2021 Scholarship Winners

Erissa Yong Memorial BCGA Bursary  $2000
Awarded to a pilot or student pilot who has overcome adversity in his or her life.

Purpose
This award is to recognize the perseverance of a pilot, student pilot or aircraft maintenance engineer that has overcome adversity. The scholarship is to be used to further the recipients aviation education or flight training towards basic or advanced licenses or ratings.

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​Onkarbir Singh Toor Memorial BCGA Scholarship $1000
Awarded to a pilot or student pilot who has overcome adversity in his or her life. 

Purpose
This award is to recognize the perseverance of a pilot or student pilot that has overcome adversity. The scholarship is to be used to further the recipients aviation education or flight training towards basic or advanced licenses or ratings.

Article by: Steve Drinkwater / Published in Canadian Aviator Magazine 

The District of Sechelt led British Columbia in obtaining provincial government funding to improve its airport infrastructure. The $1,348,108 grant, when combined with a provincial grant from the year before, allowed for the repaving of, and a 700-foot extension to, the aging 2,400-foot asphalt runway. The next biggest grant recipient was Kitimat, which received $822,913.


“After many years and multiple attempts to get this project off the ground, we have finally taken the first step in revitalizing our aerodrome,” Sechelt Mayor Darnelda Siegers told Canadian Aviator. “Thank you to the many stalwart recreational flyers who have kept the faith and the vision and just continued to articulate it. It was through their support and unwavering commitment that the District of Sechelt achieved this expansion,” Siegers added. Mayor Siegers is a long-time advocate of scheduled air service to Vancouver airport to complement the VFR-only floatplane service Harbour Air provides from a local marina. She sees this project as an important step towards achieving that goal.


The British Columbia Air Access Program, which provides funding on a cost-sharing basis each year to improve facilities at airports throughout the province, granted a total of $9.28 million in fiscal 2021. Nine airports in Northern B.C. shared $3.6 million, four in the Kootenays shared $618,835, seven in the Thompson-Okanagan and Cariboo-Chilcotin regions shared $1.2 million, two Vancouver Island airports shared $590,471 and five Southern Coastal airports (which includes Sechelt) shared $3.4 million.


“We know the pandemic has caused financial stress for many industries and significantly impacted our aviation sector throughout B.C., including our community airports,” Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure Rob Fleming said in a statement. “But we are also looking to better days ahead, post-pandemic. That’s why we are taking action to support communities with important infrastructure upgrades so we can boost jobs, tourism and trade that will give us a head start with B.C.’s economic recovery.”

Erissa's long time partner Dave has had an opportunity to compose his thoughts and memories of Erissa and asked that we help share them on his behalf. Erissa was so much to so many people, for the BCGA she was our Matron, our biggest supporter and without a doubt our most enthusiastic member. 

Hello Dear Family, friends and FB followers of Erissa Yong-Wilson.

​ I've been wanting to put something out there for a while. Quite frankly until now I've just not been able to keep myself together long enough to do this. I'm Dave. I've been Erissas' partner, friend and most notably her baggage handler since about 1983'ish. Some of you know me, others may not. First and foremost, to her family, some here, most in Malaysia and others calling various parts of the world your home. I can't adequately describe how I feel and how you must feel at the sudden loss of Erissa. For her to be such a huge part of each of our lives and then have her presence suddenly vanish. I wish I could hold each and every one of you. Thank you sincerely and deeply to many of you that have found me and offered your condolences. Truly heartfelt. I recollect the many extraordinary and fun filled times we have had with many of you over the years. I must say it was a little disconcerting early on to find out that she was related to a long line of Borneo headhunters. I recall a trip we made to a tourist version of a tribal long house with heads prominently displayed in the main room. Erissa said " See that? That could be you." WTF? She had my passport. The term    ' sleeping with one eye open.' That's where it came from. Many times I caught her trying to sneek a parang into the house. Oft times I would stand back and watch as she got into a dustup with somebody. I'd wonder if they knew they were dealing with a headhunter. We were so much looking forward to getting back to Malaysia soon. As you know Erissa came to Canada in 1974 with Peter and her son Wilson. As she soon began to call Canada her home she never forgot her roots. She was a Malaysian girl in a far off wilderness. She struggled, persevered and eventually began to live her dream. To my Malaysian family I don't know what motivated her initially but I know that each and every one of you inspired her to attain greater achievements. I am fortunate and grateful to have met Erissas' father Jackie, mother Mary and her siblings Irene, Marlene, Peter, Ros and Paul. I miss you terribly. As well, equally as grateful to have met and spent wonderful times with her beloved nieces, nephews, cousins, neighbours and various other townsfolk over the years. You all mean so much to her and have helped her in so many ways you don't even know. I promise and look forward to sharing stories and fond memories in the times ahead.

