Tofino-Long Beach Airport

Tofino-Long Beach Airport (IATA: YAZ, ICAO: CYAZ) is a non-towered airport that is located within the Pacific Rim National Park Reserve. Immediately adjacent to Long Beach, it is 6 nautical miles (11 km; 6.9 mi) southeast of Tofino, British Columbia, Canada.

Tofino-Long Beach Airport
Summary
Airport typePublic
OperatorAlberni-Clayoquot Regional District
ServesTofino, British Columbia
LocationTofino, British Columbia
Time zonePST (UTC−08:00)
 • Summer (DST)PDT (UTC−07:00)
Elevation AMSL80 ft / 24 m
Coordinates49°04′55″N 125°46′21″W / 49.08194°N 125.77250°W / 49.08194; -125.77250
Websitewww.tofinoairport.com
Map
CYAZ is located in British Columbia
CYAZ
CYAZ
Location in British Columbia
CYAZ is located in Canada
CYAZ
CYAZ
CYAZ (Canada)
Map
Runways
Direction Length Surface
ft m
07/25 5,000 1,524 Concrete
11/29 5,000 1,524 Asphalt
16/34 5,000 1,524 Concrete
Statistics (2010)
Aircraft movements4,679

It is both a general aviation and commercial airport, used by both private aircraft and seasonal commercial services.

Coastal fog is a common morning phenomenon in the summer, complicating access by air until the weather clears. Several instrument flight rules (IFR) approaches are available including Global Positioning System (GPS) and non-directional beacon (NDB) types. This airport is equipped for night time operations.[4]

History

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RCAF Station Tofino was constructed in 1941 to defend Canada's Pacific coast from Axis attack during the Second World War. In 1945, the site was decommissioned, to be reopened again as a radar station in the Pinetree Line in 1955 to defend against Soviet attack.[5] The radar station was closed in 1958,[5] at which time it became a civilian airfield. It is currently owned and operated by Alberni-Clayoquot Regional District.

Airlines and destinations

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AirlinesDestinations
Pacific Coastal Airlines Vancouver

Facilities

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A small terminal building was completed in 2010. It contains airline kiosks, a waiting area, washrooms, and food vending machines.

Additional Services include:

Additional structures include:

  • Small maintenance hangar
  • Service vehicle shed (2 bays)
  • Salt dome
  • Metal storage sheds (2)
  • Long wood shed

Environment Canada has a weather station on site, operated by a private contractor.

Transportation

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No transit links exist. Taxis and ridesharing are available upon request.

The airport is adjacent to Pacific Rim Highway which was completed in 1959, connecting Tofino and Ucluelet with Port Alberni. The airport is accessed via a short drive down Airport Road, passing some abandoned Royal Canadian Air Force structures.

See also

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References

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