Effective May 1, 2003, Calgary/Springbank Airport (CYBW) is a
year-round full Customs Airport Of Entry (AOE) with the following hours of
operation:
May 1 - October 31 - 7 days per week
Hours: 15:00-03:00 GMT
(9 a.m. - 9 p.m. Local)
November 1 - April 30 - 7 days per week
Hours: 16:00-00:00 GMT (9 a.m. - 5 p.m. Local).
The fight for Airport Of Entry status for Springbank airport began in the 1990’s
with the efforts of then COPA Alberta Director, Ken McNeill.
Ken’s research showed that Alberta had a distinct shortage of AOE airports when
compared with any other province.
To exacerbate the problem AOE status was subsequently withdrawn from Medicine
Hat and then Lethbridge.
YBW was named a CANPASS site but the introduction of landing fees at Calgary
International for small aircraft made it more important than ever to push for
full AOE status at Springbank.
The effort was met with resistance from the get-go. Customs and Revenue claimed
this was an added “service” and must be paid for by the users. COPA and the
users claimed it is “required compliance” and that Customs should be available
on at least the same basis as in other provinces.
More recently, Randy Charron and the Springbank Airport Business and Pilots
Association entered the fight along with airport manager Larry Stock and Calgary
Airport Authority.
As a result of the continuing pressure and lucid arguments, we have apparently
convinced the Customs people of this need for equitable access.
Now pilots can avoid an expensive and time-consuming stop at Calgary
International (usually just to phone Victoria). However, as we go to press,
there is one potential problem.
The announcement from the government ommited any mention of fees for the new
service, but we have heard rumours that fees may be implemented.
COPA Director Bob Kirkby is currently investigating this rumour so until this
issue is resolved, you should ask about any fee when you contact Customs at
Tel.: 800-CANPASS, prior to crossing the border.
Our next task is to regain AOE status for Lethbridge and/or Medicine Hat,
otherwise pilots from southern Alberta may have to fly to Calgary to access an
AOE and then fly back to their destination.
Pilots are encouraged to use this new YBW facility in order to ensure that it is
retained.