Pilots
Introduction
The
British Columbia General Aviation Association (the “BCGA”) is pleased to provide more options for pilots in British Columbia. The Private Airstrip Access Program (“PAAP”) was launched in February 2018, with the goal of providing pilots like yourself a seasons pass to access to airstrips that otherwise would not be available. As these airstrips are on private lands, we have created a “Pilots’ Guide” for you to help you understand how PAAP works.
What is the Private Airstrip Access Program?
PAAP is a program that allows pilots who are members of the BCGA access to private airstrips throughout British Columbia. The process is two-fold:
1. Pilots begin by first signing up for PAAP, this sign up is subject to certain conditions and waivers of liability that will be expanded upon
in this guide.
2. Once you have signed up for the program, you will have the opportunity to seek permission to use private airstrips from owners and/or occupiers of private airstrips who have agreed to be part of PAAP. Upon approval from the landowner or occupier of the airstrip, you will be able use their airstrip in compliance with certain terms.
What does the Private Airstrip Access Program provide me?
PAAP provides unprecedented access to private airstrips through British Columbia. What this means is that you will be granted the privilege to use the private airstrips in compliance with certain terms and with the landowners’/ occupiers’ consent. Importantly, permission must be granted by the private airstrip landowner/occupier in advance prior to your usage of the airstrip. Airstrip landowners’/occupiers’ have the right at any time to deny you access to their airstrip, for any reason. This includes withdrawing prior permission.
What Requirements are there for the Private Airstrip Access Program?
ALL pilots and passengers must sign a full waiver of liability, voluntary assumption of risk and indemnity agreement (the “Waiver”) to be granted access to the private airstrips. This means that you will be legally responsible for any, and all damage that occurs to: yourself, your plane, your passengers, the property belonging to the private airstrip owners and any other damage that occurs on or around the private airstrip from my usage of the airstrip.
The landowner/occupier of the private airstrip or aerodrome and BCGA shall be released from any, and all, legal liability relating to PAAP and your usage of the airstrip. It is crucial that you understand exactly what this entails. By signing the Waiver, you expressly acknowledge the inherent risks associated with PAAP. With your signature and initials on the Waiver, you are hereby waiving any, and all, legal recourses you may have available to you.
How Do I Sign the Waiver and Sign Up for PAAP?
- You will complete the online Waiver form.
- The BCGA will review the signed waiver once it is received to ensure it
has been properly executed, then they will issue a seasons pass with
your name and pilots licence number on the pass. - You will receive your seasons pass electronically via email from the BCGA to keep in your aircraft.
- You will now have access to the private airstrips that are part of PAAP.
- Upon permission from the private airstrip landowner, you will now be able to access their airstrip.
To sign up any passengers, a separate waiver form must will filed out and sign. It is your responsibility to ensure passengers have signed the waiver form. If you do not do so, you will be personally and legally responsible for any, and all, damages that may occur to your passengers while participating in PAAP.
It is a further requirement that you have insurance for PAAP and the usage of the private airstrips. In the event you do not have insurance for your usage of the private airstrips, you will be personally liable for any, and all, damages that may arise on or near the airstrip.
We also ask that you please be respectful and courteous in your usage of the private airstrips. The aviation is a small community, having respect for the private airstrips
being used is crucial. Be cognizant that you are on private property and it is a privilege to be able use the private airstrips.
The Simple Explanation
- The airstrip registers with the BCGA PAAP program
- Pilots become BCGA members and sign up for the PAAP program and sign the waiver form. ( if passengers are going on the flight they must also sign
the passenger waiver) - When the pilot choses to go to an airstrip that is listed as participating in the program they will phone the listed number and ask for permission to land.
- The airstrip owner/manager will ask the pilot if they are signed up for the PAAP program and what their PAAP number is. Only BCGA members are eligible
for this program and the airstrip owner is only protected against pilots that have signed up for the program. - If the pilot is NOT signed up on the program (waiver) the airstrip owner will tell the pilot to get signed up and phone back with their PAAP number.
Lastly,
have fun, be safe, and enjoy yourself responsibly as we embark on a new project and vision for aviation in British Columbia.
Airstrip / Landowner's
Introduction
The British Columbia General Aviation Association (“BCGA”) want to first thank you for participating in the Private Airstrip Access Program (“PAAP”), this program would not be possible without you and your commitment to bettering our aviation community throughout this province.
PAAP was launched in February 2018 with the goal of providing pilots access to private airstrips that otherwise would be unavailable.
This “Landowners’ Guide” will serve as a guide for you and will help explain what the program is, what your rights are, and generally our vision for PAAP.
