Comments 476 to 525 of 908
Customs
20110712 Just checked with Canpass: CPX8 is considered AOE - we can clear Canada customs there
Quiet Airport
With the closure of Carp Flying Academy, and the general economic slowdown, this airport has become quite quiet. Which means it is a good place to visit for practicing circuits. Very well maintained, and a fuel pump with credit card card-lock. The Unicom is generally silent - don't expect an airport advisory.
Touch N Go Aviation, a pilot supply retail outlet, is onsite - you can taxi right to the door.
EAA is onsite, as well as a number of hangers. Ottawa Flying Club, according to an article in COPA Flight, is looking to temporarily relocate here while YOW 4-22 is repaved.
Friendly Fly-In Breakfast, Challenging Approach and departur
Flew here today for their annual fly-in breakfast. It's a gravel strip, with a well-compacted chip surface. In all the years of doing a breakfast, we were told this was only the second time they needed to use R12.
The approach to R12 was challenging, in the that topography on final is quite high. Stay focused on the runway and not the topography under your feet. Manage your speed and use full flaps. Consider a short-field approach profile, just so you're focused on getting the wheels down early. If you decide to reject the landing, make your decision earlier since the departure is also quite "fun".
Departing R12 is not that challenging. Unless you are light, high-powered, or have a STOL a/c, you'll do a normal takeoff but then turn SE (as stated in the CFS) and fly over the town as you gain altitude. Start the departure run on the grass before the R12 runway threshold, so your a/c is moving and there is less chance of sucking up a stone chip into the backside of your prop.
And in-between the landing and the departure, Bancroft is an attractive town with friendly people.
Terrific Day Trip Destination
This airport is a paved runway, a windsock, and an apron. No buildings. No fence. No unicom.
On the apron there are several heavy poured concrete blocks which you can move and use to tie-down the tail, and a cable running down the length of the apron to tie-down the wings. Unfortunately, the cable is a bit far from the edge.
There is a notice board at the west end of the apron with a phone number for the golf course - apparently they'll drive over and pick you up (I did not try it). The golf course is at the east end of the airport.
Across highway 2 is Upper Canada Village, it is a short (5-10 minute) walk. Per-adult entrance fee (2011) is $20.95 plus tax, there are also child, senior, student and family rates. There are two restaurants inside UCV, plus a working sawmill, flour mill, blacksmith, and much much more.You can sprint through in 2 hours and see not much, it would be better to think of this as a several-hour destination. I enjoyed it thoroughly.
First time I flew there.
The first time I flew here was at night, and my first cross country with my wife. I came in off the lake shore and the controller said that he saw me on a right base. I said I couldn't see the airport (this was before the days of GPS). So the controller flashed the runway lights and I could see it. My wife was incredibly impressed that they flashed the whole airport at me.
Vintage Flying Home
Guelph is lovely, quiet and nostalgic. If you walk around the hangars, there will be Tiger Moths and Cornells, Finches and first-generation Cubs. This place is like a museum, with a difference that all those rare and vintage aeroplanes actually fly like they were doing 70 years ago... Say hi to the Tigerboys (http://www.tigerboys.com/), they restore those machines and make the magic happen! Stay for some time and learn to fly a J-3 Cub with Glen (http://www.3pointaviator.com/)! I never notice the time passing while at Guelph, this place is immune to it...
Good alternative to Brampton
Burlington is a bit tough to find - especially at night, but they have a large, well maintained runway and decent on-site services. FBO looks bigger inside than it is outside. For the renters and students, practice area is 0.5 from the place - add that to the budget for training and checkrides. Airport is fairly busy, and rental prices are ok. I wouldn't call myself a huge fan of Burlington, but choosing between it and Brampton, I'll go Burlington anytime.
re: Great airport
Reply to @viennatech: "I tried to back taxi to Bravo and was told to turn around!"
"Told", or "respectfully requested"? CYZR doesn't have a tower, so there's no ATC to boss you around. :)
re: A Bigger Small Airport
Reply to @dazuppa: I've never taken instruction at Buttonville, but I've used it a few times as a transient pilot, and my experiences have always been positive as far as the airport itself goes: professional ATC, good facilities, friendly staff, reasonable prices, etc.
Your point about the location is very valid, however - you walk out of the airport into the middle of the vast, soul-destroying, post-apocalyptic suburban waste land that is Toronto's blue belt, with no public transit worth mentioning and nothing in walking distance worth walking to. That's why I usually cough up the extra money for the Porter FBO at CYTZ - it costs a bit more, but then I'm right downtown and can walk anywhere I want. The Island also offers a much more beautiful approach and departure.
Great airport
Very friendly staff at the local flight school. Make sure that you land and taxi out on Alpha. I tried to back taxi to Bravo and was told to turn around! Otherwise was a great visit and the last stop on my 300 NM CPL cross country flight. They have 100LL pumped with a smile.
re: Awesome Airport!
