Home   Supplemental information about transponder codes in Canada
The NOTAM:
070396 CZVR VANCOUVER FIR
   CZVR WEF 0705100901 AMEND WAS: FOR VANCOUVER HARBOUR,
   VANCOUVER INTL(WATER) AND VICTORIA HARBOUR AD:
   PRO: ATS REQUIREMENTS: TO READ:

   ALL VFR ACFT ARRIVING, DEPARTING OR TRANSITING THE VANCOUVER OR
   VICTORIA TOWER CLASS C OR D AIRSPACE REQUIRE A TRANSPONDER CODE.

   ALL ACFT DEPARTING VANCOUVER OR VICTORIA INTL (INCLUDING WATER
   AERODROME) CALL VANCOUVER ACC AT 888-987-2633 (888-YVR-CODE) OR
   604-586-4595 FOR CODE ASSIGNMENT AT LEAST 30 MINUTES PRIOR TO
   FLIGHT OR FILE A VFR FLIGHT PLAN/FLIGHT ITINERARY.

   ALL ACFT ARRIVING VANCOUVER, VICTORIA INTL (INCLUDING WATER
   AERODROME) OR TRANSITING VANCOUVER OR VICTORIA CONTROL ZONES
   OBTAIN A CODE FROM ONE OF THE FOLLOWING ATS UNIT:
   VANCOUVER HARBOUR, NANAIMO, VICTORIA HARBOUR, BOUNDARY BAY,
   LANGLEY, ABBOTSFORD OR PITT MEADOWS, OR CALL VANOCUVER ACC AT
   888-987-2633 (888-YVR-CODE) OR 604-586-4595.

   ALL ACFT ARRIVING VICTORIA INTL FROM A NON NAV CANADA SITE CALL
   VANCOUVER ACC AT 888-987-2633 (888-YVR-CODE) OR 604-586-4595 FOR
   CODE ASSIGNMENT AT LEAST 30 MINUTES PRIOR TO FLIGHT OR FILE A VFR
   FLIGHT PLAN/FLIGHT ITINERARY.

The scoop:
Recently NavCanada began transitioning to a system called EXCDS computerized system to replace the old paper tape system of identifying and tracking flights. Not surprisingly the transition hasn't been entirely seamless, and in particular the generation of transponder codes has taken a step backwards, at least for now. The upshot is, if you're not on a flight plan (VFR or IFR), you need to call the above telephone number to get a transponder code 30 minutes prior to departure when departing Vancouver or Sydney. This is separate from (prior to) calling clearance delivery.

We're told this requirement may go away eventually but for now that's the deal.

Posted June 2007