What is the Private Airstrip Access Program?
PAAP is a program that allows pilots access to private airstrips throughout British Columbia.
What does the Private Airstrip Access Program provide me?
Protecting your rights, and the rights of your private airstrip is of the utmost importance to the BCGA. With that in mind, all pilots and their
passengers must sign a full release of liability and voluntary assumption of risk indemnity agreement document (collectively, the “Waiver”).
How do the Waivers impact my property and my rights as a private airstrip owner?
The Waiver is an important document that will impact your property and airstrip and should help to legally protect you against liability.
What these documents provide are some of the following:
- Pilots and passengers are voluntarily assuming all legal risks associated with using the airstrip. This will help minimize your risk in any lawsuit.
- Pilots are responsible for any, and all damages personally that may occur on or around your airstrip and property.
- Pilots are responsible for ensuring they have their own insurance when using your private airstrip. Having insurance for using private airstrips is required for any usage of your airstrip.
- Requirement that pilots have your authorization, either verbal or written, prior to using your airstrip.
- Gives you the rights to grant or refuse access to your airstrip at any time, for any reason.
Part of PAAP is a having central depository with information about your airstrip. It is our goal that this information will be updated frequently. All information about your airstrip will be provided and used with your consent.
How do I sign up for PAAP and how will the program operate?
You will have read this entire Landowners’ Guide. After that, you will do the following:
1. You will then sign up to PAAP by signing a landowner agreement (the “Agreement”). The Agreement will provide your address and location of your airstrip.
2. By signing the Agreement, you will consent to information about your airstrip becoming part of PAAP and agree to the posting of your
information about your airstrip being made available on the BCGA website, or through communication with its members.
3. You can sign up by printing, signing, and sending an electronic copy to the BCGA, or you can also sign up by taking a well lit picture on your phone and emailing the picture of the signed Agreement to the BCGA or by filling out the online form on the BCGA website.
4. After you sign up, your airstrip will become part of PAAP.
5. Pilots will sign up for PAAP by signing the Waiver and submitting the Waiver electronically whereby upon approval that the Waiver has
been signed and filled out correctly by the BCGA, the pilot will then be given a PAAP season pass for one year.
6. With the season pass, a pilot will be able to access your airstrip, subject to the conditions (i.e. certain time/day restrictions, or other conditions) you have with your airstrip and subject to your approval. You can give your approval to a pilots request verbally or electronically.
7. You can withdraw your consent to having your airstrip being part of the program at any time by emailing the BCGA that you withdraw your consent.
Our Vision
Lastly, we want to leave you with our vision. We see the launch of this program as a new opportunity for pilots flying in British Columbia to explore this beautiful province and make memories in ways not possible before. With your help, we can make this possible, and one day, perhaps see our vision expanded across other provinces as we further increased access to private airstrips in British Columbia, which we believe benefits all in the aviation community.
The Simple Explanation
- Sign up your airstrip for the program giving the details of access etc.
- When a pilot phones to ask permission to land the first question you should ask is “Are you registered on the BCGA Private Airstrip Access Program and what is your PAAP number?”
- If the pilot provides that number you can then talk details of strip condition etc.
- If the pilot is not signed up on the program you should instruct them to get signed up and phone you back once that is done.
- You may at your choice allow the pilot access even if they are not signed up to the program, it is your airstrip. If you do allow access without the pilot signing this waiver form and they have an accident it does not matter whether you are signed up on the program or not they can sue you. The pilot signing the BCGA Waiver is the key to this whole program working for you the airstrip owner.
Private Airstrip Code of Conduct
- Review the “Participating Airstrip’s Info Page” before every flight to a PAAP airstrip. Owners will update this information as req’d.
- Only arrive at a private airstrip after receiving permission from the airstrip owner/operator. (Even if a PAAP member)
- Leave the airstrip or property in the condition that you found it or better.
- Be mindful of noise and neighbours.
- No Touch & Go’s
- Do not fly to a private airstrip just to land and depart to say you’ve been there. Stay a while and visit local businesses or take advantage of what
the local area has to offer. (Landing at a private airstrip is a privilege, not a right) - If the airstrip is remote, offer to bring supplies or perishables for the owner operator. (ie. Milk, Bread, Eggs, Fruit, Veggies, Tims)
- Offer to make a contribution towards maintaining the airstrip, either monetary or in time.
- Park so that other aircraft can land and depart.
- If there are bathroom facilities use them instead of the bushes.
- Submit a PIREP on the BCGA Airstrip Map
