rust removers - recurrent pilot training

The Northwest Territories Flying Association (NWTFA) conducts an annual "Rust Remover" each spring to assist members in meeting requirements for recurrent pilot training pursuant to CAR 421.05(2)(c).  Our "Rust Remover" agendas are approved by Transport Canada.  Presenters have included representatives from NAV CANADA, Transport Canada, Canadian Transportation Agency and the Civil Air Search and Rescue Association (CASARA).  Topics covered have included aviation weather, flight planning and navigation, aviation medical examinations, aircraft systems, and aviation regulations.

2025 rust remover - may 17, 2025

NWTFA will host its 2025 Rust Remover on May 17, 2025 in Yellowknife, NT.  This event serves as a refresher on topics relevant to training for private and recreational pilots.  The agenda will be approved by Transport Canada as satisfying the 2-year recurrent training requirement for private pilots.

Topics to be covered in the presentations this year will include waterway collision avoidance, cold water immersion survival, emergency kits, Foreflight, online utilities and apps for pilots, and an annual update from NAV CANADA on operations in the YZF control zone.

Advance online registration is required.  This event is free for NWTFA members and $40 for non-members.  Coffee/muffins and lunch will be provided.

2024 Rust Remover - transport canada safety seminars and more!

The 2024 Rust Remover was held on May 25, 2024 and was attended by 15 members.  The event provided an opportunity to view and enjoy the new Yellowknife Historical Museum at the former Giant Mine townsite in Yellowknife, NT.  

The program was sanctioned by Transport Canada as satisfying the 2-year recurrent training requirement for private pilots.  Presentations included the following topics:
  • Airworthiness topics including owner maintenance, pilot responsibilities, and ADS-B (Jacinta Hagel, Transport Canada)
  • General aviation safety issues including float operations  (Jack Kearley, Transport Canada)
  • Operations in the YZF control zone (NAV CANADA)
  • Best practices for purchase and sale of private aircraft (Cynthia Levy, LLB)
​Some of the presentations from this Rust Remover are available to current NWTFA members through the members-only section of the NWTFA website.

2023 rust remover - SMARTPILOT SEMINARS

The NWTFA 2023 Rust Remover was held on May 13, 2023 and was attended by 14 members and guests.  The program was sanctioned by Transport Canada as satisfying the 2-year recurrent training requirement for private pilots.  The following SmartPilot seminars  were presented by Mike Doiron of Cirrus Aviation Safety Services: NAV CANADA was also in attendance to present its annual update on YZF operations and ongoing initiatives including transition to ADS-B.

This exceptional training opportunity was made possible through the success of fundraising efforts undertaken by NWTFA in 2022.  Play the promo videos below for a hint of the content that was delivered by these SmartPilot seminars!

2022 rust remover

The 2022 Rust Remover was held on May 14, 2022 and was attended by 18 members.  The program was sanctioned by Transport Canada as satisfying the 2-year recurrent training requirement for private pilots.  Presentations included the following topics:
  • Interpretation of graphical area forecasts (Raphaël Jeansonne-Gélinas)
  • Departure planning (Raphaël Jeansonne-Gélinas)
  • YZF arrival and departure procedures (NAV CANADA)
  • Piston aircraft induction and ignition systems (Jean-Francois Martin)
  • Aviation medical examinations (Dr. Bing Guthrie)
Several of the presentations from this Rust Remover are available to current NWTFA members through the members-only section of the NWTFA website.

2020 and 2021 Rust removers

COVID-19 restrictions in effect in the Northwest Territories prevented hosting of Rust Removers in 2020 and 2021. 

2019 rust remover

The 2019 Rust Remover was held on May 11, 2019 and was attended by 14 members.  The program was approved by Transport Canada to qualify as recurrent training for private pilots.   The agenda included the following topics:
  • Pilot Decision Making (Transport Canada)
  • Aviation Medical Examinations (Dr. Bing Guthrie)
  • Canadian airspace and WX cams (NAV CANADA)
  • Flight Planning (NAV CANADA)

2018 rust remover

The 2018 Rust Remover was held on May 12, 2018 and was attended by 17 members.  The program was approved by Transport Canada so participation qualified as recurrent training for private pilots.   Topics included the following:
  • Human Factors"  (Transport Canada)
  • YZF Procedures and FSS Services (NAV CANADA)
  • FIC Services (NAV CANADA)

2017 rust remover

The 2017 Rust Remover was held on April 23, 2017 and was attended by 22 members.  The program was approved by Transport Canada so participation qualified as recurrent training for private pilots.   Topics included the following:
  • Update from Transport Canada
  • UAV Regulations
  • Weight and Balance Calculations
  • Review of Procedures by NAV CANADA
  • Navigation
  • Survival Equipment and Skills
  • Round Table on Safety on Yellowknife Bay and Back Bay

previous Rust removers

Topics discussed in NWTFA Rust Removers in previous years included the following:
  • Radio Communication and Phraseology
  • Operations at Yellowknife Aerodrome
  • Search and Rescue Procedures in Northwest Territories
  • Flight Planning and FSS Services
  • Safety on the Water
  • Navigation and Meteorology