Float Plane Operations

Float planes have operated from the Middle Arm of the Fraser River at YVR for many years. The float plane dock at YVR accommodates a large number of operations, with several operators based here. During the peak summer months, more than 100 float planes arrive and depart on the Fraser River daily.

Hours of operation for float planes are limited to daylight hours, as pilots must be able to see the water during landing and take-off. In spring and summer, float plane operations start earlier and stop later in the day to take advantage of the longer days.

Float Plane Operations Over Richmond

While float planes operate under Visual Flight Rules, whereby the pilot is responsible for their own navigation and separation from other aircraft, when arriving and departing at YVR, float planes typically use a long-established recommended route over Richmond, which roughly follows the Westminster Highway corridor. While the exact altitude may vary, they generally operate at around 500 feet over the area to ensure they are safely separated from other aircraft using our main runways and helipads.

Float planes may deviate from this recommended route as it is the pilot’s responsibility to operate the aircraft in a safe manner,and given the proximity of residential developments to the south of the airport, it is not possible to eliminate float plane over-flights over residential areas. Over-flights of residential areas are sometimes required to ensure a safe landing or take-off from the Fraser River.

Noise Mitigations

To raise awareness and understanding about community noise issues, we regularly meet with float operators at YVR. We have also worked closely with them to identify best practices for noise mitigation whenever operationally feasible and safe. These best practice guidelines are published in the Canada Air Pilot Waterdrome Supplement and include:

• Take-off westbound and landing eastbound are preferred when wind and water conditions permit.
• Use low Revolutions Per Minute (RPM) reduced noise take-off when able.
• Avoid departure route that fly over Richmond, whenever possible.
• Avoid using ‘reverse thrust’ after landing to slow the aircraft.
• Maintain 500 Above Sea Level (ASL) when flying the Westminster Highway downwind route.

Non-YVR Float Plane Operations

During the summer months, the majority of float plane traffic over the Lower Mainland typically operates out of Coal Harbour in Downtown Vancouver or other water aerodromes in the region. Questions or concerns related to non-YVR float plane operations can be directed to Transport Canada.

Do you have additional questions?

Please contact YVR Noise Management.

You can also view “real-time” and historical flight tracks, including float planes, over your neighbourhood using the YVR WebTrak system.