Texada Aerospace Camp Submission to the Editor - Totem Times         04 August 2025

On July 25, 2025, six pilots from Courtenay Airpark flew their aircraft over the Strait of Georgia to Gillies Bay Airport on Texada Island. Four of them provided familiarization flights for the young participants of the annual Texada Aerospace Camp (TASC), while the other two coordinated flight activities and spoke with the young aviation enthusiasts. Of the six members, four are former military personnel - including one female. The Airpark aircraft were joined by a Cormorant helicopter and crew from 442 Squadron for a live hoisting demonstration and fly-by, much to the delight of the TASC participants and staff.

The objective of the Camp is to immerse boys and girls, aged 10 to 15 years old, in the basics of aviation and aerospace sciences through training aids and a curriculum developed by aircraft maintenance engineers, software developers, pilots, and scientists – all volunteers. Over the course of a week, the curriculum includes principles of flight, aerodynamics, flight simulator instruction, metalworking, aerospace careers, and more. It also includes a familiarization flight in a real aircraft, which Airpark members were proud and pleased to provide to the 24 young participants .

Some of the flights were conducted under the banner of the Experimental Aircraft Association’s “Young Eagles” program, launched in 1992 to provide interested young people, aged eight to seventeen, with the opportunity to fly in a general aviation aircraft. The Airpark pilots certified to conduct “Young Eagles” flights, Ray Henault (President of the Airpark) and Chris Hansen (former 407 Sqn pilot and Airpark coordinator for the event), flew six young TASC participants under the program. As a result, they are included among the more than 2.2 million young people across Canada and the USA who are recognized as “Young Eagles”, and received an official “Young Eagles” certificate and flight logbook.

As in years past, the youth who flew with us during our day on Texada Island were inspirational and demonstrated an impressive knowledge of aviation-related subjects, as well as a solid understanding of the principles of flight. As always, the members of the Courtenay Airpark who participated in this event came away impressed with our budding young aviators and their enthusiastic interest in the world of flight.

The Courtenay Airpark is deeply grateful to the Camp Director, Sheila McFarland, for her capable and meticulous management of the overall TASC program, including our participation. We applaud her and her team of volunteers for their dedicated efforts and contributions to aviation and the development of today’s youth.

Ray Henault, Gen (Ret’d)

President – Courtenay Airpark Association

Final Farewell to Charlie Leake

A memorial service was held at the McBride Anglican United Church in McBride, BC, on Sunday, May 18^th, 2025, to bid farewell to Charlie Leake, our good friend and member of the Courtenay Airpark for more than 25 years.

Charlie, who passed away on December 8^th, 2024, was a natural pilot and distinguished leader in the Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF). He had flown jets and helicopters and completed his time in uniform in 1977 as the Commanding Officer of 408 Tactical Helicopter Squadron in Edmonton (Namao), AB.

After leaving the RCAF, and before settling in Comox, BC, Charlie established a flying business in McBride, BC, becoming a prominent member of the community. His contributions were so significant that the airport was re-named McBride/Charlie Leake Field in his honour, something that very rarely happens while someone is still alive!

After selling his business and moving to Courtenay with his wife Pat, Charlie could be seen regularly in the skies above Courtenay/Comox in his RV-4. He flew several times a week when the weather permitted and was one of the most current and proficient private pilots on the airfield. He prided himself on flying “by the numbers” and by the rules, and was an inspiration to us all, still flying regularly at age 92.

Charlie will be sorely missed by his family and friends, but will never be forgotten. May he rest in peace.

Ray Henault, President

“The City of Courtenay Works Division will be conducting Spill Recovery Training along the Airpark’s lagoon fenceline during the afternoons of 22 and 23 April. While the training will not be done close to the runway, please be aware of the presence of City personnel along the north fenceline.”

A local chapter of the Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA) has been formed and will hold its first meeting on Wednesday May 21st. at 1830 in the Pilots Lounge, Courtenay Airpark. Monthly meetings are planned for the third Wednesday of the month. See listing under 'Events'.

Founded in 1953, the EAA has grown from a handful of aviation enthusiasts to an international organization representing virtually the entire spectrum of recreational aviation. Many of its 300,000+ members belong to local chapters.

An EAA chapter is a local group of aviation enthusiasts with interests ranging from aircraft building, to engaging youth, to aviation safety, to vintage aircraft, ultralights, warbirds, aerobatic flight, and everything in between.

In addition to monthly meetings, the local chapter allows members to share their interest with thousands of other members in a variety of aviation, educational, and social activities such as:

• Aircraft building/restoration
• Seminars/workshops/guest speakers
• EAA Young Eagle rallies
• Fly-ins/fly-outs
• Cookouts
• Fundraising
• And much more!

For more information or to join the EAA, please click HERE

In memory of Charlie Leake 1932-2024

Dear members of the Courtenay Airpark, I

It is with much regret that I am writing to let you know that one of our long-standing members, Charlie Leake, passed away at home on Sunday, 8 December 2024. Charlie was one of the oldest, licensed pilots in Canada, and would have been 93 next month. Charlie was formerly a pilot in the RCAF, and flew a variety of fighter aircraft and helicopters during his time in uniform.

He was the Commanding Officer of 408 Tactical Helicopter Squadron at CFB Namao, just north of the City of Edmonton, when I first met him in 1976. He retired after his tour in Namao, as a Lieutenant-Colonel, and opened a floatplane and helicopter business in McBride, BC, shortly after leaving the military. He was so successful, and such a key member of the community, that the airport in McBride was ultimately named "McBride / Charlie Leake Field". Quite an honour for any aviator! After he closed his business, Charlie moved to Comox with his wife Pat, and has been flying his RV-4 at the Courtenay Airpark for nearly two decades.

He was admired as one of the most current and proficient pilots at the Airpark, flying whenever he could. Without a doubt, he had a passion for flight that was part of his very being. Charlie will be sorely missed by all who knew him. May he rest in peace.

Ray Henault, President

"A dead gull was found on Airpark property last month (November 2024). Because there was no obvious trauma, the bird was picked up with gloved hands, frozen, and sent to the Animal Health Centre which is part of the BC Ministry of Agriculture and Food in Abbotsford, BC. Upon investigation, the gull was found "Positive for Influenza A virus, Type H5". This is more commonly known as "Bird Flu". Please report any future dead bird findings to Chris Hansen (call/text 250.702.7403) who will take care of disposal or transport to the Animal Health Centre, if required. Do not touch dead birds with your bare hands. Signed, Ray Henault, President".

....are reminders!

A. Respect our short runway, don't land long!

B. If you have an aircraft in an outside spot, please ensure tie-downs are secure, especially when storms are in the forecast.

Photos: 

C172 Runway overrun 18Nov2024

Ultralight Challenger blown over fence during storm, 20Nov2024

Winner of the draw for a local flight, held at the CVEX August 25th. 2024 was Danielle Guiney, shown here with Airpark member and pilot Duane Dubyk.

In recognition of the Airpark's 60th. anniversary, we opened our gate to the public on Saturday Sep. 21st.

Several Airpark members had their aircraft on view. An information booth with historical photos dating back to the Airpark's birth in 1964 as well as a display board showing the various present-day activities the Airpark supports, were included.

Undoubtedly, the star attractions were the Pipistrel fully-electric training aircraft flown in from Campbell River (thanks Sealand Flight!) and the free ice cream for all (thanks Mo!)

With minimal advertising for the event attendance was somewhat sparse but as the compressed video below shows, a steady trickle of citizens did come through the gate for a look.

We appreciate the public's interest in our effort to reach out to the community and will consider making the Open House an annual event.