Pearson Airport Work Authorization (PAWA)

Work affecting airside infrastructure, such as runways, taxiways, or apron areas.

Timeline

• For runways or taxiways, submit the request at least 5 business days in advance of the planned work.
• For apron or airside roadways, submit the request at least 4 business days in advance of the planned work.
• For aircraft stand closure, submit the request at least 18 business days in advance of the planned work.

Application Requirements

Prior to submitting an airside request, all contractors must read the Airside Activity Program and complete the Airside Activity Program eLearning and certification. For each person undertaking the airside work, their certificate must be attached to the application form.

Please note:

• Names on certificates must match the names listed on the application.
• Certificates are valid for 12 months.
• Certificates are only required on first-time submission and will be retained for future applications.
• Incomplete or missing certificates may result in permit processing delays.

For large-scale or complex activities classified as Airside Projects, submittal requirements and timelines are outlined in Section 3 of the Airside Activity Program and supersede the standard timelines above.

For airside activity related questions please email airsidecoordination@gtaa.com.

Work that requires a new, extended or renewed crane permit.

Airport Zoning Regulations (AZRs)

AZRs help ensure the safety of our airport. They maintain the safety of aircraft around the airport, shield navigational aids from obstacles, set a maximum height limit for structures and natural objects surrounding the airport, and prohibit the dumping of waste materials on lands next to airports.

New Crane Requests

Step 1

Review our airport obstacle assessment area map to determine whether the crane location requires a permit. Your application will be assessed along with the following information.

• Airport Obstacle Assessment Area (Google Earth KMZ, 5 KB)
• Airport Obstacle Assessment Area (PDF, 5.8 MB)

Step 2

If you are building a new structure or altering an existing structure, you will need approval for land use from both Pearson and NAV CANADA before a crane operation permit can be issued. Submit your proposal to NAV CANADA using their Land Use Submission Form.

Step 3

Review our fee schedule and complete payment.

Fees include HST.

If a crane is required outside the airport property, review our fee schedule and instructions and complete payment before applying. Note: Applications without a confirmation email attachment and payment receipt number will not be accepted. Pay here

If a crane is required on airport property and/or you have a FAP, please proceed to step 5. Additional payment is not required.

Step 4

Review our legal disclaimer and refund and cancellations policy.

Step 5

Once payment has been completed, proceed to the PAWA platform to submit your crane request. Please ensure you retain the payment confirmation ID, as it will be required when completing the crane permit submission in PAWA.

Extensions or Renewals

Step 1

Review our fee schedule and instructions and complete payment. Pay here

Step 2

Respond to the existing crane permit notice with the payment receipt attached in the email.

Application Requirements

• All requests must be received by 1:30 pm local time, three business days before the scheduled lift. Please allow extra time for tower crane permits.
• For every address where you intend to perform work, you must submit a separate and fully completed Crane Permit Assessment Form.
• You must provide the maximum tip height requested for this lift, which may not be the maximum height the crane is capable of.

Processing Time

• Please allow for a minimum of 3 business days for crane and aerial device assessments.
• Rush assessments (less than 48 hours) may be accommodated.

Complex crane assessments may take up to 30 business days depending on impact.

If you have questions or a rush application, please email zzgcranes@gtaa.com.

Holiday parties, receptions, celebrations, airport surveys and tours.

Timeline

• Submit the request at least 20 business days in advance of the planned event.
• If the event is airside and displaces the PSL, or if Special Event passes are required for non-RAIC holders, 45 business days is required for Transport Canada approval.

Application Requirements

Provide a detailed description of the event, including how many people will be expected, the use of any props, decoration and audio/visual equipment, and photos of the exact location where the event will be held.

Risk Assessment

The GTAA reviews the request and conducts a risk assessment to ensure that the activity will not interfere with ongoing airport operations, safety, or passenger services.

Insurance Requirements

Commercial General Liability ("CGL") insurance using Insurance Bureau of Canada (IBC) Form 2100, or a policy with equivalent or superior coverage, with limits no less than CAD2,000,000 (CAD10,000,000 if airside) for each occurrence.

The CGL policy must include coverage for bodily injury, broad form property damage, products liability, completed operations, tenant's legal liability, contractual liability, employer's liability, non-owned automobile liability (SEF 96), and any other coverages included in the latest edition of IBC Form 2100. CGL insurance shall be on an occurrence basis only, contain a waiver of subrogation, be primary and non-contributory, allow for cross liability and severability of interests, and shall not contain any exclusion for airport operations.

The GTAA must be provided 30 days written notice of Cancellation or Material Change to any insurance policy reflected in the Certificate of Insurance.

The policies shall Indemnify and Hold Harmless the following parties, who must be named as Additionally Insureds: The Greater Toronto Airports Authority and His Majesty the King in Right of Canada ("His Majesty") and its members and all of their respective officers, employees, agents and those for whom in law they are responsible.

Commercial (non-news) filming and photography.

*For news media filming, there is a separate approval process.

