Man has dreamed of flying for thousands of years – a dream
expressed in the myths and legends of peoples of every land. Then it was
the dreamers, the visionaries and the inventors who were caught up in
the concept of manned flight.
Sixty years ago, aviation was growing in maturity and many cities and
towns were coming to realize that aviation was an evolving transport
system that progressive communities must recognize. In 1938, at a time
of spirited enthusiasm in aviation, a group of civic leaders met in the
city of Nelson and formed the British Columbia Aviation Council (BCAC).
This Aviation Council was the first of its kind in Canada. Membership
was afforded to all city and rural municipalities and recognized Boards
of Trade throughout the province. It was an organization formed
primarily to promote the safe and orderly development of aviation and
aviation services in British Columbia. It also entailed close
cooperation with the federal Department of Civil Aviation, in order to
supply its members with up to date information regarding civil
aeronautics regulations, and to support municipal leaders seeking
airports and air routes into their communities.
Twelve municipalities and eight boards of trade held initial
membership in the council. Within ten years the membership had grown to
twenty-nine municipalities and thirteen boards of trade and commerce,
three flying clubs and twenty-nine individuals. In 1998, there were
three hundred and eighty seven members.
The current objectives of the Council, over sixty years after its
incorporation, remain the same. The BCAC offers help and encouragement
to communities in developing airports, landing strips and alightment
areas for float equipped aircraft. Its continuing endeavour is to make
flying less hazardous in the uncompromising geography of this
mountainous province. The Council has continually encouraged the
establishment of improved communications and additional weather
reporting stations along the coast and the interior of the province. Due
to pressure from the Council, many power lines and cables crossing
mountain valleys have been adequately marked for helicopters, water
bombers and other low flying aircraft.
The Council is involved with the aviation community in specific
airport developments, environmental impact studies, public forums,
project funding, air regulations and licensing. In many of these
assignments, their role is as mediator, to assist in problem solving
between various levels of government and the aviation industry.
The Council has effectively represented the interests of aviation to
Transport Canada, developing a very credible relationship with all
departments of the ministry. The Council continues to be consulted on
aviation matters and enjoys excellent cooperation from the ministry
personnel, senior Ottawa personnel and senior staff of both the Pacific
and Western regions of the department. In addiction, the Council’s
President and CEO, has a seat on the Advisory Committee to NAV Canada.
Since 1961, The BCAC has gathered information and prepared air
facilities maps for the province distributing five to six thousand
annually throughout North America. They have also published and
distributed a VFR (Visual Flight Rules) Handbook as a supplement to the
facilities maps, which describes the safest flyways in the province.
Throughout the province, the Council conducts educational seminars
for aviators and airport officials. Through various awards and trophies
the Council provides incentives and recognizes excellence and
contributions to aviation in BC.
The hard work and dedication of its members, who donate hours of
corporate and personal time, is apparent in the success and esteem that
the Council enjoys. It is remarkable that so much has been accomplished
on a volunteer basis. A small but highly motivated and knowledgeable
staff provides continuity in all Council endeavours.
Website:
www.bcaviation.org
