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FINAL REPORT
WSP
WSP.COM
5 RECOMMENDATIONS ................................... 8
5.1 Regulatory ...................................................................... 8
5.2 Operational..................................................................... 8
FIGURES
FIGURE 4.1 – GOVERNANCE OPTIONS ............................. 12
APPENDICES
A REGULATORY REQUIREMENTS
2.2 CONSULTATIONS
During the site visit, the WSP team consulted with key airport stakeholders to collect local user experience and
recommendations. The City of Nelson completed arrangements for WSP to meet with the stakeholders listed in
Table 2.1.
Table 2.1 – List of Stakeholders
Nelson Pilots Association Cal Laybourne Snow Ploughing / Airfield Maintenance / Retired
Throughout the in-person consultations, the WSP team completed a standardized survey, collecting various
information including, but not limited to: organization overview, operational statistics, relationship with the Airport
management, as well as issues and opportunities for the Airport.
It should be noted that not all personnel identified above were included in the pre-determined list of stakeholders.
Upon arrival at the facility, WSP was greeted by additional stakeholders who wished to add their individual
perspectives on the Airport.
There was an attempt to have a conference call with Steve Benwell of High Terrain Helicopters; however, the
interview was unable to occur due to interference with cellular phone signals in the mountains. An email was
submitted to the City of Nelson, requesting email address contact details for Mr. Benwell. At the time of this report,
no email address has been received.
The Airport supports both commercial air services and general aviation activity. There are currently three aviation
commercial operators consisting of two helicopter operators and a flight school/fixed wing aerial services company.
The Nelson Pilots Association has also indicated a very active general aviation community including the use of
private aircraft by residents to access secondary-homes in Nelson from other communities. The General Aviation
terminal also houses a non-aviation tenant.
Consultations identified Norman Stibbs Airport as important infrastructure for aviation emergency services.
Specifically, the British Columbia provincial air ambulance MedEvac serves the City of Nelson from the Airport on
average 2-3 times per week. Additionally, the Airport supports seasonal wildfire suppression aircraft, including
both fixed wing aircraft and helicopters. It was reported that at times during the fire season, there is a significant
presence of wildfire suppression aircraft, which can cause significant congestion at the Airport. The Nelson Pilots
Association also provided a letter from BC Wildfire Service dated February 20, 2019 in support of the Airport
stating “The SFC [Southeast Fire Centre] regards the Nelson Airport to be a very important part of its response
infrastructure”.
The aviation activity could not be independently verified as no aircraft movement statistics were made available for
review. Additionally, no data is publicly collected as this airport does not have a Flight Service Station (FSS) or
other Nav Canada Facilities. Aviation activity was determined based on anecdotal information provided during the
consultation interviews.
Throughout the consultations, it was reported that Airport land was highly sought for aviation development
opportunities, such as additional hangars. With the exception of one small hangar being constructed adjacent to the
row of general aviation hangars at the time of the site visit, it was identified that land development requests can
generally not be fulfilled. There is currently no land development plan for the Airport to designate available lands
for various uses (e.g. airfield, air terminal and operations, airside commercial and airport reserve). A significant
challenge is the constrained location of the Airport and its ability to obtain additional property to address demand for
land.
Throughout the consultation period, there was a common theme regarding the Airport’s uncertain future. It was
indicated that there has been consideration given to closing the Airport with the intent of repurposing airport lands
for non-aviation development. The uncertain future of the Airport is a potential barrier to advancement and
development. Capital facility investment deferral may result in larger investment requirements in the future, should
airport capital projects be delayed.
Part III, Subpart 1, more commonly referred to as CAR 301, identifies the minimum requirements for an aerodrome
to operate in Canada. The items required by CAR 301 are listed in the gap analysis in Section 3.2 below, identifying
where Norman Stibbs Airport was compliant with the regulatory requirement, or where non-compliance was
observed.
Although pertinent items are listed below in Section 3.2, a full enumeration of the regulatory requirements is
provided in Appendix A.