To her many, many friends local and around the world. Friends that she has had the pleasure of being in the company of and those that she's thoroughly enjoyed chatting with online. I know that all of you have made an indelible impression on her. You made her laugh, you made her cry, you made her angry, you made her happy. I'm just sitting here now recollecting some of the times that Erissa and I have spent with many of you and the countless stories we all could share. I will tell one story maybe some of you know. We were in Cancun Mexico many years ago. Erissa decided one morning she wanted to go skydiving. Now for someone who usually wouldn't bother to go down to the mailbox this sounded like a bit of a stretch. Short story, she did jump, had a blast and didn't stop smiling for the rest of the weekend. We flew home and that evening said " I want to learn how to do that" I said " What, learn how to skydive? " she said " No, I want to learn how to fly a plane ". Literally two weeks later she was flying a Cessna 172 being instructed by some very dear people, you know who you are. The rest, they say, is history. I've never witnessed someone discover a passion before. Sure, Erissa liked, even loved doing many things. But this flying gig, it took over her soul. Over the years each and every time I saw her park a plane, pop open the door and wriggle out it was like seeing a brand new more vibrant larger than life version of herself. Ahhh... the stories. I believe a true indicator of a passion is the desire to share it with others and to help others experience the same feeling. One of her greatest thrills and 'reason for being' was seeing the faces of kids that she had just flown around the countryside as part of a Young Eagle program or something similar. She really wanted to help light that fire in some kid. She wanted to give an opportunity to a young person who had that same passion. Of course many of you are familiar with Erissas' motorcycling exploits. Another passion albeit more familiar to most 'regular' people :)  In Malaysia Erissa learned how to ride a bike shortly after learning how to dispatch and prep a fish, 9-10'ish? Her long hidden skills at motorcycle riding soon emerged after bumping into bonehead me. After a few years of kickin' around on various sport bikes she was smitten by one of Harley Davidson's models, the V-Rod. The rest they say........ Many motorcycling adventures to share!! :)

When the RCMP knocked on our door that evening I almost fell to the floor. Erissa had texted me about 3 hours earlier with a picture saying she'd be back in an hour or so. Usually she'd return from somewhere then go out for dinner and show up later. I hadn't been too concerned. I argued with the officers saying they've made a mistake. it can't be. For the rest of the night into the next day I couldn't accept it. As reality eventually began clawing its way in over the next few days I began thinking of all the people, her family, her friends. I know all of you have gone through some degree of loss, despair. Many of our friends had contacted me very quickly and we continue to console each other and support each other through this grieving process. I'm sure others are helping each other also. If I may at this time, as many of you know there was a passenger in the plane. I've known this person for a few years. Erissa had taken this young woman pilot under her wing so to speak and was thoroughly enjoying their flying adventures. Mentoring and having an opportunity to support another woman pilot meant a lot to Erissa. This young women embodies what Erissa has strived to obtain. Strong, resilient, determined, focused with a little bit of goofy I hope. I know she will get through this traumatic time and she will make a mark on this world. Many people have called or emailed asking me if there is anything they can do, they're wanting to express their condolences, where can they send flowers, etc. I know, as an old guy, we've all been there. I want to do something and I will. Erissa started a scholarship program with the BCGA. The British Columbia General Aviation Association. She wanted to assist young people to achieve their dream of learning to fly. I'm going to do what I can to keep her dream alive to help young people achieve theirs. I would ask that if any friends or family of Erissa wish to support a passion shared by her and like minded folks then the BCGA would be it. Donations are accepted. Please look into it. Another quick story. Forgive me if I get the details wrong, it's been a while. I know she's told some of you. During her early flying days when she was mostly doing circuits around CYPK she was up going around in circles one day and she was on downwind over the Fraser River. The tower came on to inform her to watch out for a Beaver heading west. She thought, as she said " I'm at 500 feet how can a beaver get this high!?".  That story never gets old. So many stories will never get old even as the story tellers will. I hope Erissas' grandkid will be telling stories of her one day.

I didn't mean to take up so much of your time.  I might like to share a story or two with you in the future, some fun stuff. If any of you have a story to share about Erissa please do, it's how we keep people, things, ideas relevant. My best to all of you. I don't know what to say that would make things easier. Maybe there isn't anything that can be said. I know that I will miss her dearly for the rest of my life as many of you will. She was one in a million. One day after this whole virus thing settles down we'll be able to get together, share a laugh, shed a tear, raise a glass and toast a woman, who against all odds, lived and discovered a passion.   FLYING.

Dave Wilson

PRESS RELEASE FROM COURTENAY AIRPARK – CAH3
NOVEMBER 3, 2020
We are pleased to announce that following our application in January this year, the 2020/2021 BC Air Access Program grant application submitted by the Courtenay Airpark Association has been approved.

These funds will assist us with the float plane ramp rehabilitation, as well as runway/taxiway repairs and repainting of all markings.

The Airpark Board thanks those many organizations who supported our application, including the City of Courtenay, Helijet, APAS, Sealand Flight, Project Watershed, Airspeed High, Donna's Cafe, Comox Valley Chamber of Commerce.
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The Courtenay Airpark looks forward to continuing to contribute to the economic wellbeing of the Comox Valley, as well as providing 24/7 emergency access for the BC Air Ambulance Service. 

