INITIATIVES aNd advocacy
The objects of the Northwest Territories Flying Association include the preservation and advancement of general aviation in the Northwest Territories. NWTFA engages with federal, territorial and municipal authorities on an ongoing basis on matters of interest to private pilots. Details and updates on many of the these initiatives and issues are available below.
THAIDENE NENE NATIONAL PARK RESERVE
Thaidene Nene National Park Reserve was established in 2019 to protect the East Arm region of Great Slave Lake and surrounding lands. As a result of advocacy efforts by NWTFA and other stakeholders, the regulations adopted by Parks Canada to govern this park reserve differ from those applicable in other national parks and reserves. In particular, aircraft access is allowed under a simple permit/registration process.
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GENERAL AVIATION AT YZF AIRPORT
NWTFA supports improvement of YZF (Yellowknife) airport facilities to encourage general aviation and promote the Northwest Territories as an aviation-friendly destination. We are engaging in ongoing dialogue with the GNWT Department of Infrastructure and the YZF airport manager on both policy and operational issues of significance to general aviation. Relevant topics include redevelopment of the YZF airport, aircraft parking and services for visiting pilots.
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resident FLOATPLANE PARKING in yellowknife
NWTFA engages regularly with the City of Yellowknife respecting floatplane parking on Back Bay. The preservation of private docks currently used by resident pilots is on ongoing key priority for NWTFA.
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FLOATPLANE LAUNCHING AT LONG LAKE
Procedures for the movement of floatplanes between the YZF (Yellowknife) airport and Long Lake are of vital importance to members of the Northwest Territories Flying Association. Procedures were developed collaboratively in 2014 but unilateral changes, including the imposition of an escort fee, have since been implemented by the YZF airport. NWTFA continues to seek clarity and fairness in these procedures and any applicable fees.
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summer water multi-use SIGNAGE
Yellowknife Bay, Back Bay and other water bodies in the Yellowknife region are busy with floatplane, boating and other water activities during open-water months. NWTFA and other users share a common interest in ensuring safety amid competing uses. We have created a brochure explaining safety considerations for various activities and have advocated for multi-use signage at water access points.
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visitor floatplane parking in yellowknife
The Northwest Territories offers outstanding experiences in aviation tourism but parking for visiting floatplanes is limited. An ongoing key priority for NWTFA is to increase the availability of parking for visiting floatplanes. NWTFA expects to have a dedicated visitor dock in place on Back Bay in summer 2023.
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remote site clean-up
The pristine wilderness of the Northwest Territories offers unlimited potential for outdoor recreation but must be respected and protected by all users. NWTFA organizes fly-out work parties to clean up remote sites where litter and other debris has accumulated through public recreational use. Our efforts contribute to ensuring that popular sites remain safe and attractive for everyone to enjoy.
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AVAILABILITY OF 100ll AVGAS AT YZF AIRPORT
The availability of 100LL avgas is essential to the operation of piston aircraft by local and visiting pilots. A NOTAM in effect until October 30, 2024 advises that 100LL is not available at the CYZF airport. Avgas may be available from other sources but should be arranged in advance. NWTFA is actively advocating for reliable supply of avgas both in bulk and in drums.
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