Thanks for the comment! I'm glad you also like my favourite airport. I think the Island Airport will seem busy if you're used to a quiet, GA-only airport like (say) Smith's Falls, Brampton or Burlington, but will feel quiet and relaxed (and almost rustic) if you're used to to busier airports like Montreal or Ottawa.
I'd also give it a high grade - 9/10 (reserving one mark because the Porter FBO, while great, is a bit too expensive).
re: Not open to public
Reply to @david: IT ISN'T USUALLY OPEN TO THE PUBLIC BUT WITH SPECIAL PERMISSION YOU CAN LAND THERE!
Awesome Airport!
THIS AIRPORT IS VERY COOL WITH 6 RUNWAYS AND A COOL LAYOUT AND IT IS A COOL CHALLENGE TO LAND BECAUSE OF SO MANY DIFFERENT TYPES OF AIRCRAFT!
10 OUT OF 10!
Oh My God, the fish!
I was there yesterday (July 3/11). No real terminal and no staff for fuel. Call ahead or make sure you have enough for a return trip. When you get there, there is a little box attached to the 'terminal' with the guest book. Inside this box is the phone number for Herberts fish & chips. They will gladly come pick you up and drop you off! There are 2 towers on the NW side of the field and a smaller one on the South side to be aware of. This is kind of remote so a walk into town is necessary or arrange something with this fish and chip guys or the local outfitters. And Lord Thundering Jesus the fish! The best fish and chips ever! Yesterday they had fresh whitefish that they catch themselves. They are a fresh fish market that also batters and fries them so you know you are getting the freshest and the best.
Floatplanes!
This airport is a busy floatplane hub with specialized hydroplane flying school on site. Lots of them are flying in the vicinity, and landplanes are a secondary activity at Orilla. Runway is ok, though quite beaten and with a pronounced slope westwards. Taxiways are all gravel - careful with your prop! FBO is very well maintained, there is a little snack house with cute patio, and overall Orilla looks like a busy and interesting place to visit - apart from the beautiful water scenery.
No go place
This airport looks like it was closed but the crosses were not painted on the runway ends. Asphalt is all cracked with grass growing through, there are pits and humps all around, and only central part of the airport maneuvering surfaces is more or less usable.
Funny approach to 25 - on short final you almost clip the houses, overflying their backyards quite tightly. There is a pronounced upslope on the first quarter of 25, and overall 07 looks like a safer choice, wind permitting.
There is a bunch of little airstrips and a decent corporate airport close to Barrie, so unless you wish to seriously punish your landing gear - no need to go Springwater.
Up and running
Check out the airports new website klma.ca
Name
My father's name is Mervin Angus McNair...was called Mac McNair.
My experience landing at Billy Bishop
Landing was great , even though it looked somewhat scary.
The boat ride was 1-2 minutes
Excellent !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Quality of Excellence
Landed at Shepherd's Landing many times since the opening in 1997. Owner Garry Shepherd always has the grass well manicured, has beer in the fridge, steak on the barbie, and a smile on his face. 5 mins to the beach and bikinis. Cubs, Christavia,RVs,Cessnas,Pipers and a real nice Comanche 250 based on the field. Please call ahead before landing in case we are on the beach chasing bikinis.
Nice place!
Cute little airport, very well maintained and easy to find. Rather busy local traffic - lots of planes in the nearby Claremont training area and next to the lake Scugog - so keep listening (and advising) on the 122.9 before getting close to Lindsay. It is also a popular destination for the local "100$ hamburger" cross-countries, check out their restaurant next to the FBO! :-)
Great field
I was there yesterday. Great field. Caution of the wires off the north end.
Flight School Closed
Aviation International closed this spring. There is no fuel or a restaurant available anymore.
re: Stoney Creek Airport
Yeah great place to land and chat with friendly aviators. I was in one of their meetings and it included a guest speaker.
That night was about avionics, it was great.
They also had some pretty interesting presentations by Transport Canada, the place was packed, great ground support to land and tiedown. The food was great and affordable.
Great club to join
Stoney Creek Airport
Friendly airfield managed by EAA Chapter 65, two runways, one grass one paved, both are well kept.
Paved runway open for summer and winter flying.
Chapter 65 members always available and ready to help.
Graet place to fly, they have monthly meetings 2nd Friday of the month.
A lot of activity during the weekends
re: Quiet and friendly to ultralights
Reply to @Paraman:
Lovely Aerodrome
Very well maintained airstrip, with good approaches and easy to find, just north-east of Alliston. Northbound short final you literally fly between the hangars - though they are wide apart enough, no risk at all. Lots of nice private aircrafts in a good shape parked around - Luscombe, RV, square-tail Cessna, Cub, Kitfox... Tried to find the owner to say hi, but everything was closed and quiet.
GA Friendly Airport
A very nice place to land while visiting the Niagara Falls (don't forget to check out the CYR 518 rules before attempting to fly over the waterfall!) Huge pawed runways, lots of parking space, absolutely friendly and helpful people at the FBO and on St. Catharines radio. Pleasure to visit or fly by, easy to find.
