By Raquel Lincoln, EAA Lifetime 1306824; Chair, EAA Canadian Council; Winnipeg, Manitoba

Happy New Year, fellow aviators!

For a number of years now, we've been reading articles and listening to our leaders in aviation sounding the alarm that we must diligently and actively advocate for general aviation in Canada. We know that airports have been under attack for quite some time, and one hopes this isn't the canary in the coal mine.

Last year, I was contacted by a consultant who had been hired on behalf of the Minnesota government, to research the viability of the continued operation of the Piney-Pinecreek Border Airport (48Y). This airport is located around 32 kilometers northwest of Roseau, Minnesota, and just outside the town of Piney, Manitoba. I believe it is the only of its kind in that the runway itself straddles the Canada–U.S. border. I know some airports are very close to one side or the other, but this runway runs right across the border.  Folklore stories swirl that before the U.S. officially joined WWII, aircraft produced in the U.S. were ferried to the border and then pulled across by horses into Canada, where the aircraft were then delivered to Britain. This airport, however, has operated under an international agreement between the Minnesota Department of Transportation and the rural municipality of Piney, Manitoba, Canada, since 1949. The Pinecreek airstrip initially opened with 2,147 feet on the U.S. side, then an extension of 1,150 feet was added on the Canadian side, under a bi-national airport agreement. Av fuel sales were available on the U.S. side. I have read that at one point this airport had 3,000 movements in a year.

Although a number of concerned pilots and aviation organizations submitted signatures, wrote letters, and attended meetings in support of the airport, we have been notified that the Minnesota Department of Transportation and the rural municipality of Piney, Manitoba, will permanently close the Piney-Pinecreek Border Airport (48Y) on Friday, December 27, 2024. The official announcement stated the airport had very low use and faced large maintenance expenses including runway, apron, and terminal reconstruction. Grass is growing through surface cracks, tall weeds encroach the runway, and snow clearing is hit and miss. The international agreement required to operate the airport expired on December 26 and will not be renewed by either airport owner.

Pilot coffee talk was that for quite some time, the RM of Piney (the Canadian side) has not been contributing to the maintenance and upkeep of the runway, and the financial and labour burden has been covered by the U.S. I suspect the drastic drop in aircraft movements was a direct result of the multiple year airport and border closures during COVID-19. Perhaps this decision was influenced by the current initiative to fortify our supposed porous border, as well as some political perceptions that the United States is 'subsidizing' Canada.

As pilots and aviation enthusiasts, we have a duty to ensure that general aviation flourishes for generations to come. Following my plea in the last issue of Bits and Pieces for Canadian advocates to join us, we have had Mr. Brian Pinsent become part of our advocacy team. He has already provided valuable data to the ADS-B Working Group as we continue to address its implementation in Canada.

On a more positive note, let's change topics to AirVenture. At AirVenture 2023 and 2024, the Canadian Council was able to arrange group camping for Canadians wishing to camp together at Camp Scholler. For 2025, we endeavour to make the same offering, and we hope many of you will join us in what has been affectionately known to us Canadians as “Little Canada.” In previous years we have managed to secure a couple of prime locations, with as many as 50 co-located campsites, close to all events, and of course, the main entrance. We hope to achieve the same support this year. If you are interested in camping alongside your fellow Canadians at AirVenture 2025, please contact Phil Johnson at chapters.EAACC@gmail.com. Phil will enter your name into our database, and we will explain the various offerings. Even if you are not quite sure of your travel plans yet, contact Phil. At this point, we are trying to determine the number of sites we anticipate we will require.

Feel free to contact me at chair.eaacc@gmail.com or at 204-345-3750.