Cortes Island Aerodrome – Learn About a Unique British Columbia, Canada Timber Hangar & Runway Project
Silver Maple Aviation Scores Again!
An Innovative Project with a Quick Turn-Around Time
When it comes to hanger design and construction, wood may be the new steel. It is possible if you consider the newest timber-made hangar and runway project completed in British Columbia, Canada. The company that gets credit for this innovative project, along with its quick turn-around time, is Silver Maple Aviation. The complex rather project was completed on a remote island along the coast of Canada. It features a 3,000-foot paved runway that is 60 feet wide. Also, as a part of the project, there was constructed a giant timber hangar. The entire job was completed in just seven months.
Why is the Timber Hangar Portion of the Work So Vital to This Project?
British Columbia (BC), uniquely situated in the western coastal region of Canada, is a key component of the global timber industry. This is primarily because of its sprawling and diverse forest-related resources. Perched between the Pacific Ocean and the Rocky Mountains, BC is home to more than 60% of Canada’s total forested land, including some of the planet’s most extensive temperate rainforests. These forests are replete with species of trees such as pine, spruce, cedar, and fir, which are highly valued for their strength, durability, and suitability for construction and building projects.
Rigid Environmental Rules
The timber industry is clearly a mainstay of BC’s economy, contributing billions of dollars from exports and creating thousands of jobs in largely rural communities. BC is a top exporter of softwood lumber, mainly to the United States, as well as many other international markets. The BC forestry sector encompasses logging, milling, and pulp production, with a significant portion of the timber harvested from both Crown land or what is sometimes called public land as well as private land, under rigid environmental and sustainability rules.
Building-Out a Quality Airport Complex
Geographically, BC is positioned near many of the major shipping lanes of the Pacific Ocean, facilitating the export of timber and wood biproducts. Its mountainous terrain and coastal climate also create a variety of ecosystems, allowing for the sustainable harvesting of a host of tree species. Keeping all these factors in mind, it is clear to see why an airport, runway, and timber hangar fit so well. Silver Maple Aviation seized the opportunity to build out a quality airport complex in an impressively fast fashion.
A Better Choice Than Steel
The company is somewhat new to the aviation infrastructure market. Despite being a new entrant, the operation, with its residential construction background, hit the ground running in tackling its first aviation projects. The company adapts well to the aviation sector with its sustainable and unique “retro” wooden hangar structures. Wood is sometimes a better choice than steel for hangar construction for several simple reasons. First, it is a renewable resource, making it more environmentally suitable as compared to steel, which demands high-energy processes during the production process. Also, wood is an excellent option as it delivers better thermal insulation, helping to regulate indoor temperatures while lowering energy usage.
Faster On-Site Modifications
Also noteworthy is that wood is lighter weight than steel, which effectively reduces transportation costs, thereby streamlining construction. Its natural aesthetic appearance adds warmth and rustic character to buildings, often increasing property value. Wood is considered easier to work with, allowing for faster on-site modifications and customizations. It has better seismic resistance thanks to its flexibility, making it a smart choice for regions prone to jarring earthquakes. Wood has a lower carbon footprint during production and construction, better satisfying most sustainability expectations, making it a popular choice among eco-conscious builders.
The Biggest Wooden Structure
Silver Maple Aviation, with its background in large-scale timber construction, also recently completed a hangar project in the Northeastern United States. Known as the Concord Hangar Protect, it is thought to be the biggest wooden structure on the entire Eastern Seaboard. The hangar construction required that it be built quickly and sustainably. Wood was the undisputed choice in construction material. In only a little over one year of securing permits, designing the structure, fabricating, and erecting the hangar, the project was completed. The result is a good-looking and carbon-neutral hangar that is strong, functional, and will last a long time.
Formulating a Plan
Looking ahead, the company plans to continue with its aviation focus for future projects. They are in the early stages of formulating a plan for developing fly-in communities. According to its spokesperson, Silver Maple Aviation will likely focus on building impressive hangar homes in the higher-end luxury market in the coming years. Living within a fly-in community or airpark offers a unique mix of rural isolation, convenience, and lofty adventure.
Imagine Accessing Remote, Scenic Places Via Private Aircraft
These specialized communities create a true sense of freedom and exclusivity. They typically attract those in search of privacy, tranquility, and a closer connection with nature, far away from the stressful, busy urban hustle. Residents routinely take advantage of easy access to outdoor activities, including fishing, hiking, and wildlife watching. With a strong sense of connectedness among aviation enthusiasts, fly-in communities encourage a tight-woven social atmosphere. The combination of majestic landscapes, private living, and aviation resources makes these communities a strong draw for those who genuinely value living right next to where they park their treasured aircraft.
About Cortes Island Airport (CC19)
Coordinates: N50°1.42′ / W124°59.05′
Elevation is feet MSL: 164 Feet
Magnetic Variation from 2012 is 18° East
Airport Use: Prior Permission Required
Landing Fee: Yes
Aerodrome Traffic Frequency (ATF) traffic 123.2 2NM
Runway 16/34
Dimensions: 3090 x 140 feet.
Surface: GRVL/
Runway 16: Heading 163°
Runway 34: Heading 343°
Servicing Available: Extended Parking, Tie Downs, Plug-in
Flight Information Centre (FIC): Kamloops 866-WXBRIEF (Toll free within Canada) or 866-541-4101 (Toll free within Canada & USA)
Aerodrome Operator. Ching 604-284-5366 Reg PPR Landing fees
Nearby Airports with Instrument Procedures
Campbell River Airport CYBL Campbell River Airport 231° 12.0
Comox Airport CYQQ Comox Airport 150° 19.2
Tofino/Long Beach Airport CYAZ Tofino/Long Beach Airport 190° 64.4
Nanaimo Airport CYCD Nanaimo Airport 124° 72.7
Vancouver International Airport CYVR Vancouver International Airport 106° 86.1
Port Hardy Airport CYZT Port Hardy Airport 276° 99.7
Victoria International Airport CYYJ Victoria International Airport 124° 102.8
Abbotsford Airport CYXX Abbotsford Airport 101° 118.8
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