50 H.P. nine
cylinder 'half-ton flying pickup truck" was
developed and originally 1,631 of the PandW Wasp
Jr. Beavers, wheeled and float versions, civilian
and military, were rolled off the production lines
between 1948 and 1969. Today, of the remaining
airworthy Beavers, word is that two-thirds of them
operate somewhere between Seattle, Washington and
Nome, Alaska. Cessna 180/185 Skywagons are also
harbour regulars as are the sleek and reliable
DHC-6 Twin Otters and the single DHC-3 turbo
Otters. Amphibians such as the Grumman Goose are
seldom seen since there is no particular dock or
ramp facility for them on the waterfront. This is
somewhat unfortunate but who knows what the future
will bring, what with all the building activity
happening along the Vancouver shores of Burrard
Inlet.
A
diversified operation:
To the east side of the Canada Place pier and
adjacent to the Sea Bus terminus (a ferry system
that connects into commuter rail) is a waterfront
heliport and up the foreshore a bit are the
passenger and cargo terminals of Helijet
International Inc. Although the large float ramp
primarily serves Helijet's regular scheduled
Sikorsky fleet, the heliport also is frequently
used by "choppers" of all types from sightseeing
tours, corporations, government, the military
search and rescue, air ambulance, and perhaps some
tourists on occasion. A busy place regardless, to
the extent that this floating heliport is the
busiest in Canada. And no shortage of interested
onlookers - tourists, lunchers, excited wide-eyed
kids, shutter-bugs, aviation buffs and the just
curious. Even a static Sea King parked on the stern
of a visiting Navy Frigate receives its share of
attention.
The
Vancouver air harbour is unique and fascinating.
But like all busy places, the end of a warm summers
day often brings a welcome, peaceful calm to these
inlet waters, disturbed only by the distant hum of
a round engine, emanating from the silhouette of a
Beaver Floatplane heading out over the lights on
Lions Gate Bridge, before fading into a brilliant
west coast sunset. Pretty hard to beat, even in
Hawaii.
Approximately
sixty percent of the movements are float/seaplanes
and forty percent helicopters. Although the "High
season," May through September, posts the higher
movement numbers, especially with charters, regular
passenger and cargo flights continue to coastal
communities, the Gulf Islands, and Vancouver Island
through the rest of the year, including the poor
weather winter months.
"The
Vancouver air harbour is unique and
fascinating.
It ranks as 5th busiest airport in British
Columbia."
Its
own Control Tower:
As with all active flyways, rules and good conduct
are essential to safety, order and efficiency. NAV
Canada, the privatized spin off from the previous
governing authority, Transport Canada, oversees and
controls all aircraft activity about the harbour
and surrounding airspace within a box like zone of
roughly 3 square miles.
About
the Port of Vancouver
by
Ed
Anderson
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