Designated Provisions, and the associated penalty for not complying with each provision, are outlined in CAR
103.08 – Schedule II. The penalties are those that may be levied by Transport Canada on an individual and/or a
corporation that does not comply with a provision. Where appropriate, the designated provision and associated
penalty are provided for information in the analysis below. The penalty is associated with an individual occurrence,
and multiple occurrences of a non-compliance can lead to multiple fines.
Inspection
Although not discussed as part of the interview process, it is imperative that should a Civil Aviation Safety Inspector
from the Federal Department of Transport (Transport Canada) request access to Norman Stibbs Airport, they must
be granted access to the aerodrome for the purpose of conducting an inspection. They may also request
documentation associated with the operation of the facility under the authority of CAR 103.02(1).
Registration
When an airport, aerodrome, or heliport is listed in the Canada Flight Supplement (CFS) or Water Aerodrome
Supplement (WAS), it is considered to be “registered” in that document. Once registered, the information provided in
the publications must be kept up-to-date and accurate to ensure the safety of the flying public.
As Norman Stibbs Airport is listed in the CFS, it is the responsibility of the City of Nelson, as the operator of the
Airport, to provide Transport Canada and NAV CANADA with accurate and up-to-date information regarding the
operation of the aerodrome. This information is provided to pilots and the rest of the flying public by way of the
Canada Flight Supplement and/or the Water Aerodrome Supplement.
Transport Canada can issue a fine of $5,000 for an individual or $25,000 for a corporation for incorrect markings
specified by CAR 301.04(5).
Transport Canada can issue a fine of $3,000 for an individual or $15,000 for a corporation for not providing the
appropriate signage required by CAR 301.05.
Lighting
The on-site inspection found that there was no lighting provided to support nighttime operations. Norman Stibbs
Airport is not used at night, therefore there is no requirement to comply with lighting requirements.
Prohibitions
On-site observations and interviews did not identify any non-compliances with the prohibitions identified in the
regulations.
The spectrum of airport governance represents a consistent increase in complexity but also an increase in autonomy
of the airport owner. The City of Nelson may consider alternative governance models to align with its vision for the
Airport, mission, and strategic direction, once determined. During the site visit and through subsequent
consultations, no vision of the airport was identified. This may be a result of the Airport’s uncertain future. The
most likely option would be Governance by the Municipality or an Airport Commission.
The governing body is not necessarily synonymous with the airport operator. The airport can be operated by the
governing body but operations can also be provided by a third-party under contract. While airport operations
delivered by the governing body can provide control, third-party operations under the right agreement can provide
benefits like cost savings and expertise not available otherwise.
During the consultations, it was identified that a third-party operating proposal was with the City of Nelson for
consideration. It is recommended that any third-party contract be considered once the future of the Airport is
determined and a governance structure is in place, which can effectively manage such arrangement.
6. Airport Operations Manual: The provided Airports Operations Manual (AOM) was dated March 2005.
An AOM is a required document for all certified airports and the requirements for this document are set out
in CARs Part III Subpart 2 Division 1 302.08. Although an Airport Operations Manual (AOM) is not
required by regulation for an aerodrome, it is strongly recommended that all aerodromes, especially those
operated by a municipality, utilize one. An AOM provides the City of Nelson with a mechanism to identify
and manage:
Operational Procedures; Emergency Response Procedures;
Publications, Plans and Drawings; Airport Maintenance Procedures;
Airport Committees; Disabled Aircraft Removal Procedures; and
Airport Data; Airport Markings and Signage
The current AOM is outdated and some of the information contained therein is not accurate. It refers to
procedures that a certified airport must follow, including obligations of the operator and compliance with
airport certification standards. Additionally, some of the information alluded to in the manual was not
provided to WSP, suggesting that it may not exist. Examples of clearly inaccurate or outdated information,
or information that could be missing include:
The aerodrome magnetic variation was identified to have been last determined in 1998 and differs
significantly from what is published in the CFS;
Section 1.7 states: “The Nelson Airport Plans to extend Runway 04 – 40.2 metres and Runway 22 –
50.9 metres to accommodate medivacs. Technical drawings are kept at the City of Nelson’s offices in
the Drafting Dept.”
o Note: As the AOM is dated March 22, 2005 this information is out of date or inaccurate
depending on whether the runway extension occurred or not. It is also irregular to identify capital
projects in an AOM.
