The Smart Marty Sky Dispatch
Part 3: Saskatchewan pilot reflects on risks, reward of aviation
In his current job as president of Mitchinson Flight Center and as a captain for WestJet, Dan Glass gave his opinions on the challenges he faces in the industry.
Dan Glass, a Prince Albert native and son of Saskatchewan aviation pioneer Floyd Glass, weighs in on the challenges facing the industry today. He serves as president of Mitchinson Flight Center and as a captain for WestJet, drawing on decades of experience in flight instruction and commercial aviation.
The interview covers the harsh realities of aviation, with Glass noting that the field is “terribly unforgiving of any mistake” and that friends and colleagues have lost their lives in accidents across Canada. He emphasizes the personal cost of hardship in aviation while acknowledging the positive memories from his career.
Glass discusses economic pressures on airlines, including labor shortages, rising costs, and the impact of global supply-chain delays. He notes that pilot and maintenance engineer shortages drive higher wages, and that insurance rates can rise following major incidents somewhere in the world, affecting operators broadly.
The piece references historic elements of Glass’s life, including a memorable airshow in Prince Albert where he rode in the nose of a B-17 and flew over his family farm, an experience he describes as surreal. He also recalls early flights with his father, including flying from a farm airstrip to nearby work sites and dropping off parts or delivering lunches to crews in the fields.
The article notes a significant local event: a 2018 fire that destroyed the old Second World War hangar at Glass Field Airport. Glass describes the hangar as a long-standing wartime structure that was refurbished and lasted far longer than its expected five to ten-year lifespan, with plans mentioned for reinvestment in a new facility at the Prince Albert airport.
The report highlights ongoing economic and regulatory factors affecting aviation in Prince Albert and Saskatchewan, including government oversight, licensing timelines, and the broader ripple effects of global events on local operations. Glass stresses the need for stable support from government leadership to sustain aviation services and facilities.