Vermilion Flying Club Holds Presentation

Members of the Vermilion River Flying Club, members of neighbouring flying clubs with Brian Andrus, Director of Operations for the Alberta Aviation and Aerospace Council (AAC), and Councillor Kirby Whitlock. Photo Lorna Hamilton

The Vermilion Airport Terminal was bustling with activity on the evening of April 9 as aviation enthusiasts gathered for an informative event hosted by the Vermilion River Flying Club. The featured speaker for the evening was Brian Andrus, Director of Operations for the Alberta Aviation and Aerospace Council (AAC), who shared his extensive experience in aviation and the ongoing efforts to strengthen Alberta’s aviation community.

Club President Jim Bristow opened the evening by welcoming attendees and introducing Andrus, thanking him for making the trip to Vermilion. Six aircraft and pilots from neighbouring clubs (Holdon, Tofield, Flagstaff, Killam, and Lougheed) flew in to attend the event, adding to the sense of excitement and camaraderie. Guests enjoyed refreshments and appetizers during a social hour before the main presentation began at 7 p.m.

Andrus, whose career in aviation spans more than 40 years, began by sharing stories from his early days, including 21 years with the Air Cadets, where he reached the rank of Acting Lieutenant Colonel for two summers at CFB Cold Lake. He also spoke about his passion for air shows.

“First off, I’m not a pilot, but I love aircraft and I love air shows,” said Andrus. “I think in my repertoire, I have attended at least 18 air shows and have been involved in the organization of at least eight—including one in San Jose, California. One of my responsibilities at most of those was as the volunteer coordinator, responsible for all of the volunteers at the air show.”

Andrus also spoke about his post-military career, which included serving as Associate Dean at NAIT. There, he led the Aircraft Skin and Structures program and helped update the Aviation Maintenance Orientation Program (AMOP) used in high school aviation programs across the country.

The main focus of his presentation, however, was on the Alberta Aviation Council—its history, current work, and the benefits of membership. He shared how the AAC was formed in 1969 by seven aviation enthusiasts, including Spitfire pilot and McBain Camera founder Ross McBain.

“In 1992, the Council had government funding,” Andrus explained. “But then Premier Ralph Klein made cuts across the board, and one of the casualties was funding for the Alberta Aviation Council. At that time, we had an executive director. Right now, the only money we have coming in is through membership and a casino every two years. So, we’re really trying to grow our membership so we can be self-sufficient.”

He emphasized how the AAC has been revitalized in recent years and has taken on a stronger advocacy role.

“In the last three or four years, we’ve been doing a lot of advocacy on behalf of aviation,” said Andrus. “About 10 years ago, when the UCP was the opposition to the NDP, the NDP dissolved the Transportation Advisory Committee. It included rail, highways, aviation, and waterways. I got this letter, and it also went to Richard Godfrey and others. We discussed how we could get aviation back on the map,” said Andrus.

“Thanks to Richard’s drive, when the UCP formed the government, they created the Strategic Aviation Advisory Committee (SAAC). Suddenly, aviation was back on the radar. In the last mandate letters the Premier gave to her ministers, aviation was mentioned in each one—for the first time in about a dozen years. That is a remarkable thing.”

Andrus laid out the AAC’s mission and three core goals: to build awareness and collaboration among members, to promote a safe and financially sustainable aviation sector in Alberta, and to act as a trusted advisor to government on matters affecting aviation and aerospace.

He then described the many ways the AAC supports the aviation industry in Alberta. The Council organizes annual conferences and trade shows that bring together industry leaders and stakeholders. It also leads trade missions and builds strategic partnerships with other aviation organizations, such as the Canadian Council for Aviation & Aerospace (CCAA), the Canadian Business Aviation Association (CBAA), NAV Canada, and Transport Canada. The AAC work closely with other western Canadian aviation councils, including those in Manitoba and British Columbia.

The Council offers seminars and workshops focused on industry development and publishes a regularly updated Air Facilities Map every six years. It provides scholarships to support students and air cadets pursuing careers in aviation and delivers educational and training programs, including a Grade 6 aviation curriculum developed in collaboration with Alberta Education.

Additionally, the AAC hosts human resource development sessions at its conferences, which address the needs of a diverse workforce. It plays an active role in government relations, with three AAC directors currently sitting on the province’s Strategic Aviation Advisory Committee. The Council also supports aviation heritage by donating funds to aviation museums across Alberta.

Andrus also discussed the perks of AAC membership.

“With an individual, student, or senior membership, you receive complimentary air facility maps and booklets,” he noted. “Business and organizational members get laminated maps and a free listing on the AAC website.”

Members can also access discounted hotel rates through Sawridge Hotels, d3h.ca, and Choice Hotels, and benefit from reduced rates for conferences, workshops, and advertising opportunities.

“Membership connects individuals and organizations to all levels of the aviation, aerospace, and airports community,” Andrus emphasized. “It puts them in touch with NAV Canada, Transport Canada, the Government of Alberta’s Aerospace Sector Team, and national and international industry groups.”

The presentation concluded with a lively Q&A session, where guests had the opportunity to dive deeper into AAC initiatives and future plans. Alberta AAC has received several phone calls and one in particular, a municipality wanted to sell their airport. Subsequently, one question posed by a pilot who flew in to attend the presentation was, “I had someone ask us how much we would sell our airport for, what kind of answer can you give for a question like? How do you put a value on your airport? Vermilion Flying Club Secretary Larry Bingham spoke up to answer saying, “Last year alone we had 40 medevac flights fly out from our airport to save lives, what price can you put on those lives? There is no price!” said Bingham. Another interesting fact about the Vermilion Airport is that a visiting medical specialist also utilizes the airport to fly in from Ontario on days he performs procedures at the Vermilion Health Centre.

The Vermilion River Flying Club extended its sincere thanks to Brian Andrus for his informative and engaging presentation. His visit provided attendees with a renewed appreciation for the Alberta Aviation Council’s impact and a glimpse into the promising future of aviation across the province.