VANCOUVER - The association representing small B.C. airlines and flying schools wants Ottawa to compensate them for disruptions caused by air security restrictions during the 2010 Winter Olympics.

While they don't deny the need to protect the Games from terrorist attack, small operators say the restrictions need not be in place for eight weeks and they're unduly harsh on flying schools.

After getting nowhere with various federal ministers, the Air Transport Association of Canada has written Prime Minister Stephen Harper asking for $3 million to $5 million to cover fixed costs operators will be forced to absorb during the period covering the Olympic and Paralympic Games.

If that doesn't work, the association may go to court, said president John McKenna.

''We're not talking about covering for lost revenue potential; we're talking about covering fixed costs,'' McKenna said from the association's annual meeting in Quebec City.

''We're even considering court action.''

Flying schools based at Boundary Bay airport south of Vancouver and Squamish, halfway between Vancouver and Whistler, expect to be especially hard hit.