We would like to take a moment to give a special thanks those members that take the time to make contributions to the BCGA. 

The BCGA was founded on the idea that aviation has enough expenses and that as an organization it  is up to us to prove our value to you the member, and earn your contributions. A few of the reasons for this model include:

1. Accessibility to all: By adopting this model we are accessible to all pilots regardless of life circumstances or financial position. We are able to include prospective pilots, student pilots and experienced pilots with no risk to the member. 

2. Non-Compete with Flying Clubs & COPA: As an organization that supports and promotes General Aviation we are firm believers that all pilots should be members of both their local flying club and COPA. Being active, and supporting aviation at a local, provincial and federal level makes us stronger as an organization and aviation community. By having a voluntary contribution model we do not compete with the local clubs or COPA and enjoy an excellent working relationship with other organizations. 

3. We work hard to prove value: The voluntary contribution model keeps us on our toes and forces us to come up with new an innovative ideas to keep things fresh and progressive within the organization. Instead of resting on membership dues we work hard to create excitement and give the members a reason to want to contribute. 

Members That Contribute
We exist thanks to the generosity of our members. Some of our contributors do so on a regular basis and without much fanfare and for that we are grateful. Contributions can be in any amount that a member feels comfortable with and is by no means required or mandatory. The last thing we want is for you to contribute out of a sense of obligation. We want you to feel good about where your hard earned money is going.

Ways To Contribute
There are many ways to contribute to the BCGA. Some of the most common are:
1. Occasional one off donations made by PayPal or email transfer to info@bcaviation.ca
2. Some members have set up small recurring monthly contributions through Paypal or Interac.
3. Some members have offered benefits through their businesses for BCGA members.
4. Some members have provided valuable pro-bono services to the BCGA.

Transparency
We believe in 100% transparency. In order to accomplish this we publish a weekly running spreadsheet in the members section of the website called BCGA Dollars & Cents where any member can view all contributions and expenses. We are always happy to explain the contents of the spreadsheet.

Conclusion
We are a growing organization that operates modestly from voluntary contributions and will continue to offer free membership as long as contributions continue to cover expenses. That said, we appreciate those members that have made contributions and encourage others that are in a position to do so to consider the BCGA as a worthy beneficiary of a small contribution when and if the time is right. ​

Thank you for your Consideration:
Your Volunteer BCGA Leadership Group;
Ryan, Ken, Rick, Ben, Brodie, Rob, Travis & Arthur

For Interac E-Transfer Please use: info@bcaviation.ca

The BCGA Honour Coin has been introduced as a way for BCGA Members to give a memento or token of recognition. These custom coins are meant to be purchased by members for the purpose of gifting them to others. The idea is for these coins to truly mean something and have value that is not monetary but sentimental.


Buy a few to keep in your flight bag to award to deserving individuals.

​Giving or receiving an honour coin is a sign of appreciation and respect.

Reasons for gifting an honour coin may Include but are not limited to:

• Recognition of a good deed.
• Recognition of someone that has gone above and beyond.
• Recognition of a flying accomplishment such as a solo, license or rating.
• Token of thanks for a flight instructor, ramp attendant, flying club member or mentor.
• Memento of a first flight for a child or adult as pilot or passenger.
• Memento for that one passenger that is terrified of flying but took to the air anyway.
• Token of appreciation for that airline employee that went the extra mile.
• Memento to give to a visiting pilot or when visiting another pilot from outside BC.

The reasons for gifting a Honour Coin are limited only by your imagination. The more special the reason for gifting one the more valuable the coin becomes to the recipient.

If you've been gifted coins from multiple people, consider gifting one to a deserving individual if the opportunity presents itself.

