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
30
minutes
Domestic โ International
60
minutes
Interline Connections
90
minutes
๐ข Terminal Information
Great Bear Lake Airport (DAS), also identified by its ICAO code CFF4, is a specialized private aviation facility located on the remote shores of Great Bear Lake in the Northwest Territories, Canada. Situated on the Dease Arm of the lake, the airport is primarily owned and operated by Plummer's Great Bear Lake Lodge, one of the world's premier destinations for trophy lake trout fishing. As a private facility, the airport serves as the exclusive entry point for guests arriving on all-inclusive fly-in adventures, bypassing the need for long and difficult overland travel through the Arctic wilderness.
The airport's physical infrastructure is centered around a single well-maintained gravel runway that measures approximately 1,584 meters (5,200 feet) in length. This substantial runway is capable of accommodating large regional turboprops and specialized bush planes, making it one of the most capable private strips in the northern territories. The airfield is also uniquely positioned to support amphibious operations, frequently serving as a base for Turbine Otter float planes that transport guests to even more remote fishing outposts across the vast expanse of the lake.
While the airport does not feature a traditional public passenger terminal, the 'arrival experience' is seamlessly integrated into the operations of Plummer's Lodge. Arriving guests are typically met on the runway by lodge staff and transported a short distance to the main clubhouse, which functions as the central hub for check-in, dining, and guest services. The lodge facilities provide a high level of comfort in a rugged environment, including a gift shop, internet access, and professional lounge areas, offering a stark contrast to the surrounding Arctic tundra.
Strategically, DAS is an essential node for the high-end tourism industry in the Northwest Territories. It facilitates the transport of specialized technical equipment, fresh gourmet supplies, and international travelers from around the globe. The approach to the runway offers spectacular views of the crystal-clear waters of Great Bear Lake and the surrounding pristine wilderness. Due to its private and remote status, all flight operations must be coordinated directly with the lodge management, and there are no public refueling or maintenance services available for transient aircraft.
๐ Connection Tips
Great Bear Lake Airport (DAS) is a private aviation facility on the remote Dease Arm of Great Bear Lake, Canada. It is primarily operated by Plummerโs Great Bear Lake Lodge, and there are no scheduled public commercial services; all arrivals are part of fly-in fishing and wilderness packages. Your primary connection point will almost always be Yellowknife Airport (YZF), from where the lodge coordinates charters using regional turboprops or bush planes like the Turbine Otter. A critical tip: guests are usually required to arrive in Yellowknife at least one day before their flight to the lodge to account for Arctic weather delays.
Upon landing at the 5,200-foot gravel runway at DAS, you will be met by lodge staff and transported by boat or light vehicle to the clubhouse. There is no public terminal, car rentals, or taxis; all transport is provided by the lodge. For more remote outposts, the airport serves as a base for floatplane transfers. Packing is restricted; use soft-sided duffel bags to fit in small aircraft cargo pods.
Weather is the most significant factor; fog, high winds, and early-season ice can lead to multi-day delays, so building a flexible 'buffer' into your return travel from Yellowknife is essential. While the lodge provides satellite internet, mobile coverage is non-existent at the airstrip. Self-sufficiency for personal needs is required once you leave Yellowknife.
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