Those flying from southwestern Ontario, Ohio and points west or southwest may prefer to make for the Wiarton VOR (117.7 YVV) at the base of the Bruce Peninsula via Windsor, London, etc. From the Wiarton VOR fly V36 northwest up the Bruce Peninsula and cross the stepping stone of islands from Tobermory to Manitoulin Island, maintaining sufficient altitude to glide to adjacent land masses. Upon reaching Manitoulin Island fly parallel to the southeast coast in a northeast direction and map read to Killarney (or pick up the 225 degree radial of the Sudbury VOR and fly in the direction of the VOR). This will take you to Killarney.
NOTE: In Canada, it is illegal to fly beyond gliding distance to shore in a single engine aircraft unless lifesaving equipment is carried.
From Michigan and the west or northwest, pilots can choose the foregoing options, or instead fly via Pellston VOR (111.8 PLN) and Sault Ste. Marie, thence across Manitoulin Island to Killarney.
Sophisticated twin engine aircraft, of course, may choose more direct routes across Georgian Bay via V5 airway from Wiarton.
GPS/LORAN - Your GPS or Loran airport data base includes Killarney Municipal Airport and can be accessed with the airport designator "CPT2".
MAP READING - The Ontario terrain north of Toronto is different from what you may be accustomed to- endless areas of lakes and forests with few towns, roads or railroads. Killarney is off-airways so map reading can be important. Urban pilots accustomed to VOR and GPS navigation are often out of touch with this piloting art. Be sure to practice beforehand and while en route to Killarney.
Make certain that you have topographical sectional charts of the area. Match the shapes and sizes of lakes on the map to what you see on the ground. It's really easy if you work at it, and a lot more fun than chasing an omni needle! Beware of high ground close to and northeast of Killarney, the so-called Killarney Mountains. They rise to 1785' above sea level. If you are approaching Killarney in marginal conditions, be sure of your position. We recommend the Toronto VFR Navigation Chart and the Sault Ste. Marie chart. Killarney Mountain Lodge is an authorized chart dealer and can supply any Canadian chart upon pre-payment by credit card.
CUSTOMS - Killarney has no customs facilities and is not a port of entry. Therefore American Pilots must clear customs en route.
From the south, you can clear at St. Catherines, Hamilton, Toronto City Centre Airport (Island Airport), Lester B. Pearson International (Toronto), Buttonville (north Toronto) or Wiarton. Note that Pearson International is a class "C" Terminal Control Area (requiring Mode C) and that landing is by reservation only during peak hours.
From the west, clear at Windsor, London or Wiarton.
Also, we understand that Pelee Island (southeast of Detroit in Lake Erie) is a good place to clear Canadian Customs. Phone beforehand. On your return, Sandusky, Ohio is a convenient, traffic-free airport to clear U.S. Customs.
If you are crossing Manitoulin Island, Gore Bay is a hassle-free place to clear. Call the customs officer, Sue Priddle, before departure and she will meet you at the airport. Her number is 705-282-2181 or cell phone: 705-282-7069. Don't forget your ADCUS flight plan if you are coming from the U.S. Be sure to stay in your aircraft until the customs officer arrives!
RE-FUELING - Aviation fuel (100LL) and lubricating oil are available at Killarney Airport. VISA, Master Card and American Express credit cards are accepted. En route, airports in southern Ontario with fuel are: Wiarton, Midland, Collingwood, Gore Bay, Parry Sound, Manitoulin East and Muskoka.
WEATHER - The Sudbury Flight Service Station was closed in 1995. Service is now provided by the Sault Ste. Marie Flight Service Station via Remote Communications Outlet (RCO) on 122.5 and 126.7 MHz. You can also telephone the Sault Ste. Marie Flight Service Station toll free: 1-800-463-6377.
INSTRUMENT APPROACH - If Killarney is below minimums on arrival, instrument approaches are available at Sudbury Airport via ILS, VOR and NDB (362 KHz-SB). Sudbury is a major inter-city airport serving Air Canada and other carriers. The tower frequency is 125.5 MHz, ground 121.8 MHz and ATIS 127.4 MHz. It is 50 air miles to Killarney. Killarney Mountain Lodge, Killarney Outfitters and the Sportsman's Inn can arrange taxi pick up for their respective clients. From Sudbury Airport to Killarney is 85 road miles.
CANADIAN FLIGHT RULES - VFR and IFR rules in Canada are very similar to the U.S. Note, however, that VFR on top is illegal in Canada, except with special license endorsement.
When Flying VFR on easterly courses, 0 degrees- 179 degrees, maintain altitude at odd thousands plus 500'; on the westerly courses, 180 degrees - 359 degrees, fly at even thousands plus 500'.
To enter Canada you must file an ADCUS flight plan. Foreign aircraft must also file a flight plan for flights within Canada.
You may close your flight plan in the air with Sault Ste. Marie RCO on arrival at Killarney (122.5 and 126.7 MHz) or by telephone at Killarney Mountain Lodge or the pay phone at the airport (Call Sault Ste. Marie Flight Service toll free: 800-463-6377).
IFR DEPARTURES FROM KILLARNEY - To facilitate clearances, contact Toronto Centre by telephone at 416- 676-4590 and expect clearance within approximately 45 minutes.
Happy flying- See you in Killarney!
