General Aviation in Toronto

[crazycanuck]

On January 10th, 2012 it was announced that Porter Airlines would issue termination notices for rental agreements applying to both flight schools operating at Billy Bishop Airport in Toronto. With this I believe it is fair to say that Billy Bishop Airport can no longer be considered a general aviation airport available to private aircraft. This is after Toronto Buttonville announced its upcoming closure last year. Toronto is Canada’s most populous city, yet it is one of the only cities in North America without a general aviation solution or long term strategy. Where is the general aviation traffic supposed to go? We need an airport already.

http://www.thestar.com/news/article/111 ... o-300?bn=1

[Hawkerflyer]

YHM

[RVgrin]

CYHM Hamilton is too far. (WIth Toronto's insane car traffic even YVR is too far). I'd love to keep using the Island when I fly to downtown T.O.. I was pleasantly surprised my first time landing there a few years ago when I had to pay $5 a night for parking, joking that it costs more to keep my car across the street. With the free shuttle to Union Station included it was a bargain. A price rise was not unreasonable. However, last month Porter quoted me $35 a night. A $15+ landing fee also now applies. That's $50 for one night. A little steep, but If it stays accessible to small transient aircraft like mine I'd consider that still acceptable for short visits given the airport's small size and convenient location downtown.... But if they cut us off or raise the price any more I will be quite underwhelmed.

What is coming next? Anyone know if COPA or another advocacy group is looking into this?

[moocow]

What can COPA do? Porter owns the hangar and they can set commercial rental rate as they see fit, unlike housing rental rates.

[RVgrin]

What can COPA do? Porter owns the hangar and they can set commercial rental rate as they see fit, unlike housing rental rates.

I wasn't suggesting COPA get involved in a landlord-tenant issue. The original poster made the assertion that 'Billy Bishop Airport can no longer be considered ... available to private aircraft".

Although I think that conclusion may be a little premature, I am concerned that we are moving in that direction. Advocating for the continued availability of GA is well within COPA's mandate and has several precedents.

If the airlines become the only tenants could they decide to stop parking private aircraft? Could they restrict spaces or raise the parking rates beyond the affordable? Any of these moves would effectively eliminate CYTZ as an option for small private aircraft visitors to Toronto.

Is that something to be worried about?

[justwork]

http://www.burlingtonairpark.com/

[ch135146]

YHM

The operators, TradePort International, have all but squeezed out GA at Hamilton.

[Deltawidget]

The situation at YTZ is evolving but not looking good. I would not be surprised if the flight schools leave very soon as the TPA wants more airline traffic (They get $20 per passenger that goes through the terminal)

The reason this is likely to happen is the slots at YTZ are governed by noise, not physical space. By elimating the flight school, the airport's "noise budget" is freed up so that the Port Authority can assign more slots to airline traffic or business turboprops.

COPA has been assisting with the situation and working with a group of GA pilots, but it is an uphill battle.

At best, we may retain some tie down space, but for those in the hangars they may be SOL even if they can afford the insane hangar fees.

I love Toronto, but as fas as support for aviation goes, its not pretty. Wish us luck.

[Doc]

Is there still an airport in Markham?

[~Hollywood~]

No monetary figures were provided by Porter, but several tenants contacted by the Toronto Star — all of whom did not want to be identified in case the hike could be renegotiated — said the increase ranged from 30 to 300 per cent. They say the amount could jeopardize business and force them out of the airport.

I wonder who's getting the 30 and 300 per cent rent increase??

[flyincanuck]

YHM is as friendly to GA as stingrays are to Steve Irwin.

Those clowns up there can barely keep passenger service. Maybe . Norris could kick the mob out. And while he's at it, take care of city hall.

[FL_CH]

Is there still an airport in Markham?

Yup. CNU8. Wouldn't say there's much room for more aircraft there and it could get pretty chaotic with more traffic.

Toronto is becoming just like the other big cities out there. I don't recall any GA airports close to the city core in New York, Paris, London, Moscow. Perhaps Bombardier could open up its doors at YZD, but I would't put my money on it. Besides, letting students solo 500 ft below an approaching A380 isn't such a good idea.