The reference to stop ways and clearways do not appear to reflect the current condition at the Airport.
The AOM referenced Taxiway A and Taxiway B, but does not clearly assign either identifier to the
two taxiways. Further, the AOM did not identify that one of the taxiways is closed.
Interviews verified that reviews and updates of the manual were not conducted on a regular basis and that
those responsible for the manual did not have the means to properly verify whether information was
accurate and how to obtain accurate information. It is recommended that a comprehensive review of the
AOM, and all of the elements associated with it, be evaluated and updated, providing the City of
Nelson with a document that contains accurate information.
Absence of Master Planning: A Master Plan is a common document in the airport industry in planning an
airport over 20-years with a focus of the 5, 10 and 20-year planning horizons. The Master Plan typically
includes:
Aviation Forecast Facility Requirements
Capacity Assessments Development Plans
Airfield Requirements Land Use Plan
Stakeholder Consultations
Helicopter Touchdown Pads: The AOM identified that there are two helicopter touchdown pads located
at the Airport. The painting of the two pads was inconsistent. These should both be painted in the same
configuration and should use either heliport standards or industry best-practices as a guideline.
Although there are no certification standards pertaining directly to markings at aerodromes, Transport
Canada encourages all aerodrome operators, in the interest of safety and efficiency, to take into
consideration the latest edition of the Aerodrome Standards and Recommended Practices – TP 312 or CAR
325 – Heliports Certification Standards, as guidance material.
7. Apron Surface Condition: The apron surface, and the helicopter touchdown areas in particular, show
significant signs of wear. The pavement surface was uneven, and created an uneven, potentially unstable
surface for aircraft. In addition, the surface was failing in multiple areas, creating a FOD hazard. There was
substantial ponding in the depressions on the apron.
Obstacle Limitations: Norman Stibbs Airport currently has a runway displacement on Runway 22.
Interviewees identified that the displacement was calculated by Transport Canada in the 1990s and has not been
revaluated since that time. It was identified that the displacement was due to the placement of two poles in the
parking lot of the Prestige Hotel – immediately prior to the threshold of Runway 22. The WSP team observed a
gazebo constructed on the property of the Prestige Hotel, which presents a closer obstacle to the runway and
would require assessment of its impact to the OLS. Additionally, there were vehicles and a fence located closer
to the runway than the lighted hydro poles. There is a possibility that the runway displacement may need to be
increased.
OBSTRUCTION POLES
Vegetation was observed prior to the threshold of Runway 04, which would likely violate the OLS
approach surface, resulting in the need for displacement of Runway 04. Alternately, the vegetation could
be removed.
AC 301-001 provides guidance to aerodrome operators with respect to the procedures associated with
verifying that the aerodrome can meet the requirements necessary to support an instrument approach
procedure. Specifically, the AC states:
“The aerodrome operator is responsible to ensure an assessment of the “Aerodrome Physical
Characteristics” is conducted and to maintain the aerodrome in the attested, or improved,
condition. It is expected that a qualified person will conduct the assessment of the actual
physical aerodrome characteristics. A qualified person in respect of this assessment, is a person
who, because of his knowledge, training and experience, is qualified to perform this
assessment.”
Obstruction Marking and Lighting: The previously identified hydro poles in the parking lot of the
Prestige Hotel are required under CAR 601/Standard 621 to be marked and lighted in a specific manner.
The paint markings on the poles have faded to the point that they do not provide the visual conspicuity
required to easily identify them to pilots taking off or landing.
It is recommended that the poles be re-painted for daytime visibility.
OBSTRUCTION LIGHT ON POLE IS LOWER THAN THE HEIGHT OF THE POLE IMMEDIATELY
BEHIND IT
Runway Surface Condition: Visual inspection of the paved surface of Runway 04-22 identified that there
were many uneven areas. Depressions in the runway were clearly observed due to ponding water on the
otherwise dry runway surface. Ponding water can lead to hydroplaning, resulting in a loss of control during
landing or take-off.
