TSB Report #A20F0010: C-GWVB, a Sunwing Airlines Boeing 737-800 aircraft, was operating as flight SWG569 from Calgary Intl (CYYC), AB to General Mazatlán/Rafael Buelna Intl (MMMZ). At FL330, approximately 135 nm east of Las Vegas/Mc Carran Intl (KLAS), NV a TCAS RA DESCEND DESCEND NOW was received. The flight crew complied with the command and descended until clear of conflict at FL325. The flight continued to the destination uneventfully.

TSB Report #A20W0022: C-FTXU, an Airbus A321 aircraft operated by Air Transat, was conducting flight TSC990 from Vancouver Intl airport (CYVR), BC, to Toronto Pearson airport (CYYZ), ON. While in cruise at FL330, 20nm west of Lethbridge (CYQL), AB, the aircraft encountered severe mountain wave turbulence resulting in a 700 foot altitude loss and speed variations approaching low and high speed limitations. The crew had to disconnect the autopilot to regain control of the aircraft in order to minimize altitude loss. The aircraft landed safely at CYYZ. Maintenance completed a severe turbulence inspection and the aircraft was released to service. There were no injuries reported.

A United Parcel Service Co. McDonnell Douglas MD 11F (N286UP/UPS203) from Louisville, KY (KSDF) to Cologne/Bonn, Germany (EDDK), at FL330, received their ocean clearance via data link at FL350 and climbed without a climb clearance. There was no traffic, safety was not jeopardized, separation was assured, the operation was not affected.

A Condor Flugdienst GMBH Airbus A330-200 (CFG115) from Cancun, Mexico (MMUN) to Frankfurt, Germany (EDDF) encountered severe turbulence and descended from FL330 to FL310 without clearance.

An Airsprint Inc. Cessna 525A (C-FASR/ASP524) on a flight from Montreal/Pierre Elliott Trudeau Intl, QC (CYUL) to Fredericton Intl, NB (CYFC) reported having lost reduced vertical separation minimum (RVSM) capability during enroute climb due to autopilot malfunction. Initially having filed FL330 as a requested cruising altitude, ASP524 revised the requested altitude to FL270. The aircraft was subsequently cleared as requested. No impact on operations.

The separation between a Turkish Airlines Airbus A330-200 (TCJOO/THY6364) from Toronto/Lester B. Pearson Intl, ON (CYYZ) to Istanbul, Turkey (LTBA), Turquie and an Icelandair Boeing 757-300 (TFFIX/ICE37B) from Reykjavik, Iceland (BIKF) to Toronto/Lester B. Pearson Intl, ON (CYYZ) was not assured. ICE37B was cleared to descend from FL340 to FL320 in radar airspace and THY6364 was in cruising flight at FL330, both with converging paths. Separation maintained; no impact on operations.

A loud and clear emergency locator transmitter (ELT) signal was heard for 5 seconds in the Chibougamau/Chapis, QC (CYMT) region at FL330. Source unknown. The Joint Rescue Coordination Centre (JRCC) in Trenton was notified.

An Air Canada Boeing 787-8 (ACA011) from Montreal, QC (CYUL) to Shanghai, China (ZSPD) was instructed to descend from FL330 to FL320 without respecting the separation with a Delta Airlines Airbus A330-300 (DAL137), which was at FL320.

A Boeing 777-333ER (C-FIVW/ACA870) from Montreal, QC (CYUL) to Paris, France (LFPG) received and read back clearance to FL330 and direct NEEKO. At 0144Z, air traffic services (ATS) noticed that ACA870 was not heading to NEEKO. ACA870 flew direct ANCER instead of NEEKO. No loss of separation and no impact on operations.

An Air Canada Boeing 787-8 (ACA868) on a flight from Toronto/Lester B. Pearson Intl, ON (CYYZ) to London/Heathrow Intl, UK (EGLL) was flight planned at FL330 and requested FL390 which was approved. Electronic flight strip (EFS) was not updated with the cleared altitude.

