NWFO is an aero club that offers pilots the opportunity to purchase a membership
to utilize the aircraft by also purchasing blocks of flight time in our aircraft.
Funds collected are expressly for the upkeep and operational costs,
such as cost recovery, maintenance, hangarage, insurance, etc of the aircraft and the club.
We strive to offer the best block-time experience in the Lower Mainland by offering a premier experience to our members,
which means providing a phenomenal platform, great service, and near-ownership like policies that allow
members to not only just be limited to the confines of the VNC and the time of sunset, but to allow them to
go further, longer, and better.
We also encourage and assist our members with additional services, such as free pilot education, club events/tours,
volunteer flying information, and international flying information and opportunities.
At time of writing, NWFO has taken members as far as the Dominican Republic, Anguilla, Toronto, Oshkosh, Nevada, & Alaska.
We also have assisted members with flying opportunites in Italy, Switzerland, & Japan.
We also take immense pride in our attention to detail, and understanding what the pilot, whether just a weekend warrior,
the long-range adventurer, or anything in between wants - all thanks to our dedicated team of volunteers and commercial partners.
Because you should fly for the fun - not for the bullshit.
The primary scope of the aircraft is for same-day day VFR recreational flying within the geographic limits of
British Columbia (only BC) and the state of Washington for members and their accompanying passengers.
Additional usages, such as those outside of the scope above, are permitted with special circumstances.
Please refer to the "Bookings" section of the FAQ
The usage of the aircraft for carrying any passengers or cargo for any form of remuneration is highly illegal.
Compliance with CAR 401.28 is mandatory.
Online booking is available up to 30 days prior for members on our third-party partner website, Flight Club.
Special bookings can be made directly via text or call.
The aircraft is located in a hangar at Apron 1 at CZBB.
The nearest street-side access is Gate 17B on King Street, or the pedestrian gate on the south end of King Street.
Please note the Airport Operator requires pilots to have an airside permit to access the gates.
Parking is available to those with vehicle permits, as you can park your vehicle in the space where the aircraft occupies.
There are also alternative options available as well, please inquire within.
The Grumman AA-5 line is a series of certified light aircraft developed by Jim Bede, which then was purchased by Grumman Aerospace,
which was then spun off to Gulfstream when Grumman split its civil and military aviation divisions apart.
The AA-5 series are well known for having best-in-class performance, thanks to the short wings, extremely slick airframe design,
and unique construction allowing it to "slice" through the air, providing it also with phenonmenal handling characteristics.
Our Cheetah is equipped with numerous upgrades, with the pièce de résistance being the IFR & TAA* equipped current-generation Garmin Avionics suite,
comprising of a G3X Touch EFIS, GNC-355A GPS/COM, GNC-225A COM/NAV, GMA-345 AUD/PAN, GTX-335 1090ES ADS-B "OUT", GDL 52 ADS-B "IN" with SiriusXM**.
We also deploy additional situational awareness upgrades, such as a Backup G5 display, CO2 PPM Detectors, Artex 345 ELT, Oxygen***, and Starlink*** internet
to ensure our members are equipped for more than just the bare minimum for their journeys.
It is all paired with an 150hp Lycoming O-320 that was overhauled in late 2018, which during the club's ownership, has also been outfitted with numerous upgrades,
such as a SureFly Electronic Magneto, Powerflow Exhaust, which is reinforced by extremely frequent oil changes and live engine data monitoring.
Comfort is also a prime point - which is delivered by many small quality of life features such as a brand new interior, sunshades, 3-point seatbelts,
and a spacious, wide cabin with folding rear seats to store whatever you need for your adventures.
*C-GAZE qualifies as TAA under CAR 426.75(vi).
**ADS-B and SiriusXM data can be delayed or inaccurate, and should only be used as advisory information and should NOT be used for tactical decisionmaking.
***Available for an additional charge. Inquire for more information.
Yes and no. Individuals with General Aviation experience understand that many light GA aircraft fly quite similarly to each other, but the Grumman is truly
special but very intuitive to understand once the initial learning curve goes away, which boils down to understanding the "quirks".
This is easily summarized as coming from a heavy Ford truck (Cessnas) to a Porsche Boxster - it's still a steering wheel and pedals, but they feel different.
However, pilots who may have only operated with a single type, coming from a flight training environment have been observed to perhaps struggle, especially
those without EFIS experience as understanding a new type, avionics, and procedures may be initially overwhelming. To assist with this, we have many resources
that are available to members with thorough information to help develop the skill and knowledge needed for safe and enjoyable operation of the aircraft.
Additionally, as part of the GOPA's Owner/Mentor program, NWFO is more than happy to assist members with any questions and help assist in training and educating
members to be proficient on operation of the aircfraft at any time, and we also provide resources as well to assist with this matter.
A membership allows a member in good standing to utilize their purchased block time hours to fly the aircraft.
Members also gain access to specialized services, such as dispatching, international flying information, and more.
Club events may also be held for members, such as ATC tours, Airshows, and volunteer flying.
Typically, memberships are valid for 1 calendar year after the first flight the member has conducted.
However, extensions may be available in the event of extended downtime due to mechanical issues.
Members are expected to be good patrons of the aircraft and to abide by the posted operational guidelines.
Additionally, members are expected to be of considerable skill and/or demonstrate a willingness and capability to learn.
Please refer to the Information page for more information.
We require a minimum of 3 take-offs and landings within the last 60 calendar days to be considered current in the aircraft.