Approved Filming Locations

FESTI (Fire and Emergency Services Training Institute)

FESTI is a private career college located on airport grounds. If you'd like to film at FESTI, contact the institute directly for fees and rates. You will still need to complete the Commercial filming/photography permit application.

Leased facilities

If you'd like to access any of our leased facilities for filming or photography, contact the Tenant directly. All filming activities conducted at any leased facility must have a valid commercial filming permit issued by the GTAA and all applicable fees must be paid in full.

• Landmark Aviation
• Sky Charter
• Sky Service
• Sheraton Gateway Toronto Airport Hotel

Insurance Requirements

Commercial General Liability ("CGL") insurance using Insurance Bureau of Canada (IBC) Form 2100, or a policy with equivalent or superior coverage, with limits no less than CAD2,000,000 (CAD10,000,000 if airside) for each occurrence.

The CGL policy must include coverage for bodily injury, broad form property damage, products liability, completed operations, tenant's legal liability, contractual liability, employer's liability, non-owned automobile liability (SEF 96), and any other coverages included in the latest edition of IBC Form 2100.

CGL insurance shall be on an occurrence basis only, contain a waiver of subrogation, be primary and non-contributory, allow for cross liability and severability of interests, and shall not contain any exclusion for airport operations.

The GTAA must be provided 30 days written notice of Cancellation or Material Change to any insurance policy reflected in the Certificate of Insurance.

The policies shall Indemnify and Hold Harmless the following parties, who must be named as Additionally Insureds: The Greater Toronto Airports Authority and His Majesty the King in Right of Canada ("His Majesty") and its members and all of their respective officers, employees, agents and those for whom in law they are responsible.

Fees

Fees for filming depend on the complexity of the filming project. For our current rates, contact filming.permit@gtaa.com.

Timeline

Our processing time for film or photography requests is 20 business days.

Work that impacts groundside areas such as parking lots, roadways/bridges, buildings or other infrastructure supporting vehicle or pedestrian movement.

Timeline

Submit the request at least 15 business days in advance of the planned work.

Application Requirements

• Provide a detailed description of the work being conducted including photos of the exact location.
• Include a Traffic Control Plan if the work will impact traffic, parking, or pedestrian routes.
• Include a Site Specific Safety Plan for all work that is not affecting roadways/curbs.

Risk Assessment

The GTAA reviews the request and conducts a risk assessment to ensure that the activity will not interfere with ongoing airport operations, safety, or passenger services.

For groundside activity related questions, please email groundsideoperations@gtaa.com.

Remotely piloted aircraft systems (RPAS), or drones, can be used for various reasons, including site surveys, wildlife control or for emergency scenarios. Nevertheless, RPAS can pose a risk to the safety of aircraft both on and off the ground.

Canadian Aviation Regulations

RPAS are considered to be aircraft by Transport Canada, so strict adherence to all standards and procedures is mandatory. Drones may be flown on airport property safely with the approval of the GTAA and NAV CANADA. Any operator conducting unauthorized use of RPAS at or around Toronto Pearson can face serious penalties such as fines and/or jail time.

RPAS guidelines and procedures are developed by Transport Canada. It is the responsibility of the GTAA to maintain the safety of all aircraft and stakeholders while RPAS operations are underway.

RPAS Enquiries Near or at Pearson

For enquiries regarding RPAS operations at Pearson, please email rpas@gtaa.com.

For information regarding standards, or to learn more about the Flight Authorization process through NAV CANADA, please visit Transport Canada or NAV CANADA resources.

Work that impacts security, such as access to security doors/critical infrastructure, guard requirements that require post orders/Access Control duties, physical impact to primary security/doors/gates and security systems, such as CCTV and alarms.

Timeline

Submit the request at least 15 business days in advance of the planned work.

Application Requirements

Provide a detailed description of the work being conducted, timelines, map of location and post order, if applicable.

A Site Specific Security Plan is required for all construction projects.

Risk Assessment

The GTAA reviews the request and conducts a risk assessment to ensure that the activity will not interfere with ongoing airport operations, safety and security, as well as passenger services.

For security activity related questions, please email zzl-governance-securityoperationalsupport@gtaa.com.

Work that interrupts or isolates utilities or operational systems.

Timeline

Requests must be submitted at least 15 business days in advance.

Application Requirements

Include clear details on scope, location, timing, impacts, and mitigations. Separate submissions are required for each system.

The Utilities Shutdown Permit only authorizes that system outage. All other required permits and approvals must be obtained separately.

Risk Assessment

All requests are reviewed and coordinated with relevant stakeholders. Where required, a pre-shutdown coordination check-in must be completed approximately 48 hours prior to the scheduled work, or on the preceding Friday for Monday or post-long weekend shutdowns.

Construction or maintenance within any terminal or baggage areas.

Timeline

• Submit the request at least 5 business days in advance of the planned work.
• If work impacts any government agencies, such as Canada Customs, US Customs, or CATSA, we require 14 business days for consultation and approval.

Application Requirements

Detailed description of the work being conducted, including photos of the exact location.

Risk Assessment

The GTAA reviews the request and conducts a risk assessment to ensure that the activity will not interfere with ongoing airport operations, safety or passenger services.