After it had received and read back clearance to climb to FL300, an Air Canada Airbus A321-211 (C-FLKX/ACA407) from Montreal/Pierre Elliott Trudeau Intl, QC (CYUL) to Toronto/Lester B. Pearson Intl, ON (CYYZ) was seen climbing to FL330. No impact on operations.

An Air Canada Airbus A321-211 (C-GITU/ACA136) enroute from Calgary Intl, AB (CYYC) to Toronto/Lester B. Pearson Intl, ON (CYYZ) was instructed by Cleveland air route traffic control centre (ARTCC) to descend to FL310 at BBOXX and contact Toronto. ACA136 contacted Toronto 30NM West of BBOXX at FL330 and did not initiate a descent. No operational impact. ACA136 reported altitude deviation through their reporting system.

An Envoy Air Embraer ERJ 170-200 LR (N270NN/ENY4053) on a flight from Buffalo Intl, NY (KBUF) to Chicago/OHare Intl, IL (KORD) was observed to have climbed above cleared altitude of FL300. When queried, the pilot believed they had been cleared to FL330. Audio playback confirmed cleared level was FL300 and was read back correctly. Subsequently ENY4053 was cleared direct to FNT and the aircraft was observed to take up a northerly heading instead of a westerly heading towards FNT. When queried the pilot advised of an "input" error.

A Sky Regional Airlines Embraer ERJ 170-200 SU (C-FEKI/SKV7594) from Chicago/OHare, IL (KORD) to Montréal/Pierre Elliott Trudeau, QC (CYUL) reported receiving an emergency locator transmitter (ELT) signal at FL330 that gradually faded out. Details passed to Joint Rescue Coordination Centre (JRCC) Trenton.

An Air Transat Airbus A310-308 (C-GTSH/TSC462) from Montreal/Trudeau, QC (CYUL) to Toronto/Pearson, ON (CYYZ) was cleared to descend to FL330. Aircraft was observed to descend through FL330. When queried, the pilot stated that they had been cleared to FL310. Audio playback confirmed that the cleared level was FL330 and was read back correctly. Crossing traffic was well clear and TSC462 was cleared to continue descent to FL240. No impact on operations.

A loud and clear emergency locator transmitter (ELT) signal was heard from 4526N/07525W, at FL250, to 4510N/07712W, at FL330. Source unknown. Joint Rescue Coordination Centre (JRCC) Trenton was notified.

A SkyWest Airlines Bombardier CL-600 2B19 (Series 200) (N923SW/SKW5480) from Chicago/OHare Intl, IL (KORD) to Ottawa/MacDonald-Cartier Intl, ON (CYOW) reported hearing a strong emergency locator transmitter (ELT) signal in the vicinity of London, ON (CYXU) at FL330. The Joint Rescue Coordination Centre (JRCC) Trenton was notified. No operational impact.

An Air Canada Rouge Boeing 767-333 (C-FMWP/ROU1712) from Toronto/Lester B. Pearson Intl, ON (CYYZ) to Punta Cana Intl, Dominican Republic (MDPC) reported a possible bird strike after departing Runway 23. An inspection vehicle reported finding debris and indicated it appeared to be a bird of prey which was ingested in the engine. A Private Air Inc. Beech 200 (C-GMNM/FSY134) from Teterboro, NJ (KTEB) to Toronto/Lester B. Pearson Intl, ON (CYYZ) was instructed to initiate a missed approach. Afterwards, Air Canada (ACA) Dispatch reported that ROU1712 would be returning to CYYZ due to vibration in the engine. No emergency was declared and ROU1712 landed on Runway 23 at 1920Z without incident. No impact to operations.
Update TSB Report #A19O0014: C-FMWP, a Boeing 767-300 aircraft operated by Air Canada rouge, was conducting flight ROU1712 from Toronto/Lester B. Pearson Intl (CYYZ), ON to Punta Cana Intl (MDPC), Dominican Republic with 8 crew members and 280 passengers on board. During the takeoff roll on Runway 23 at CYYZ, the aircraft struck a bird. The flight crew reported observing a large bird, hearing a loud bang, and a slight adverse yaw was detected, however engine parameters were normal; therefore, the takeoff was continued. Following a brief level off at 5000 ASL to evaluate the situation, the decision was made to continue the flight in the absence of abnormal parameters. During cruise flight at FL330, the flight crew noticed increasing vibrations on the left engine, and elected to return to CYYZ as a precaution. The aircraft landed overweight without further incident. The operator’s maintenance inspected the left engine and, based on the extent of the damage, elected to replace it.

