Welcome to the
courtenay airpark

An Aviators paradise in the heart of the Comox Valley

***Delayed until early January 2026 (see note below)***

Courtenay Airpark – Temporary Restrictions to Flying Operations

Project Watershed, whose volunteers help maintain and restore plant life around the perimeter of the Courtenay Airpark, has committed to restoring the Field Sawmill site, across the Courtenay River from the Airpark, in partnership with the K’ómoks First Nation and the City of Courtenay. The site, named Kus-kus-sum, has reached the stage where the metal wall along the river will be removed.

A company named Pacific Pile and Marine will do the removal, using a barge and crane in the Courtenay River directly northwest of the threshold on runway 13. The area includes the waterway used by Airpark and visitor floatplanes. Removal operations, once they start, will take place from 6:00 AM to 4:00 PM, Monday to Saturday, using a boom extending 180 to 190 feet above the water. Because of the flight safety risks posed by this obstacle, Runway 13/31 at the Airpark and the waterway will be closed to fixed-wing aircraft from Monday to Saturday throughout the project, which could last several weeks. Helicopter operations will be permitted in accordance with published arrival and departure procedures.

Removal operations are expected to start sometime during the week of 8-12 December, pending contractor availability. Once confirmed, the actual dates and any additional information required will be published on the Airpark website, in a notice to members, and in a NOTAM.

Ray Henault, President, Courtenay Airpark Association

NOTE (Update 01Dec2025): Contractor has advised that project is now planned to start early in January 2026. Firm starting date will be advised to members by notice and by Notam. Operational restrictions as stated above, are expected to remain the same.

CAUTION...Flocks of birds from nearby lagoon may congregate on runway, especially during Fall & Winter.

CAH3

ATF 123.35 1500 ASL 3 NM exc Comox CZ
Elev 9 ASL
Cct 800 ASL

PRO:

ALL ARR FR SW. JOIN OVERHEAD FR SW AND CROSS MIDFIELD AT 800 ASL. CHECK WINDS PRIOR TO JOINING DOWNWIND (SEE CAUTION). CIRCUIT ALT 800 ASL. RGT HAND CIRCUITS RWY 31 (CAR 602.96).

NOISE: AVOID BUILT-UP AREAS. SEE COMOX VTPC. TOUCH AND GO PPR.

HELI: MEDIUM AND HVY-LIFT WHEEL EQUIPPED HELI INTENDING TO USE THE AIR AMBULANCE/EMERG SVC HELIPAD USE RWY FOR TKOF/LDG THEN TAXI TO/FR HELIPAD. MEDIUM AND HVY-LIFT SKID EQUIPPED HELI PRKG ON MAIN RAMP ONLY. .

CAUTION:  LCL WIND CONDS VARIABLE. DO NOT RELY ON REPORTED WIND FROM COMOX ATC

Remain clear of ridge to N (noise abatement)

Access to Float Plane Dock.

Gate can be opened from dock side. Gate code for lock is available to Airpark members in the Members Area Forum, pilots arriving at the dock should note code on exit or see notice in Pilots Lounge. Note: If wrong code is entered, press 'C' to clear, then re-enter code.

Aircraft Operations/Noise Abatement.

 The earliest time we have recommended over the years as a target for the start of aircraft operations at the Airpark is 8:00 AM. The exception to that guideline is that anyone needing to take off earlier (it should be the exception) should not do so before 7:00 AM, and should not return to the Airpark before 8:00 AM (unless it is an emergency). In the spirit of being good "corporate citizens", we have also recommended that Airpark members avoid doing multiple circuits at the Airpark. The exception to this guideline is Sealand Flight, which occasionally needs to do multiple circuits for pilot training. 

In closing, all Airpark and visiting pilots are also reminded that flying operations are "day-only, VFR”, except for Air Ambulance and other helicopters equipped with night vision devices.

Helicopter Operations

Medium and heavy-lift helicopters, normally wheel-equipped and intending to use the Air Ambulance/Emergency Services helipad at the Courtenay Airpark, are directed to use the main runway for takeoff and landing and to taxi to/from the helipad to minimize the effects of rotorwash on adjacent hangars. Skid-equipped helicopters in the same class are advised to use the main ramp only for parking. Caution on the effects of rotorwash at all times.

Airpark Winter Operations

The Flight Supplement states 'NO winter maintenance'. So in case of snow/ice on the airfield, do not expect any clearing to be undertaken. We also do not publish Notams unless it gets really bad or will appear to close the field for extended periods. Please check runway conditions before flight, if in doubt.

Bottom line: Use at your own risk!

Caution! Helicopter Operations & Rotorwash/Downwash

We have two helos based at our field and often have heavier aircraft such as S76 as visitors. The dangers to light aircraft from flying through rotor wash or from downwash are well established.

Watch the video below to see the result of a pilot encountering the wake turbulence caused by a UH-60 Blackhawk helicopter at 27 seconds into the video...

The Real Dangers of Encountering Rotor Wash