A Little History Of The 100 Mile House Flying Club 

 

While the early years of aviation in the Cariboo are but a gentle tailwind in history now, the 100 Mile House Flying Club has had a colourful beginning since the early 1960's. The very first original local airstrip was located on the pastures along Watson Lake at nearby 105 Mile House, an early gold miners' roadhouse and wagon stop. The current airstrip at 100 Mile House saw its beginnings in the early 1950's, with the assistance of the Jens brothers, who were sawmillers near Canim Lake.

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Today’s airport property had been part of the historic Bridge Creek Estates Ranch among their sprawling ranch holdings. Now known as “CAV3” in the Transport Canada register, the airport was cordially donated to the District Municipality of 100 Mile House for $1 back in 1979, by the ranch owner Lord Martin Cecil, the Marquess of Exeter. The ranch has always played an important role in the early growth of 100 Mile House since 1912.

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Original Flying Club members included well-known locals Dave Ainsworth, Gordon Maitland, Ross Marks and Slim Jens. Back then, the local aviation community hosted many large fly-ins with as many as 30 small aircraft visiting.

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Then, and to this day, CAV3 is still a favourite stopover aerodrome for pilots travelling to and from Alaska, the Yukon and other points North. The airport location is unique, as one can easily land and be only steps from town for a meal, one of many hotel rooms and a hot shower. “Where else can you land and walk across the street for lunch?”

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Nowadays, the Club has been hosting several annual free Kids Fly Days for local school children in order to foster an interest in aviation as a potential career path. The 100 Mile House Flying Club gratefully acknowledges that both local governments have been forthcoming to quietly extend some support ensuring that these worthwhile endeavours for the local youth may continue.

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The 100MHFC was first incorporated in February of 1961 and is still alive and well today with its Club aircraft, a C-172, registered: C-GICT. Understandably, the membership has been somewhat cyclical over the decades, mostly due to the significant costs of aircraft ownership and operation, as well as an aging demographic…. Yikes, full stop. However, on the bright side, the current members number is in the 20's, young and old (no, mature), boys and girls and we are an active and happy group! Several members fly their own airplanes and an attractive rental program is offered for the Club's aircraft.

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We welcome any inquiries, so kindly contact one of the Club directors.

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CAVOK to everyone from the 100 Mile House Flying Club!