Silver Wings Scholarship Celebration

The month of November is dedicated to supporting our aviation and aerospace scholarship awards plus celebrate the 35 women and men who were award recipients over the past two years through the B.C. Aviation Council program. Activities supporting Silver Wings include: Major Online Silent Auction, Air Canada Trip for Two Anywhere Worldwide Raffle, 50/50 Draw, Thursday's Hangar Hangout Silver Wings Edition at Helijet YVR, Sponsorships, Donors, and Four Scholarship Special Edition Frequent Flyers - this being the first. 

Reminder that the BCAC is a registered tax charity. All personal donations receive an official Canadian tax receipt.

Major Online Silent Auction

Welcome to the British Columbia Aviation Council Silver Wings Silent Auction running until 5pm Pacific, November 30th. Half of all proceeds raised through Silver Wings are used to support 2022’s $70,000 value Scholarship Award Program. The rest supports BCAC services and other programs - especially for Youth. Aviation and aerospace are on the brink of an extreme human resources shortage tsunami. This substantial scholarship program is part of the medium-term solution.

With 105 items worth a total of $37,900, this is the largest auction in BCAC's recent history and the second largest aviation and aerospace auction in Canada. It is also our first online auction. It showcases our industry, sponsors and donors well.

The auction is open to all. Please help us spread the word: Bit.ly/BCAC-SW21 .

The next month-long online auction will commence mid-April as lead up to our live May 15-17 Beyond Covid Conference at the Inn at Laurel Point in Victoria. As part of the auction are a full delegate pass, a guest pass, plus accommodation at the Inn, as items.

Explore Online Auction

Trip for 2 Anywhere in Air Canada's Worldwide Network

This major prize includes all non-Air Canada fees and taxes. Tickets are $20 each or three for $50. Prize value $5,600.

You must purchase tickets from within British Columbia due to gaming regulations.

Spread the word throughout BC: https://bcac.rafflenexus.com/a/ff 

Air Canada Raffle

50/50 Draw

Just launched, this licensed draw is your chance to win cash while supporting scholarships and BCAC services/programs.

Winner takes one-half of the jackpot. Tickets must be purchased in BC. Jackpot limited to $20,000. Closes November 30th, 1:00pm. Draw 5pm that day.

Help spread the word in the Province: https://bcac.rafflenexus.com/a/ff   

50/50 Raffle

Open Hangar Hangout, Helijet YVR, Thursday

IN-PERSON ONLY! Join the Silver Wings Scholarship Celebration at Hangar Hangout. Open to all.

Welcome to the Silver Wings edition of Hangar Hangout, BCAC’s Youth Engagement Committee's monthly aviation and aerospace community initiative. Here you’ll have an opportunity to connect and converse with fellow aviation enthusiasts and professionals in the BC aviation and aerospace community. 

Join us on Thursday, November 25th, 2021, from 1800-2000 hrs for our eleventh casual get together. We are so excited to announce that this will be an IN-PERSON event held in an Helijet's YVR hangar! A vaccine passport and mask will be required to attend this event. 

BCAC's is dedicated to creating an inclusive, friendly and inviting environment for everyone to meet new people, socialize and connect in the “hangar” setting we’ve all been missing.

Event Location: Helijet YVR Hangar - Southside YVR 5911 Airport Road South, Richmond, BC, V7B 1B5

COVID-19 restrictions will be in place for this event. If attending, you'll be required to show proof of vaccination, wear a mask, and adhere to our COVID-19 safety plan. A health check (temperature only) will also be required before entering the building. Helijet has very generously donated snacks and beverages for the event. Please do not bring any outside food or drinks.

Guests are currently limited to 50. Advance registration is required.

Register Here

Special thanks to Danny and the Team at Helijet for opening their hangar doors to us to hold this exciting event!

This event is free and open to all. Donations to BCAC's growing Scholarship Fund and other Services/Programs are graciously accepted. Tax receipts are issued for all personal donations.

