Information for Pilots and Aircraft Operators

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Canada 
TP 13406E 
Amend - March 25, 2003
 
 
 
Transport  Transports 
Canada Canada 
 
 
 
Welcome to the Gulf Islands 
 
Information to Pilots and Aircraft Operators 
 
 
 
 
INTRODUCTION: (refer to the chart on reverse) 
 
1. The Gulf Islands are a group of islands located in Georgia Strait.  These islands are a popular tourist destination 
and attract many visitors each year. In addition to being home to a number of full-time residents there are also 
several wildlife sanctuaries located throughout the Islands that protect many varied and endangered species of 
birds and mammals. 
2. The environment surrounding the Gulf Islands is quiet.  As a result, aircraft operating at legal altitudes are often 
audible and such extraneous noise can be extremely annoying to some residents and disruptive to wildlife. 
3. It is recognised that aviation is an essential component of the national transportation system and the economic 
well being of British Columbia.  Aviation is an important mode of travel around the Gulf Islands and between 
Vancouver and Victoria’s major airports.  With the Gulf Islands being located between these major airports and 
the  demand  for  air  service,  a  considerable  volume  of  air  traffic  is  inevitable.    Nevertheless,  with  the  co-
operation  of  pilots  and  aircraft  operators  this  volume  of  traffic  need  not  be  onerous  on  both  the  residents  and  
the wildlife below. 
4. This  information  sheet  has  been  developed  in  co-operation  with  the  Islands  Trust.    The  Islands  Trust  as  the  
local  elected  government  for  the  residents  of  the  Gulf  Islands,  has  asked  for  the  assistance  of  all  parties  in  
managing aircraft noise.   
 
GENERAL ADVISORY: (refer to the chart on reverse) 
 
1. Aviation safety is foremost.  Pilots are responsible for the safe operation of their aircraft and compliance with 
all  aviation  regulations.    Nothing  in  this  information  sheet  relieves  the  pilot-in-command  of  the  aircraft  from  
this responsibility. 
2. All Gulf Islands are to be considered noise sensitive.  Pilots are requested to give particular consideration to the 
following  islands:  Denman,  Gabriola,  Galiano,  Hornby,  Mayne,  North  and  South  Pender,  Salt  Spring  and  
Saturna Islands. 
3. Pilots are asked to operate their aircraft in the most community friendly manner possible. 
4. Pilots not in the process of taking-off or landing should attempt to, where possible, avoid flying in the vicinity 
of any residential building or area, any marked or designated wildlife sanctuary or any site where bird nesting is 
known to be located. If flying in the vicinity of one of these locations pilots should attempt to do so at no less 
than 2000 feet ASL (or 1000 feet AGL where terrain is higher than 1000 feet.). 
5. Pilots are asked to refrain from training or practising manoeuvres over the Gulf Islands. 
Transport  Transports 
Canada                         Canada                

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