BC Ninety-Nines Hold Annual Fraser Valley Poker Run Across Multiple Airports

In mid-June, the Fraser Valley region of British Columbia hosted the annual Poker Run event organized by the Ninety-Nines, a prominent women aviators’ organization. Pilots gathered on June 14, enduring unusually warm temperatures exceeding 30 degrees Celsius, to participate in this engaging aviation challenge. The event provided both recreational enjoyment and an opportunity to navigate one of the region’s most complex airspaces.

The Fraser Valley extends westward from Hope to Vancouver along the Fraser River, framed by mountain ranges to the north and the Strait of Georgia to the west. This area is noted for its dense network of airports supporting both recreational and business aviation. Key among these are Boundary Bay, a historic Royal Canadian Air Force training base; Delta Air Park, which offers a grass runway suited for landing practice amid crosswinds; Langley Airport, home to a sizeable community of recreational flyers; Pitt Meadows Airport with its parallel runways busy with flight training activity; and Abbotsford Airport, another former military base that now serves scheduled airlines alongside private operators.

Additional airports such as Chilliwack and Hope add to the region’s diversity of flight operations. Chilliwack is a favorite destination for local pilots seeking a classic $100 hamburger, a slang term for a fun flight with a meal stop. The grass runway at Hope lies within a narrow mountain valley, attracting pilots not only for soaring and sailplane training but also for aerial photography enthusiasts. This varied terrain and mix of airport types provide a richly challenging environment for the Poker Run participants.

The Poker Run format requires pilots to visit at least five airports, performing landings and drawing playing cards at each stop. Each airport presents its own procedures that pilots must observe carefully. For instance, at Boundary Bay, pilots are required to contact Vancouver air traffic control before the local tower, a step that some flyers occasionally overlook. Managing these diverse communication and operational requirements within a compressed timeframe teaches valuable skills for flying in crowded and complex airspace.

The event concluded at Pitt Meadows Airport, where pilots submitted their cards and prizes were awarded. Recognition was given across a broad spectrum, including the best and worst poker hands, oldest and youngest pilots in attendance, and other categories celebrating participation. This approach fosters camaraderie and a spirit of friendly competition among aviators.

One participant shared his experience flying as first officer with Bill Eby in a Volmer aircraft, describing how traditional navigation roles have evolved with the advent of GPS and advanced cockpit instrumentation. Their route began at Langley, followed by stops at Chilliwack, Abbotsford, Boundary Bay, and finished at Pitt Meadows. The sequence of airports illustrates a comprehensive cross-section of the region’s general aviation landscape.

The Ninety-Nines host such Poker Run events across Canada, encouraging pilots to explore different regions and sharpen their flying skills through practical challenges. Many local aviators find these runs beneficial for both building proficiency and expanding their familiarity with different airport procedures. The event exemplifies how social flying activities can double as effective training opportunities.