NWTFA/COPA 108 hosted its annual COPA for Kids event on July 29, 2017 at the Wardair Dock in Yellowknife. Seventeen kids were introduced to general aviation and treated to flights in floatplanes piloted by local volunteer pilots. Appreciation is extended to Max Ward for use of the Wardair property, to Ahmic Air for sharing its docking space and participating with its Beaver and pilots, to Bassett Petroleum for its contribution of avgas, to Fran Hurcomb for her superb photography, and to all of our dedicated pilots and volunteers.
NWTFA/COPA 108 members share a common interest in supporting improvements of the Yellowknife airport facilities to promote the Northwest Territories as an aviation-friendly destination and to encourage general aviation. When comparing the YZF airport to airports in other cities of similar size, it seems that other cities often offer better facilities and support for general aviation. At many other airports, general aviation maintenance, flight training and land for private hangars is readily available at a reasonable price. Such facilities and supports are desirable but are not currently available in Yellowknife. For example, our parking area is unpaved without proper tie-downs and there are no electrical services for winter operations.
The Government of the Northwest Territories will soon begin collecting substantial revenue generated through the new airport tax. NWTFA/COPA 108 believes that a portion of this revenue should support improvements which will encourage the growth of general aviation, including private aircraft used for pleasure and business. We have positive signals that our ideas will be considered by the GNWT in its development of new airport infrastructure and policy. We need to articulate our concerns and formulate recommendations so that we can make our ideas known. NWTFA is therefore is forming a working group to discuss issues and suggest recommendations for our directors to consider and forward to the GNWT. Interested members should contact Steven St. Amand at 446-7689 or pilotssa@gmail.com. Please get involved! NWTFA has a fresh supply of T-shirts and ball caps. Both will be available at the annual freeze-up party in early November, but if you just can’t wait to show off this fashionable attire, contact Hal Logsdon at 867-873-5569. Caps are embroidered and sell for $25. T-shirts are silkscreened and also sell for $25. Mail-order can be arranged for out-of-town members for the cost of postage.
NWTFA wishes to advise members and visiting pilots of wharf development currently underway on Back Bay near McMeekin Causeway. Piles are being placed in the water adjacent to the property opposite Plummers floatbase. This work will narrow the entrance toward the causeway. Caution should be exercised when manoeuvering in this area.
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