If you gift a coin consider sharing with us why you gifted the coin and to whom with the community so that we can all enjoy the act of recognition. (Facebook: BC General Aviation / Instagram: @bcgeneralaviation / Email: info@bcaviation.ca) #bcgahonourcoin

Embossed Metal Coin with Durable Enamel Colouring

Coin Size: 1.75"

(FREE SHIPPING ON HONOUR COINS)

The BC Government has announced this year's recipients of grants from the BC Air Access Program. The Air Access program was originally introduced by the BC Liberals and it has continued under the current NDP Government. Some of you will remember that one of the projects funded by the Air Access Program last year was the resurfacing of the runway in Chetwynd. 

Please see below the official press release from the BC Government with a list of recipients and their associated projects as well as an official announcement from the Abbotsford Flying Club outlining how the grant for Abbotsford benefits local pilots and the club at large. Thank you to Stephen Stewart for sending us this story. 

​NEWS RELEASE

For Immediate Release

2018TRAN0128-001477

July 26, 2018

Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure

B.C. Air Access program improves travelling experience

ABBOTSFORD – The British Columbia government is giving grants to 23 regional airports through the B.C. Air Access Program (BCAAP) to make safety and capacity upgrades, and create a better experience for people travelling by air.

“Airports are a vital transportation link across the province and a lifeline for the many smaller communities they serve,” said Claire Trevena, Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure. “These grants make sure airports have the support they need to make important upgrades that would otherwise be too costly.”

Past recipients, like Chetwynd Airport, have seen major improvements thanks to the support. The airport was awarded $1.3 million last year to repave its runway – a safety upgrade that was required to fix cracking pavement and halt the risk of closure.

“Funding from the B.C. Air Access Program made it possible for us to complete crucial safety upgrades at Chetwynd Airport,” said Carol Newsom, chief administrative officer with the District of Chetwynd. “There was a critical need to resurface this runway, so planes and emergency air craft could continue to land safely and our airport could remain open. We’re grateful for the long-term impact this will have on our facility and community.”

Projects can range from minor upgrades, like Bob Quinn Lake Airport’s runway vegetation management, to major advancements, like Qualicum Beach Airport’s terminal expansion. All B.C. aviation facilities can apply for funding each winter, to be awarded the following fiscal year.

“Our airports are critical for B.C. – they are the socio-economic drivers for the communities they serve, and the B.C. Air Access Program offers vital support to these heavily used facilities,” said Heather Bell, chair of the British Columbia Aviation Council. “We’re thrilled that, once again, the Province is providing this welcome funding relief that makes it possible for B.C. airports to upgrade their facilities with important improvements that will benefit the communities, staff and travellers who use them.”

Quick Facts:

• BCAAP is a cost-share program that provides funding to assist communities with improvements to their aviation infrastructure. This year, the grants total over $5.3 million.
• The program, now in its fourth year, has committed almost $30 million to 50 airports around the province since 2015.
• BCAAP funding can cover up to 75% of the costs for airport infrastructure rehabilitation projects, 50% of the costs for new infrastructure or 60% for blended projects (rehabilitation projects that include new infrastructure).
• B.C. has more than 300 public airports, heliports and water aerodromes, which play a significant role in connecting communities and in supporting the B.C. economy.
• While B.C. is home to 13% of Canada’s population, B.C.’s airports handle 20% of Canada’s airport traffic and nearly a quarter of all aircraft movements (takeoffs and landings).

Learn More:
For more information on the program and recipients, please visit: https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/transportation/funding-engagement-permits/funding-grants/aviation-infrastructure-funding
 
BACKGROUNDER

BC Air Access Program 2018-19 grant recipients
The following airports have been awarded funding grants through the BC Air Access Program to support their proposed aviation infrastructure improvements.

