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Hangar Hangout Returns to One of the Top Ten Flying Schools on the Planet
This is where our Board Chair, Cathy Press, hangs her shingle as CEO and Owner - YXX.
What a great way to cap off an amazing Hangar Hangout season! In 2025, Hangar Hangout broke out of the Lower Mainland to excel at Victoria International plus Squamish really strutted their stuff.
We are humbled that the Helicopter Association of Canada (HAC) added Hangar Hangout to their conference - consistent,y one of the finest rotary shows anywhere. Respect!
Houston, We Have a Problem...
Technology glitch messed up getting this incredibly generous offer out before deadline.
You don't see this every day of the week - complimentary Student access to a major national aviation and aerospace conference.
However, our tech didn't send the notice out before the November 3rd midnight deadline to register. Not good at all.
Bare minimum, you can get in for a walk-in fee.
Our advice? Send and email to the amazing Chanel here and ask if there is any way you can still register for complimentary access. She is maxed out, so have your best game on. And what she says goes. No appeals.
Bring Student ID. And your A-Game.
Stay tuned to this channel. If we get more details, we will send them out immediately.
This is on me.
Dave Frank, Executive Director, BCAC
Complimentary, Classy, Inspiring Hour Before Silver Wings
CWAAR continues to grow.
Open to all, the complimentary Chair's Women in Aviation and Aerospace Reception continues to grow.
Launched by our third female Board Chair, Heather Bell, the banner of this now pre-Silver Wings tradition was expanded by Board Chair Heather McCarley and now Cathy Press.
Yes, you are doing the math correctly. The BCAC has had five outstanding women as Board Chair over our 88 year history in this historically male dominated industry. We can't prove it, but we know of no other aviation or aerospace organization that can make the same claim.
We strongly encourage you to attend - even if you don't stay on for Silver Wings.
And, yes, Cory the character artist will be there.
Wow - On a Rocket Ride!
Silver Wings records falling like flies for Canada's Premier Aviation and Aerospace Industry and Scholarship Awards Celebration.
Not much else we can say other than register now before the Fire Marshall designs you access.
For our out of town guests, check out our fantastically supportive travel partners. Just go to bit.ly/SW-25, scroll past all those way too many ticket options, check out both the Hoel Partners and Travel Partners tabs, and prepare to go "wow".
 Photo/Tobyn Burton
A Leap Forward for Sustainable Aviation in B.C.
Contributed by Steve Drinkwater, Canadian Aviator magazine
Pitt Meadows Airport (CYPK) was the venue for a historic milestone in Canadian aviation when three battery-electric airplanes took to the sky in a demonstration of carbon-free flight.
Two Pipistrel two-seat airplanes were joined by Harbour Air’s de Havilland Beaver, dubbed the eBeaver, sporting a MagniX powerplant and battery pack.
Mike Andrews, a Class 1 Flight Instructor, was instrumental in positioning Sealand Flight’s Pipistrel Velis Electro from its home base at Campbell River on Vancouver Island to the Lower Mainland for the event. Given the limited range of the Electro, the aircraft’s wings were detached from the fuselage before being trucked to Pitt Meadows for the demonstration flight, hosted by the Aero Club of British Columbia.
The second Pipistrel, a privately owned Alpha Electro, was piloted by owner James Douma and is based at Pitt Meadows airport. The third aircraft, the eBeaver, made the non-stop flight from Harbour Air’s Sea Island base in Richmond with Harbour Air’s V-P for Maintenance Shawn Braiden at the controls.
Club members and invited guests were treated with a historic flyby of the three aircraft over the airport before pilots Mike Andrews and Shawn Braeden gave presentations about how these aircraft are pioneering sustainable aviation in British Columbia. While the eBeaver is not yet in commercial service pending further development, the Vilus Electro is already generating revenue while serving as a training aircraft for Sealand Flight.
(Photo/Tobyn Burton)
SUPPORTER PROFILE
(*Attached in PDF format)
SUPPORTER PROFILE
YVR CEO named business leader of the year by Canadian Chamber of Commerce
Tamara Vrooman has been the president and CEO of Vancouver International Airport since 2020.
Tamara Vrooman, president and CEO of Vancouver International Airport (YVR), was recognized Thursday as one of two Canadian Business Leaders of the Year by the Canadian Chamber of Commerce.
