Vermilion River Flying Club charts course for the year

Vermilion-area flying enthusiasts have a plan for the year.

During their Annual General Meeting on June 10, members of the Vermilion River Flying Club (VRFC) discussed past as well as upcoming upgrades and elected executive members for the coming year.

Together they have completed small projects for the Vermilion Airport and continue to work with the Town of Vermilion and the Airport Advisory Committee to identify future facility upgrades and potential for ongoing revenue.

Mary Lee Prior, the town’s economic development coordinator, will take promotional photographs of the Airport.

The photos are meant to help notify town staff as to what is available as well as promote the airport as a whole.

The Vermilion Airport is one of few in the province that are located within the town allowing access to a range of businesses.

During the past couple of years, the Vermilion Airport has acquired a new business and an additional hangar lease holder.

In addition, there is now a flight instructor available locally.

“We’re finally at the point where we have what we need here. Any more lease holders we get is a benefit, and it’s a pretty affordable location,” said Shawn Jacula, VRFC member who sits on the Airport Advisory Committee.

“There are currently two hangar spots available and the town now has their plans for later expansions.”

He went on to say that this summer, the town plans to paint the letters of ‘Vermilion’ on the runway, as well as fill some of the cracks.

Members are looking forward to the upgrades and went on to elect their executive board for the coming year.

Darcy Balineski was chosen as VRFC president and vice president will be Erwin Warkentin.

Larry Bingham will act as secretary and Matt Jaremco as treasurer.

The VRFC has been in existence since 2018 and contains 21 area pilots and aviation enthusiasts.