The Patrician April 2012
The Victoria Flying Club ~ Aviation Excellence Since 1946
“Update from the flight deck: We’ve got some turbulence ahead. Please fasten your seatbelts.” Photo Credit: Liam Aloni ....Pg. 9
The Patrician 19
Monthly Newsletter of The Victoria Flying Club
4 6-2 0 1 2
The Victoria Flying Club
April 2012
Celebrating Over 65 Years of Aviation Excellence
In this issue:
“To promote flying and aviation in general, and to teach and train persons in the art and science of flying and navigating and operating all manner of heavier-than-air aircraft.”
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Communicava - Simon Dennis
4 VFC’s Newest Aircraft
(Victoria Flying Club Incorporation Bylaws, 1946)
7 VFC Pilots Hit the Road: The Ride to Conquer Cancer The Marathon des Sables
Board of Directors President......................................Lloyd Toope Vice President.........................Don Devenney Treasurer......................................Kim Sterling Secretary.............................Colin Williamson Directors.........................................Sean Steele Steve Demy Sam Roland Dave Gustafson General Manager........................Gerry Mants Chief Flying Instructor.........Graham Palmer
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99’s Scholarship info and Poker Run Invitation
Editor/Publisher: Christie Hall thepatrician@shaw.ca Midnight Design & Communication info@midnightdesign.ca
1852 Canso Road Sidney, BC V8L 5V5 www.flyvfc.com
The Patrician accepts unsolicited submissions. This publication may be reproduced in whole or in part, with prior permission of the publisher or author. The opinions expressed are strictly those of the authors.
Phone: 250-656-2833 Fax: 250-655-0910
April 2012
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Victoria Flying Club News So... That’s How Many Nautical Miles?
Victoria Flying Club 2012 Board of Directors On the evening of Thursday March 1st, a good crowd of VFC members gathered in the pilot’s lounge for this year’s Annual General Meeting. The evening began, according to VFC custom, with good conversation over wine and cheese, an opportunity for old friends to catch up and new friends to meet. The meeting itself was lively, as always, At the end of the night, voting took place to elect the Board of Directors for 2012. This year sees many members of the board returning either to finish a two year term, or signing on for an additional two year term. We welcome first-time director Dave Gustafson to the board. We also want to extend our thanks and appreciation to Ellen Wood for her years of work with the Board of Directors, and look forward to her continued involvement with the Victoria Flying Club. Our Board of Directors are a great bunch of folks. Definitely say hello and get to know them if you have the opportunity. We’ll hopefully have a photo of the whole crew soon.
While the conversation at the Victoria Flying Club is often limited to aviation-related topics, the pilots at VFC are a phenomenal bunch of people, many of whom are involved in a number of incredible pursuits. In this issue, we want to take a moment to recognize a few pilots who are doing what they can to make a difference in the world. Martin Childs is a former VFC student, now the Operations Manager at the Shell Aerocentre. Jeff Lightheart, a former VFC instructor, flies for Sunwest Aviation out of their Vancouver base. These two friends met in 2009 when they undertook the challenge of The Ride to Conquer Cancer, a two day, 250km bike ride from Vancouver to Seattle. Since that time, they’ve been training and riding together whenever their busy schedules have allowed. This year, they are once again participating in The Ride to Conquer Cancer. Don Devenney is another recognizable face around VFC. In addition to his position as Vice President of VFC’s Board of Directors, Don is also a volunLloyd Toope - President teer pilot with Angel Flight, and an integral part of the Don Devenney - Vice President regular weekend brunch crowd at The Dakota Cafe. Kim Sterling - Treasurer But Don has been a little busy lately. He’s training for Colin Williamson - Secretary the 27th Sultan Marathon des Sables. In short, it’s a 6 Sean Steele - Director day 250km run across the Moroccan dessert, beginSteve Demy - Director ning April 6th. While Don enjoys a good challenge, Sam Roland - Director his motivation is found in raising funds and awareness Dave Gustafson - Director for The Arthritis Society, in honour of his good friend Rhonda. His goal is to raise $10,000 and he is well on his way! On page 7 and 8, in their own words, these fine Our dispatch supervisor Shannon Nielsen gentlemen explain what they’re doing, why they’re dorecently celebrated five years with the Victoria Flying ing it, and most importantly, how you can help. Every Club. Her position carries with it a huge range of tasks little bit helps, and they would appreciate any support and responsibilities. While she keeps things organized, you’d be willing to offer. Shannon also brings a unique sense of fun to the office that is appreciated by all. Thanks for five years of hard work and for all that you do!