TSB Report #A19F0288: C-GAAS, a Cessna 525B operated by Airsprint Inc., was conducting flight ASP567 from Buffalo Niagara Intl. (KBUF), NY to Charlottesville-Albemarle (KCHO), VA. During cruise at FL330 the Cabin alt hi cas msg illuminated on annunciator system. Flight Crew donned the o2 masks, initiated an emergency descent and noted the cabin alt was around 11000. Flight Crew actioned the emergency checklist, ATC was notified and a mayday was declared. Flight Crew was advised that Bradford Regional (KBFD), PA was nearby and asked for vectors for an approach into KBFD. While being vectored, it was ascertained through the emergency checklist that the air source select knob was in the off position. Flight Crew decided to return to KBUF due to runway condition in KBFD and declined ARFF services. The aircraft landed safely in KBUF.

TSB Report #A19F0247: C-GOWG, a Boeing 737-800 operating as flight TVS7212 from Katowice Intl - Katowice Intl (EPKT), Poland to Milas - Bodrum (LTFE) Turkey, was instructed by ATC to descend to FL330. While descending, the flight crew received a TCAS TA followed by TCAS RA `Monitor Vertical Speed and `Level Off. The flight crew had the traffic in sight and had already leveled off at FL330. The flight continued uneventfully.

TSB Report #A19F0046: C-FKSV, a Boeing 787-9 aircraft operated by Air Canada, was conducting flight ACA95 from Buenos Aires/Aeropuerto Internacional Ezeiza/Ministro Pistarini (SAEZ), Argentina to Toronto/Lester B. Pearson Intl (CYYZ), ON with 11 crew members and 267 passengers on board. Shortly after the aircraft reached its cruising altitude of FL330, the cabin crew advised the flight crew that a passenger had a medical emergency and that doctors, travelling as passengers, were assisting. Stat MD was also contacted and, after consultation with the crew, the decision to return to SAEZ was taken. However, because of a language barrier with local ATC personnel, the flight crew had to declare a MAYDAY. The aircraft proceeded to land at SAEZ without further incident.

TSB Report #A18F0280: C-GTQC, a Boeing 737-800 aircraft operated by Air Transat, was conducting flight TSC934 from Montreal/Pierre Elliott Trudeau Intl (CYUL), QC to Fort Lauderdale/Hollywood Intl (KFLL), FL with 6 crew members and 192 passengers on board. During the descent to destination, TSC934 was instructed to hold at waypoint FATHR at FL330 due to heavy thunderstorms (+TS) at KFLL. The filed alternate airport, Miami Intl (KMIA), FL, was also experiencing +TS with an estimated holding time of 25 to 30 minutes. Since weather conditions were not improving at both the destination and the alternate after 38 minutes of holding, the flight crew declared a fuel emergency for priority handling at KFLL. ATC offered West Palm Beach Intl (KPBI), FL as an option, which the flight crew accepted. TSC934 landed at KPBI uneventfully with emergency vehicles in attendance, and with 1600 kgs of fuel on board, which was above the minimum reserve fuel required.

