I have flown in and out of Springbank a few times in the last couple years and found the ATC to be consistantly surly so it seems to be more a culture of attitude toward GA. I fly C space around alberta quit a bit and have flown literally across Canada bumping controlled space frequently, I've never experienced anything near as bad as Springbank ATC. After the first couple bouts with Springbank ATC I asked an instructor at the local school, a recently retired Airline pilot who flys recreationally as well AND NavCanada rep at a rust remover for an interpretation of the Northern approach instructions to Springbank; all provided a different interpretation. I use Spring Bank to commute to meetings in Calgary so my choices are limited. I'll start carrying a bottle of Mydol in the plane and when they get snotty with me again I'll give it to the women (with deep voices) in the tower.
I just flew into the Springbank airport for the first time about 2 weeks ago while on a cross-country from Abbotsford to Calgary. I agree that the approach process is a little complicated, especially while coming from the South (you end up talking to Calgary Terminal, which then hands you over to Springbank), but nothing terrible - if you've never dealt with a controlled airport before, it might take a bit of getting used to, but otherwise it was fine. Calgary Terminal was very friendly - when they asked me to report over a local point, I just told them I wasn't familiar with the airport, and they gave me vectors all the way in. Wouldn't hesitate to go back. Springbank was also friendly, providing ground directions & advice.
Calgary / Springbank Airport
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Update Oct 9, 2012
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I have flown in and out of Springbank a few times in the last couple years and found the ATC to be consistantly surly so it seems to be more a culture of attitude toward GA. I fly C space around alberta quit a bit and have flown literally across Canada bumping controlled space frequently, I've never experienced anything near as bad as Springbank ATC. After the first couple bouts with Springbank ATC I asked an instructor at the local school, a recently retired Airline pilot who flys recreationally as well AND NavCanada rep at a rust remover for an interpretation of the Northern approach instructions to Springbank; all provided a different interpretation. I use Spring Bank to commute to meetings in Calgary so my choices are limited. I'll start carrying a bottle of Mydol in the plane and when they get snotty with me again I'll give it to the women (with deep voices) in the tower.
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I just flew into the Springbank airport for the first time about 2 weeks ago while on a cross-country from Abbotsford to Calgary. I agree that the approach process is a little complicated, especially while coming from the South (you end up talking to Calgary Terminal, which then hands you over to Springbank), but nothing terrible - if you've never dealt with a controlled airport before, it might take a bit of getting used to, but otherwise it was fine. Calgary Terminal was very friendly - when they asked me to report over a local point, I just told them I wasn't familiar with the airport, and they gave me vectors all the way in. Wouldn't hesitate to go back. Springbank was also friendly, providing ground directions & advice.
That was my comment; just realized I wasn't logged in.
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