Courtenay Airpark Static Display at the 2024 Comox Airshow

The Courtenay Airpark was invited by 19 Wing Comox to participate in the 2024 Comox Airshow, held on May 18th, 2024, with a static display of Airpark aircraft.

Six members of the Airpark flew their aircraft to 19 Wing on 17 May to park their aircraft in the assigned static display location. The aircraft included an RV-6, an RV-6A, a Sidewinder, a Cessna 185 on amphibious floats, a Cherokee II, and a Zenair 601. Sealand Flight also joined our group with their new Pipistrel Velis electric aircraft.

The group was visited by hundreds of Airshow visitors throughout Airshow Day on May 18^th, and was acknowledged by 19 Wing as a great addition to the static display lineup for the Airshow.

The Airpark participants proudly represented the Airpark at the Airshow, demonstrating the passion for aviation shared by our friends in uniform and promoting General Aviation in the Comox Valley.

The Airpark extends its congratulations to 19 Comox for the huge success of the 2024 Comox Airshow, and its thanks for the opportunity to participate in this event that also marked the 100^th Anniversary of the Royal Canadian Air Force.

Ray Henault, President

A new e-bike stand with four positions, has been installed near the Airpark main gate (walkway, far side of boat launch). The Courtenay Airpark has no connection with this service other than to inform visiting pilots of this availability.

NOTE PARADROPS 16 MAY CANCELED 

The Comox Airshow occurs on Saturday, 18 May and will have an impact on Airpark operations from 16 to 18 May, inclusive.

On Thursday16 May, 19 Wing Comox will be doing a mass Search & Rescue Technician paradrop around 7:00 PM.  After the paradrop, a Cormorant from 19 Wing will land at Courtenay on the Runway, to pick up the jumpers.

On 17 and 18 May, we expect up to 12 aircraft to fly in and park at the Airpark for the Airshow. We have issued 12 PPRs to limit the numbers, but expect all visitor parking spaces to be used.

On 17 and 18 May, also note that the airspace within 10 NM of 19 Wing Comox will be closed from 11:00 AM to 4:00 PM.

NOTE FOR VISITING PILOTS COMOX AIR SHOW 18May2024

Parking for visiting aircraft at CAH3 during the Comox Airshow on 17-18 May 2024 is limited to twelve outdoor parking spaces only. Parking will be authorized by PPR only, effective 0800PDT Friday 17May until 0800 Sunday 19May. Send requests to ppr.cah3@gmail.com or call 250-465-001. Notam will be published in due course.

"Dear members of the Courtenay Airpark Association;

Over the past few weeks, there have been a number of hangar and aircraft intrusions at the Airpark, resulting in the theft of some equipment and damage to hangar doors, interior structures and the perimeter fence. The RCMP has responded to the incidents and has been diligently investigating them. Hangar occupants affected by the intrusions have also undertaken repairs to their hangars.

If you discover intrusions to your aircraft or hangars, please report the incident to the Board of Directors and the RCMP immediately. The case file to quote when you contact the RCMP is: RCMP File # 2024-4809.

The Board of Directors is investigating ways to enhance security at the Airpark.

Ray Henault

President Courtenay Airpark Association *

POWELL RIVER CYPW RUNWAY CLOSURE 08April-09June 2024
A full closure of the airport runway is required for an uninterrupted period limited to a maximum of 8 weeks between April and mid-June 2024. Once Council have awarded the contract to the successful bidder, the City will be in a position to provide more details and certainty regarding the exact dates for the full closure period.
Works planned will include pavement rehabilitation, correcting the longitudinal slope to a maximum of 1.50%, improving the transverse slopes and centreline crown to improve drainage and reduce ponding, new lighting and visual aids, and runway extension.
FOR CURRENT INFORMATION, SEE
https://powellriver.ca/pages/airport

Ray Henault, president of the Courtenay Airpark Association, has been honoured by the Governor General's appointment as a Member of the Order of Canada (2023)

Here is the official announcement:

General Raymond Roland Henault, C.M., C.M.M., M.S.C., C.D. (Ret’d)
Courtenay, British Columbia
For his long-time commitment—both in and out of uniform—to Canada’s defence and peacekeeping operations and policies.

The Airpark members extend their sincere congratulations on this well-deserved honour.

“The Airpark Association regrets to announce the passing of Mr. Bill Cove, a dedicated and enthusiastic member of the Airpark, on 5 December 2023 at age 90. Bill was a talented aviator with a successful career across the commercial pilot sector, flying for BC Airlines, Canfor, Weldwood, and Coulson Forest Products, and continued to impart his knowledge to many new and seasoned aviators well into his late 80s. Bill’s smile and zest for life will truly be missed by all who had the privilege of knowing him. May he Rest In Peace.”

Obituary

AIRPARK BURSARY PRESENTATION
JEROME DONNELLY - TEENFLIGHT CAMPBELL RIVER
TEENFLIGHT OPEN HOUSE - 29 OCTOBER 2023

The Courtenay Airpark Board of Directors is pleased to announce that a $1500.00 flight training bursary was presented to Jerome Donnelly, a member of TeenFlight Campbell River, at the TeenFlight Open House held at the Campbell River Airport on Sunday, 29 October 2023.

Jerrome was selected for the bursary amongst a number of candidates, through coordination and the strong recommendation of Therisa Lowe - Executive Assistant for Sealand Aviation in Campbell River and a Volunteer Director with TeenFlight.  Jerome was selected for his enthusiastic pursuit of a pilot's licence at Sealand Flight and his sincere desire to pursue a future career in aviation.

The bursary was presented on behalf of the Airpark Board of Directors by Darryl Rolfe, the Board's Treasurer.  Darryl is also an active pilot and an Air Force Reservist at 19 Wing Comox.   

The Airpark Board of Directors congratulates Jerome on his selection for the bursary and best success with his flying training. 

Video

Ray
Raymond R. Henault​
President
Courtenay Airpark Association

It is with deep regret that the Airpark Board of Directors wishes to make you aware of the passing of Mr. Jim Slater on Thursday, 26 October 2023.

Jim was a former Air Force officer who established the Courtenay Flight Centre at the Courtenay Airpark after retirement, training over 2000 pilots over the 25 years that the Flight Centre operated from the Airpark and other satellite locations on the Island and the lower mainland. Jim was a dedicated member of the Airpark and a former member of the Board of Directors, and he will always be remembered for his multiple contributions to the community of aviators.

The Board of Directors extends its sincerest condolences to his wife, Margaret and the entire family. There will be no funeral services, but a memorial is anticipated at some time in the future.

Signed:  The Airpark Board of Directors