We look forward to seeing you there.

Scholarship Winners 2020-2021

Normally we celebrate our amazing scholarship winners in-person during Silver Wings at the Vancouver Trade and Convention Centre, however, Covid has put a big wrench in that endeavour. So instead, we celebrate our winners and some of their thoughts over the next four Frequent Flyer Special Editions.

Okoro Chioma - John and Michelle Ward Memorial Flight Training Scholarship (Commercial Pilot)

"Growing up in Owerri, Nigeria, only once, as a child, did I visit the local airport during an excursion, but I have childhood memories of being fascinated whenever I saw aircraft on TV. When I turned 19, and because of my outstanding academic performance, I became a recipient of the Ukrainian-Nigerian bilateral education agreement full scholarship. There were many courses on the list, but the aviation courses caught my attention, so I opted to enroll in the aerospace faculty’s bachelor of aircraft maintenance program at the National Aviation University Kyiv, Ukraine. During this program, courses in aerodynamics further solidified my aviation interests and I decided on also becoming a pilot.

Fast forward to age 29, a decade later and I am now a private pilot working on my commercial pilot license alongside my doctoral dissertation which studies the optimization of maintenance processes for continuous airworthiness of aircraft. 

My long term career goal is to combine both my research engineering and flying skills for the advancement of the aviation industry. Winning the John and Michelle Ward scholarship has intensified my drive toward this goal and reassured me that I am on the right track. The funds will be used to pay for aircraft rental and will go a long way in achieving my flying goals. 

I am immensely grateful to the BCAC for this opportunity."

Simon O'Mara, BC Airport Committee Airport Operations/Management Training and William Templeton Airport Operations Management Training Bursaries

"Aviation has been a passion of mine from a very young age. It started with my grandad sharing stories about his time in the Royal Air Force (RAF). The BCIT Airport Operations program and excellent instructors have given me the technical and leadership skills to have a long and successful career in airport management. A huge thank you to the BC Aviation Council and donors for helping pay for my final semester and allowing me to finish the program with the same focus and passion I started with."

Keon Santos, BC Airport Committee Airport Operations/Management Training Bursary

"From a young age, I’ve always had a deep fascination for all things aviation related. The industry is an incredibly diverse and wide ranging industry that all work together to bring forth the power of flight to everyone, from general aviation enthusiasts to business travellers. The complexity of it all drew me closer and closer into this field, picking up more inspiration as I went from being an Air Cadet into the Airport Operations program at British Columbia Institute of Technology.

Airports are more than just a place to fly out of; they are hubs of commerce, connections and opportunities. With that comes the intricate connections between operational activities at an airport that combine to ensure the safe and efficient passage of aircraft through its facilities. This has sparked my drive and my passion to partake in such a wide-ranging field, having the desire to be in the midst of all the activities that go on within an airport.

I see airports as an incredible place to learn and grow within the industry and have the opportunity to make an impact in something I've loved for so long. This scholarship gives me the chance to do just that, and I am incredibly grateful for being awarded the scholarship to enable me to continue pushing forward and shape the future that I seek within the airport and aviation industry."

Brian Bartley, BCAC “Career” Training Scholarship

"My favorite aviation stories involve the early and modern day pioneers almost a century apart. First, I am fascinated by the Canadian aviators who returned home from World War I and opened up a mostly unexplored, inaccessible and at times inhospitable country to deliver mail, medical supplies, prospectors and provide a vital lifeline to remote communities which still rely on these services to this day.

Second, the continued modern day innovation, passion and entrepreneurial spirit that is driving the shift to electric flight, specifically with the DHC-2 Beaver conversion to an ePlane on battery power, linking the Canadian aviation pioneers past and present."

Annika Sun, Conair Group Commercial Aviation Training Scholarship

"One of my favourite aviation stories talks about the creation of winglets where Dr. Whitcomb found his inspiration by analyzing the airflow at the wingtips of soaring birds. By imitating nature and making small changes to the wingtips of an aircraft, an astounding 5% of fuel was saved from drag reduction! 