Airport and project:

• Abbotsford - apron and taxiway expansion
• Anahim Lake - fuel system reconfiguration
• Bella Coola - Phase 2 - certification - obstacle removal
• Bob Quinn Lake - vegetation management on runway
• Comox - fuel tank truck route
• Comox - airfield lighting upgrade
• Dease Lake - brush cutting and installation of washroom facilities
• Delta (Boundary Bay) - taxiway rehabilitation
• Fairmont Hot Springs - replace emergency vehicle gate and radios
• Fraser Lake - new windsocks, line painting and signage
• Grand Forks - water main/fire flows rehabilitation
• Kamloops (float plane dock) - float plane dock rehabilitation
• Langley - solar lighting on runway
• Nelson (Norman Stibbs) - fuel pump replacement
• 108 Mile Ranch - automated weather system replacement
• Osoyoos - runway extension and apron improvements
• Qualicum Beach - terminal expansion and rehabilitation
• Qualicum Beach - long-term parking
• Quesnel - runway lighting replacement
• Salmon Arm - relocate and upgrade taxiway
• Stewart - runway rehabilitation
• Telegraph Creek - runway rehabilitation, GPS and lighting
• Tofino (Long Beach) - terminal pavement extension
• Valemount - lighting rehabilitation
• Vanderhoof - apron expansion

Contact:
 
Media Relations
Government Communications and Public Engagement
Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure
250 356-8241

Announcement of Grant Recipients
(A few words from the Abbotsford Flying Club)

July 26th 2018

Today at 12 noon, at an event on the apron at Abbotsford Airport, the Honourable Claire Trevena Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure, announced this year’s grant recipients for the B.C. Air Access Program. Twenty three airports across the province are to receive funding. Abbotsford will receive over half a million dollars in support of projects at Chinook Helicopters, Andre’s Welding and the Abbotsford Flying Club hangar operation.

The Abbotsford Flying Club has operated hangars at CYXX since 1991. In 2012 the size of the operation was tripled by taking over two additional buildings from direct airport operation. Since then the AFC has rented hangar space to over 60 tenants and tie down space for ten aircraft. There is always more demand for space than we have places available. 

The current lease started in March 2015 and will run for thirty years. Our operation is expected to continue to offer general aviation aircraft space at CYXX until at least 2045. 

To ensure this long-term viability, our strategy has been to invest up front into improving the facilities as soon as possible for all tenants and users. We have already put back over $200k into replacing hangar roofs, gutters and downpipes, repairing doors, and other general maintenance. 

The next major project will be to re-grade our entire taxiway system, add new improved drainage, and repave completely. This is the project that will be enabled by the BC Air Access Program, and we gratefully acknowledge the financial support of the Provincial Government. 

The Air Access Program is an investment in the aviation infrastructure of British Columbia. This project will provide a direct benefit to our hangar tenants, and will benefit general aviation by helping to assure the continuing strong presence of general aviation at CYXX. A healthy general aviation sector is an essential basis for the growth of commercial aviation and aerospace activity in Abbotsford and in BC. 

This initiative is directly in line with the constitutional aims of the AFC, which include the promotion of aviation in general, the provision of aviation facilities, and to operate aircraft. Very soon after its own formation in 1961, the AFC created the Abbotsford International Airshow, which is a showcase for aerospace and aviation in Canada; and the AFC continues as an integral part of the airshow. More recently, in 2009 to celebrate the centenary of flight in Canada, we created the First Flights for Kids, which continues to grow and has now flown over 1,100 kids in their first flight in a small aircraft. Some have gone on through Air Cadets and pilot training and are now commercial pilots, and some have joined the club. 
​
The taxiway project is planned for later this year. It will strip away all existing taxiways and paving on our hangar lease area, re-grade the area entirely, install a number of new surface water drains, and then pave new taxiways, hangar access, and tie-down places. 
 
Questions - contact: Steve Stewart, tel. 604 556 8260    stejste@shaw.ca

Dear Members, 

Many of you have been in contact with us regarding the recent local news stories about a proposed new bridge that posses a direct threat to the future of Courtenay Airpark (CAH3). These stories are alarming and we can only hope that they are a result of a proposal made by a city planner or bureaucrat that does not understand the economic impact that the airport has on the local community. 