“Being recognized with the 2025 Canadian Business Leader Award is a true honour—one that is matched only by the privilege of working with such talented teams every day,” said Vrooman in a press release.
“Together, we have strived to foster innovation, sustainable growth, and community engagement. I look forward to continuing to drive positive change and contribute to Canada’s economic prosperity.”
At YVR, Vrooman has focused on innovation, reconciliation, and sustainability.
This includes generating more than $15 billion in economic impact nationally, sustaining nearly 150,000 jobs, including 26,000 jobs on Sea Island alone, and helping get $20 billion in goods to global markets annually, on top of serving an estimated record 26 million passengers this year, according to YVR.
Prior to joining YVR in 2020, Vrooman spent more than a decade as the president and CEO of Vancity Credit Union and served as the provincial deputy minister of finance, the youngest person ever to hold that role, as well as deputy minister of health.
She is also the Chancellor of Simon Fraser University, co-chair of the Premier of British Columbia’s Trade and Economic Security Taskforce, and is the former chair of the Canada Infrastructure Bank.
Vrooman has supported several non-profit and community organizations, including serving as chair of the Rick Hansen Foundation and as a supporter of the Pacific Autism Family Network.
“This prestigious honour recognizes Tamara as a trailblazing leader who has been instrumental in shaping Canada’s economic future, strengthening our industries, and demonstrating an unwavering commitment to the communities they serve,” said Candace Laing, president and CEO of the Canadian Chamber of Commerce.
Vrooman received the honour along with David Podmore, co-founder of Concert Properties, a real estate development company.
(Source: Richmond News, Maria Rantanen. Photo/YVR)
SUPPORTER PROFILE
Air North reintroduces seasonal service between Vancouver and Yellowknife
Air North – Yukon's Airline has announced the return of its seasonal, non-stop service between Vancouver and Yellowknife, beginning Mon., Nov. 24, 2025. The flights will which depart twice weekly until March 27, 2026.
The airlines said that this reinstated route enhances direct air travel between British Columbia and the Northwest Territories; and it also enables near year-round air service between Whitehorse and Yellowknife: via Vancouver in the winter and through Air North’s eastern gateway in Ontario during the summer. The service will play a key role in enhancing northern transportation links and fostering economic and cultural connections across the region.
Benjamin Ryan, Chief Commercial Officer at Air North, said that: “This route aligns with our mission to deliver Canada’s best regional air network.”
Ryan explained that: “As a Yukon-owned and operated airline, we are deeply committed to supporting the prosperity of Canada’s Arctic. We see this route as a meaningful step toward strengthening connections between the Yukon and the Northwest Territories. Our track record of delivering safe, reliable, and affordable air access in the North continues to contribute to community well-being and long-term economic development.”
Mike McNaney, Vice President and Chief External Affairs Officer at Vancouver International Airport (YVR), said: “We are pleased that Air North – which has been serving northern communities out of YVR for over 20 years – is reintroducing service to Yellowknife. Those travelling from British Columbia now have more choice and opportunity to experience all that a Northwest Territories winter has to offer, while flights from Yellowknife are timed for seamless onwards connections through YVR.”
The service reflects Air North’s northern-first strategy, marking a significant milestone in connecting the Yukon and Northwest Territories by prioritizing community needs, fostering economic integration, and strengthening long-term regional resilience.
It enhances tourism and travel trade by increasing two-way visitor flows between Yellowknife and Vancouver, with seamless connections for international travellers eager to experience Aurora season. It also supports cargo transport, business travel, scientific collaboration, and ongoing investment in northern innovation and Indigenous partnerships.
Donna Lee Demarcke, Chief Executive Officer of Northwest Territories Tourism, observed that: “NWT Tourism is very excited to welcome back Air North’s seasonal non‑stop service between Vancouver and Yellowknife. The reinstated route highlights Air North’s continued commitment to supporting the Northwest Territories and our businesses.”
She continued: “Whether travelling to visit family and friends, for business, or to experience the magic of the midnight sun or the Northern Lights, this route fosters meaningful opportunities for tourism, business, and cultural connection. We thank Air North for their continued support as we work together to showcase the Spectacular NWT to the world.”
The inaugural flight, operated by Air North’s Boeing 737 aircraft, departs Vancouver International Airport (YVR) at 1:25 p.m. PT on Mon., No 24, and arrives at Yellowknife Airport (YZF) at 4:55 p.m. MT.