To me, this story shows how the perfect combination of nature, engineering and innovation can build a better and more sustainable future."

Madeline Ungurain, Francois Leh Flight Instructor Training Scholarship

"I was inspired to learn to fly shortly after moving to Jasper Alberta to pursue my first dream of working as a chef. The idea of having the ability to fly out of a remote area to access much needed resources was enticing. I appreciate all that an airplane can achieve where every other method of transportation falls short.

The story of Betty Greene (MAF), the world’s first female missions’ pilot, is awe-inspiring to me. I dream of following in her footsteps and one day flying to isolated villages in the most remote corners of the earth, bringing aid to those in need.

This scholarship has provided the financial support that I was lacking to fund my instructor rating, while also offering a huge piece of sentimental recognition. Francois took me on my introductory flight, and has always been a role model to not only me but everyone who has known him. I’m honoured to be the first recipient of his scholarship."

Silver Wings Presenting Partner:    Vancouver International Airport (YVR)

Silver Wing's presenting partner remains Vancouver International Airport (YVR) which is greatly appreciated. They have contributed the following backgrounder on some current issues specifically for this Frequent Flyer.

YVR: Connecting with Our Communities 

As a community-based organization, Vancouver Airport Authority is a proud sponsor of the annual B.C. Aviation Council’s Silver Wings Industry and Scholarship Awards Celebration. Supporting our community is fundamental to YVR and the people who work here. We are committed to serving our diverse communities and this includes partnering with leaders, professionals and students in aerospace and aviation.

Supporting our community includes more than just partnerships – it also reflects how we influence the world in which we live. This means that our decisions must take sustainability into account. We recognize that everything we do has an impact and everyone we service has a stake in our success. In October, YVR introduced its Roadmap to Net Zero Carbon 2030. The roadmap balances innovative approaches with practical actions that will see YVR’s operations become net zero by 2030. Specifically, our roadmap outlines four decarbonization pathways that are necessary for us to reduce emission from our operations. These are:

1. Greening our fleets (investing in electric vehicles while also right sizing them to match operational requirements and switching to renewable fuel for heavier equipment)

2. Building energy conservation and electrification (meeting operational requirements more efficiently and using less energy for heating/cooling, cooking lighting and other electrical loads. Switching from natural gas to electricity where possible)

3. Replacing fossil fuels with renewable alternatives (investing in 100% green electricity and on-site solar, supporting green kitchens, securing renewable natural gas for heating/cooking and purchasing renewable diesel for generators)

4. Closing the gap – investment in carbon offsets and carbon removals for the emissions that remain.

Through collaboration, YVR and its partners will advance ideas and implement action that will result in lasting solutions for reducing emissions and creating a greener future. At the same time, we will expand our role in B.C.’s economy with our new initiative to create an Innovation Hub @ YVR - a platform through which we will connect and collaborate with local business and our community to help lead the economic recovery in B.C. This includes testing and trialing new processes and technology for a wide variety of applications, allowing us to drive and improve passenger experience and advance our cargo operations in a new era of travel and logistics. Our partners include BCIT, Unity Technologies, GeoSim Cities, Vanderlande and General Fusion.

We are committed to creating an airport that British Columbians can be proud of: a premier global gateway, local economic generator and community contributor. Together with our provincial airport partners, we can connect British Columbia proudly to the world.

For more information, check out our video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8xsgCvGuNeE

The Roadmap to Net Zero Carbon 2030, an interesting read, is attached to this eNewsletter.

Frequent Flyer Special Edition Sponsor:    Pitt Meadows Regional Airport (YPK)

The BCAC is extremely pleased that YPK was first out of the blocks to be a Silver Wings Frequent Flyer Scholarship Edition sponsor. One is naturally nervous when going from live event to online program. When YPK showed early support their was a collective sigh of relief! Many thanks to this first class community airport and flight training centre.

