A COPA meeting in Calgary, attended by over 140 people, was
held on March 20 to hear Doug Mein, Transport Canada, present for the first time
to the public the restrictions for the G8 Summit in Kananaskis, Alta. Here are
the basic details: Dates: June 26-27, 2002. Area: Irregular shape from the
ground to infinity approximately 80 nm centred on Kananaskis, with cutouts for
the airways to the northwest and south to accommodate enroute IFR traffic. This
is a “no fly zone”, meaning that nothing will be permitted except for emergency
aircraft, with prior permission. The Alberta aerodromes and heliport affected by
the airspace restrictions include: Springbank, Banff, Black Diamond, Cochrane
Heliport/Aerocopter, Clearwater, Didsbury, Kananaskis, Sundre, Turner Valley and
Turner Valley Heliport. In British Columbia, Elk Valley, Fairmont Hot Springs,
Golden, and Invermere will be affected.
The airspace east of Calgary is not included in the no-fly zone but the Calgary
Terminal Control Area east of Calgary out to 35 nm will be restricted from the
ground up to 12,500 feet. The extent of restrictions in this airspace is yet to
be determined but most likely will require mode C transponders and a clearance
to enter.
Those who wish to make a claim for compensation for lost business should as soon
as possible contact Dave Gauthier at the Summit Management Office, PO Box 4310
Station C, Calgary, AB T2T 5N2 phone 403-444-5598 fax 403-444-6660 or email
dave.Gauthier@dfait-maeci.gc.ca.
A general notice will be released with the April 18 AIP amendment. When the
final details are determined, sometime in May, a special notice will be mailed
to all AIP recipients. As well, NOTAMs will be issued. In the meantime, the
presentation that was made on March 20 is available on the COPA web site,
including a map of the no-fly zone and restricted terminal airspace. We will
update the site as more information is known.