News & Events
TC Langley Control Zone Review Transport Canada is reviewing the dimensions of the Langley Control Zone to consider possible changes. Click the link for more information.
2012 AGM
July 20, 21, 22 at 108 Mile Airport, BC: BC Floatplane Association AGM floats and wheels fly-in. All aviators are invited to attend the BCFA AGM and fly-in to the South Cariboo Regional Airport (CZML) and the 108 Golf Resort. You can camp or reserve a room at the 108 Golf Resort and Conference center or one of the many local spots. Watson Lake, conveniently located between CAV3 and CZML will be used for float plane arrivals. Shuttle service and fuel will be available at Watson Lake. There will be an informal gathering on Friday evening, BCFA AGM Saturday morning, lunch, speakers Saturday afternoon, dinner and entertainment. Sunday breakfast and poker run for both wheel and floats ending with lunch. See http://www.bcfloatplaneassociation.com/news/ for more information and please let us know if you are attending by contacting logan@xplornet.com
Calendars Were mailed in early October and if you have not received yours yet, please contact one of the directors and we will get you a calendar.
Photo Gallery is now up and running - lots of great photos to help plan your next adventure
Places to Fly is now up and running - search out a place to fly destination.
Now with all the Alaskan Forest Service cabins and all the Water Aerodromes from March 2011 supplement.
Help map the bird species of British Columbia!
Do you have the ability and desire to do some volunteer flying?
The British Columbia Breeding Bird Atlas www.birdatlas.bc.ca is a partnership of non-government organisations, government agencies and corporate groups that is mapping all ~320 bird species that breed in our province. Volunteers have flown with the BCFA into remote areas such as Spatizizi Plateau, Denetiah, and Tatlatui Provincial Parks over the last few years to great effect. The BCFA had a presentation on the project from Pete Davidson of Bird Studies Canada (the organisation coordinating the project) and there was lots of interest from the members about getting involved; and 2012 is your last chance to do so!
The Atlas team is planning for the 2012 summer fieldwork, and the large remaining gaps are only accessible by plane! Help is especially needed in priority areas in the north; Muskwa-Kechika area all the way across to Atlin, and some parts of the central Coast Mountains. You can help us plan to reach accessible lakes this summer.
How it works:
The Atlas Coordinator and the floatplane pilot identify floatplane-accessible lakes within priority areas for bird surveys (see list and maps on following two pages), which also have lodges or shelters of some form that we may be able to use, and trails or extensive open terrain (e.g. alpine/sub-alpine habitats).
The Atlas Coordinator connects the floatplane pilot with an individual or team of two atlassers, and assist them plan a visit between 28 May and the mid-July. The pilot can either accompany one or two atlassers, or drop-off and pick-up a team of two atlassers, for a minimum period of two days, and up to one week, depending on the useful load.
The Atlas pays for 50% of direct costs – eg. aviation fuel & oil), incompliance with Transport Canada regulations, and then provides a tax receipt (following standard cheque exchange procedures for charitable organisations) for the balance of total operating costs (insurance, parking, etc.) and pilot’s time. The Atlas may provide surveyors with a SPOT GPS messenger or some other form of remote communication procedure in case of plan alterations or emergencies.
Muskwa–Kechika area lakes and parks high priority:
Gataga Lakes (Dune Za Keyih Prov. Park), Tuchodi Lake, Fern Lake, Kluachesi (Northern Rockies PP), Scoop, Solitary, Looncry, Nelson, Rainbow, Obo/Johiah, Ridgeway, Quentin Lake (Kwadacha PP)
Dease Lake to Coastal Mountains lakes and parks high priority:
Tuya Mountain Prov. Park, Tachilta, Kedahda, Nakina, Disella, Llangorse, King Salmon, Great Glacier PP, Yehiniko, Chutine, Whiting, Tatsamenie, Trapper Lakes
Fort Nelson area:
Thinatea Lake, Midwinter, Etset Lake, numerous landing strips (for wheeled planes)
Far North-western BC: Tatshenshini Prov. Park
From Nimpo Lake and Central Coast:
Tweedsmuir Provincial Park - South and North (Eutsuk, Tesla, Oppy, Sigutlat, Knot Lakes), Charlotte Alplands Protected Area, Banks Island, Pitt Island, Bella Bella area, Prince Royal Island, South Bentick Arm (Bella Coola), Owikeno Lake, Kimsquit (Dean Channel)
If you wish to visit any of these areas or others in BC and think you can help by bringing in Atlas participants, please contact:
Christopher Di Corrado (BC Breeding bird Atlas Coordinator)
cdicorrado@birdscanada.org; 604-940-4711 or toll-free 1-877-592-8527
Quarry Lake on Nelson Island (north of Sechelt) now has a canoe, pit toilet and a picnic table. Check out Quarry lake in the places to fly feature for more information.
Fire Lake dock: Dock rebuilt was started on Sept 20 2011 and in the third week of October all the work was complete. The dock is now in good condition with tires on both sides. Fire lake is often open in late May, however in some years it can be open as early as late April or may be delayed until late June.
Thomas lake now has a canoe located at the small A frame boat shelter near the lake outlet - take your own paddles and please store the canoe in the shelter when you are finished with it.
We are looking for a good destination for a second picnic table. If you have any suggestions for canoes, tables & pit toilet locations, please let the directors know.
AOPA interviews with COPA President & CEO Kevin Psutka
The following two links are to live AOPA interviews with COPA President & CEO Kevin Psutka and also our COPA Director Frank Hofman who is the international representative for all the IOPA organizations to ICAO.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9a3bG6stPoM&feature=mfu_in_order&list=UL