The Pitt Meadows Regional Airport is owned and operated by the Pitt Meadows Airport Society (PMAS). The Society, a not-for-profit entity, took over operation of the airport from Transport Canada in May 1999. Its mission is to develop the Pitt Meadows Airport for economic and social benefit to Pitt Meadows, Maple Ridge, the North Fraser Region, and adjacent communities. The Airport is situated on a 285ha site within the boundaries of the City of Pitt Meadows along the north shore of the Fraser River. It is centrally located within the Lower Fraser Valley, being equidistant from downtown Vancouver, the Vancouver International Airport, and the City of Abbotsford.

The site has excellent access to the region and all areas beyond, being conveniently located just off the Golden Ears Bridge which connects to Highway #7, the major regional highway north of the Fraser River, and Highway #1, located to the south of the Fraser River.

Pitt Meadows Regional Airport is one of the leading community airports in Canada. The Airport is fast emerging as a “centre of aviation excellence” within British Columbia. It is a foremost contributor to the growing strength and diversification of the aviation and aerospace industry within the province, providing significant regional economic benefits and employment opportunities. Pitt Meadows Regional Airport is dynamically working towards strengthening its reputation as a business-friendly community airport. 

Its opportunistic location, ease of access to multi-lateral transportation sources, spacious layout, land availability, extended main runway, competitive lease rate and fee structure, surrounding affordability of services, along with the current economic climate are all factors which together make Pitt Meadows Airport a strong candidate for current and future regional aerospace development. It is well positioned to take advantage of the forecasted growth within the aerospace industry in the years ahead. 

The Pitt Meadows Airport Society is currently devoting significant investment dollars towards new development and the rehabilitation and upgrade of airside and groundside infrastructure at the Pitt Meadows Regional Airport. The airport has advanced considerably through the strengthening of its business advantage and as a result has attracted numerous new aviation related development opportunities. The effectiveness of new marketing initiatives put in place by the Pitt Meadows Regional Airport to attract potential new aviation cliental has been markedly enhanced as evidenced by the facility’s ‘open for business’ appearance and the ten new hangar development projects recently approved by the Pitt Meadows Airport Society. 

The foremost projects are the completed extension of RWY 25L/08R, a newly constructed airport terminal building and main entrance parking lot, a newly rehabilitated Apron 1 maneuvering area with overhead night lighting, newly constructed Vancouver Aviation College Training Center, newly constructed Hangar One Aviation Aircraft Storage Facility, and commencement of the new 200,000 sq. ft. Golden Ears Airpark general aviation hangar complex and 200,000 sq. ft. commercial Helipark complex. 

Pitt Meadows Regional Airport is uniquely dependent on the continued success of its aviation community for its general sustainability. The efficacious contribution of its fixed wing and rotary wing flight training schools, maintenance repair and overhaul facilities, mid-size commercial aerospace businesses, scheduled and charter air services, and floatplane and general aviation operations and operators to the airport are indispensable. They provide the foundational building blocks of success and support for ongoing airport infrastructure rehabilitation projects and important development initiatives of the future. 

This is one of the many reasons Pitt Meadows Regional Airport is an enthusiastic supporter of the BC Aviation Council and the flight training industry in the province as a whole. The BCAC, as outlined in their strategic vision, in partnership with members, stakeholders, and our community, is positively influencing the well-being of British Columbia’s aviation and aerospace industry. The health of our aerospace industry is paramount to our success at YPK. When the broader aviation community is thriving, whether it be our nine flight training schools or many aviation businesses, we all flourish together. The future is bright for the Pitt Meadows Regional Airport. The changes of the past four years have been remarkable. When you find time, drop in for a visit. Most assuredly, you will like what see.

Wayne McNeil Eulogy - By William Sullivan

Excerpts reflecting a love of aviation and aerospace.

Attachments

• YVR Roadmap to Net Zero Carbon - 2021external_F.pdf