Behind the Scenes: When Plans Shift, the Pilot Sets the Course
Mission at a Glance
Volunteer pilot Rob A. and his son, Thomas, set out to fly 10 stray cats and kittens from Fort St. John to Victoria, B.C. for our partners Northern Peace Forgotten Felines and VOKRA. Each of these lucky felines had adoptive families waiting in Victoria.
Outbound to Fort St. John
On October 21, Rob and Thomas departed CYYJ (Victoria) with four kennels and landed at Fort St. John at dusk with a healthy fuel reserve. They overnighted to align with a favourable morning weather window for the return.
Headwinds, Mountains, and an Experienced Pivot
The October 22 departure began as planned, but increasing headwinds and evolving forecasts quickly tightened margins over the Coast Mountains. A scheduled fuel stop in Quesnel included troubleshooting a landing-gear indicator bulb; after a visual check and a maintenance consult, the aircraft was cleared to continue.
Climbing toward the Pemberton–Whistler–Squamish corridor, groundspeed fell and turbulence reports stacked risk. Rob conferred with Pacific Radio for live weather updates and made the safety-first decision to divert to Lillooet.
Community Help and a Pilot’s Decision
In Lillooet, Rob connected with a helpful fellow aviator who generously lent him a vehicle. With weather deteriorating and families expecting the cats that day, Rob decided, as PIC, to switch modes.
He and Thomas drove the cats to Victoria the same day via the Nanaimo ferry, where they were safely delivered to VOKRA.
The kindness of animal lovers knows no end. Our heartfelt thanks to the individuals on the ground in Lillooet who helped Rob, Thomas, and almost a dozen cats get where they needed to go.
“In hindsight, I wouldn’t attempt a flight of that distance at this time of year again without a wider weather window,” Rob shared. “I’m glad the cats arrived safely in Victoria!”
How Donations Help
Transports can involve fuel, lodging, ferries, and contingencies. Community donations help cover those costs so pilots can choose the safest option—including diverting or standing down—without hesitation.
Thank you to Rob and Thomas, Northern Peace Forgotten Felines, VOKRA, and the supportive community in Lillooet for ensuring these animals reached their new homes safely.