Five Years at VFC
Aviation Excellence Since 1946
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April 2012
C O M M U N I C AVA
from
AVA FLIGHT SERVICES.
April 2012
Understand. Then you will be understood.
by Simon Dennis - QFI, ATPL, and owner, creator, writer and presenter, Ava Flight Services.
A monthly voice from Ava Flight Services. General commentary and speciÞc lessons to become a safer and better prepared pilot. Go now, and learn.
April 2012
WE NEED TO TALK. As pilots, verbal communication is a requirement. In order to solo, we must successfully pass the aviation restricted radio operators exam (ROC-A) administered by Industry Canada. We must talk to air trafÞc control and ßight service specialists. We must talk to other pilots directly in uncontrolled airspace. Though not in standard radio phraseology, we must talk to instructors and examiners as well. Yet talking is only one-half of the picture that is effective aviation communication. WE NEED TO ACTIVELY LISTEN. An effective communicator actively listens as much as they verbally communicate. LetÕs Þrst back up a step and deÞne not only listening, but active listening. We Þrst start with physically hearing a sound - the recognition process. The next step is passive listening - giving the sound meaningful consideration and thought. The third step is to correctly apply this understanding to the situation you Þnd yourself in (which may or may not involve a verbal response), which signiÞes active listening has now occurred. Notice that if speaking occurs at all, it does so only as the Þnal step in this process understand, then you will be understood. Active listening is both a skill and an art that must be practiced and honed, and is sometimes rarely performed. Aviation communications can be very intimidating to pilots both new and experienced, especially in a busy controlled environment. Mistakes happen,
and there is only one way to truly learn after you have passed the radio test and have been introduced to the basics of communication and phraseology: get as much experience with using the radio as you can. Be reassured that nobody is perfect on the radio, and as long as these mistakes are minimized, safety is not jeopardized, and learning has taken place, they are what I refer to as the Òright mistakesÓ. As always, when these learning opportunities present themselves, they must be taken advantage of. Yet how can these mistakes be minimized, and how can radio work be mastered as quickly and as safely as possible? Always seek to improve your verbal communications, but become a proÞcient active listener at the same time. If you are engaged with air trafÞc control for example, ask yourself after every instruction you receive and clearance you accept what it truly means, and how you can best respond before you actually do. DonÕt be trigger happy with the push-to-talk switch. Remember that when you transmit your identiÞcation in response to air trafÞc control you must now comply with their instructions, or you have now accepted their clearance. Did you actively listen before you transmitted, or did you just reply based on hearing your call-sign alone? If you are in an uncontrolled environment, active listening is arguably even more important because air trafÞc control is no longer there to do what they can to ensure safety is
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not compromised. Challenge poor and weak communications from other stations and always seek to understand the information in order to effectively guide your understanding. Realize that in both controlled and uncontrolled environments, active listening must be constant, and is not always followed by speaking. Give careful consideration to other station’s communications when you are not required to speak, and you can learn so much more information than if you speak when you don’t really need to. Always use proper technique and phraseology. I have listened to so many communications that are poorly executed, obviously do not involve active listening, or did not even need to occur in the Þrst place. If you follow these guidelines, an active listener and better communicator you will be. We can all continuously learn and improve our radio communications. If you would like to do so with yours, as a speaker and especially as an active listener, then consider Ava’s newest course STRENGTH AND READABILITY - debuting on Saturday, April 14th. This four-hour intensive seminar will include radio theory, proper phraseology techniques, emergency radio procedures, numerous tips and examples speciÞc to our local complex radio procedures, and an appearance by a NAV CANADA Victoria tower employee, so we can listen to valuable expertise from a different point of view. Go to avaßightservices.com/courses for details and to register. Go now, and learn.
www.flyvfc.com
C-GZMK Introducing the newest addition to the Victoria Flying Club Fleet!
