Charles Wells
Special to The Record
The Courtenay Airpark will present exhibits at the upcoming Comox Valley Exhibition, August 25-27.
Members will have an information booth set up with aircraft also on display.
The idea of building an airpark evolved from dream to reality in 1964. Valley pilots, with the help of local businesses, raised $1,000 and a workable 1,000-foot gravel airstrip was built on the banks of the Courtenay River estuary. In September of that year the first four aircraft landed, greeted by city officials, community clubs and other spectators. The city officially leased the land to the newly formed Courtenay Airpark Association. The dream was realized.
In 1994, the landing strip was paved and extended to 1,800 feet with the help of funding from all levels of government.
Previously, many pilots and flying schools would not land on a gravel strip. The loose gravel on the field made for a lot of potential damage from flying gravel on take off and landing.
Today the airpark is an attractive landing spot, as being adjacent to the river it can service wheeled and float-equipped aircraft. It has self-serve fuel 24/7 and is just minutes away from downtown services including a cafe just outside the main gate.
The 65 aircraft at the park include 39 factory-built certified, 15 home-builts/kits, two non-kit built, seven ultralights and two helos.
Of the 80 members, all but six hold flying licenses. Of these flyers, 11 have been professional pilots with experience ranging from military service, commercial airlines and private chartering. For those starting out in this pursuit there is much to be learned from these people.
If you are thinking of checking out learning how to fly, the Airspeed High Ultralight Flight School is one of the commercial tenants at the Airpark.
The folks from the airpark will be at CVEX Aug. 25-27 to tell you all about what’s going on the ground and in the air at your local community airport.
Courtenay Airpark Facts
Did You Know?
• General aviation aircraft weighing less than 12,500 pounds, which are most of the aircraft landing, taking off or being repaired at the Courtenay airpark contribute $2.2 billion to the national GDP and almost $9.3 billion of economic output.
• Our airport with more than 70 aircraft and three aviation-oriented business, not including related businesses (logging, timber cruising, surveying etc), all contribute significantly to this part of our economy.
• Close to 19,000 well-paying jobs (about $74,000 per year) are here in Courtenay and communities across the country such as Campbell River, Qualicum, Nanaimo, Powell River and Port Alberni.
• Courtenay Airpark’s own Airspeed High will have between 20 and 25 students at its flight school this year.
•We have a Ministry of Transport certified examiner for various flight testing and permit certification such as VHF and two way radio permits stationed at our Airpark.
• Our hotels, restaurants and shopping are all within walking distance, also a real selling feature for visitors arriving by small plane from all over B.C., Alberta, Washington, Oregon and California
• There is a legal customs check-in and fueling station for transiting aircraft to northern Canada and Alaska.
•We are a non-profit organization and have members and volunteers doing the upkeep regarding repairs, maintenance and ground work.
• The Courtenay Airpark pays its own way through lease payments and taxes by its membership and volunteers trying to keep costs down and affordable for our young and up coming generation of aviators.
•The Airpark has 50 years of operation with no burden to the city or the City of Courtenay’s maintenance department.
• BC Air Ambulance is now working with the Ministry of Transport using Courtenay Airpark for emergency transport.
• Courtenay Airpark also has a working relationship with the Project Watershed Society with volunteers helping to make the estuary a healthier sanctuary. The Watershed office and equipment storage is now located at the Airpark.
*Information from a Canadian Owners and Pilots Association commissioned study prepared by Vancouver research firm Intervista.