Pilots in New Brunswick?

[roelsl]

Hi guys,
I recently moved from Belgium, Europe to Moncton, NB. Being a private pilot, I would like to do some flying here as well. A few questions about the flying scene here in Moncton: Are there licensed (private) pilots what-so-ever there? Any idea on how much? Is there like a flying club or meeting sometimes? Where do these pilots rent their planes, all at MFC?
Please fill me in on the details.
Cheers,

Lode

[invertedattitude]

Hi Lode,

Welcome to the area.

I live in Moncton NB, I fly somewhat regularily from Moncton renting from MFC.

I also somewhat less often take the 1 hour 15 minute drive to Debert Nova Scotia, the atmosphere there is much better, and a much better envrionment to go for a "joy ride" so to speak, it's a very much a small town club atmosphere because that's exactly what it is.

MFC is a busy busy spot on any given VMC day, and to be honest after years of dealing with them you end up just feeling like a number on a balance sheet most of the time.

While MFC may be a great training institute they have lost their way as a "flying club" but they are making strides to fix it.

Anyway, if you have any other questions please ask away or PM.

I also work as ATC at the Centre if you any questions related to that side, although there is another controller here probably more suited to the airspace you'd be flying in.

Again welcome to the maritimes!

Also I have to ask, why the move from Belgium to Moncton NB of all places?

[toelessjoe]

+1 for the Truro Flying Club, as they traditionally put out some of the bestest peelots EVER!! (Worst spellers & gramarists ever as well).

- Toeless.

[ehbuddy]

Hey Lode

I am also here in Moncton.

When it warms up take a drive out to Havelock on a Saturday. Lots of 'grassroots' flying there.

[frog]

I tried 3 times to get a x out at MFC...no luck...

[missed-approach]

Hi Gents,

Lode thanks for doing the hardwork I intended to pose the question myself.

Moved to NB last May from Old Blighty and keen to get airborne in NB.

Have only flown in BC and Winterpeg.

Is there anything in Miramichi, rental wise?

Cheers

[invertedattitude]

Hey,

Not that I know of rental wise.

I will premptively cover the question since I've been on the hunt for a while, I have yet to find any fractional ownerships around either.

There's always McEwens airfield, but there's no rental stuff there, even the jump school which flew there in the summer gave up dealing with them from what I've heard and moved further out of town and built their own grass strip

[roelsl]

Thanks for the replies, guys!
So nothing much to do at McEwan airfield, better luck in Debert or Havelock. I found a picture of Havelock on the COPA website and it shows a ramp full of cozy airplanes on a sunny day. Nice ...

Another question about the flying scene here: is (advanced) ultralight flying popular in NB? In Belgium, UL's were booming very strong, due to the soaring fuel cost qnd the stricter rules on classic airplanes/airspace. A lot of pilots there are getting into advanced ultralights. I mean these really good looking machines that are copies of certified airplanes but cheaper to fly. Haven't seen many of the around here ..

Lode