BC Floatplane Association Newsletter – August 2025 – by Lien Tran
Welcome from BCFA
It’s been some time since our last update, but we’re excited to share highlights from the AGM, scholarship news, and local flying adventures. We hope you enjoy catching up on what’s happening in our floatplane community!
BCFA AGM Highlights
The BC Floatplane Association held its Annual General Meeting on July 19 at the Aero Club of BC in Pitt Meadows. The meeting was well attended, with 19 members in person and 3 more online, and included several engaging presentations from community leaders.
Fred Carey delivered an in-depth presentation on CASARA’s Artemis system, which transforms the aircraft into a mobile cell tower capable of locating cell phones in remote areas, provided their batteries are still active and not in airplane mode. During a recent search in Chilliwack, Artemis successfully identified the phones of other searchers in the area. The accident aircraft itself was located by homing in on the 121.5 MHz signal from the ELT. Ironically, the 406 MHz signal, triggered at the time of the crash, provided a location that was eight miles off. The search was further aided by a passenger’s newer iPhone, which transmitted an emergency satellite signal. In this case, three different technologies came together to guide searchers to the site. Sadly, the occupants were found deceased, and our thoughts go out to their families and friends.
Fred’s advice to pilots: always keep your phones charged and carry portable battery packs such as Mophies in your flight bags.
Attached: photo of Fred Carey speaking, showing the map of cell towers and wilderness coverage.
Insurance Update from Dave Fitzpatrick – Air 1 Insurance
Dave Fitzpatrick provided an update on Air 1 Insurance, highlighting the importance of understanding insurance requirements and coverage details. He reminded members that the Air 1 team is available to discuss individual insurance needs and provide tailored solutions to pilots.
Some features available for certain aircraft include the ability to pause insurance for in-flight if the company is notified, with possible eligibility for a refund for the paused period. Dave also stressed the importance of reassessing the current value of aircraft to ensure coverage is sufficient to fully replace it if something happens. Reviewing coverage details with an experienced aviation insurance broker is beneficial, as it can help identify gaps and ensure proper protection so that, in the event of a claim, the right coverage is in place.
Dave also shared some of the benefits of Air 1. Their team understands the unique risks and requirements of floatplane operations, providing insurance solutions designed specifically for this niche. Air 1 has just launched a new program for Light Sport/UL aircraft to include floatplanes. They offer tailored insurance policies with competitive premiums that reflect the specialized nature of floatplane insurance, ensuring great value without compromising coverage. Their dedicated team works closely with each client to customize coverage options and provide ongoing support, making the insurance process seamless and client-focused.
Don Goodman also spoke, providing important updates on invasive species and lake management. He noted that invasive freshwater mussels pose a significant threat. While the frontline used to be the Mississippi River, it has now shifted to the Snake River in Idaho, where progressive cleaning programs for both boats and planes have been implemented. So far, BC remains free of aquatic mussels. Pilots are encouraged to act responsibly by keeping floats clean and staying informed through BC’s invasive species online resources.
BCFA Scholarship Recipients
The AGM also celebrated the achievements of two outstanding recipients of the BCFA Floatplane Scholarship:
Kiegham Broney who is currently pursuing her Group 1 Multi-Engine Instrument Rating and plans to complete her floatplane training at Airhart Aviation in Kelowna. She anticipates relocating temporarily to the Canadian North and hopes to engage in aerial firefighting upon her return to BC.
Bruno Pereira, originally from Brazil, relocated to Vancouver to pursue his Commercial Pilot License. Inspired by the unique opportunities in floatplane aviation, he will begin his floatplane training at Nimpo Lake this summer with support from the scholarship. Bruno looks forward to the adventures ahead.
AGM Social & BBQ
Following the AGM, members gathered at Eagles Nest Hangars for a BBQ. It was a chance to relax and connect, with everyone enjoying hamburgers, hot dogs, chips, and drinks. Special thanks to Don Goodman, our Sponsorship Director, for stepping up as grill master.
