3 minute read
Flying to Heights of Enjoyment
Flying to Heights of Enjoyment
Rosanne Fortier - News Correspondent
Over 250 aviators and enthusiasts of all ages were wide-eyed with wonder as they watched planes and helicopters land at the Vegreville Regional Airport during the Vegreville Flying Club (VFC) Fly-In Breakfast on June 9.
This event, hosted by VFC, featured over 50 aircraft. President of VFC, Jordan Stefaniuk, said they host this event to share their love of aviation. “We want to get everyone involved with aviation if they are interested. Aviation seems unapproachable if you are on the outside looking in, but it is approachable.
I have a private pilots’ license; I can fly anyplace around the world with this license. But I can’t earn money with it. The best thing about flying is the freedom involved where you see the land like a bird does and can go whenever you want to go. It’s an incredible feeling that not many people get to feel.
The challenges are the weather and the time commitment it takes to own an aircraft and learn how to fly it responsibly and safely and there is paperwork and licenses to maintain.”
When asked if it takes a long time to learn how to fly, he replied, “No, it doesn’t. I learned through the Air Cadets program.”
David Grinde from Holden flew in with his Hawk XP II. “These planes were built for the military because they are made for extra performance. So, it has a 195-horsepower engine in it.
I have a private pilots’ license. I love flying and have been doing it for about five years. The best parts are seeing the scenery and the freedom involved. It is indescribable. The challenge is the weather. I learned to fly on my own with an ultralight plane.”
VFC Member Timothy Nawrot mentioned, “The Vegreville Flying Club has a rich history in Vegreville and the area for many decades. I have been a member since my teens. I was given the aviation bug by my father who was an active member for many years. VFC is a great support to pilots and anyone interested in aviation. Membership is open to all… experienced pilots are happy to provide insight and advice and show that flying is more accessible than people might expect.
Our club has several younger members who have recently joined. It provides a great social environment. The VFC recognizes the great economic importance of the Vegreville Regional Airport to the town. It is also important to general aviation. We are finding that the interest in the airport is increasing with visitors stopping in from eastern Canada and even the southern United States. Med-Evac flights and business flights also use the airport.”