Interviews with stakeholders identified a common understanding amongst pilots using Norman Stibbs
Airport that they should only land on the right-hand side of Runway 22 due to the above described
pavement conditions. Pilots identified that landing on the left-hand side of the runway resulted in
significant pitching of aircraft as they passed over depressions in the runway. Pitching can lead to aircraft
damage or loss of control.
As previously referenced, Transport Canada could, in accordance with subsection 301.03(2) of the CARs,
choose to remove a registered aerodrome from the CFS where an ongoing condition at the aerodrome is
likely, in Transport Canada’s opinion, to be hazardous to aviation safety. The pavement condition is of
significant concern as it has the potential to be identified as a safety issue by Transport Canada.
Multiple accounts were received during consultation from pilots who use the right-hand side of Runway 22
due to the pavement condition as a regular practice. The depressions are common knowledge to local users
and are of significant concern. The entire length and width of a runway should be able to be utilized for
aircraft. Any part of the runway that is considered unsafe should be repaired, closed or where appropriate,
marked as unserviceable.
It is recommended that the City of Nelson conduct a geotechnical investigation to determine the need for
and scope of future runway rehabilitation.
R.1 Review and Update of Aeronautical Review to include Canada Flight Supplement, and provide an update to Transport
Information Publications Canada and NAV CANADA with the most current and accurate information
including, among others: runway headings, lengths and measurements.
R.2 Regulatory Training Personnel with responsibility for the aerodrome and associated with operation of
the aerodrome receive at least basic training pertaining to the regulatory
requirements associated with operating an aerodrome.
R.3
R.4 Taxiway closure The closed taxiway should be marked with a yellow “X”. Other identifiers such as
concrete barriers should be painted in standard white and orange to identify an
aviation hazard.
R.5 Install Low Flying Aircraft Warning Warning signs of low-flying aircraft should be posted where this poses a hazard to
Sign pedestrians, vehicles or other.
R.6 Pole Markings The hydro poles in the parking lot of the Prestige Hotel should be repainted to
provide visual conspicuity required to easily identify them to pilots taking off or
landing.
5.2 OPERATIONAL
It is recommended that the City of Nelson consider the following prioritized operational recommendations:
O.1 Determine Airport Future The future of Norman Stibbs Airport should be determined in support of all
recommendations herein.
O.2 Governance Review Review the existing governance and consider alternate models as appropriate. The
governance model should also be documented including roles and responsibilities.
O.3 Operational Model Review Review airport model and long-term strategy for safe and efficient operations and
maintenance while considering:
a) long-term feasibility of using volunteers and City equipment;
b) availability of city resources;
c) current third-party operational plan from Nelson’s Pilots Association;
and
d) airport operations service providers (procured by RFP).
O.4 Airport Operations Manual (AOM) Update and maintain an AOM to formalize airport operations including, but not
limited to, plans and procedures (SOPs), governance, and Emergency Response
Plan.
O.5 Airport Master Plans Complete an Airport Master plan to forecast demand for airport infrastructure and
developable land as well as plan for the accommodation over a 20-year planning
horizon.
O.6 Obstacle Assessment Conduct an analysis of the obstacle environment in proximity to the aerodrome,
including vegetation and man-made structures.
O.7 Wind Direction Indicator Wind direction indicators should be regularly inspected and obstructions should be
removed.
O.8 Pavement Condition Assessment Conduct a geotechnical investigation to determine the need for and scope of future
airport pavement rehabilitation. The priority should be on repairing the depressions
impacting the safety of Runway 22.
O.9 Helicopter Pad Markings Helicopter touchdown pads should both be painted in the same configuration and
should use either heliport standards or industry best-practices as a guideline.
O.10 Maintenance and capital planning Develop a documented maintenance and capital plan which can be tracked and
budgeted.
O.11 Funding Review A review of airport funding should be completed including a market rate
comparison, budget requirements, historical grant successes and grant
opportunities. Resources to support grant application should also be investigated.
O.12 Economic Impact Assessment (EIA) Complete or adopt existing EIA to quantify the economic value the airport brings
to the community.
