• 21 Aug, 2019

• By, Wikipedia

Chilliwack Airport (IATA: YCW, ICAO: CYCW) is an airport in Chilliwack, British Columbia, Canada. The airport is used by both private pilots and commercial air operators and has services and modification facilities for different types of aircraft.

Every August, the airport hosts an event known as the Chilliwack Flight Fest, a free air show. Aviation enthusiasts are encouraged to fly their own aircraft.

Chilliwack Airport was established in 1942 during World War II. Initially, it served as a training base for the Royal Canadian Air Force. After the war, the airport transitioned to a civilian role, becoming a focal point for regional aviation activities. Over the decades, Chilliwack Airport has seen various developments, including runway extensions, the addition of modern navigational aids, and improvements to its facilities to cater to the growing needs of the aviation community.

By providing a gateway for business travel and cargo transport, the airport facilitates economic growth and connectivity for local enterprises. The airport is an entry point for tourists visiting the scenic Fraser Valley, contributing to the local tourism industry. Chilliwack Airport plays a crucial role in emergency services, offering a base for medical evacuations, search and rescue operations, and firefighting efforts.

Chilliwack Airport features a primary runway, designated as 07/25, which is 3,990 feet (1,219 meters) in length and made of asphalt. This runway is both paved and lit, equipped with recent upgrades, including LED lighting, to enhance safety and accommodate a variety of aircraft. The airport also boasts a parallel taxiway, ensuring smooth operations for takeoffs and landings. The terminal at Chilliwack Airport is designed to serve smaller aircraft, with a maximum passenger capacity of 19 seats. The facility includes a variety of amenities for travelers and visitors, such as the Airport Coffee Shop, which is renowned among pilots for its homemade pies. The terminal also houses a 24-hour fueling station offering 100LL Avgas and Jet A fuel. Additionally, the airport supports around 20 businesses, including flight training schools, charter companies, and maintenance services. Chilliwack Airport accommodates approximately 75 private and commercial aircraft, including both fixed-wing planes and helicopters. The airport provides ample hangar space for storage and maintenance, with businesses like E.A. Structures offering structural repairs and servicing for various aircraft. The airport also serves as a base for pilot training, recreational flights, and commercial operations, making it a hub for aviation activity in the Fraser Valley.

The Airport Coffee Shop at Chilliwack airport operated sporadically until it was purchased in the 1970s by Neil and Kathleen McNeill. The restaurant allowed pilots to radio ahead before landing and order a meal, similar to truck stop cafes of that era.

The McNeills sold the coffee shop in 1975, and soon afterward, both the coffee shop and the old terminal building were torn down and replaced with a fully modern terminal building. After remaining closed for several years, Barbara and Gordon Mitchell purchased the Airport Coffee Shop in 1980. Canadian Owners and Pilots Association (COPA) granted an honourary pair of pilot's wings to Barbara in 1994 for her pies and "Food for Flying Folk". Jacqueline Dziuba is currently the owner after the Mitchells retired in 2009.

• List of airports in the Lower Mainland

Wikimedia Commons has media related to Chilliwack Airport.

• Page about this airport on COPA's Places to Fly airport directory
• Chilliwack Municipal Airport Website Official Page
• Chilliwack Flight Fest Official Page