminates many of the traditional headaches associated with this process. Instead of deciphering dense government forms or worrying about mailing in the right paperwork, our system provides you with an easy-to-navigate interface that guides you through each step. You can upload documents, pay applicable fees, and complete your application entirely online.
We also ensure your forms are reviewed for accuracy and completeness before submission, reducing the likelihood of delays or rejections. That’s especially important in summer, when many applicants are in a rush to get airborne and errors can lead to significant scheduling setbacks.
Avoiding the Penalties of Non-Registration
If you’re operating an aircraft that should be registered and is not, you may be subject to substantial penalties. The Aeronautics Act and Canadian Aviation Regulations (CARs) stipulate that an aircraft must be registered and carry proof of registration on board before it is operated. Failure to comply can lead to enforcement action from Transport Canada, including:
- Fines ranging from hundreds to thousands of dollars depending on the severity of the infraction
- Suspension or revocation of pilot licenses
- Grounding of the aircraft
- Potential legal action for repeat or intentional violations
These penalties can severely disrupt summer plans, especially if you’re using the aircraft for recreational or business purposes during the peak flying season. Registering your aircraft through our portal ensures you’re compliant and protected from enforcement.
Help With All Relevant Summer Forms and Permits
Summer flying often means seasonal changes in how aircraft are used. Whether you’re flying across provinces, participating in aerial work, or using your aircraft for sightseeing tours, you may need to file specific forms to remain compliant. Our portal makes it easier to find, fill out, and submit these key forms.
Here are just a few that our portal helps with:
Civil Aircraft Registry
Application for Certificate of Registration (Form 26-0520)
If you’re registering a new aircraft or re-registering a previously cancelled one, this form is essential. We make the process easier by offering clear guidance on what information is needed, how to submit supporting documents, and what fees apply. This is particularly important during summer, when aircraft transactions often increase and paperwork must be handled quickly.
De-Registration and Export Forms
Summer is also a time when many Canadian aircraft are sold or moved to international locations. If you’re exporting your aircraft or selling it to a foreign buyer, it must be de-registered from the Canadian Aircraft Registry. Our portal facilitates this process by providing the correct forms and guidance on what steps to take to remain compliant throughout the transaction.
Transfer of Ownership
With increased buying and selling of aircraft in summer, quick ownership transfers become crucial. Our portal supports you in filing ownership transfers promptly and ensures that the aircraft remains in good standing throughout the transaction. This avoids lapses in registration that could lead to grounding.
Support for Recreational Pilots and Hobbyists
Many summer flyers are not full-time aviation professionals but private owners using their aircraft for personal enjoyment. These pilots often find themselves overwhelmed by the complexity of the Canadian Aircraft Registry and the associated paperwork. That’s where we come in.
Through our portal, you’ll find easy-to-understand instructions, a user-friendly application experience, and responsive support. Whether you need a Certificate of Registration, a change of address, or help transferring ownership, we make it as straightforward as possible—even if this is your first time navigating Transport Canada’s requirements.
Secure, Remote Access for Seasonal Pilots
If you only operate your aircraft in summer, you may not be based near a Transport Canada office. By using our digital portal, you can complete all required documentation remotely from your phone, tablet, or computer. This is particularly useful for seasonal pilots operating from private airfields, rural areas, or on extended trips.
Rather than printing, scanning, and mailing forms or making in-person visits, everything can be submitted online through our secure system. We even provide email confirmation and tracking so you know when your documentation has been processed and approved.
Our Portal is Designed for Seasonal Demand
Summer is a high-demand time for aviation in Canada, and that includes demand for registration and administrative services. Our portal is built to accommodate this seasonal spike, helping you avoid the long delays that sometimes occur with paper-based systems or overworked government offices.
Our turnaround times are designed with the summer rush in mind. We aim to process and submit your documents efficiently, minimizing the lag between your application and approval so that you can take off sooner.
Ongoing Canadian Aircraft Registry Compliance and Renewal Support
Getting your aircraft onto the Canadian Aircraft Registry is just the first step. Once you’re on the registry, you must remain compliant by keeping your information up to date and renewing as needed. If your registration is set to expire or if you move to a new address, Transport Canada requires you to file updated information.
We make it easier to manage ongoing compliance with tools and reminders that help you stay current. Our system can send alerts for renewals or missing information, so you’re never caught off guard. Summer’s short flying season makes it important to avoid downtime due to paperwork delays, and we’re here to help you stay in the air.
If you plan to operate an aircraft in Canada, getting on the Canadian Aircraft Registry is not optional—it’s a legal requirement. With our help, the process doesn’t have to be a burden. Through our platform, you can apply, update, transfer, and manage your aircraft registration entirely online, with support every step of the way.
Let us help you enjoy the freedom of the skies while remaining fully compliant with Transport Canada regulations.