uAvionix on June 1 introduced the AV-Mag, a 3-axis external magnetometer, for AV-30 panel displays. AV-Mag, when paired with an AV-30, will provide consistent and accurate magnetic heading information.

With its ability to measure the earth’s magnetic field and aid the AV-30 directional heading measurement, AV-Mag offers what uAvionix describes as a long-term, high-accuracy Directional Gyro (DG) solution that pilots have requested.

Optimal performance of AV-Mag is achieved by innovative calibration and measurement techniques, explains uAvionix, including precise integration of attitude and magnetic field data in all orientations, and the use of the World Magnetic Model (WMM) to aid in calibration. Added features like Wind Direction and Speed are planned for an upcoming release.

With AV-Mag, pilots have the option to allow AV-30 to utilize the magnetic compass data from AV-Mag, rather than manually setting the DG to compass heading. Pilots wishing to use the AV-30 as a traditional user-adjusted DG can also override the measured magnetic heading and set a specific heading for aerobatic maneuvers or other practice procedures.

AV-Mag supports a number of installation orientations with the ability to wire and mount in a location away from ferrous metals or magnetic interference, ideally in the tail or either wing.

(Image: uAvionix)

— By Luc Boily

The Regional Air Access Program (PAAR) unveiled last April 19 by the Québec government has been launched on June 1. The PAAR caps the cost of plane tickets for all travel within the province to the regions, as a way to increase tourism to rural areas located far from the big cities. The program has two components.

First, residents of remote regions – such as Abitibi-Temiscamingue, Côte-Nord, the Gaspé Peninsula, Saguenay–Lac-St-Jean and the James Bay Cree Territories – are eligible for a rebate of between 30 percent and 60 percent after they buy tickets for in-province flights (without maximum annual reimbursement amount). Second, those living elsewhere are able to buy round-trip tickets directly from airlines to remote regions for $500 (or one-way tickets for $250). The number of tickets offered at that prime rate is limited to three round trips (or six one-way tickets) per person per year, and travellers must start or end their flights at airports in Québec City or the Montréal region.

Only flights for personal purposes are eligible for the discounted fares. In order to stimulate the regional economy and the return of tourist activities, the offer is also available to travellers from outside Québec and to foreign students. “It’s a significant step for the tourism industry, it’s a significant step for the regional aviation industry, and it’s also a significant step for all of Québec,” told Transport Minister François Bonnardel to reporters in Québec City at the press event last week. Bonnardel added the $500 cap on ticket prices also applies to trips that require connecting flights. Note that the PAAR will be in effect until March 31, 2024. Its budget is $86 million over two years. Almost 100,000 tickets will be available to roughly 20 destinations during the program’s first year.

— By Tourisme Haut-Richelieu (Photo: Kim Valiquette)

Attend the 2022 National Fly-In and Aviation Exhibition in Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu, Quebec and explore the surrounding region!

In Haut-Richelieu, there’s plenty to do in the sky, on land and on the water. If you’re visiting, why not stay a few days? We have everything you could want for a great time!

In the sky: The National Fly-In and Aviation Exhibition will be taking place from June 23rd to 25th. To see the region from a bird’s eye view, you could also go on a hot air balloon ride! What’s more, Haut-Richelieu will be hosting the Canadian Hot Air Balloon Championship, a major competition in which more than 30 experienced pilots test their skills in competition flights. An event you won’t want to miss!

On land: It’s bicycling season! Stop by Alo Richelieu, Cycle LM and Route de Champlain to rent an e-bike and explore the bike paths that crisscross the region. To plan the perfect itinerary, download the brand-new 2022 Guide to Cyclo-Tourism! It contains maps of the area and attractions you can access by bicycle, to help craft the ideal two-wheeled adventure. Upon your return, take a seat on a terrace in Vieux-Saint-Jean to discover the unique dishes concocted by local chefs. Starting June 24th, the downtown area will come alive with vibrant colours and lively events. For a cold, refreshing drink, head to Terre à Boire, Lagabière, Domaine Berthiaume, Vignoble 1292 and Mas des Patriotes. Sip your favourite beverage while enjoying the beautiful country views these charming establishments offer.

On the water: If you have your sea legs, the “Here, we live by the water” microadventure invites you to make the most of beautiful Lake Champlain. Towards the end of June, Alo Richelieu and Route de Champlain suggest a variety of water sports as well as electric boat rides. For quality time with your other half, Noah Spa is the perfect place to relax, with water views and several treatments available to help you unwind.

End the day in one of the region’s floating accommodations. Offering magnificent sunset views of the Richelieu River, AloBerge, Flotel and Domaine Pourki warmly welcome you for a good night’s rest. Several other inns, B&Bs and hotels scattered throughout the area make it possible to extend your stay.

The various tourist hubs in the region are full of surprises to discover. You are sure to have a wonderful time with your loved ones!

For more information, visit Tourisme Haut-Richelieu.