A Federal Express Corporation Airbus A310-324 (N811FD/FDX134) on a flight from Memphis Intl, TN (KMEM) to Winnipeg/James Armstrong Richardson Intl, MB (CYWG) was northwest bound descending from FL380 to FL290 and advised responding to a traffic alert and collision avoidance system (TCAS) resolution advisory (RA). The traffic was a southeast bound Air China Cargo Company Boeing 777-200 (B2094/CAO1053) on a flight from Anchorage Intl, AK (PANC) to Chicago/OHare Intl, IL (KORD) at FL330 which passed 5.1NM south of FDX134. No other impact to operations.
Update TSB Report #A19C0107: N811FD, a Airbus A310-324 aircraft operated by FedEx, was conducting cargo flight FDX134 from Memphis Intl (KMEM), USA to Winnipeg/James Armstrong Richardson Intl (CYWG), MB. At approximately 100 nm SE of CYWG, FDX134 requested a descent from flight level 380 and was cleared to flight level 290 by Winnipeg Centre Area Control Centre (ACC). FDX134 subsequently started the descent. ACC then cleared B-2094, a Boeing 777-FFT operated by Air China Cargo as flight CAO1054 at flight 330, to turn right 10 degrees to provide separation with FDX134. As FDX134 was descending through flight level 340, the crew of FDX134 asked ACC about traffic ahead of them. During the radio transmission regarding the traffic, FDX134 received a TCAS TA/RA to climb. FDX134 complied with the TA/RA, notified ACC of the manoeuvre and advised once clear from the traffic. FDX134 continued for an uneventful landing at CYWG. Review of the available radar information indicates that the nearest distance between the two aircraft was 5.1 miles laterally and 600 feet vertically. Minimum separation requirements are 5 miles or 1000 feet.

A WestJet Boeing 737-700 (WJA339) from Edmonton, AB (CYEG) to Comox, BC (CYQQ) climbed through FL300 for FL330 when only cleared for FL300. No impact on operations.

A WestJet Boeing 737-800 (WJA1416) from Calgary Intl, AB (CYYC) to Orlando Intl, FL (KMCO) switched to Salt Lake City (SLC) for further instructions to climb to FL350. The switching of instructions were meant for a WestJet Boeing 737-700 (WJA1460) from Calgary Intl, AB (CYYC) to Las Vegas Intl, NV (KLAS). The read back error was not identified and WJA1416 initiated a climb from FL330 to FL350 unexpectedly. No other impact on operations.

While enroute, a Turkish Airlines Inc. Boeing 777-300 (THY10) from Los Angeles International, CA (KLAX) to Istanbul Atatürk, Turkey (LTBA) reported seeing a red rotary beacon light near the aircraft, at the same altitude of FL330. The only known aircraft in the region was more than 80NM ahead of THY10. The North American Aeropsace Defence Command (NORAD) was advised.

A WestJet Boeing 767 300 (WJA1) from Calgary Intl, AB (CYYC) to Gatwick, UK (EGKK) was cleared to climb to FL330. The aircraft was observed by controller to climb above FL332. The pilot was asked to confirm cleared altitude and confirmed FL330. WJA1 descended to FL330. No impact to operations.

A Southeast Airmotive Corporation aircraft (flight SPUR81), an Ethiopian Airlines aircraft (flight ETH503), and an Air France aircraft (flight AFR650) reported severe turbulence at FL290, FL330-FL350 and FL360 in an area bounded by Halifax, NS VOR/DME (YHZ), Grindstone (Îles-de-la-Madeleine), QC VOR/DME (YGR) and Sydney, NS VOR/DME (YQY). SIGMET G1 issued after Halifax (HZ) Flight Service Station (FSS) was advised of each of the reports. Aircraft continued on route as filed.

An Air France aircraft (AFR431) reported severe turbulence at FL350. The aircraft descended to FL330. No impact to operations.

A Kuwait Airways Boeing 777-300 (KAC118) reported severe turbulence at FL310 and climbed to FL330. Reported to Flight Information Centre (FIC).

An Air India Boeing 787-8 (AIC104) reported severe turbulence at FL290, aircraft climbed to FL330. Reported to the Flight Information Centre (FIC).

A Qatar Airways Boeing 777-300 Series (A7BEM/QTR744) from Boston, MA (KBOS) to Doha, Qatar (OTHH) at the oceanic entry point, NEEKO, climbed from FL310 to FL330 without a clearance.