What is the BCGA doing about it?
The short answer is, nothing at the moment. The BCGA has a very close working relationship with COPA. As an organization the BCGA exists to promote safe and enjoyable flying throughout British Columbia. COPA on the other hand exists in order to advance, promote and preserve the Canadian freedom to fly. 

The BCGA is in communication with COPA on this matter and has offered to provide any required support as deemed necessary by the team at COPA. After all this is what COPA does best and we are more useful in a supporting role when it comes to these types of battles. 

Why COPA?
Many pilots ask what exactly COPA does other than provide cheap insurance and a magazine. Well folks, it is times like this when airports are being threatened that COPA does what they do best and communicate with local, provincial and federal government contacts and stakeholders to ensure that they represent and advocate on behalf of you the Canadian pilot in order to ensure that treasures like Courtenay Airpark don't go down without a fight. 

It is in situations like this that COPA truly shines and earns every penny of your membership dollars and a prime example why every pilot in Canada whether you are a student pilot, ultralight pilot, renter or owner should be a member of COPA. We should also mention that British Columbia is very well represented at the top levels of COPA.

Dave McElroy - Chairman Of The Board. / BC & Yukon Director (Kelowna, BC)
David Black - BC & Yukon Director (Vancouver, BC)
Carter Mann - Director of Government Affairs (Ladner, BC)

COPA's Website

Eight Recipients Selected for the 10th Annual Elsie MacGill Northern Lights Award

May 15th, 2018, Toronto, Ontario – The Northern Lights Aero Foundation board members are pleased to announce the eight recipients of the 2018 aviation and aerospace awards.
Each year the not-for-profit foundation honours outstanding women who have made a significant contribution in their field and who continue to lay the groundwork to attract other women to enter or excel in these industries. This year will be a very special occasion as we celebrate our 10th Anniversary. To honour this milestone we will also highlight the 41 past award winners since 2009, many of whom have continued to advance their careers and achievements since winning their awards.
The foundation’s Award Program called the “Elsie” is named after aviation pioneer and human rights advocate Elsie Gregory MacGill, the world’s first female aircraft designer, MacGill graduated from the University of Toronto’s electrical engineering program in 1927 and later became pivotal in the design and production of the Hawker Hurricane in Canada during the Second World War. During her career, MacGill was appointed to the Canadian Royal Commission on the Status of Women and was made an Officer of the Order of Canada.

“Elsie was a woman who was not very well known yet made significant contributions toward the advancement of women in Canada” says Joy Parker Blackwood, President of the Northern Lights Aero Foundation. “Our goal is to bring more recognition for her and all the women doing great work in aviation and aerospace in Canada. They are all awe-inspiring role models for our youth!”
 The 2018 recipients are : 

