I've started daydreaming about next summer and one thing on my wish list was to go to Yellowknife to the Midnight Sun Fly-in... I stumbled across this on their website (link below), which indicates that they are dissolving the Midnight Sun Fly-in Association.. leading me to believe that the fly-in might not happen. Anyone have the full story? Will there be a 2025 fly-in?

http://www.midnightsunflyin.com/news

I've got a buddy up there I'll ask. That would sure be a shame. It was on the list to take the kids up for that one year.

Even if the fly in is off, I'd suggest heading up there. 24 hour daylight and amazing stuff to see. There's lots of floatplane activity and if you head to either the rock or the airport, you'll find guys to talk flying with.

Make sure you pay a visit to the Range, locally known as The Strange Range. No further elaboration required however you may want to be wary of flying furniture

Been meaning to go to this for several years. I always end up going south to the desert.

Talked to a buddy in Yellowknife. Sounds like most of the effort of putting that event on was being made by just a couple people, and they have now stepped back. The future is unclear but everyone is hoping something comes together.

Fraser Farmer wrote:Talked to a buddy in Yellowknife. Sounds like most of the effort of putting that event on was being made by just a couple people, and they have now stepped back. The future is unclear but everyone is hoping something comes together.

Thanks for the report!

FWIW.... a comment I just found on Foreflight indicates that there is no Avgas available in Yellowknife for transient pilots due to the lack of a truck. (comment dated August 2024) It looks like fuel is available in Hay River so on wheels one could stop there and tanker up... but straight floats might be more of a challenge than usual.

Thanks again for the info!

Happy Flying
Keith

I guess it's official..... the link I posted in the first comment on this thread is now dead.

That's really unfortunate to hear. That said, it has become really, really difficult to get people (not just pilots) to step up to plan and put on events like this. It takes a lot of hard work by a lot of volunteers to put together programs like this, and burn out can be very real.

We're about done with planning for the Montana Aviation Conference, which will take place in Missoula February 27th through March 1st. Our committee this year has been a little thin, and we could still use volunteers at the venue, so if interested, get in touch.

Also, the planning committee for the Great Minnesota Aviation Gathering is working diligently on the Minnesota Confference, which will be in May. I'm betting they could use some volunteer help....

Frankly, it's been tougher and tougher to get people to volunteer to plan and execute these kinds of programs. We always hear regrets about the loss of such a program, but it's almost always the case that the volunteers who've been putting these things together have reached burn out, and probalby have been trying to find someone else to step up and take over, without success.

So, if there's an aviation event near you, or one you truly value, consider getting in touch with the organizers and let them know you're willing to assist. Remember, these days, a lot of the organizing that goes into making these things work happens remotely, via Zoom, telephone, email, etc. So, even if you live a ways off, you may be able to provide some meaningful assistance.

MTV

I have no idea what it means for the fly in....... if anything.... but the Midnight Sun Fly In website is alive again.

http://www.midnightsunflyin.com/

Man, I'd love to do something like that! Unfortunately Canada has not grandfathered-in non-ADS-B airplanes. My '49 Taylorcraft is getting much needed LED lights before I move into the ADS-B realm.

braol wrote:Man, I'd love to do something like that! Unfortunately Canada has not grandfathered-in non-ADS-B airplanes. My '49 Taylorcraft is getting much needed LED lights before I move into the ADS-B realm.

If we need ADS-B to fly in Canada I’m in a lot of trouble, times 4. Poor little 46’ j3-65 is going to need serious help if so, the other three at least have an electrical system.

Bkn.

I was under the impression that ADS-B in Canada was set up similar to in the US: Only large, busy airports REQUIRE ADS-B.

Is that not correct???

MTV

Found that, sorry I stepped into it, past where I go.

Bkn

Thanks, still doesn't work for me, unfortunately.....I'm operating under Basic Med....

MTV

braol wrote:Man, I'd love to do something like that! Unfortunately Canada has not grandfathered-in non-ADS-B airplanes. My '49 Taylorcraft is getting much needed LED lights before I move into the ADS-B realm.

No ADS-B required in Canada, so not sure what this post means. You are more then welcome to come up and fly here.

There is plenty of airspace above the 49th parallel to enjoy where ADS-B is not required. I would speculate that flying from the 49th parallel to The Knife from anywhere west of Southern Ontario could be very easily accomplished on a "phone a friend" flight plan. The whole route could easily be done NORDO and well outside any radar coverage.

In addition to the chart posted above showing air space classifications where ADS-B is required in Canada (simply put, class A and B air space), this chart shows where you’ll find that air space as well as radio and transponder equipment requirements for all classes of air space in Canada.

https://tc.canada.ca/sites/default/file ... ster_e.pdf

Class B starts at 12,500 when you’re under a low level airway or any other controlled air space. Outside of that you’re good to 18,000 where class A starts, which is most of the sparsely populated north. There’s really nowhere in Canada you can’t go below 12,500 without ADS-B. At least for now. The class C mandate is coming at some point. Eventually. Perhaps in my lifetime. Who knows?

I believe you will need a transponder exemption for crossing the border, not for flying in Canada once there. These are 9/11 rules.

There has been an update to the Midnight Sun Fly In webpage.....

Coped from their website:

http://www.midnightsunflyin.com/

The sun set on the Midnight Sun Fly In after its 2023 event but the Northwest Territories Flying Association ("NWTFA") is planning to host its own fly-in in July 2025. This new event will focus on visiting pilots and their passengers and offer the opportunity to explore the Yellowknife region and experience the hospitality of the local aviation community.

Please visit the NWTFA website for more information on flying in the Northwest Territories. Fly-in details will be posted as the plans are finalized.

The Northwest Territories Flying Association (COPA Flight 108) will be hosting the 2025 Yellowknife Bush Pilot Fly-In on July 18 and 19, 2025 in Yellowknife, NT. Planned activities include an evening meet-and-greet, fly-out picnic at a remote lake, dockside BBQ dinner, and great aviation conversation. Advance online registration is required. Visit our website at http://www.flyingnwt.com for more information and registration.

This event replaces the Midnight Sun Fly In on which the sun has finally set due to a limited volunteer base and other challenges. The new event will be a more intimate event for pilots and guests to experience the adventure of northern bush flying.