As most of you should know, there are special procedures in place during the Olympics. At first, the procedures look pretty daunting, but Pacific Flying Club has procedures in place to remove most of the complexities. All you have to do is be registered with the ISU through the club (simple), arrange for a Flight Authorization a few days ahead of time, (simple) and then follow some simple rules while flying (again, simple).
On Friday January 29, 2010 (just after the rules came into effect, PFC sent 6 aircraft and 20 people through the system.We all arrived at PFC at 7:30 to file our flight plans, check weather, NOTAM's, etc. At 8:30 AM, the 6 planes taxied over to the new CZBB Terminal to get a security screening. I was PIC with my passengers being Paul Harris and Kerry McDowall. We went into the building and lined up for CATSA screening, the same as you get on a commercial flight at YVR. Paul decided to really test the system, and brought 3 knives with him which he put in the plastic tray. The screeners basically just took his knives away and said they would hand them the the PIC (me) who would securely take them to the plane after screening. Everybody's heart rate went down after that. After that, Paul started thinking of other things to bring with him next time.
We were escorted to the aircraft by an RCMP officer (who was working on his day off and getting $110/hr during a 12 hour shift). We asked him if anyone had given him a safety briefing for checking out an airplane, and he basically said no. We gave him the Readers Digest version, and then he looked at the plane for a few seconds and then sent us on our way. The whole process took about 20 minutes.
We started the engine and taxied over to Alpha for the run-up, and then departed 12 for CYNJ. The only diffrence was that after leaving CZBB, we had to depart via a specific checkpoint (Blackie Spit) and contact Vancouver Monitor after leaving the zone. We stayed with VR Monitor till we got near CYNJ, then called up CYNJ. They gave us left base for 01. All the aircraft wound up in the Apron area near the security trailer, which created a major bottleneck. They were set up for three airplanes tops, and we show up with six. We went into the trailer (we were second in) and went through a similar process as back in CZBB (including Paul's knives). After the screening, we were escorted out to the aicraft by another RCMP officer, then did our run-up adjacent to the security trailer. The security process here took about 25 minutes. We got permission to taxi to threshold of 01 for departure, but had to wait about 5 minutes for the controller to issue a departure clearance.
Once through 1500' out of CYNJ, the controller handed us off to VR Monitor (124.675) and we headed to King George where we then contacted CZBB for landing instructions. Again, we had to have a specific arrival point in our flight plan. The six aircraft arrived over the next 20 minutes of so.
The whole process was rather uneventful, and only two security checks leaving CZBB and prior to coming back into CZBB. The major reason for the delays was that we showed up with 6 aircraft at the same time in both places.
So it is possible to fly during the Olmypic period, all it takes is a bit more planning. I plan to do more flying during this event, weather permitting. If any other members want to do the same, just talk with Dispatch at the club to arrange it. If you still feel uncomfortable doing it on your own, book an instructor to come along the first time (they all know the procedures and have flown). The club has great incentives to make it worth your while to get up and fly.
After the "Test Flight" with the six aircraft on Friday, Patrick Mooney, Harry Pride and Doug Moore ventured into the air under the Olympic Flight Restrictions and returned without bullet holes. They're all smiling, so it must have been enjoyable. For their efforts, they received the coveted "I Survived the Five-Ring Flying Circus" coffee mug. To receive one, you must fly during the restriction period. Hurry to get yours, they are in short supply.
Hope to see some of you at CYCW for pie!
We were escorted to the aircraft by an RCMP officer (who was working on his day off and getting $110/hr during a 12 hour shift). We asked him if anyone had given him a safety briefing for checking out an airplane, and he basically said no. We gave him the Readers Digest version, and then he looked at the plane for a few seconds and then sent us on our way. The whole process took about 20 minutes.
We started the engine and taxied over to Alpha for the run-up, and then departed 12 for CYNJ. The only diffrence was that after leaving CZBB, we had to depart via a specific checkpoint (Blackie Spit) and contact Vancouver Monitor after leaving the zone. We stayed with VR Monitor till we got near CYNJ, then called up CYNJ. They gave us left base for 01. All the aircraft wound up in the Apron area near the security trailer, which created a major bottleneck. They were set up for three airplanes tops, and we show up with six. We went into the trailer (we were second in) and went through a similar process as back in CZBB (including Paul's knives). After the screening, we were escorted out to the aicraft by another RCMP officer, then did our run-up adjacent to the security trailer. The security process here took about 25 minutes. We got permission to taxi to threshold of 01 for departure, but had to wait about 5 minutes for the controller to issue a departure clearance.
Once through 1500' out of CYNJ, the controller handed us off to VR Monitor (124.675) and we headed to King George where we then contacted CZBB for landing instructions. Again, we had to have a specific arrival point in our flight plan. The six aircraft arrived over the next 20 minutes of so.
The whole process was rather uneventful, and only two security checks leaving CZBB and prior to coming back into CZBB. The major reason for the delays was that we showed up with 6 aircraft at the same time in both places.
So it is possible to fly during the Olmypic period, all it takes is a bit more planning. I plan to do more flying during this event, weather permitting. If any other members want to do the same, just talk with Dispatch at the club to arrange it. If you still feel uncomfortable doing it on your own, book an instructor to come along the first time (they all know the procedures and have flown). The club has great incentives to make it worth your while to get up and fly.
After the "Test Flight" with the six aircraft on Friday, Patrick Mooney, Harry Pride and Doug Moore ventured into the air under the Olympic Flight Restrictions and returned without bullet holes. They're all smiling, so it must have been enjoyable. For their efforts, they received the coveted "I Survived the Five-Ring Flying Circus" coffee mug. To receive one, you must fly during the restriction period. Hurry to get yours, they are in short supply.
Hope to see some of you at CYCW for pie!
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