​Rising Star Award: Larissa Chiu received her Private Pilot’s License through the Air Cadet Program in 2016 and now volunteers her time flying in her squadron’s familiarization program for young cadets. Larissa is currently attending the University of British Columbia in the Bachelor of Science program and is on the Executive of UBC’s Aviation Club. She is working on her night rating and Commercial Pilot’s license. She has received many awards along the way for such a young person including numerous Top Cadet awards, a Royal Conservatory of Music Scholarship, and Duke of Edinburgh Gold Medal Award. She volunteers for Girls Fly Too events, is a mentor at her high school, and also volunteers as a STEM Ambassador for Science Expo. Last year she entered into a partnership with Hamilton Watch Company who generously supports her flight training by donating $1,000 through her flight school in exchange for Larissa to fly Hamilton’s top employees!
​
Pioneer Award: Major Micky Colton joined Canadian Forces as a pilot March 1980 and graduated with wings in 1982. She was posted on the C130 Hercules at the following Squadrons; 436 Sqn Trenton, 429 Sqn Winnipeg, 435 Sqn Edmonton, 424 Sqn Trenton (twice), 426 Sqn Trenton (twice).  Was Air Transport Operations Duty Officer (dispatch job), Wing Flight Safety Officer-Trenton and C130 Standards and Evaluation officer at Transport and Rescue Evaluation Team (TRSET) Trenton-twice.  Micky accumulated about 6900 hours on the C130 before retiring. Retired from the Regular force in October 2011 and joined the Air Force Reserves the next day. She just retired 30th May as a Reservist Duty Operations Officer for 424 Transport and Rescue Squadron- Trenton. Micky went to St. Lawrence College in 2013 and took the Veterinary Assistant certificate program.  She blazed a trail for women in the Canadian military!
Flight Operations Award: Julie Beverstein - Assistant Chief Pilot, Recruitment and Retention, Porter Airlines. Julie has been flying for 20 years. She started flying lessons at the Island Airport while at U of T doing her BSc; she then went to Seneca College to do the rest of her flight training. She was a flight instructor for 5 years before working for Air Georgian out of Toronto Pearson. She joined Porter Airlines in 2009. As the Assistant Chief Pilot, Recruitment and Retention, Julie is an active line pilot and Training Captain. She leads the pilot hiring and all pilot recruitment initiatives at Porter some of which included airline open houses,  the Porter Airlines Early Connection program, destination porter, a partnership with 13 fight colleges coast to coast as well as the Porter Star Award. Julie is one of the leads in Women Soar at Porter, an internal group focused on bridging the gender gap at Porter and more specifically the flight deck. She also sits on the board of the Northern Lights Aero Foundation and is actively involved with the ATAC Fly Canada project.                                
Government Award: Emily Crombez has accomplished a great deal in the first ten years of her aviation career, including being the first female to crew the Bombardier CL-415 waterbomber for the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry. Emily steps up to face challenges head on and inspire those around her. Growing up working on a family ginseng farm, and neighboring tobacco farms to fund her pilot license, Emily completed her training and had to wait until her 17thbirthday to receive her Private Pilot License.  Emily graduated from Confederation College Aviation Flight Management program as Class Valedictorian and Female Athlete of the Year.  Following graduation, she flew as a bush pilot in North Eastern Ontario, including three seasons flying the iconic deHavilland beaver on floats.  In 2011 Emily established and for the past six years chaired the Sleeping Giant Chapter of the 99s.  The following year, Emily was hired by the Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry as a Twin Otter Captain and was selected to take part in unique operations such as aerial rabies vaccinating and a polar bear survey. Emily was the recipient of the prestigious Vicki Cruse Emergency Maneuver Training Scholarship in 2013, where she completed an aerobatic and emergency maneuver course.  In 2014 Emily was the first female type rated on the CL-415 waterbomber in North America; she crewed the waterbomber for three seasons.  Currently, Emily is flying the Boeing 737 for WestJet Airlines.  Emily continues to give back to the aviation community through various roles as a Confederation College Advisory board member and reunion planning committee member; 99s Scholarship Chair, Session Launch Coordinator, and mentor for the Professional Pilot Leadership Initiative.  On her days off, Emily dedicates her time to sports, the family farm, travelling, and spending time at the cottage with her partner Nate.   
 
Business Award: Julie Mailhot started with Air Canada in 1987 as a Customer Service Agent and has progressed up the organizational ladder. She was the first female Flight Dispatcher and eventually became the Chief of Operations, managing a group of 80 flight Dispatchers. She has been promoted many times throughout her career and is currently the Chief Operating Officer at Air Canada Express/Air Georgian.  She has served many other organizations in various positions and has received the Art of Excellence Award from Air Canada. She is also president of the Dreams Take Flight Toronto Chapter and has been involved with the charity for the last 21 years.