O.13 Aviation Movement Data Collection Formalize the collection, and analysis of airport movement data as practical. This
data forms the basis for airport decision making.
O.14 Land Demand Quantify demand and desired uses for airport lands.
O.15 Instrument Approach Procedures Develop a case for the addition of IAPs.
(IAP)
A REGULATORY
REQUIREMENTS
APPENDIX
APPENDIX
Inspection
301.02 The operator of an aerodrome shall, without charge, at the request of a Department of Transport inspector, allow the inspector
access to aerodrome facilities and provide the equipment necessary to conduct an inspection of the aerodrome.
Registration
301.03 (1) Subject to subsection (2), where the operator of an aerodrome provides the Minister with information respecting
the location, markings, lighting, use and operation of the aerodrome, the Minister shall register the aerodrome and publish the
information in the Canada Flight Supplement or the Water Aerodrome Supplement, as applicable.
(2) The Minister may refuse to register an aerodrome where the operator of the aerodrome does not meet the requirements of
sections 301.05 to 301.09 or where using the aerodrome is likely to be hazardous to aviation safety and, in such a case, shall
not publish information with respect to that aerodrome.
(3) The operator of an aerodrome registered pursuant to subsection (1) shall notify the Minister immediately after any change
is made to the location, marking, lighting, use or operation of the aerodrome that affects the information published by the
Minister pursuant to subsection (1).
(4) An aerodrome that is listed in the Canada Flight Supplement or the Water Aerodrome Supplement on the coming into
force of this Subpart is deemed to be registered pursuant to subsection (1).
Lighting
301.07 (1) Subject to subsection (2), where a runway is used at night, the operator of the aerodrome shall indicate each side
of the runway along its length with a line of fixed white lights that is visible in all directions from an aircraft in flight at a
distance of not less than two nautical miles.
(2) Where it is not practical to provide at an aerodrome the fixed white lights referred to in subsection (1) for reasons such as
the lack of an available electrical power source or insufficient air traffic, the operator of the aerodrome may, if a fixed white
light is displayed at each end of the runway to indicate runway alignment, use white retro-reflective markers that are capable
of reflecting aircraft lights and that are visible at a distance of not less than two nautical miles from an aircraft in flight that is
aligned with the centre line of the runway.
(3) The lines of lights or retro-reflective markers required by subsection (1) or (2) shall be arranged so that
o (a) the lines of lights or markers are parallel and of equal length and the transverse distance between the lines is
equal to the runway width in use during the day;
o (b) the distance between adjacent lights or markers in each line is the same and is not more than 60 m (200 feet);
o (c) each line of lights or markers is not less than 420 m (1,377 feet) in length and contains no fewer than eight lights
or markers; and
o (d) each light or marker in a line of lights or markers is situated opposite to a light or marker in the line of lights or
markers on the other side of the runway, so that a line connecting them forms a right angle to the centre line of the
runway.
(4) Fixed white lights displayed at each end of a runway pursuant to subsection (2) shall be placed so that they are not likely
to cause a hazard that could endanger persons or property.
APPENDIX
(5) Where a taxiway is used at night, the operator of the aerodrome shall indicate each side of the taxiway with a line of fixed
blue lights or blue retro-reflective markers placed so that the two lines of lights or markers are parallel and the distance
between adjacent lights or markers in each line is not more than 60 m (200 feet).
(6) Where a manoeuvring area or part thereof or a heliport is closed, the operator of the aerodrome shall not operate the lights
or keep the retro-reflective markers thereon, except as required for maintenance of the lights and markers.
(7) Where an aerodrome is used at night, the operator of the aerodrome shall indicate an unserviceable portion of the
movement area with fixed red lights, red retro-reflective markers or floodlighting.
(8) Where an aircraft parking area at an aerodrome is used at night, the operator of the aerodrome shall indicate the boundary
of the area with fixed blue lights or blue retro-reflective markers, placed at intervals not exceeding 60 m (200 feet), or with
floodlighting.
