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Click on the banner image to see the view you get during the flight.
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Method
2 (VFR):
Flying to Chaunigan Lake Lodge in a small aircraft can be a very rewarding experience. Spectacular views of mountains, glaciers, and sometimes wild animals are the sights you’ll see along your way. Have you ever wanted to be a pilot? For some, the opportunity of handling the controls during takeoff is one that can’t be missed. Adventure awaits you on a VFR flight! Whether you’re chartering with a group of friends or flying your own plane you’ll be sure to land in the legendary hospitality that Chaunigan Lake Lodge provides.
Small Plane Charter – The office of Chaunigan Lake Lodge can help you make all the arrangements necessary to charter a plane no matter how large your group is. The price of your charter will depend on the type of aircraft required for the number of people and luggage you have to bring. Note that two large football player types can weigh more than three small dancers so body size is definitely a factor.
Pacific Rim Aviation Academy – (604)465-3594
http://www.pacificrimaviation.ca
Pitt Meadows Regional Airport (YPK)
http://www.pittmeadowsairport.com
If you are flying into Vancouver International Airport (YVR) and want to continue directly to Chaunigan Lake Lodge, connecting flights from Vancouver South Terminal can be also be arranged. Or if you want to stay overnight in Vancouver and catch your breath, you can take a taxi or limo service to the Pitt Meadows Airport (YPK) from your hotel the next morning. Remember to get up early for a 7:30AM takeoff from the Pitt Meadows airport. It takes about 1 hour to drive from Vancouver to Pitt Meadows. Note that there is not a large difference in price between hiring a limo or a taxi, so why not consider taking a limo. If you need help finding a hotel, just ask. We would be happy to put you in touch with a few possibilities.
For privately owned planes – Chaunigan Lake is located at N51º35’ W123º53’
Chaunigan Lake is perfectly suited for float plane landing and takeoff. We have a float plane dock. Chaunigan Lake is 3 ½ miles long and the mornings are almost always calm. Windy afternoons are common when the sun beats down on the far side of the mountains so we suggest you plan to take off and land as early as possible. There is also an airstrip close by for planes on wheels (4,000’ long grass airstrip at 4,000’ ASL) which allows for overnight parking. We were last quoted a $100.00 landing fee and a $25.00 per night parking fee. You pay the airstrip directly. Be sure to buzz our lodge first so we can shuttle you. It is a 20 minute drive away.
IMPORTANT: Do not land on the airstrip
next to Chaunigan Lake Lodge without specific prior documented
permission. It is not insured and we have no radio to communicate
with you.
Just what does VFR mean?
It all boils down to the fact that bad weather can change your travel plans real fast. It is all about the difference between flying VFR vs. IFR. Small aircraft fly by VFR rules. Large aircraft fly by IFR rules. VFR stands for “Visual Flight Rules”. IFR stands for “Instrument Flight Rules”. IFR uses radar and other instruments to help navigate from point A to point B; VFR uses the pilot’s eyes.
When you fly VFR the pilot has to be able to see where he is going,
much like driving a car. When you fly IFR the pilot doesn’t need
to see where he is going because he can fly on instruments alone.
When flying VFR you need a plan “B” in case the weather doesn’t
cooperate, this would be Method 1. If
it is raining too hard or if it is too foggy a VFR flight might
be grounded. So if you want to come to Chaunigan Lake Lodge on a
VFR flight, be sure to check the weather exactly two weeks (14 days)
before your trip. If it becomes necessary make alternate plans you
still have time. Any further ahead and you can’t predict the weather
adequately. 10 days notice is required to cancel a VFR charter organized
by Chaunigan Lake Lodge. Remember, bookings at the lodge are non-refundable
so be sure to mark your calendar and call your pilot to confirm
your VFR flight plans two weeks (14 days) before your vacation!
Pitt Meadows: http://www.theweathernetwork.com/weather/cities/can/Pages/CABC0220.htm
Williams Lake: http://www.theweathernetwork.com/weather/cities/can/Pages/CABC0326.htm
If you don’t want this risk in your transportation plans see Method
1 for your best all weather alternative.
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