4.3 Time Zones and Wildlife Protection

Canadian Time Zones (UTC / Zulu Time)

Aviation operates on a universal clock to avoid confusion between regions. Coordinated Universal Time (UTC), or Zulu time, is based on the 24-hour clock (0000 hours to 2359 hours).

An entry followed by UTC or Z (for Zulu) indicates this universal time is being used.

All aviation weather products are based on Zulu time, and if you call ATC, you are expected to use it.

To convert UTC to your local Standard Time, subtract the hours listed below:

Time Zone	Conversion to Local Time
Newfoundland	UTC minus 3 1/2 hours (2 1/2 for DT)
Atlantic	UTC minus 4 hours (3 for DT)
Eastern	UTC minus 5 hours (4 for DT)
Central	UTC minus 6 hours (5 for DT)
Mountain	UTC minus 7 hours (6 for DT)
Pacific	UTC minus 8 hours (7 for DT)

Note

Some provinces have stopped switching between standard and daylight saving time. Yukon and most of BC observe UTC-7 permanently, and Saskatchewan observes UTC-6 permanently.

Protection of Wildlife

All pilots should be aware of their provincial game laws. Information with regard to the preservation of wild life within the various provinces and territories may be obtained from the appropriate game officer as listed in the AIP Canada RAC.

Migratory Birds

Migratory bird regulations prohibit the use of an aircraft in the killing of game birds. Furthermore, the breeding habits of most birds, and particularly migratory birds such as geese, are seriously disrupted by low flying aircraft. Pilots must avoid low-flying over nesting and feeding areas. Several species of migratory birds are now on the endangered list, and every efforts should be made to preserve them.

Large Mammals (Reindeer, Caribou, Moose, Musk-oxen)

Low flying interrupts feeding and breeding, and can cause stampedes resulting in broken bones or exhaustion.

You must not fly below 2,000 ft AGL in the vicinity of these animals.

Parks

Flight restrictions over National, Provincial, and Municipal Parks are common. Boundaries for these restrictions are shown on VFR aeronautical charts. Details regarding the nature of these restrictions can be found in the AIP Canada RAC annexes and AICs.

Fur Farms

Animals on fur farms are easily frightened by aircraft, causing serious financial loss to farmers. Fur farms are marked by chrome yellow and black strips painted on pylons or roofs. During whelping season (February to May), a red flag may be flown.

Pilots should remain clear of locations marked in this way.

Poultry and Livestock

Domestic animals are afraid of low-flying aircraft. Chickens and turkeys may flock, and cattle or horses may stampede to escape the noise and shadows, potentially resulting in injury or death.