Additionally, our insurance requires a minimum of 5 hours of PIC time in the last 365 days to be considered current.
Members with a lapsed currenct will be asked to complete a check-out flight again.
Members may also be subject to random check-outs and other conditions upon request.
The aircraft is insured for hull value, and 2M of combined liability including passengers.
However, members are encouraged to have non-owned insurance (also known as "Renters Insurance") with at least $10,000 of coverage.
For some members, such as those with limited experience, they may be required to carry a non-owned policy.
Please contact us at admin@nw.fo or via Flight Club, or other channels, for more information and the documentation needed to continue.
New applicants will be screened for security and insurance purposes, and then issued an invoice and contract.
Once the invoice is paid, you will recieve onboarding documentation, such as a written type-exam and operational guides.
Once all the paperwork is complete, you will take a check-out flight, and once checked-out, you are good to go!
Please be aware we will need documentation and references - such as your logbook, pilot's license, and other ID.
You may be subject to identity and background verification for security purposes as well with the provided information.
As mentioned, the primary scope of the aircraft is for same-day day VFR recreational flying within the geographic limits of British Columbia.
However, flights outside of this scope are permitted with approval, which may be subject to additional checks, deposits, and/or insurance.
Please refer to the next questions for more information.
Yes! We have an "extended booking" policy where a minimum balance of 3.5 hours will be billed for any bookings over 7 hours per calendar day.
However, in practice, this policy is only enforced when aircraft is in high demand, or extended bookings over 3+ days.
For example, due to our limited pilot slots, 95% of overnights are permitted without invoking the minimum billing policy.
Yes! If you demonstrate you have the appropriate ratings, currency, and recent proficiency for Night VFR or IFR flight, you may be approved to fly
IFR or night VFR. Please note additional surcharges or insurance requirements may apply. Please ensure the validity of IFR equipment before flight.
Can I fly the plane in mountainous terrain?
Yes! If you have completed a "mountain check" from a local FTU, or have had previous mountain flying experience, you may take the aircraft towards mountainous terrain.
Mountainous terrain is defined as areas with a high terrain differential within 5NM~. We reccomend mountain re-proficiency if not completed in the last 2 years.
Yes! We have a CBP DTOPS decal and we are ADS-B equipped that qualifies for the Nav Canada and FAA ADS-B mandate. However, members must have completed a US Checkout,
or have demonstrated familiarity with the General Aviation customs procedures on both sides of the border.
The PIC remains responsible for ensuring the admissability of all occupants and items of the aircraft to customs agents at all times.
Members with an established and extensive history with the club may request to be approved to receive upgrading training (CPL, Night, CAT 3 IR), to which they will have to remain
compliant with CAR 406.03 at all times, and demonstrate their skill to be capable of recieving this training.
Members must procure and arrange their own instruction and testing.
NWFO will not be affiliated and will maintain an arms-length distance from the instructor at all times, in compliance with CAR 406.03.
Please note training bookings hold the lowest priority and may be cancelled at any time without any reason.
No. Flights carrying passengers or cargo for any form of renumeration is highly illegal.
Members in high standing and with an established history of the club are ENCOURAGED to operate the aircraft for volunteer purposes, and can recieve any "compensation"
issued by a registered charity organization as long as it remains complaint with CAR 401.28 at all times.
The aircraft should only be operated to and from registered airports with a paved surface with a minimum length of 2000 feet.
Only in emergencies other types of runways will be permitted.
Weather conditions are one of the most determinate factors for flight safety and may mean the result of life or death.
We have published internal guidelines for weather, which can be viewed if you are a member.
CZBB is a very busy airport and can seem very intimidating to a newcomer. It is also not to to be underestimated,
as many "new" pilots demonstrate a false sense of security since they have done a couple of circuits there before.
The airport's ATC operates an Instagram page (@czbb.tower) with great informational slides for operation out of CZBB.
It is also not as intimidating as you get used to it, as all the procedures are published. Please refer to the CFS.
Yes! We have published internal documentation and guides available for members that help assist in making your flying as
safe and enjoyable as possible, while taking care of the aircraft and the engine.
Members get access to full-service fuel-truck fueling at Boundary Bay. Just simply call the FBO, inform them of the account, and you will get fuel.
Fueling done outside of the fuel truck will be compensated in block time. Please refer to internal documentation.
Members will recieve an invoice once approved. All funds are due in full upon reciept of invoice.
Our primary payment method is via Interac e-Transfer.
We also accept cheques, money orders, and wire transfers for an additional fee.
We also accept Credit Cards via our third-party partner, Flight Club, where they charge a 10% fee for handling.
All funds recieved are non-refundable unless stated otherwise.
NO! We are proud to hold the position that a fuel surcharge is BS, and that we do not intend on implmenting one!
In fact, during the Iran crisis, when Avgas nearly hit $3.00 a litre, we still stood our ground.
We do however, reserve the right to limit bookings in the event of an extreme crisis or shortage.
Any damages incurred to the aircraft, hangar, or other property in the hangar caused by the member will be their responsibility.
They will be fully responsible for any costs associated with addressing the damage, up to the value of the aircraft and hangar itself.
We reccomend pilots to have non-owned aircraft insurance, as that insurance will serve as primary in the event of a claim.
Violations of club policy, aviation regulations, and/or any other terms of the contract (Rental Agreement) can result in a penalty,
such as a fine, termination, and in serious cases, seizure of funds.
Serious violations may result in the member being held criminally liable as well.
Northwestern