(9) Subject to subsection (10), where a heliport is used at night for the take-off or landing of helicopters, the operator of the
heliport shall illuminate the entire take-off and landing area with floodlights or
o (a) where the take-off and landing area is rectangular, shall indicate the boundary with no fewer than eight fixed
yellow lights, including one light at each corner, placed so that adjacent lights are not more than 13 m (42.5 feet)
apart; or
o (b) where the take-off and landing area is circular, shall indicate the boundary with no fewer than five fixed yellow
lights placed so that adjacent lights are not more than 13 m (42.5 feet) apart.
(10) Where it is not practical to provide at a heliport the fixed yellow lights referred to in subsection (9) for reasons such as
lack of an available electrical power source or insufficient air traffic, the operator of the heliport may use yellow retro-
reflective markers that are capable of reflecting aircraft lights and that are visible at a distance of not less than two nautical
miles from an aircraft in flight that is aligned with the approach path, if
o (a) a light source is provided to show the location of the heliport; or
o (b) where there is only one path for approach and departure, two lights are used to show the approach orientation.
(11) Where the lighting required by subsections (1), (2), (5) and (7) to (10) is operated by a radio-controlled system capable
of activation from an aircraft, the system shall meet the requirements set out in Schedule II to this Subpart.
(12) The operator of an aerodrome may display flare pots to provide temporary lighting for the landing or take-off of aircraft.
Prohibitions
301.08 No person shall
(a) walk, stand, drive a vehicle, park a vehicle or aircraft or cause an obstruction on the movement area of an aerodrome,
except in accordance with permission given
o (i) by the operator of the aerodrome, and
o (ii) where applicable, by the appropriate air traffic control unit or flight service station;
(b) tow an aircraft on an active movement area at night unless the aircraft displays operating wingtip, tail and anti-collision
lights or is illuminated by lights mounted on the towing vehicle and directed at the aircraft;
(c) park or otherwise leave an aircraft on an active manoeuvring area at night unless the aircraft displays operating wingtip,
tail and anti-collision lights or is illuminated by lanterns suspended from the wingtips, tail and nose of the aircraft;
(d) operate any vessel, or cause any obstruction, on the surface of any part of a water area of an aerodrome that is to be kept
clear of obstructions in the interest of aviation safety, when ordered, by signal or otherwise, to leave or not to approach that
area by the appropriate air traffic control unit or flight service station or by the operator of the aerodrome;
(e) knowingly remove, deface, extinguish or interfere with a marker, marking, light or signal that is used at an aerodrome for
the purpose of air navigation, except in accordance with permission given
o (i) by the operator of the aerodrome, and
APPENDIX
o (ii) where applicable, by the appropriate air traffic control unit or flight service station;
(f) at a place other than an aerodrome, knowingly display a marker, marking, light or signal that is likely to cause a person to
believe that the place is an aerodrome;
(g) knowingly display at or in the vicinity of an aerodrome a marker, marking, sign, light or signal that is likely to be
hazardous to aviation safety by causing glare or by causing confusion with or preventing clear visual perception of a marker,
marking, sign, light or signal that is required under this Subpart;
(h) allow a bird or other animal that is owned by the person or that is in the person’s custody or control to be unrestrained
within the boundaries of an aerodrome except for the purpose of controlling other birds or animals at the aerodrome as
permitted by the operator; or
(i) discharge a firearm within or into an aerodrome without the permission of the operator of the aerodrome.
Fire Prevention
301.09 (1) Subject to subsection 301.07(12) and subsections (2) and (3), no person shall, while at an aerodrome, smoke or
display an open flame
o (a) on an apron;
o (b) on an aircraft loading bridge or on a gallery or balcony that is contiguous to or that overhangs an apron; or
o (c) in an area where smoking or the presence of an open flame is likely to create a fire hazard that could endanger
persons or property.
(2) The operator of an aerodrome may, in writing, authorize maintenance or servicing operations on an apron that involve the
use, production or potential development of an open flame or that involve the production or potential development of a spark
where the operations are conducted in a manner that is not likely to create a fire hazard that could endanger persons or
property.
(3) The operator of an aerodrome may permit smoking in an enclosed building or shelter located on an apron where such
smoking is not likely to create a fire hazard that could endanger persons or property.