Reply to @david: Yeah.. YKZ's aprons have always been uncontrolled. I don't know the reason why, because the tower has a clear view of the area. Before you could just call up "on the main apron" and you'd get taxi instructions. But now, the controllers want you to specify exactly where you are on the apron. Makes sense, this way they spend less time looking for you.
Reply to @bcrosby: Interesting. The main apron at CYOW has been uncontrolled as long as I've been flying, because tower can't see well enough to guarantee that you'll be clear of planes pushing back, baggage trains, etc. A typical clearance is back to the north field from the Esso or Shell is "taxi bravo, apron at your discretion, alfa, tango, hold short runway 22" — the "at your discretion" is controller-ese for "you're on your own taxiing around the parked Airbusses, bubba". I think CYYZ has a dedicated apron controller.
These are a little out of date, but thought I would mention it anyways.
1. Taxiing. The main apron (near the terminal) is uncontrolled. It is suggested that you let the ground controller know where you are when calling up, and be specific. Ie, "on the main apron holding short of foxtrot" for example.
2. When you need to talk to London FIC, do so using the RCO and *not* 126.7.
There is a Druxy's (deli chain) in the FBO. The food isn't too bad, standard deli stuff like smoked meat sandwiches, bagels, and salads. Not gourmet, but it's better than Subway, and it's easy if you're stopping at Buttonville.
Hertz rents out of Buttonville, and the rates are reasonable (make sure you use your COPA or AOPA discount if you have one). After hours is no problem -- I called earlier then arrived Sunday night long after the desk was closed, and my contract and keys were waiting for me at the FBO with no fuss. Renting a car is the only realistic way into Toronto from Buttonville, but it's easy since the airport is right beside the 404, which turns into the Don Valley Parkway and leads straight into downtown Toronto. Outside of rush hour, you can expect to be downtown in about 25 minutes. I still prefer City Centre (YTZ) for downtown, since it's in walking distance, but Buttonville is better for the 905 area code or anywhere else you might need to drive.
I stopped here for two nights on a return trip to Ottawa. The FBO is Million Air http://millionair.torontoairways.com/ located right by the control tower, so it's not hard to find taxiing. They marshalled me right in front of the terminal and chocked the plane, then later towed it to a spot and tied it down for me. I didn't need fuel (tanks were nearly full), there's no landing or ramp fee, so the only charge was CA $10/night for parking.
Comments about Buttonville Municipal Airport
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Comments 1 to 12 of 12 about Buttonville Municipal Airport:
Tue, 06 Oct 2009
Only Losers fly small planes.Get a Jet.
Fri, 21 Aug 2009
With the lost funding, the Sifton family is fairly certain they'll have to close Buttonville in a few years:
http://www.nationalpost.com/news/canada/toronto/story.html?id=1914431
(via @bcrosby)
Mon, 10 Aug 2009
Reply to @david: Yeah.. YKZ's aprons have always been uncontrolled. I don't know the reason why, because the tower has a clear view of the area. Before you could just call up "on the main apron" and you'd get taxi instructions. But now, the controllers want you to specify exactly where you are on the apron. Makes sense, this way they spend less time looking for you.
Wed, 05 Aug 2009
Reply to @bcrosby: Interesting. The main apron at CYOW has been uncontrolled as long as I've been flying, because tower can't see well enough to guarantee that you'll be clear of planes pushing back, baggage trains, etc. A typical clearance is back to the north field from the Esso or Shell is "taxi bravo, apron at your discretion, alfa, tango, hold short runway 22" — the "at your discretion" is controller-ese for "you're on your own taxiing around the parked Airbusses, bubba". I think CYYZ has a dedicated apron controller.
These are a little out of date, but thought I would mention it anyways.
1. Taxiing. The main apron (near the terminal) is uncontrolled. It is suggested that you let the ground controller know where you are when calling up, and be specific. Ie, "on the main apron holding short of foxtrot" for example.
2. When you need to talk to London FIC, do so using the RCO and *not* 126.7.
Wed, 15 Apr 2009
The Greater Toronto Airports Authority is threatening to stop funding for Buttonville airport:
http://www.thestar.com/comment/article/616986
Mon, 29 Dec 2008
Construction on the new multi-million dollar terminal upgrade has begun!
More information about the details of the revamp can be found here:
http://www.aviation.ca/content/view/5962/117/
Sat, 15 Mar 2008
There's a gas station across the street that you can use to refill the tank when you're returning a rental car.
Thu, 09 Aug 2007
There is a Druxy's (deli chain) in the FBO. The food isn't too bad, standard deli stuff like smoked meat sandwiches, bagels, and salads. Not gourmet, but it's better than Subway, and it's easy if you're stopping at Buttonville.
Wed, 08 Aug 2007
Hertz rents out of Buttonville, and the rates are reasonable (make sure you use your COPA or AOPA discount if you have one). After hours is no problem -- I called earlier then arrived Sunday night long after the desk was closed, and my contract and keys were waiting for me at the FBO with no fuss. Renting a car is the only realistic way into Toronto from Buttonville, but it's easy since the airport is right beside the 404, which turns into the Don Valley Parkway and leads straight into downtown Toronto. Outside of rush hour, you can expect to be downtown in about 25 minutes. I still prefer City Centre (YTZ) for downtown, since it's in walking distance, but Buttonville is better for the 905 area code or anywhere else you might need to drive.
I stopped here for two nights on a return trip to Ottawa. The FBO is Million Air http://millionair.torontoairways.com/ located right by the control tower, so it's not hard to find taxiing. They marshalled me right in front of the terminal and chocked the plane, then later towed it to a spot and tied it down for me. I didn't need fuel (tanks were nearly full), there's no landing or ramp fee, so the only charge was CA $10/night for parking.
Mon, 23 Jul 2007
Main FEX base....good company brings back good memories and some great trips.