Trail Airport has new, lower approach limits approved by NAV CANADA
By City of Trail
All weather aircraft access will improve greatly at the Trail Regional Airport (YZZ), starting this winter. Effective January 5, 2017, YZZ will have the official approval from NAV CANADA to allow lower landings from the north and south approaches. The City of Trail has been working on this new system with JetPro, an Alberta-based engineering firm that specializes in instrument flight procedures, for the last two years.
“JetPro has been working with the Trail Airport since 2014 to apply the latest in satellite-based navigation technology to improve the reliability, accessibility and safety of flying operations,” says Ed McDonald, JetPro President. “JetPro has leveraged the design standards available with this technology to lower the approach limits to the Trail Airport in some of the most challenging terrain in Canada. We are pleased the residents and visitors to the Kootenay Valley will enjoy more reliable air service including scheduled flights, charter flights and medevacs as a result of our work at this important airport in the region.”
The new approach limit when aircraft are coming from the north will be 1,300 feet lower than the current regulations, and the new approach limit when coming from the south will be 400 feet lower. These new lower approach limits are crucial for this area during cloudy or foggy weather and will result in fewer cancelled landings and take-offs at YZZ.
“We are very excited at the increased reliability this will provide Trail airport travelers,” says Chair of the Airport Committee, Councillor Kevin Jolly. “Providing reliable and affordable service will continue to open up new economic development and tourism opportunities for Trail and the entire region.”
“The timing for these approvals couldn’t be better,” says Trail Mayor, Mike Martin. “Poor weather with extensive cloud cover is inevitable as we head into the winter months. The new lower approach limits will further improve the airport’s contribution towards reliable air access into the region; therefore, we are absolutely delighted with the results of the work undertaken by JetPro. This news also aligns well with our Airport Terminal Building Project. By the end of 2017, Trail Regional Airport passengers can expect a new terminal building with improved facilities and amenities, ample parking and a convenient passenger drop off area.”