Flights are available for purchase starting today, with one-way fares from just $139 CAD, including complimentary meals, checked and carry-on baggage, and Air North’s famous warm chocolate chip cookie and friendly service.
(Source: TravelPress.com. Photo/Air North)
SUPPORTER PROFILE
Pacific Coastal Airlines Announces New Non-Stop Flights Between Kelowna and Cranbrook
Pacific Coastal Airlines is proud to announce the launch of new non-stop service between Kelowna (YLW) and Cranbrook (YXC), beginning Monday, October 27, 2025, as part of its Winter 2025/2026 schedule. This route will operate daily using 19-passenger Beechcraft 1900 aircraft.
This enhanced schedule supports business, leisure and medical travel, with morning departures from Cranbrook offering seamless one-stop connections via Kelowna to Victoria, Nanaimo, and Comox, and evening return connections from those Vancouver Island destinations back to Cranbrook.
With the introduction of this route, Pacific Coastal Airlines will now serve 20 destinations across British Columbia, more than any other airline, a new milestone for the airline.
“It’s fantastic to once again offer non-stop service between Kelowna and Cranbrook, with our new schedule offering preferred morning and afternoon time of day flights,” says Johnathan Richardson, VP of Commercial at Pacific Coastal Airlines. “This new service not only strengthens regional air access in the Okanagan but also enables efficient one-stop travel between the Kootenays and Vancouver Island.”
“We are excited to see the Pacific Coastal network continue to expand at YLW. The addition of this new direct route not only strengthens Pacific Coastal’s position as a regional connector but supports Kelowna’s role as a transportation hub for travellers and goods throughout our province,” said Sam Samaddar, CEO, Kelowna International Airport.
“We are ecstatic to officially welcome the return of Pacific Coastal Airlines to YXC. This renewed partnership represents a vital enhancement to our regional connectivity and is of utmost importance to our community and the broader Kootenay region. The return of this improved version of the OK (Okanagan – Kootenay) Connector is scheduled for optimized connectivity to not only Kelowna but through to/from Victoria, Nanaimo and Comox, bridging Vancouver Island, the Okanagan and Kootenay Regions in a compelling new way,” says Tristen Chernove, CEO, Elevate Airports inc.
“Hope Air is proud to support Pacific Coastal Airline’s launch of this new flight route between Cranbrook and Kelowna, which will make it significantly easier for patients in the East Kootenays to access the healthcare they need. Reliable, timely travel options are essential for equitable healthcare, and this route brings us one step closer to closing the gap for rural British Columbians,” says Stephanie Aldridge, Vice President of Patient Experience at Hope Air.
Kootenay Rockies Tourism Association is thrilled to see the return of Pacific Coastal’s service between the Canadian Rockies International Airport in Cranbrook (YXC) and Kelowna International Airport (YLW). Kootenay Rockies CEO, Kathy Cooper, stated: “This additional daily service will offer visitors and residents a great linkage of air service from the interior of BC to the Kootenay Rockies region. It will also provide connectivity options for those coming from further locations such as Comox, Nanaimo, and Victoria. Pacific Coastal is a strong partner in the tourism sector, and we congratulate them on reinstating this service this fall. More connection options such as this are vital to areas that have smaller regional airports that struggle to provide robust flight schedule services.”
“The ability to connect different areas of our province is paramount, and we’re excited to re-establish the crucial link between Kelowna (YLW) and Cranbrook (YXC). We recognize the importance of accessible air travel for our communities, and this renewed route will undoubtedly foster new opportunities for collaboration and growth between these vibrant regions, serving both our residents and visitors alike. It’s truly exciting to see this essential transportation network come back to life,” says Ellen Walker-Matthews, CEO, Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association (TOTA).
Launch Promotion – Limited Time Offer
To celebrate the launch of our new non-stop service, Pacific Coastal Airlines is offering 20% off flights between Cranbrook (YXC) and Kelowna (YLW), as well as connecting destinations Nanaimo (YCD), Victoria (YYJ), and Comox (YQQ). Book by August 20, 2025, using promo code YXC20. For full details or to book, visit pacificcoastal.com, call 1-800-663-2872, or contact your local travel agent.
(Source/Photo: Pacific Coastal Airlines.)
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