Type C172Q SD/C Empty Weight 1490.5 lbs Empty Moment 61,449.18 in/lbs Max Gross 2550.0 lbs Useful Load 1059.5 lbs ELT Deft/Fixed Avionics 2 VHF 2 VOR 1 ILS 1 ADF 1 DME Oil Phillips 20W50 Max 8 Qts Fuel 300 lbs useable Aviation Excellence Since 1946
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April 2012
April Mystery Aircraft
Can you identify the aircraft shown Above? Email: thepatrician@shaw.ca March Mystery Identified From Tim: This month it’s the Victa Airtourer (also known as the AESL Airtourer) from Australia/New Zealand. This 2-seater was the winning design in an Australian Aero Club competition and built starting in the early 1960s. About 250 were made. For the first time in nearly 30 recent issues of The Patrician, Tim has stumped the entire crowd! Nicely done Tim. Thanks for keeping us on our toes! April 2012
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www.flyvfc.com
First Solos
Sara Reimer Instructor: James White “Without disruption of air traffic, this fearless, forthright, indomitable and courageous individual did venture into the wild blue yonder in aflying machine. Furthermore, this skilful individual did safely land said flying machine at Victoria International Airport, incurring no significant damageto self or machine, thus completing a first solo flight.�
Congratulations from the Victoria Flying Club!
Christie Hall, BPA Communications Consultant Digital and Print Media 778-426-3452 info@midnightdesign.ca www.midnightdesign.ca
big business thinking for small business
Aviation Excellence Since 1946
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4 6-2 0 1 2 April 2012
Martin Childs and Jeff Lightheart The Ride to Conquer Cancer In 2009 we participated in The Ride to Conquer Cancer, a two day cycling event covering 250 km from Vancouver to Seattle. With the help of family and friends, we were able to meet and exceed our fundraising goal of $5000. Almost $7 million was raised for the BC Cancer Foundation at that event, and the total amount for the past three years is close to $30 million. It was an honour to be part of such an incredible event, and to ride alongside so many courageous cancer survivors, and also hundreds of family members and friends who have lost a loved one to cancer. Three years have passed, and we are excited to be participating in the ride again this year. On June 16-17, we will join with nearly 3000 other riders to raise funds which will directly impact the lives of people fighting cancer, and will also aid research efforts to find a cure. As we undertake the fundraising portion of this endeavour, we would like to request your assistance in reaching and exceeding a fundraising goal of $5000 for the BC Cancer Foundation. With your help, this can be accomplished. We will spend many long hours on the bike in preparation for this event, but this does not compare to the battle faced by so many who receive a cancer diagnosis. We ride for each one of these people. Our motivation in raising these funds is to support the BC Cancer Foundation as they provide assistance for those fighting cancer, fund the purchase of equipment to aid in early detection, and continue research efforts so that one day the phrase “you’ve got cancer” will no longer be part of our medical vocabulary. Thank-you so much for your support. It means a lot to both of us and we really appreciate it.