— Text and photos provided by BC AERO

Saturday April 23 was a busy day at the office for BC AERO. The work shop and hangars of the WEST COAST PILOT’S CLUB at the Langley airport were filled with volunteers and guests. This was the site for the first ever training session for members of the BC Airlift Emergency response Operation hosted by Sean Heaps, President of BC AERO and led by Sigmund B. Sort, Chief Preparedness Officer. The day also included a well-attended Open House where guests toured the facility and met the volunteers.

Volunteer pilots spent the Saturday learning what and who BC AERO is, what has been accomplished and what will be expected of them as participants when the big one occurs. The day long sessions covered a range of need to know items from pilot qualifications to cross border requirements.

A hands on session that included loading and unloading an aircraft with emphasis on safety as well as weight and balance and gross weight concerns rounded out the day. Experienced staff from the November event provided the expertise.

All of this effort was in preparation for the first international cross border disaster exercise to be held in cooperation with “Operation Thunder” planned for Saturday, June 18. The Washington based DART and California Cal DART groups will be testing their ability to respond to a simulated tsunami by flying supplies and personnel across Washington State in a dawn to dusk operation. BC AERO’s contribution will be their “real time” experience responding to the 2021 disaster in Southern BC

Canadian pilots will be flying from Langley to Bellingham and beyond carrying some 30,000 pounds of donated emergency food stocks to Washington State. This requires the coordination and cooperation with not only customs officials on both sides of the border but the FAA and Transport Canada.

Photos and text by Gustavo Corujo

The Hewitt family opened their doors to the local aviation community for the Rendezvous Ridge fly-in, held annually in Woodstock, Ontario. It was a beautiful day for flying with lots of aviation friends and family gathering and enjoying great food and fun activities, including passenger rides and flour bombing.

Norm Beckham/Bob Hewitt Field was named in honour of the two Founding Fathers, Norm Beckham and Bob Hewitt. They were instrumental in starting the Woodstock Ontario Flying Club (WOFC) in 1968. They were also the founders of the Canadian Harvard Aircraft Association in Tillsonburg, Ontario, which started with one Harvard in 1969 here in Woodstock.

View more photos of the event.

The Government of Canada is providing more than $4 million in new funding to help Victoria International Airport recover from the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic and to support continued air services and important transportation infrastructure projects at the airport.

The airport will receive more than $1.3 million from Transport Canada’s Airport Critical Infrastructure Program for upgrades to the lighting for the approach to Runway 09.

The work will include the installation of new land-based and water-based lighting systems, with the water-based fixtures being structurally reinforced to withstand impacts from barges that work in the area; and reconfiguration and extension of the existing floatplane dock to accommodate the new lighting system.

“The Victoria International Airport is a key transportation hub not just for Victoria, but for much of Vancouver Island,” said Annie Koutrakis, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Transport. “It connects us with family and friends, helps us discover new destinations, and is a pivotal trade corridor for many Victoria businesses.”

In addition to funding for the infrastructure projects, the Government of Canada also provided the airport with over $3 million from Transport Canada’s Airport Relief Fund to help it maintain continued airport operations and essential air services for residents and workers in Victoria and surrounding communities.

(Photo: Victoria International Airport)

Text and photos by Gustavo Corujo

The Kawartha Lakes Municipal Airport, CNF4, on May 25 began to host its Wednesday Night Car Cruises and Fly-Ins series. The weekly event is scheduled to take place every Wednesday night until Fall (weather permitting). The Airport View Restaurant will remain open during the event.

This event is organized by CNF4 airport manager, Craig Logan, who is aiming to bring together the aviation community, car enthusiast and locals at the airport. The first Cruises and Fly-Ins on May 25 brought together a great number of classic cars and local aircraft on display.

View more photos of the event.

Levaero Aviation has been awarded the Business Excellence Award for Large Businesses by the Thunder Bay Chamber of Commerce. This recognition is a tribute to the company’s exemplary customer service, diverse workplace offering varied career opportunities, as well as its ongoing involvement in the community.

“It was my honour and privilege to have accepted the Business Excellence Award on behalf of everyone at Levaero,” said Robert Arnone, President and CEO of Levaero Aviation. “Being recognized by the Thunder Bay Chamber of Commerce and our business community is especially meaningful and heartfelt as it coincides with the celebration of our 25-year company anniversary, by the city where it all began, so to speak. We are humbled to receive this award, and it will always hold a place of honour within our company.”

The Thunder Bay Chamber of Commerce announced its 28th Annual Business of Excellence Awards at a gala hosted by the Chamber on May 26, 2022. 76 nominations were received, and the award winners were selected by an independent panel of Chamber Member judges. The Award honours businesses that have advanced in economic and/or financial growth through sales and earnings, have exceptional customer service, are a leader in employment creation, diversity, and inclusion, seek to continuously improve employee relations, are involved in community affairs and demonstrate a commitment to quality in operations.

“Receiving this award reaffirms that the hard work put in by the entire Levaero team is effective, and continually builds a strong, more resilient company that we are extremely proud of. We have aimed for excellence for our first 25 years, and we will continue to build on that foundation for the next years to come,” said Steve Davey, Executive Vice President of Levaero Aviation.

(Photo: Levaero Aviation)