flying

Since Pilot Getaways started publication in 1998, many subscribers have written to us about trips they have taken after reading about particular destinations featured in the magazine. Have you had a great vacation based on something you read in Pilot Getaways? We'd love to share your experiences with other readers. Send your stories (and photos if you have them) to eFlightPlan@pilotgetaways.com and we'll publish some of them in our monthly bulletin, eFlightPlan.

Jasper National Park, Alberta, Can.—The Jasper Airstrip (CYJA), located within Canada’s Jasper National Park, is now open to pilots for non-commercial use. The airstrip had been designated as “emergency use only” for many years; its reopening for public use came after lengthy efforts by the Canadian Owners and Pilots Association (COPA). The turf airstrip is maintained year-round; its 3,990 x 150 foot Runway 13/31 appears on Canadian charts at 52° 59’ 48N, 118° 03’ 34W.

After reading and saving Pilot Getaways magazines for several years, I hit the jackpot with the January/February 2013 issue. Typically, I read through each issue marking the potential trips I’d like to take so that a given trip will be easily found when the time is right. 

After seeing on the pilotgetaways.com web site that the Silver West airport (C08) was open to on-airport camping, I couldn’t wait to try it. I had done a touch and go there a couple of weeks prior when flying from my home airport near Colorado Springs (Meadowlake, KFLY) to the San Luis Valley. I was struck by the setting of the airport and the magnificent views.