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Editorial Note: 
This grant comes only two years after a proposal to rezone the airpark for non aviation use was defeated. We congratulate the Airpark and wish them many more years of vibrant aviating!

Press Release October 26, 2020
 
Following a 2 year process which included 2 applications, the 2020/2021 BC Airports Access Program grant application submitted by the District of Kitimat and the Kitimat Flying Club has been approved. This will support a major refurbishment of the runway and taxiway at the Kitimat Airpark, along with the construction of a helipad.
 
We would like to acknowledge and thank the numerous groups, organizations and individuals that have supported our endeavours which will provide a valuable long-term economic, emergency access etc., asset for the Kitimat Valley:
 
The Mayor, Councillor’s, and staff of the District of Kitimat,
Kentron Construction
Ellis Ross, MLA
Kitimat Search and Rescue
Canadian Owners and Pilots Association
BC General Aviation Association
Terrace Air Cadets
Canadian Coast Guard
 
Jim Tiviotdale
President
Kitimat Flying Club
www.kitimatflyingclub.ca
Email: info@kitimatflyingclub.ca
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Article by: Steve Drinkwater / Published on the COPA Website

The Town of Golden in central-eastern British Columbia recently retained HM Aero, an aviation consulting company, to study the town’s airport and make recommendations on whether the land should continue to be used as an airport, or the land be repurposed to achieve a greater economic benefit for the community.

The study, first reported by eFlight on June 25, 2020, was presented to Golden Town Council at their regular council meeting on October 20. The report called for the airport to be retained as a registered aerodrome.

HM Aero recommended that the town prepare a ‘strategic and tactical plan’ to ensure that airport infrastructure be maintained into the future. The Town of Golden received the report and unanimously adopted a motion to continue operating the site as a registered aerodrome and move forward to create a strategic and tactical plan as recommended.

HM Aero conducted extensive stakeholder consultations, including an information session via Zoom in June, online surveys with input from both businesses and residents (which garnered 634 responses), in-person, 51 phone and videoconference calls held with 38 different organizations. Industry associations, including COPA and the BC General Aviation Association, also provided input.

The complete study is appended below.
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Photo courtesy HM Aero/Town of Golden

The sixth BCGA Survival Shakedown was held on October 17-18, 2020 17km outside of Kamloops, BC. This survival training event is designed to give pilots an opportunity to get acquainted with and practice using their on board aircraft survival kit. 

The group of 18 members and 6 Instructors met at the Kamloops Flying Club on Saturday morning. At the pre-briefing the group was treated to a comprehensive presentation given by Shaun Glass, a retired Canadian Forces  Search and Rescue Technician and current volunteer member of the Central Fraser Valley Search & Rescue Team. Our participants came from all over BC and from as far as Alberta and Manitoba. 

We were also fortunate to have the support of Dave and Theresa who are BCGA members, pilots and also members of the search and rescue team. We were fortunate to have Canadian Army Veteran Trevor Claus join us for the second time. We were also honoured to have Dwaine and Adrienne with us from Kamloops Search and rescue. They pulled the 1AM-3AM shift and spent the night with us. The location that they picked is the same place that is used to train their new search and rescue members. 

The weather was perfect for the exercise. By that we mean that it was cool, crisp and dry for the beginning of the outdoor portion but things turned and it began snowing around 11pm. The exercise concluded in the morning with 4cm on the ground. 

Throughout the exercise the instructors made rounds to check on the participants' well being and to give hints and tips as to how to improve their set-up. Instructors worked in shifts throughout the night. The majority of the participants slept with little more than the clothes on their back and an emergency space blanket. The value of the Survival Shakedown is really what you make of it and we were impressed by the number of participants that held true to the minimalist approach. 

While the temperatures overnight dropped to a snowy -3C and the participants were a bit chilly, they all found warmth and comfort around their fires which most kept going all night.

This exercise was meant to introduce pilots to the contents of their survival kit and to have them put some thought into the contents of the kit. It was not an episode of survivor man where we withhold, starve and torture the attendees. It is for this reason that as the pilots emerged shortly before sunrise they gathered at the instructor camp to enjoy a snack and hot chocolate in order to warm up some chilly and weary bones. 

After a warm drink and a snack the participants were lead in a walk through, where all the attendees as a group visited each and every camp to learn and discuss what went right and what didn't for each individual pilot. 

Once the walk through was complete, the group cleaned up and returned the forest to its original state ensuring that all fires were completely extinguished and all shelters were taken down. The group then gathered for a fire extinguisher demonstration which was lead by participant and firefighter Keith.  Prizes were awarded for best camp, and most ingenuity followed by the issuing of completion certificates. We are privileged to have the support of Axeman.ca owned by BCGA member Jeremy. He donated a beautiful folding saw as one of the prizes. 

The BCGA is very proud and grateful to have had the support of Kamloops Search and Rescue. As a small token of our appreciation, the BCGA donated $780 from the course fees to the volunteer Kamloops Search and Rescue Team.

Lastly, we are very proud of our members that came to the event. Despite pushing their comfort levels not one person complained and every single participant embraced the exercise and truly brought nothing more than their typical survival kit.