February 13, 2013
Dear Flight Training Units / Pilots,
This is just to inform you of a major project in the Lower Mainland involving a considerable increase in air traffic through some of your usual flight training corridors. The ILM (Interior to Lower Mainland) Power Line Project runs from Merritt, B.C. to Port Coquitlam and parallels the existing 500KV line for most of the project.
As only one of the air operators on the project, we are not speaking on behalf of any of the other operators or contractors on the project. We are not requesting nor implying that we would like to reduce traffic in these areas either. I have spoken with Transport Canada and Kamloops FIC with regards to filing a NOTAM, however; the scope of the project and increased air traffic doesn't really fall under the criteria for filing a NOTAM. We decided that a 'neighbourly' advisory to other airmen using the same airspace would be prudent.
One area that we have identified to pose particular safety concerns, is the area where the Harrison River comes out of Harrison Lake. I have attached a Google Earth image with this area highlighted. The reason for concern in this area is as follows:
1.) The Harrison Hot Springs Waterdrome has a radius of 2 miles up to 1500'
2.) The Harrison River Valley at that point is quite narrow with two large wire crossings.
3.) The Harrison Common Frequency area CYA 186 begins right in this area.
4.) Many aircraft are still operating on 123.2 within the CYA due to the relatively recent change to 122.77(5)
5.) Some aircraft are still operating on 126.7 within the CYA.
6.) Local weather within this small area is often below the wx trend for the surrounding areas.
7.) There is a very broad use of this airspace including the posted CYA uses of Aerobatics, Hang Gliding and Training.
All of these factors combine at this particularly small piece of airspace to make for some rather ugly possibilities.
As an air operator working in this area we are doing what we can to make ourselves more visible. We are flying with landing lights on, trying to be diligent about frequency change-over points, making regular position reports, and trying to ensure pilot workload is reduced at this point to ensure 'heads-up' flying.
Though I have highlighted this one area as an area of particular concern, the project covers an extensive area. Roads, rivers and power lines make great navigational landmarks however; this particular line may have other aircraft following it for other reasons. Thank you for making yourself aware of this project and doing what you can to 'see and be seen.' If you have any comments, suggestions or questions please feel free to contact me.
Fly safe,
Bryan Jeffery
Chief Pilot
Helifor Industries Ltd.
1.250.926.6704
bryan.jeffery@helifor.com
PS - Map Legend as follows:
Red Line – Power Line Route
Yellow Shading – Caution Area
Red Shading – Area of Concern