A Saudi Arabian Airlines Boeing 777-300 (HZAK39/SVA020) on a flight from New York/John F. Kennedy Intl, NY (KJFK) to Jeddah, Saudi Arabia (OEJN) reported severe turbulence at FL330.

A Saudi Arabian Airlines Boeing 777-300 (SVA020) on a flight from New York/John F. Kennedy Intl, NY (KJFK) to Jeddah, Saudi Arabia (OEJN) reported moderate to severe turbulence at FL350. The aircraft descended to FL330 and reported continuous moderate turbulence but remained at that level. Halifax (HZ) flight information centre (FIC) advised, no impact on the operation.

An Emirates Boeing 777 300 series (A6EGF/UAE210) from Newark, NJ (KEWR) to Athens, Greece (LGAV) reported continuous moderate to severe turbulence. The aircraft descended from FL330 to FL290.

A WestJet Boeing 767-338 (C-GOGN/WJA4) from Gatwick, England (EGKK) to Toronto/Lester B. Pearson, ON (CYYZ) was at FL330. The aircraft requested FL350, and was given a clearance (CLX) by air traffic control (ATC) for FL340 and issued requested level not available. Shortly after, WJA4 was observed at FL347 before the aircraft returned back down to cleared level of FL340. There was traffic at FL350, 6 minutes behind.

A United Airlines Boeing 777-300 (UAL179D) from Newark, NJ (KEWR) to Hong Kong Intl, Hong Kong (VHHH) reported severe turbulence at FL330. The aircraft was given descent clearance to FL310. No impact on operations.

A Lufthansa Cargo AG Mcdonnell Douglas MD-11F (GEC8223) from Dallas/Fort Worth Intl, TX (KDFW) to Frankfurt, Germany (EDDF) reported an emergency locator transmitter (ELT) signal at FL330. It was described as Strength 2 and occasional. The Joint Rescue Coordination Centre (JRCC) Halifax was notified.

An Omni Air International Boeing 767-316 (N495AX/OAE600) from Washington-Dulles International, VA (KIAD) to Bucharest, Romania (LRBS) reported hearing an emergency locator transmitter (ELT) signal at FL330. The signal lasted for 5 minutes. Details were passed to the Joint Rescue Coordination Centre (JRCC) Halifax.

Severe turbulence reported at FL330 at 2035Z at position 5105N/06619W by an Air France Boeing 777 200 (AFR342) from Paris/Charles de Gaulle, France (LFPG) to Montreal/Pierre Elliott Trudeau Int'l, QC (CYUL) descended to FL320. No impact on operations.

Although it had received and correctly read back clearance to climb to FL320, an Air Canada Rouge Airbus A321-211 (ROU1799) from Quebec/Jean Lesage Intl, QC (CYQB) to Toronto/Lester B. Pearson Intl, ON (CYYZ) continued its climb to FL330. Separation was not ensured between ROU1799 and a Polar Air Cargo Worldwide Boeing 747 (PAC956) from Covington/Cincinnati Intl, KY (KCVG) to Leipzig/ Halle, Germany (EDDP), level at FL330.

An intermittent emergency locator transmitter (ELT) signal was heard by the Bagotville, QC (YBG) non-directional beacon (NDB) between 10 N and 10 S YBG at FL330. Source unknown. The Halifax (HZ) Joint Rescue Coordination Centre (JRCC) was notified.