Education Award: Dr. Alexandra Kindrat is an educator and research scientist from Montreal. She performs research on mathematics instruction, as well as research related to micro-gravity at NASA’s Johnson Space Centre in Houston, Texas, and on the International Space Station.  She is a private airplane pilot, and a long-time member of the Montreal chapter of the Ninety-Nines. She holds degrees from McGill University (Montreal), the International Space University (France), and Concordia University (Montreal). Along with her teaching duties in Montreal, Dr. Kindrat has been a member of the teaching faculty at NASA’s High School Aerospace Scholar Program at the Johnson Space Centre in Houston, Texas. Moreover, she has also has served as co-chair at the International Astronautical Congress in the Human Space Endeavours Virtual Forum held in Naples, Italy, and in Cape Town, South Africa. Additionally, Alexandra has provided input as an educational consultant for the Space Advisory Board roundtable on Canada’s future in space at the Canadian Space Agency. Alexandra encourages her students to pursue studies leading to careers in STEM, and continues to inspire her students to reach for the stars through sharing with them her own endeavours in aviation and aerospace.
 
Engineering Award:Niloofar Moradi earned her undergraduate degree in mechanical engineering from Concordia University in 2010 and launched her career at Rolls Royce Canada in the energy sector. Drawn to aviation and aerospace, Niloofar later joined Pratt & Whitney Canada (P&WC) as an aerodynamicist, where she was involved in all aspects of turbine aerodynamics - from research and airfoil design to engine development & production support. In 2016, concurrent with her design work at P&WC, Niloofar earned her Master’s degree from École de Technologie Supérieure as a significant player in the creation of a multi-disciplinary design optimization system. She was responsible for creating a rapid three dimensional airfoil generator program that is now an integral part of this overall design system. Passionate and ambitious, Niloofar has done design work for several P&WC engines including the PT6C-67A, powering the AW609 Tiltrotor. She currently works in the Turbine Mechanical Design department, where she designs and integrates turbine components. Niloofar’s dedication to encouraging and creating new opportunities for the next generation of engineers keeps her ever engaged with the engineering community. She is a member of the Industrial Advisory Board of the MIA Engineering department of Concordia University and the Aerospace sub-committee of the Palais des Congrès de Montréal. Through her involvement with Women Leadership Committee of P&WC, she continues to work with charitable organizations such as Dress for Success, L’envol and Operation Christmas Child. In addition to her work and volunteer activities, Niloofar is an avid traveler and a passionate scuba diver.

Rising Star Award: Katie Gwozdecky is a private pilot and graduate of the University of Toronto in Mechanical Engineering. During her time in school she fiercely pursued her passion for space exploration, and joined the University of Toronto Aerospace Team UTAT. With UTAT, she built sounding rockets, designed and manufactured components for small satellites, among many other technical endeavors. Her major contribution to the team was leading UTAT as Director of Space Systems to pass a student levy, raising nearly half a million dollars to fund the launch of the first amateur satellite from U of T, HERON MKII, in 2019. This levy is the first of its kind in Canada enabling high volume fundraising for student teams. She leaves UTAT with a legacy of dedication, perseverance and teamwork. Her passion for space engineering has led her to pursue her MASc at the Space Flight Lab at the University of Toronto in September.

Other initiatives include a Speakers’ Bureau, Mentorship Program, and a Scholarship Program. The 2018 Gala Award Dinner will be held on Saturday, September 29, at the Sheraton Parkway Hotel and Suites Conference Centre in Richmond Hill, Ontario. Tickets go on sale in July. For additional information and tickets visit our website at www.northernlightsaerofoundation.com or call Anna Pangrazzi 416 399-5247.

Robert Anderson (BCGA's Vancouver Island Director) has organized the second instalment of the Viking Aircraft Tour at CYYJ. Viking Aircraft is the home of the Twin Otter and CL Series water bombers. Viking holds the type certificates for 7 different DeHavilland/Bombardier aircraft and is currently manufacturing the DHC6 Twin Otter 400 series at its facilities in Victoria and Calgary. Join Robert and other BCGA members on an exclusive behind the scenes look at a revolutionary company that builds some iconic Canadian airplanes. ​