If you would like to make a donation benefitting the BC Cancer Foundation, please go to www. conquercancer.ca. Click on the Donate button. Search for either Jeff Lightheart or Martin Childs. April 2012
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www.flyvfc.com
Don Devenney The Marathon des Sables
“Imagine a Day Without RA”
That quote from my friend Rhonda’s daughter, pretty much sums it up. A day without Rheumatoid Arthritis...what a great day that will be. Let me give you some background and you’ll understand why. I first met Rhonda about seven or eight years ago when we worked together. She was a great co-worker - excellent at her job, fun to have in the office, a hard worker and a busy mom to boot. Fast-forward a few years... Rhonda had developed Rheumatoid Arthritis and the impact on her life was severe. This insidious disease has left her unable to work, in continual pain and struggling to deal with the effects of this horrid illness. Two years ago, as many of you will remember, I had an epiphany while on a training run and made it my goal to raise money to help Rhonda and others like her by running a marathon. We were blown away by the number of amazing, caring people who contributed to our efforts and in the end helped us raise over $2,700. A couple of years ago I learned of a race that I just HAD to do. I entered the lottery for race spots and in February of this year I found out I had a spot and would be competing in the 2012 “Marathon des Sables”.; What is the “Marathon des Sables” you ask? Simply put it is a six day, 250KM race across the desert in Morocco. Racers carry everthing (except tents and water) with them and must be completely self-sufficient for the six days. We won’t get into why I’d want to do something like this...a love of challenges is the simple explanation...but I’d be lying if I said I didn’t think of Rhonda and the chance to so something to help her and others with RA. I also know that this little jaunt through the desert, as tough as it will likely be, will in no way compare with what Rhonda and others like her face on a daily basis. So how can you help? It’s simple – sponsor me for the upcoming Marathon des Sables. Your contribution will go towards research, helping the scientists find a cure for this horrible disease that has so cruelly interrupted the lives of Rhonda and so many others.
To find out more, and to make a donation, please visit my personal page at The Arthritis Society Joints in Motion Training Program. Thanks for your support! Aviation Excellence Since 1946
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April 2012
Photo of the Month
This month’s winners are Cameron Spurr (above) and Liam Aloni (below). Liam’s photo, showing some of the wild and rapidly changing weather of the past month, is also on this month’s cover. Thank-you to both Cameron and Liam! “This is a photo of Mt St Helens taken from TQQ on February 5, 2012. Amazing as you can clearly see some steam and SO2 emitting from the new dome! I have some other stunning photos of Cascade volcanoes from this trip, but this is my personal favorite.” ~Cam “ “I would like to submit this photo for the photo of the month contest, it was taken yesterday evening (March 16, 2012) of a Cessna 172 on approach for runway 09.” ~Liam
Keep your camera in your flight bag and send your best photos (one entry per month) to thepatrician@shaw.ca. Enter to win prizes from the pilot shop, and a yearly grand prize VFC gift certificate worth $100. April 2012
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New Members
Achievements
Aaron Gage-Cole
First Solo
Landon Zablocki
Sarah Reimer PPL Written
Alisa Denduyf
Howard Peng
Pete Tonseth
Nicholas Vanderweff
Chuck Saffin
David Groves
Chris Ross
Stuart Bilodeau
Michael Becksted
Alexander Terhart PPL Flight Test
Daiki Kato
Kevin Smith
Scott Green
Laine Armstrong
Anastazia Rybak
Sumit Kumar
Melanie Stack
CPL Written
Erwin Borovica
Cameron Spurr Morris May
Anastacio Caraca
CPL Flight Test
Arnold Cottrell
Damon McLellan
Callum Wake
IFR Written Test
Kathryn Byrne
Kale Haley
Sean Simpson
IFR Flight Test Kale Haley
Sarah Fehr
Aviation Excellence Since 1946
Dirk Pritchard
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April 2012
HI, MY NAME IS AVA.
WE NEED
TO TALK.
LET’S COMMUNICATE. BETTER.
AVA FLIGHT SERVICES PRESENTS ITS NEWEST LEARNING EVENT.
STRENGTH AND READABILITY
effective aviation communication
‣ an intensive review of both uncontrolled and controlled communication procedures, ideal for recurrency, brushing up before a written or ßight test, and, well, everyone who is an active pilot. This course is especially practical for ESL pilots or those new to the local airspace. ‣
how to better manage and integrate the art of aviation communication into your ßying, speciÞc to Victoria’s busy environment.
