The South Cariboo Regional Airport at the 108 Mile Ranch is much more active than most people think.
Take into consideration the runway, which is one mile long and 75 feet wide; that is a lot of concrete to clear. The parking areas for the planes and vehicles, as well as the embarking and loading areas, also require clearing.
It is also expected that the runway be available for use 24/7. So every time there is a snowfall, the removal equipment springs into action.
Over a five-year period, the snowplow averages 100 miles per year and the sweeper averages 300 miles per year. To plough the snow for the average snowfall the machine goes up and down the runway six times. The sweeper needs to go up and down only five times.
While the runway is 75 feet wide, allowances must be made on how far back to place the snow from the runway. Allowances are estimated by the airport personnel by using anticipated weather reports.
There are approximately 100 runway lights. On each side of the runway there are 50 lights that have to be cleared by hand as it is very difficult to see them from the plow.
So, it is a trip up and a trip down to check and clean (or repair) each light, making it more than two miles of walking – great way to keep fit.
They use chemicals to assist in keeping the runway free of ice. They use 40-0-0 nitrogen; it’s non-corrosive, but it does not work after minus 5C. They also use non-corrosive salt called Terralink urea.
The plow is an Oshkosh made for the United States military; it costs $270,000 and weighs 27,000 lbs.
It is an all-wheel drive and is powered by a 350 hp turbo engine. The metal blade is 22 feet wide with rubber blades top and bottom.
The sweeper is 16 feet wide, made in Sicard, Que., and has a Cat engine. The blower to remove the snow is so powerful it will blow an adult person over. The blower is designed to be towed behind a snowplow or a truck.
One of the most important reasons in keeping the runway accessible is to allow the medivac to take off and land. There is an average of 100 medivac calls per year.
Airport manager Nick Christianson takes his role very seriously by providing an airport in great condition. A lot of people around the 108 Ranch probably know someone who has used the medivac in an emergency.
Each pilot has the ability to turn the runway lights on when approaching to land, and they will stay turned on for 15 minutes.
The rotating beacon is designed to stay on all night and is operated from the office.
The Cariboo Regional District plans to do some upgrades this year. One is to upgrade and relocate the on-site fuel facility. The new fuel pumps will be modern, digital flow meters and a self-serve system.
Another plan is to resurface the plane parking tie-down area with crushed gravel to reduce issues with mud, etc.
Flea market
A flea market is being held each Friday at the 108 Mall from 11a.m. to 4 p.m. Vendors are welcome. To book a table, contact Brenda at 250-396-7144. It is $10 per table and there is room for 17 tables.
School news
Mile 108 Elementary School recently completed the Foundation Skills Assessments required by the Ministry of Education.
The school placed first in School District #27 and received a ranking of 7.2 out of 10. This is a substantial improvement over previous years.
While the FSA tests are only one measure of performance of a school, students and staff are proud of the accomplishment.