UPDATE from Airworthiness: A Civil Aviation Safety Inspector (CASI) looked into this occurrence. The Flight Crew experienced a loss of System No. 2 Hydraulic Pressure at top of climb (complete loss of fluid accompanied by Low Pressure Caution Message). The flight returned to CYVR. An emergency was not declared; however, Aircraft Rescue and Fire Fighting (ARFF) was on standby for arrival. Maintenance replaced a failed flex line, engine driven pump, and carried out an overweight landing inspection. The aircraft was returned to service following functional and leak checks.
After declaration of an emergency with Seattle Centre due to a hydraulic problem, a Jazz Bombardier CL-600-2D24 (series 900) (C-FJJZ/JZA840) from Vancouver Int'l, BC (CYVR) to San Francisco Int'l, CA (KSFO) returned to CYVR and landed Runway 26L safely at 2303Z. Aircraft Rescue and Fire Fighting (ARFF) responded at towers request.
Update TSB Report #A18P0106: C-FJJZ, a Bombardier CL-600-2D24 (CRJ900) aircraft operated by Jazz Aviation LP, was conducting flight JZA8040 from Vancouver Intl, BC (CYVR) to Chicago/O'Hare Intl, IL (KORD) with 4 crew members and 58 passengers on board. Once the aircraft reached its cruising altitude of FL330 after the departure, the flight crew observed a loss of hydraulic pressure in the number 2 system. The flight crew elected to return to CYVR and requested ARFF to be present for the landing. The aircraft landed approximately 1900 lbs overweight at CYVR without further incident. The operator?s maintenance found a flex line unserviceable. The number 2 EDP and flex line were both replaced, and the aircraft was returned to service.

A WestJet Encore de Havilland DHC-8-402 (WEN3116) from Kamloops, BC (CYKA) inbound to Calgary, AB (CYYC) was at FL230 and cleared to A120. A WestJet Boeing 737-700 (WJA128) from Vancouver, BC (CYVR) to Calgary, AB (CYYC) also inbound to Calgary on the same track was cleared from FL330 to FL240. WJA128 received a traffic alert and collision avoidance system (TCAS) Resolution Advisory and levelled off at FL250. Traffic was passed between aircraft. No impact to operations.

A Flair Airlines Ltd. Boeing 737-4Q8 (C-FLHJ/FLE462) from Edmonton International, AB (CYEG) to Toronto/Pearson International, ON (CYYZ) reported an emergency locator transmitter (ELT) signal in the vicinity of Sault Ste. Marie, ON (CYAM) at FL330. Details were passed to the Joint Rescue Coordination Centre (JRCC) Trenton.

An Air Canada Rouge Airbus A319-114 (C-GBHR/ROU1704) from Toronto/Lester B. Pearson Int'l, ON (CYYZ) to Deer Lake, NL (CYDF) at FL330 declared a pressurization issue and requested to descend to FL290. At 1940Z, when reaching FL290, the aircraft advised that the pressurization was now stable and continued towards its destination without declaring an emergency. No operational impact.

A corporately registered Cessna 525 (N85VR) from Watertown, NY (KART) to West Michigan, MI (KBIV) checked in climbing to FL330. The flight plan had been filed at FL240 and Concordia advised they had cleared N85VR to FL230 which was read back. The controller cleared N85VR to maintain FL230. No operational impact.

An Air Canada Embraer ERJ 190-100 IGW (ACA619) from Halifax, NS (CYHZ) to Toronto, ON (CYYZ) received a Traffic Alert and Collision Avoidance System (TCAS) Resolution Advisory (RA) while descending to FL340. Adjust vertical speed RA was followed. Traffic was a Wow Air EHF Airbus A321-211 (WOW9JW) from Toronto, ON to Reykjavík?Keflavík, Iceland (BIKF) at FL330. No operational impact.

An ExpressJet Airlines Embraer E135 (ASQ4420) from Milwaukee, WI (KMKE) to Newark, NJ (KEWR) was instructed to cross 30W of WOZEE at FL330. Read back was correct. Aircraft observed descending out of FL330 and the air traffic controller (ATC) instructed aircraft to climb back to cleared altitude. No impact to operations.

An Air Canada Embraer ERJ 190-100 IGW (ACA1118) from Regina Intl., SK (CYQR) to Toronto / Pearson Intl., ON (CYYZ) was observed on the on radar leaving flight level 33 000 feet (FL330) without a clearance. ACA1118 was cleared to descend to flight level 31 000 feet (FL310). No impact to operations.