Aussie Visiting Vancouver area info please

[mostlytossas]

Hi fellow aviators in Canada. My partner and I are going to take a vacation in the Vancouver BC area later this year (following a cruise to Alaska) mid August to mid September. I have never flown in your fair country before but am told it is quite an experiance. I have discovered to get my Australian licence validated for Canada is quite easy and straight forward but that is only part of the preparation for doing so. Can you recomend any aircraft hire companies or clubs etc that would likely hire me something for a few days?
I only need a basic C172 or Piper PA28 etc. I have 30+ years experiance and over well over 1000hrs so not a novice. Also it would be very handy for familiarisation purposes to get hold of some charts,VNC's,VTA's,and a Flight Supp, (we call them ERSA's) for the area. As they all have a limited life I was wondering if someone could mail me their recently expired ones for me to get up to speed with,(yes I know I will need buy current ones when I arrive). I am happy to send you my expired Aussie ones in return should you find them interesting.
PM me if you wish or if you can help. Thanks in advance.

[matthewlai]

Where in Vancouver are you staying?

The most popular general aviation airport here is Boundary Bay Airport (CZBB), but Pitt Meadows and Langley are also available.

If you like Cessnas, I highly recommend Pacific Flying Club at Boundary Bay. Very nice people and airplanes, and non-profit. I am flying with Sea Land Air (sealandair.ca) because I don't like Cessnas. By the way, Diamonds are REALLY cool if you haven't tried them.

[fantom]

How about the float-planes at Beaver (next to the airport) ?

[evansb]

"Beaver"? I've no idea what you are referring to. The water aerodromes in the vicinity of Vancouver International Airport (CYVR) are Vancouver Intl: CAM9, Vancouver Harbour: CYHC, Fort Langley: CAS4, Pitt Meadows: CAJ8,

On Vancouver Island, and up the coast; Naniamo Harbour: CAC8, Victoria Harbour; CYWH. Campbell River: CAE3, Port Hardy: CAW5, Alert Bay: CBC3, Bella Bella: CAW8, to mention just a few.

Rent a float plane? Unlikely. Charter a helicopter or float plane tour? Very likely.

The airspace in the lower mainland (Greater Vancouver and the area northwest, north, northeast, east southeast and east, up the Fraser Valley to Abbotsford (CYXX) past Chilliwack (CYCW) to Hope (CYHE)) is quite complex. Flights over the city of Vancouver are restricted, so you must read the Vancouver VTA map and review the published procedures in the CFS (Canada Flight Supplement) before flying.

Flying around Vancouver is NOT seeing Canada. Just as flying around Sydney is not seeing Australia. Canada is even bigger than Australia, and much more varied.

Unfortunately, all I have are expired Edmonton and Calgary VTA and VNC charts.
I do hope that a fellow aviator in the lower mainland of B.C. (or vicinity) will mail you the requested maps.

All the best!

[westhawk]

"Beaver"? I've no idea what you are referring to.

That's pretty funny! I suggest that fantom has either heard of or perhaps been to the Flying Beaver restaurant along the southern perimeter road at YVR. I've enjoyed a few meals and even a couple of frosty beverages there myself while watching the activity at the adjacent dock, where it is quite common to see a float plane or two. Not quite the pleasant surrounding that is Stanley Park, but you can walk there from the jet FBOs. I miss those trips to Vancouver...

westhawk

[evansb]

Go to NAV CANADA, click on "Aeronautical Information Products" then click on "Aeronautical Charts" then click on "VFR Terminal Area Charts" then click "sample chart" and you will find a Vancouver VTA! It is out-of-date, but a new chart cost $16.50 Canadian dollars. Tax and shipping may not be included.