The Kitimat Flying Club celebrated the grand re-opening of the Kitimat airpark on last month.
The runway resurfacing project, a long-term goal of the club, came to fruition through a BC Air Access Program Grant and support of the District of Kitimat. Asphalting took place July-August 2022.
A large crowd of community members, local pilots, aviation enthusiasts, and special guests joined in on the celebration on Sept.10, including a ribbon cutting ceremony, an airpark walk-about and hangar social with cake and refreshments, and balloons and toy planes for youngsters.
Spokespersons at the re-opening included Kitimat Flying Club President Don McAndrew, Kitimat Mayor Phil Germuth, MLA Ellis Ross, and long-serving club member Bob Rypma.
A commemorative framed aerial photo by Ileah Lutz was presented by new club pilot, Kemper Weightman.
Kitimat airpark’s runway, officially CBW2, is nearly 3000 ft in length, with freshly painted lines and runway numerals. Interestingly, to reflect the slight shift in magnetic north, the runways were re-labelled Runway 18 and Runway 36.
Kitimat Flying Club, a group of pilots and aviation-focused volunteers, strives to keep the airpark maintained and ready for service. Currently the airpark is accessible to light commercial and recreational airplanes and helicopters, and available for Emergency Service and essential users, including SAR and Coast Guard. The Club is keen to further improve the airpark’s capability and facilities, and recent upgrades make local flight training a possible future opportunity.