Port Harding to Bella Coola
VFR Flight #2 - Distance 154.2nm
Yes that's right VFR people, this week we're taking the challenge to Bella Coola along the Pacific Coast of northern British Columbia in what is called the Coastal Rain Forest.
The weather here is always iffy. Thick fog until mid afternoon make navigating this picturesque region an absolute nightmare. Just ask the good Professor and the Artvark how easy this flight truly is when the fog is so thick your aerial steed can hardly make headway. But not to fret Altair fans approximately 8 miles from your destination the weather almost always clears.
This flight will put your navigational skills to the test especially if it's foggy…if not it's a breeze.
Aircraft
If you don't fly a floater then it's no fun at all but you be your own judge, the Beech will work but the purpose is a low and slow adventure where you can practice your navigational skills before the Altair Headmaster catches you and find yourself stuck in detention.
Altitude
3,500' but if its foggy and you're flying a flight plane you get down low over the water and inch your way to Bella Coola.
Navigational Aid
YZT VOR 112.0, range 195 miles (but you'll lose it before you reach your destination)
CYZT - Port Hardy, British Columbia
Rwy's 11 & 29 4,923,' 16 & 34 3,997,' and 7 & 25 3,990,' altitude 68'
The town of Port Harding is actually about 10 miles from he airport so if you're looking for breakfast call ahead first and see if you can get a ride into town. A full service aerodrome (except to grab a half descent breakfast) they do in fact have a Shell Service (for Klaas) in addition to the Esso as seen in the picture on the right.
Port Harding is actually located on the North East tip of Vancouver Island about 185 nm from Vancouver (CYVR).
The area is principally based on logging and salmon fisheries with several fist nations established in the area.
Of late, the area has been inundated with cruise ships carrying passengers up and down the inland waterways to Alaska.
This is Killer Whale territory so keep your eyes open you may see a herd or two.
CYBD - Bella Coola, British Columbia
Rwy's 4 & 22, 4,000,' altitude of 114'
Bella Coola, is located inland from the Fitz Hugh Sound with Bella Bella (no relation) on the Pacific side and Bella Coola inland on the Burke Channel where the Bella River empties into the Pacific.
Bella Coola Airport is stuck in the bottom a deep valley, population of the town is about 500 and is located on the other side of the golf course that you can see in the picture on left. You can actually walk into town from the gate and through the golf course if you have a hankering for a brew with the boys but be careful this is Griz country and yes this photo was taken at the airport.
Flight Plan
Depart CYZT pick up the YZT 310 radial (VOR 112.0) for exactly 44.9nm.
Turn right to a heading of 12 degrees for exactly 6.5nm and at the YZT 316 radial (48.2nm from the VOR) turn north to a heading of 325 degrees for 24.9nm.
At the intersect of the 319 radial (72.9nm) turn right to a Hdg of 347 for exactly 22.3nm. This should put you at the 326 radial, 146nm from YZT.
You will now turn right to 33 degrees and follow this for exactly 25.9nm you should be at the 340 radial and 105.8nm from YZT.
A hard right to a Hdg of 131 for 7.5nm to pick up the YZT 342 radial at 99.3nm.
Turn left to 73 degrees for 7.3nm which is the 346 YZT radial at the 166nm mark.
Now it's a left to 39 degrees for 7.9nm. You will probably lose the VOR at this point so watch your distance carefully.
Turn right to 81 degrees for 15 seconds then a left to 57 degrees the airport will be 5.1nm on your starboard side.
If the scenery looks like the picture on the right then you've passed over the airport. It should look like the one on the left but with the gears lowered. Yes, Paulo took the picture.
The photo below shows the proper method of landing at this field…low and slow with Ed the sock showing you the way.
There isn't a lot of room to turn and you may find easier on a missed approach to travel about 4nm east and turn then work your way back.
Have fun, if you miss the runway follow the river east 4nm turn south and climb…you should be able to see the Ape Icefield and Ape lake.
