We get printed notices of these NavCan inspection flights in the local Richmond, BC newspapers on a regular basis.

Who knows why the use the CRJ for these inspections. They probably fly the thing all around the country and the exact fit of equipment on the aircraft is speculation unless someone has direct knowledge. I can tell you from personal experience fitting equipment on in-cabin racks on a CRJ that it would be much nicer setting up operator stations in a CRJ than something with a smaller fuselage diameter.

That Challenger likes to fly eastbound down 41st Avenue in the east part of Vancouver. See it regularly for the past 4-5 years. Some 20 passes or more on some days.

With seven aerials visible in that photo I wonder how many the thing actually has??:eek:

Why a CRJ?
 

With Independence Air going under, the aircraft were bought from the receiver for a fraction of the cost of the replacement aircraft contenders. It burns roughly the same amount of gas as the Challengers they replaced and the extra space on the fuse allowed for additional antenna (26 additional on top of the initial build spec antenna).

Independence Air's misfortune was taken advantage of. The extra antenna coupled with new computers have cut inspection times in half. Most of the upgrades required for the inspection role were existing STCs and available off the shelf (cheap). Parts are dirt cheap. It is a FAR 25 tough and proven airframe.

Nav Canada came out ahead. Less capital spent, lower operating cost then the Challenger, reduced inspection times, lots of room to place additional antenna without EM interference and room to add more for future requirements. Room to carry a fly-away kit (spare parts) to keep the aircraft moving on the road as it doesn't return to base for up to four weeks (or more) at a time.

It seems to work well...