Niagara Falls Tour

[halfmilevis]

Hello fellow aviators!

Besides what’s outlined in the CFS, does anyone have any information / advice for flying the tour?? Il be coming out of Markham and flying the lake edge around past St.Catherines

Cheers,

HMV

[photofly]

If you do in error bust your altitude or don't stick rigidly to the charted route (like maybe you have to avoid a cloud) then don't under any circumstances announce your position, answer any calls from the helicopters there or repeat your call sign when asked. They're a bunch of toads who will report your ass straight to TC for enforcement action.

[NAT2]

That is restricted airspace below 3500ft and it is syrictly enforced by radar for the safety of those authorized to operate within it. So if you do bust it and say nothing, you've only made things worse for yourself. Why not just treat it like every other CYR and steer clear of it?

Give a call to YSN radio (they are quite friendly and helpful) even if you're not transitting their zone because they can often give you the heads up on any traffic. If you need to stray east for any reason, have the frequencies for KIAG handy, they will also be happy to lend a hand.

Otherwise, go enjoy the the sights. I spent quite a bit of time over the falls in my younger years and always enjoyed sharing the view with others.

Here's a quote from TC

by Mike Treskin, Civil Aviation Safety Inspector, Transport Canada, Ontario Region

Transport Canada (TC) has noticed an alarming number of aircraft not following the recommended visual flight rules (VFR) procedure in CYR 518, a restricted area located in the vicinity of Niagara Falls, Ont., and outlined by a chart in the Canada Flight Supplement (CFS). CYR 518 is located over the Canadian side of the Niagara River, overlaying the Falls. The zone extends from the ground up to but not including 3 500 ft above sea level (ASL)—approximately 3 000 ft above ground level (AGL). A racetrack pattern is published for all air traffic wanting to fly above (at or over 3 500 ft) the restricted area and view the Falls.

There are two entry points and two exit points that are clearly marked on the chart. Many fixed- and rotary-wing commercial operators fly inside CYR 518 with authorization from TC to transport sightseeing passengers to view the Falls. These operators all have pre-established flight paths and altitudes that they must follow to operate in a safe manner. There is an air-to-air frequency (122.050) on which advisory calls are made to ensure that everyone is on the same page. Calls should be made upon entry, indicating through which entrance point the aircraft is flying and its intentions (i.e. how many circuits it will complete, its speed, and more importantly, its altitude).

Probably the most important factor to remember is that this is a VFR procedure, which means that aircraft must “SEE AND BE SEEN”. Pilots are responsible for their own separation. All pilots wanting to view the Falls must follow the recommended published circuit as accurately as they can and maintain a very good look-out for other aircraft at all times.

This procedure must be followed at 3 500 ft and above. Any dipping below 3 500 ft is an airspace violation and could result in TC enforcement action. It is highly recommended that pilots enter and exit at these recommended points even if they are coming in for a quick fly-by. Remember, this area is extremely congested with all sorts of aircraft, big and small. Pilots must keep their eyes open and remember to broadcast their intentions.

Most importantly, pilots should review attentively the recommended procedures for CYR 518 in the CFS before their flight, then enjoy the sights and colours of the Falls!

[photofly]

Why not just treat it like every other CYR and steer clear of it?

If you do in error bust your altitude or don't stick rigidly to the charted route....

Thanks for the heads up about the radar surveillance. To the OP: if you make a mistake with the altitude, make sure you disable your mode C first.

[slam525i]

My advice is to read the CFS carefully. I've had more than one argument about it. The procedure depicted is for ABOVE the CYR (3500 feet). For whatever reason, people read that the procedure is for within the CYR and enter it, following the procedure. The CYR is restricted. Do not go below 3500. No entry, regardless of whether you're following the procedure. (I think they've updated it to make it more clear recently.)

[NAT2]

Why not just treat it like every other CYR and steer clear of it?

If you do in error bust your altitude or don't stick rigidly to the charted route....

Thanks for the heads up about the radar surveillance. To the OP: if you make a mistake with the altitude, make sure you disable your mode C first.

[pdw]

Stop in at the Niagara on the Lake Airport. Nice new runways there.

There's a couple of outfits here that do these tours all day long. Talk is cheap, and there's lots of pilots around getting educated ...

[Rookie50]

It's a nice tour. Do announce with CYSN radio then on the MF freq. Put your all lights on, too.

[KnownIce]

When you overfly the falls more than 2000 feet above the usual legal minimum over a built up area, and find yourself squinting to appreciate the falls, just remember you are somehow doing your bit as a private fixed wing pilot to prevent commercial helicopters from crashing into each other far below.

Seriously though it's an OK flight. I personally enjoy the overflight of Hamilton harbour more, reminds me of the volcano in lord of the rings, and flying low and slow along the coast looking at all the boats, vineyards, fancy houses etc. I wouldn't hype the falls up too much to your passengers or risk disappointment. It's just too small from up that high.

When I've taken people I usually did the flight really early in the morning (late enough that the sun isn't blinding you on the horizon) so that there would be less traffic. I would not personally go in the middle of the afternoon, on a beautiful summer weekend. Someone is always going the wrong way / turning way before the outbound turnpoint to loop around for a second look, etc, so the less people you share the space with, the better. Wrong altitude happens all the time too, but at least you won't hit those people unless you too have screwed up.

[Cat Driver]

It is a lot easier sight seeing over Victoria Falls as far as traffic and restrictions goes, and the falls are quite the sight. From a few hundred feet above them.

P.S. :

Don't crash in the river the hippos are gigantic and are the most dangerous animal on that continent.

[halfmilevis]

Thanks for all the info!

HMV

[Pop n Fresh]

I want a trip report if you go. I'm suffering a serious shortage of tales about fun flying stuff to vicariously live through here.

[KnownIce]

I want a trip report if you go. I'm suffering a serious shortage of tales about fun flying stuff to vicariously live through here.

I'll second that call for someone to post an interesting flight. Been in a drought myself stuck at work 24/7. First person to post a picture of the Christmas lights over the falls taken this season will be awarded a prize package consisting of 100 AvCanada Points, an oversized JPG of a Pitts doing a surface level outside loop in formation (multiple photos may be provided), and a personalized letter, in all caps, containing career advice from 748Ho.

[Rookie50]

I want a trip report if you go. I'm suffering a serious shortage of tales about fun flying stuff to vicariously live through here.

I'll second that call for someone to post an interesting flight. Been in a drought myself stuck at work 24/7. First person to post a picture of the Christmas lights over the falls taken this season will be awarded a prize package consisting of 100 AvCanada Points, an oversized JPG of a Pitts doing a surface level outside loop in formation (multiple photos may be provided), and a personalized letter, in all caps, containing career advice from 748Ho.

Are the points redeemable for anything?

Merry Christmas all on Av Canada and keep the shiny side up in 2015.

[Pop n Fresh]

The letter from 748ho would be priceless. You almost can't buy that kind of entertainment.

Well.. a bum like me? I can't for sure.

[boogs82]

Has anybody done the Niagara Falls flight lately? Looking for new experiences and in theory it's a 48 minute flight from where I'm based.

[JasonE]

I went early spring. Nice clear day, not another plane in sight. It was kind of a shame stuck at 3500, since there was not even a helicopter tour operator in sight. Just following the headings in the CFS and announce your position.

[Cessna 180]

14 CFR Part 93 Subpart E says to call Niagara Falls Tower for traffic advisories and requires you to make position reports on the listed frequencies (122.05 i think). It also says Buffalo Approach provides flight following so I guess Niagara Falls Tower or Buffalo Approach with 122.05 on the second radio is probably the way to go. Don't bust 3500 feet.