330 Sparks St./rue Sparks
Ottawa, ON
Canada

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RDIMS #11862998

April 21, 2016

Mr. Colin Savage

Dear Mr. Savage:
Thank you for your correspondence of March 18, 2016, in regards to deep vein thrombosis
(DVT).
Deep vein thrombosis is a risk for anyone who is immobile for an extended period of time. It
is not a unique air transportation issue. There are also a number of individual risk factors that
may make you more prone to develop DVT. The size of the seat occupied is not known at
this time to be a risk factor. However, a smaller pitch seat will tend to decrease mobility, so
there might be a tenuous relation.
Transport Canada regulates the cabin configuration for the purpose of safe egress in the event
of an emergency. However, Transport Canada does not regulate for comfort or other factors.
Additionally, when it comes to avoiding DVT the Transport Canada website provides the
public with advice on how to keep mobile, move limbs, stay hydrated during flights.
Please visit the following address for further details on its causes and prevention:
http://www.tc.gc.ca/eng/civilaviation/standards/commerce-cabinsafety-dvt-1086.htm
Thank you again for reaching out and expressing your views on this matter.

Yours sincerely,

Aaron McCrorie
Director General,
Civil Aviation