How high are aircraft flying?

At airports with high volumes of traffic like Toronto Pearson, coordinating arriving and departing aircraft requires masterful planning to maintain a safe and orderly flow of operations. Everything from the spacing required between flying aircraft, the potential impact of nearby weather conditions on operations, and the height at which they operate during different phases of flight are all carefully considered.

Aircraft within the vicinity of an airport may be more observable as they are conducting take-offs or preparing to land. During these departures and arrivals, aircraft adhere to published procedures approved by Transport Canada. The Canadian Aviation Regulations further outlines minimum altitude requirements of 1,000’ for airplane pilots flying over built up areas, with some exceptions (e.g., if they are in the process of landing or taking off).

Additionally, noise abatement procedures may require departing aircraft to climb to specific altitudes before turning on course.