Much focus has been placed on the Oliver airport, which has a new manager and will soon have a new operations manual. The manual will address many issues, such as security, noise and maintenance.
Photo contributed
A new airport operations manual (AOM) is being produced for the Town of Oliver to address many issues, such as security, maintenance and noise abatement.
Last week airport manager Paul Dumoret from 3 Bar Consulting Group presented council with a preliminary document outlining operational guidelines for the airport. A draft AOM is expected in a month’s time.
Dumoret brought up the issue of noise abatement, noting they have been fortunate in that department; the airport hasn’t received many complaints.
Pilots follow certain flight paths (circuits) in order to lessen the noise impacts on the town. But Municipal Manager Tom Szalay said the Town can’t enforce this.
Councillor Jack Bennest said there have been complaints from residents on the Indian reserve about some aviation exercises. Warbirds flying in formation also ruffle a few feathers, council was told.
Mayor Ron Hovanes said he received a couple of concerns last year about the Air Cadet flying program on weekends.
“It’s hard to be sympathetic (to people who complain about this youth activity),” the mayor stated.
Another issue Dumoret discussed was wildlife concerns, particularly geese creating hazards at the airport.
“Wildlife is a real problem to control. He cited one incident when a goose struck his wing during a landing.
He noted the goose control program (permitting hunting within town boundaries) has helped.
The mayor said it appears to him that the goose population is less than it was a few years ago.
“Not at the airport,” Dumoret said, noting they still converge there in huge droves when the hay is cut.
Another concern is the height of some trees in the area (south of the airport). Dumoret said if these trees are allowed to grow higher, they will encroach on flight paths. He noted it would be favourable to establish a plan to have these trees topped.
Airport security and maintenance are also addressed in the AOM.
“Some like it (security) the way it is, while others want it locked down as tight as Fort Knox,” Dumoret said.
The pilot said the AOM addresses vehicle access, restricted areas (runway), fencing and gates.
It was noted that snow removal at the airport is a low priority considering the other snow-clearing priorities in town, such as arterial roads and the fire hall. Dumoret said pilots can operate aircraft in two inches of light snow.
It was noted that a recent survey conducted at the airport included a profile of the runway. It is recommended in the Airport Strategic Plan that the runway be widened from 50 feet to 75.
“Widening the runway increases safety factors. It’s more comfortable using a 75-foot runway,” said 3 Bar Consulting Group partner Jack Willms.
He told council that very few communities have developed a successful airport operation like the Town of Oliver. He noted it is encouraging to see the airport generating such economic activity.
Hovanes said the airport has seen much improvement with the location of Transwest Helicopters which employs a number of people, some of whom are buying homes in the area.
Councillor Jack Bennest said council sees the airport as the engine for its future.
“We want to enhance it for present users and entice people to move here and establish businesses.”
