The Airport Operators 2020

Page 23

The Hometown Heroes Airshow featuring the Snowbirds and other guests has been hosted at the airport.

The Woodlands Airport is a hub of activity for a variety of types of aviation, ranging from support flights for industry to rotary flight training, and civilian aviation.

A diverse airport for a diverse region

can be regularly seen. RCMP, air ambulance, and STARS also make use of the facility to assist in their policing and medical operations. The Hometown Heroes Airshow featuring the Snowbirds and other guests has been hosted at the airport. Details on the next show are being determined. The Canadian Operators and Pilots Association (COPA) has a local chapter, and this group is an avid user of the facility. Civil aviators use the airport for recreational flying and as a stopover when

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estled in the heart of resource-rich Woodlands County, you will find the CYZU Whitecourt Airport. The airport features a 5,997-foot runway, contains 345 hectares

flying through the area. The COPA for Kids program creates local excitement about aviation and offers opportunities for youth to get involved in aviation and possibly earn their pilot’s license. CYZU looks to improve the services it provides to the region. An

of land, and is located six-kilometres southwest of the Town of

update to the existing Airport Master Plan is underway and is

Whitecourt, along Highway 32. NAV Canada maintains a flight

expected to be completed later in 2020. This update will assist

service station on-site, as well as navigational aids. GPS approaches

Woodlands County to define the role of the airport in the region

have been developed for Runway 29 and 11 to assist aircraft

further. It will highlight the next strategic and operational steps to

operations in most kinds of weather. PAPI3 lighting services each

ensure the airport continues to grow as a valuable transportation

landing approach along with medium-intensity runway lighting.

asset servicing the region.

Woodlands County has dedicated staff of maintenance personnel

Supporting over 20,000 aircraft movements per year, the airport

who keep the airport operational.

is a vital piece of infrastructure that supports the local economy,

Constructed in 1977 by the Government of Alberta, the airport was

especially the energy and forestry industries. CYZU is one of the Top

transferred to Woodlands County in 1995, the year after the County

10 busiest airports in Alberta based on aircraft movement.

was formed. It became a certified airport under Transport Canada in

“The Whitecourt Airport is always open, that includes being open

2017 and operates high standards.

for receiving new investment and new business,” says Jim Ogilvie,

The airport is a hub of activity for a variety of types of aviation, ranging from support flights for industry to rotary flight training, and civilian aviation. Strategically located, the airport serves as a

airport manager. “This facility has grown in recent years and is well-positioned for future expansion. I look forward to talking with anyone interested in learning more.”

base for water bombers for the suppression of forest fires. Military

Lease opportunities are available both adjacent to the runway and

activity is supported by the airport and C130, CF18s and helicopters

on the general airport grounds. Alberta Airports Management Association • 2020

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