UPDATE 9:04 AM:
The Prince George Airport Authority hopes to have the de-icing equipment at the airport fixed around 4 pm today (Sunday).
“We’re working with the airlines and their contractor to get a replacement part and also another truck. So we expect, if all goes well, a replacement part shipped. It’s on an aircraft right now in Eastern Canada. It left there at 6 am, we expect it to be here by 2:30 pm, and mechanics are standing by to put the part in the truck and hopefully have it operational by around 4 pm,” said Gord Duke, President and CEO of the Prince George Airport Authority.
Duke said they had two de-icing trucks, one was already in the shop, and the truck that broke down on Friday blew a hydraulic pump.
Another truck is making it’s way from Abbotsford to help de-ice planes, and Duke expects that to possibly arrive tomorrow.
He added that airlines own the trucks, and contract out the maintenance and repairs out to another company.
“I’ve only been here two years, this is my third winter. I checked with the other staff here, and this has never happened before with two de-icing trucks going down.”
5:39 AM:
The Prince George Airport Authority report that the de-icing equipment at the airport needs repairs, and flights might be grounded until repairs or a replacement is found.
The equipment failed on December 17th, but if the weather improves some flights can continue.
According to Transport Canada, ice, snow, and frost buildup can disrupt the lift and control surfaces of a plane, and can create increased drag, severe lift loss, and can impair maneuverability.
The process of de-icing removes ice on a plane and can prevent buildup.
Something going on in the Prince George area you think people should know about?
Send us a news tip by emailing [email protected].