Saratoga
Hi,
I presently own a Piper Cherokee PA-28 140, with a private pilot license. I am looking to buy a Piper Saratoga Turbo in the US and would like to train on one now so I can get current in this model and can bring it back. I am going in Rochester New York, on May 18, to get my American Pilot License. I have a night rating and I am within a coupe of hours to get my VFROTT.
I would be interested in renting a Saratoga or maybe if no Saratoga are available a Piper Six. And pay for some training on it. Do you or any of your member have a Saratoga (preferably a T-Saratoga) that I could rent or inquiry for rent and training.
Alain F. Dagenais P.Eng.
1252 Notre Dame Street, P.O. Box. 160
Embrun, Ontario
KOA 1WO
Office 613-963-0700 x 223
Home 613-443-3939
Cell 613-913-1769
E-mail address alain@adagenais.com
building
ould you be interested in distribution your hangar at V.p. Bay airdrome? I'd equal to bring my aircraft there occasionally in the summer but would suchlike to cook it "inside". I shelter't prefabricated the swimming yet to acquire a structure for the integral gathering.
____________
barijohn
lots of wine arround
the placing is great the only few things that it could use at times the runaway could use a little work and i would like to see some form of transportation ( the only thing around is a 2 car taxi service ). but lots of wine only 15 minutes drive from Vineland with lots of vineyards and a wine festival in the spring. also close to Hamilton and 30 minutes from Niagara Falls
re: a.k.a. KARS - A Nice Grass Strip
The web site of Rideau Valley Soaring School has moved to rvss.ca
re: Home base on the island
Reply to @cvander: Would you be interested in sharing your hangar at Gore Bay airport? I'd like to bring my aircraft there occasionally in the summer but would like to keep it "inside". I haven't made the plunge yet to lease a hangar for the whole year. Please send me a note at kapling01-lancair@yahoo.com . Thanks!
Summer visitors
If only you could rent a hangar for the summer months. It seems cost inefficient to rent a hangar for the whole year and only use it for four or five months. Maybe the airport should look into some type of temporary summer hangars?
ILS / PAPI Angles
Some useless trivia... the ILS glideslope for runway 08 is 3.5 degrees (PAPI 3.9 degrees). The ILS glideslope for runway 26 is 4.8 degrees (as is the PAPI). The PAPI angle for runway 15 is 5.5 degrees, which is the same as the ILS at London City Airport (EGLC). The steepest ILS that I could find is at Lugano, Switzerland (LSZA); the ILS glideslope is 6.65 degrees.
re: Fuel Availability
As far as I know, the airbase has been closed for sometime.
Fuel Availability
Can fuel be purchased at this location?
re: My Home Base
Reply to @dazuppa: it's not hard to bring a Cherokee in on a 6+ deg glidepath - I'm guessing the ILS 26 isn't quite that steep.
re: Nice Airport, Mediocre Service
I agree with you and disagree at the same time. I agree that the terminal staff are not friendly but disagree that the flying club members are friendly. I found them not to be friendly either and arrogant.
re: Learning to fly at Sudbury Aviation - 1967.
Hello Dave;
Its your old friend Philip Fortin send me a message at pjfortin@telus.net.
ARNPRIOR, COPA Flight 33, Established: 1986
ARNPRIOR, COPA Flight 33, Established: 1986
Runway
Asphalt surface,2000',080-260. East end slopes up.
re: flights to Toronto Island airport
Porter is the only airline flying scheduled service into Toronto Island right now (January 2011). They have added flights to Sudbury, so it might be worth getting in touch with them and seeing if they think there might be a market for a daily flight to Kingston as well.
Past Employee
I'm looking for information on a past employee and anyone that might of known her, can someone contact me through email, and i can explain why i'm looking for information on someone that worked for you and that has since past away. It would mean the world to me! my email is julie_sue_beaudry@hotmail.com, please put as subject "Collingwood Airport past Employee" Thank you in advance!!
flights to Toronto Island airport
Please tell me why on earth in this day and age you do not have regular commuter flights between Kingston and Downtown Toronto and/or Montreal. So many people I know who travel for work, including my husband, would fly weekly to and from Kingston over taking the train. Kingston is a wonderful place to live and having that access would be such a big draw for those who don't wish to live in the big city but must resort to working there.
We live in Kingston and I wouldn't change that for anything, but, I loose my husband to travel every week. The excessive lost hours he has accrued between airports and train stations in the last 12 years cannot even be counted at this point. Having a Kingston to Toronto Island route could knock off an hour and a half each way.
runway
"Subject to cross winds." ? Runway is 07/25...25 is aligned with the prevailing winds of the area, namely from the west.
aircraft spotting
aircraft spotting is ausome at this airport cause you can see almost any variaty of aircraft
re: gy
hey
Not friendly
🔗 Wed, 13 Jul 2011
— Anonymous Flyer at Tomvale Airport, Canada
...not a friendly airport at all....stay away unless it is a forced landing.