douglasr's airport comments

That was my comment; just realized I wasn't logged in.

I confirmed this also via the latest CFS and updated the entry.

The staff at Swan Aeromotive on two recent flights to CYQU were great. They are open early, have airside access for local passengers and have a nice lounge for waiting around in. They also listen in on the MF and are waiting to guide you to parking upon your arrival at the apron; very efficient. Overall great service. Contact number for Swan is (780) 532-3607.

Since the mainstream newspapers are prone to removing links to articles, here's a similar article on aviation.ca -- http://www.aviation.ca/content/view/9011/117/

On August 3, 2010 the city barricaded the runway and had a NOTAM issued. More details in this article from the Edmonton Journal: http://www.edmontonjournal.com/sports/Edmonton+City+Centre+Airport+closes+runway/3354012/story.html

Fuel is sold on field by Central Air. Sadly, there is a $50 callout fee on weekends now. And someone may not always be around during the week either. So make sure you have enough fuel to get home or make plans to fuel elsewhere.

Visited this airport briefly to pick up a friend. The fueler was very friendly, even though he was missing the hockey game to be there for me. The runway is at an angle; 0.65% up if landing on runway 26 (though it seems a lot more than that when landing). The airport is staffed with FSS who was also friendly. I presume the whole place is one big friendly Alberta town - next time I'll spend more time and find out for sure.

This was the airport used for the 1989 movie "Always" -- http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0096794/

According to an article on Flightglobal (http://www.flightglobal.com/articles/2009/09/15/332297/fiji-closes-biaugunu-airport.html) this airport is now closed. The airport was opened in 1980 but scheduled services ceased in 1984 when better roads made travel by other means more practical.

The CFS says runway 32 is treated gravel which makes it sound like runway 26 would be a better choice despite a crosswind. However, as of July 2009 when I stopped for fuel, I found runway 32 to be in great condition with no loose gravel whatsoever. And if you are able to do a good short field landing, the first 400 feet of runway 32 is asphalt.

Support for general aviation at Thunder Bay is awesome. I stopped there both on the way out east (from Calgary) and on the way back. I used the Esso Avitat for both stops and was very pleased with the service. On the way out, Esso refueled us immediately and loaned us their van to go get coffee from Tim Hortons. On the return flight, we arrived late in the day but still received quick service plus the fueler arranged for a hotel room at the Victoria Inn (a good recommendation) and a shuttle to get us there. Parking overnight was free of charge and there was fresh coffee the next morning. The lounge was clean and comfy and had a NavCanada pilot kiosk.

It's worth a trip to the Pincher Creek airport to check out the wind farms in the area. And you'll get a close up look at a wind turbine on the north side of the airport on the downwind for runway 07.

CFC has the cheapest price for fuel at the airport, more so if you're a member. If you purchase more than 500 litres of fuel a year and can handle getting your fuel between 7am and 7pm, then you are advised to purchase a yearly CFC membership.

As of September 12, 2007 it seems that the County of Athabasca is no longer charging the landing fee for privately registered aircraft.

There is a landing fee of $10 (ten dollars) here. But parking is free and the 100LL is sold at a reasonable rate.