‣
how to better become a safe, situation-speciÞc verbal and non-verbal communicator.
‣
real-word case studies, live radio examples and as always, immediately applicable learning tools consistent with every Ava course.
‣ expertise and tips direct from NAV CANADA Victoria tower staff on how we can all perform our role more effectively as part of the bigger picture. BE AN EFFECTIVE COMMUNICATOR. FOR MORE DETAILS AND TO REGISTER, SIMON DENNIS❘250.893.7723❘info@avaßightservices.com❘www.avaßightservices.com VICTORIA FLYING CLUB❘250.656.2833❘info@ßyvfc.com date
location
time
price
SATURDAY
VICTORIA FLYING CLUB
0800 -1200
$100 + HST (includes digital course manual)
14 APR 2012
April 2012
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www.flyvfc.com
Private Pilot Groundschool Monday and Wednesday 1900-2200 Victoria Flying Club Classroom DATE TOPIC INSTRUCTOR
Apr 02 Meteorology Simon Dennis 04 Meteorology Simon Dennis 11 Meteorology Simon Dennis 16 Meteorology Simon Dennis 18 Meteorology Simon Dennis 23 Flight Operations Yasuhiro Koide 25 Flight Operations Yasuhiro Koide 30 Navigation Clint Elliott May 02 Navigation Clint Elliott 07 Navigation Clint Elliott 09 Written Exam Prep Seminar John MacConnachie 14 Review Brad Fraser 16 Aerodynamics, Theory of Flight James White 23 Airframes and Engines Dave Kupchenko 28 Systems and Flight Instruments Dave Kupchenko 30 CARS & Licensing Requirements Kristen Ursel June 04 CARS & Licensing Requirements Kristen Ursel 06 Human Factors & Pilot Decision Making Brad Fraser 11 Radio & Electronic Theory Dirk Pritchard
To register for Groundschool, or to purchase your Groundschool Kit, please contact the Victoria Flying Club Office at 250-656-2833.
Aviation Excellence Since 1946
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April 2012
Scholarship Opportunity The West Canada Section 99’s are pleased to offer a scholarship in the amount of $1500 to women pursuing training or study in the field of aviation. The award can be used towards further flight training, training in a field related to aviation, or towards a research project related to aviation. Applicants must: • have completed a Private or Recreational License • live in BC, Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba or the Yukon or Northwest Territories • agree to complete training within 18 months of receiving the scholarship, and submit a written report
Application deadline is July 31st 2012 For the full scholarship application form, please contact the Victoria Flying Club at info@flyvfc.com or 250-656-2833 or visit www.canadian99s.org .
April 2012
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www.flyvfc.com
O E U
2012 • Abbotsford • Boundary Bay • Chilliwack • Delta Airpark • Langley • Nanaimo • Squamish • Pitt Meadows
Details at www.bccoast99s.com or Raeleen at 604-837-4148 Aviation Excellence Since 1946
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April 2012
Free VFC Classified Ads
Aircraft - Accomodation - Aviation Books and Gear - Help Wanted - Miscellaneous Email the details of your FREE Ad to: thepatrician@shaw.ca
See your story in print and online in the Patrician! Articles, letters, and stories. Email: thepatrician@shaw.ca
Monthly Tiedowns beside the Tower
available at Victoria International (CYYJ) . Includes automobile parking and aircraft security management service. Contact Stuart: 250 812 4447
admin@milouholdings.com
VFC SMILE CARDS
The Victoria Flying Club is excited to partner with Thrifty Foods in their very suc-
cessful Smile Card Program. Pick up your smile card today at the VFC office, and 5% of your grocery purchase will go towards creating scholarships and awards for VFC members. Thank-you Thrifty Foods!
To date, the Victoria Flying Club has received over $12,000 from the Thrifty Foods Smile Card program. These funds have been appreciated by all members of the club. Thank-you Thrifty Foods! March 2012
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