Retired RCAF tech piloted Texada’s destination as an AeroSpace hub

PHYSICS FOR KIDS: This will be Doby Dobrostanski’s 14th year (minus COVID) teaching an intensive week of aerospace science and hands-on skills.

Heart of qathet: Retired RCAF tech piloted Texada’s destination as an AeroSpace hub

The Texada AeroSpace Camp Project is the collective name of the Texada Annual Fly-In and the Texada AeroSpace Camp. The events are administrated and sponsored by the Texada Arts, Culture & Tourism Society.

In 2007, a Fly-In was organized at the Island’s airport and it became instantly popular. The next year over 70 airplanes flew in to the little airport. Residents and visitors loved the idea and it was deemed to become an annual event.

From the increased interest, a suggestion to include youth at a special aviation camp was forwarded.

The first AeroSpace Camp was held in 2009. It too got rave reviews. In 2017, the Texada Aviation Museum was established at the AeroSpace Hangar.

I (Doby Dobrostanski) have somehow always been involved or in contact with or in aviation; from age four, (lived on decommissioned RAF bases in the UK), joined the Royal Canadian Air Cadets, then the RCAF as aircraft technician.

In grad school I studied aerospace and aviation as cultural systems, flew sailplanes for fun, worked later as an aviation tech writer, and then joined the Canadian Aviation Artists Association.

How did you get involved with the Texada AeroSpace Camp Project?

Doby • I suggested and convinced Texada Arts, Culture and Tourism to provide the organizational and administrative horsepower to help establish and support the annual event called “Texada Annual Fly-In” in 2007. Other events and developments culminated from that one event. It now consists of the Texada Annual Fly-In (2007) Texada AeroSpace Camp (2009), and the Texada Aviation Museum (2017). Now, all these are popularly called the “Texada AeroSpace Camp Project”.

What attracted you to this organization?

Doby • My interest in aviation and desire to introduce it to others.

What part of the work is the most satisfying?

Doby • Pretty well all of the parts of the project, but especially organizing and running the camp.

What part of the work do you find the most challenging?

Doby • Finding the time to wear all the hats.

What do you wish other people knew about what the Texada AeroSpace Camp project does?

Doby • How positively it affects youth to become involved in such a wide science as aerospace. The camp changes kids. I believe our “hands on” education is very effective and has a lasting effect.

Had you been involved in charitable or caring work before?

Doby • I helped with organizing some sports charities while in the Forces.

What got you started?

Doby • Interest in helping, camaraderie with others of the same interests.

How has Texada AeroSpace Project changed your life?

Doby • Great and many new friendships… also the project has given me some new personal goals and most of all confidence in how well people can work together when they genuinely share the same passions.

Do you bring any unique skills to this organization?

Doby • I think I have a creative bent and some good ideas.

Have there been benefits from volunteering with this agency that you didn’t expect?

Doby • There have been many benefits. One of the greatest rewards is when youth return to say or send word that they are doing better in school, or have become involved in aviation in some way as a result of having attended this camp.

What would you say to other people who might be thinking about volunteering?

Doby • Don’t wait or try to figure. Just go for it, full bore!