โฐ Minimum Connection Times
Domestic โ Domestic
30
minutes
Domestic โ International
60
minutes
Interline Connections
120
minutes
๐ข Terminal Information
Centralia/James T. Field Memorial Aerodrome operates within the historic infrastructure of former RCAF Station Centralia, utilizing preserved World War II-era hangars and facilities that once trained over 3,000 pilots under the British Commonwealth Air Training Plan from 1942-1967. The facility positioned at 824 feet elevation near Exeter, Ontario, maintains several of the original five massive hangars designed to accommodate 100+ aircraft, now repurposed for civilian aviation including Goderich Aircraft Maintenance operations and general aviation services. While the terminal area provides basic passenger amenities rather than commercial airline facilities, the aerodrome's historic buildings serve diverse aviation businesses within the 1,400-acre Huron Industrial Park that evolved from this distinguished military training base.
The airport infrastructure features two intersecting asphalt runways with the primary runway 10/28 extending 5,013 feet by 100 feet wide capable of accommodating business jets and larger general aviation aircraft, while the secondary runway 16/34 measures 4,392 feet by 150 feet but remains closed from November through March due to winter maintenance priorities. Operating hours run Monday through Friday from 1300-2130 UTC (8 AM-4:30 PM local) with after-hours services available via 226-378-7422, managed by New United Goderich Inc. Anderson Aviation Services provides on-site maintenance, charter, and aircraft completion services utilizing the preserved military-era maintenance facilities, while fuel services support both recreational and business aviation operations throughout southwestern Ontario.
Strategically significant as one of Canada's largest WWII pilot training centers that later housed the RCAF's Instrument Flying School, School of Flying Control, and Personnel Selection Unit during the Cold War era, the aerodrome now serves civilian aviation while preserving its military heritage through a 1992 memorial cairn commemorating thousands of aircrew trained here. The facility's transformation from military base to civilian airport maintains operational continuity through preserved infrastructure including control tower foundations, workshops converted to modern maintenance facilities, and administrative buildings now housing aviation businesses. Located 30 minutes from London and 20 minutes from Grand Bend's recreational areas, the aerodrome provides an uncongested alternative for private aviation, flight training schools continuing the site's educational legacy, and business aircraft operations benefiting from the substantial runway infrastructure originally designed for military training operations.
๐ Connection Tips
Centralia/James T. Field Memorial Aerodrome (YCE) carries a distinguished aviation heritage as a former Royal Canadian Air Force training base, originally built as part of the British Commonwealth Air Training Plan in 1942. Historical aircraft enthusiasts often visit due to the facility's wartime significance. Anderson Aviation Services provides maintenance, charter, and completion services on-site. The airport transformed from RCAF Station Centralia, which trained pilots on Harvard, Anson, Dakota, and other military aircraft, to today's general aviation hub known as Huron Air Park. The flight training legacy continues with multiple aviation schools utilizing the facility's favorable winds and traffic patterns.
Current operations are managed by New United Goderich Inc. with services available Monday through Friday from 1300-2130Z (8 AM-4:30 PM local time), with after-hours contact through 226-378-7422. Summer operations benefit from excellent visibility and stable weather conditions typical of southwestern Ontario. Winter operations continue year-round, though snow removal on runway 16/34 may experience delays up to 24 hours during heavy snowfall. The facility serves both recreational flying and business aviation, with fuel services and aircraft maintenance available.
Weather reporting comes through nearby stations as YCE doesn't publish METAR data. Located at 824 feet elevation near Centralia, Ontario, the facility features two intersecting runways (10/28 and 16/34) with the primary runway suitable for a wide range of general aviation aircraft. Ground transportation includes rental cars and taxi service, though advance arrangements are recommended. The airport's proximity to London (30 minutes) and Grand Bend (20 minutes) makes it an attractive alternative to busier commercial airports for private and corporate aviation.
โฐ Minimum Connection Times
Domestic โ Domestic
45
minutes
Domestic โ International
90
minutes
Interline Connections
120
minutes
๐ข Terminal Information
Chilko Lake (Tsylos Park Lodge) Airport (CJH), also known by its TC LID CAG3, is a specialized private aviation facility located at the north end of Chilko Lake in the Chilcotin region of British Columbia, Canada. Serving as the primary aerial gateway for the prestigious Tsylos Park Lodge, the airport acts as a critical link for international eco-tourists, fly-fishing enthusiasts, and wilderness explorers. The airfield is positioned in a dramatic mountain valley and provides a seamless entry point to one of the most remote and pristine landscapes in the Pacific Northwest.
The airport features a well-maintained 3,200-foot gravel airstrip (18/36) that is specifically designed to handle the light turboprop and piston aircraft typically used for backcountry charters. While there is no traditional passenger terminal building at the airfield itself, the 'terminal' operations are fully integrated with the nearby Tsylos Park Lodge. All guest arrivals, departures, and flight briefings are coordinated through the lodge's main reception. The facility consists of an open staging area with aircraft tie-downs and run-up pads, ensuring a functional and efficient environment for private pilots and charter crews operating in the rugged interior of BC.
Commercial services at CJH are strictly charter-based and primarily support the lodge's seasonal operations. Most travelers arrive via private aircraft or dedicated lodge charters departing from Vancouver (YVR), with the flight providing spectacular views of the Coast Mountains and the azure waters of Chilko Lake. The airport's role is fundamental to the regional wilderness economy, facilitating the movement of high-end tourists to the Chilko River, famous for its world-class grizzly bear viewing and trout fishing. Ground transportation from the airstrip is provided by the lodge's fleet of 4WD vehicles, which meet every arriving aircraft to transport guests directly to their timber-frame cabins and suites. The airfield remains a vital infrastructure asset for the sustainable development and protection of the Tsylos Provincial Park region.
๐ Connection Tips
Chilko Lake Airport (CJH) is really a lodge-access strip rather than a normal airport connection point, and that changes the whole planning model. The key operational fact is that many guests connect through Vancouver's South Terminal rather than the main YVR terminal, which means the true risk is not inside the final wilderness airstrip but in how cleanly you transition from the commercial hub to the private charter operation. That handoff should be treated like an airport transfer in its own right.
If your main flight lands at Vancouver International, build enough time to transfer to the South Terminal operation without stress. A private wilderness charter does not behave like a major-airline departure bank; if you miss it, the consequences can be much more significant than just waiting for the next flight.
At the lodge end, the airport's value is obvious: it gets you directly into a remote part of the Chilcotin where road access is long and slow. But that also means the local side is intentionally sparse. Your luggage limits, pickup, and lodge instructions matter more than terminal amenities. CJH works best when Vancouver is treated as the protected commercial hub and Chilko Lake as the final wilderness segment. The smart planning is all in the South Terminal handoff and in making sure the lodge charter is the last well-buffered step of the day.
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