THE PATRICIAN OCTOBER 2013
The Victoria Flying Club ~ Aviation Excellence Since 1946
Never mind pie in Chilliwack, let’s go for lunch at Cowichan Lake! Club operated FSTY at Cowichan Lake Marina. Photo: Howard Peng
GROUNDSCHOOL SCHEDULES | CLUB NEWS | FIRST SOLOS | PHOTO CONTEST
THE PATRICIAN OCTOBER 2013
Monthly Newsletter of The Victoria Flying Club - Aviation Excellence Since 1946 “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.”
In This Issue
(Victoria Flying Club Incorporation Bylaws, 1946) Board of Directors President.........................................Don Devenney Vice President...........................Ramona Reynolds Secretary......................................Colin Williamson Treasurer...........................................Wayne Clifton Directors..........................................Dave Gagliardi Steve Demy Dave Gustafson Cal Mjolsness General Manager.................................Gerry Mants Chief Flying Instructor....................Graham Palmer
3
CADORS Corner
7
Fall Open House Photos
10
VFC Alumni
11
Gettin’ There - Courteney Airpark
15
COPA News and Fly-out Events
1852 Canso Road Sidney, BC V8L 5V5
www.flyvfc.com info@flyvfc.com Phone: 250-656-2833 Fax: 250-655-0910 The Patrician accepts unsolicited submissions. Editor: Christie Hall thepatrician@shaw.ca Midnight Design & Communication info@midnightdesign.ca
October 2013
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.
1
www.flyvfc.com
VFC News
News from VFC Coming Soon!
Reminders
We’ve been receiving lots of feedback from our members and it has been really helpful for us as we plan ahead for future events and programs.
• The VFC office is currently open from Monday to Friday, from 8am to 7pm. • If you have booked a flight that will occur after hours, please call the office while the staff is there to make the appropriate arrangements.
One of the things we are hearing is that there is a desire for more courses that will be helpful for our members, after they have completed their formal training. We currently developing some material, and will soon be offering a Co-Pilot’s course, a course on Flying to the US, and several more as well.
• Now is a great time to complete your Night Rating! It’s getting dark earlier, and the weather is still generally good. Talk to your instructor today to get going! Note: The quiet hours pricing remains in effect, making a Night Rating even easier!
Dates and details will be made available soon. Watch The Patrician for more information, and register as soon as you can. We expect these seminars to fill up quickly! Aviation Excellence Since 1946
• Don’t forget to fall back an hour with the time change occurring on Sunday November 3rd. Don’t be the early bird! 2
October 2013
Flight Training
CADORS CORNER By: Graham Palmer, CFI In this month’s column we will focus on the Airspace over the Gulf Islands stretching from the southeast at East Point on Saturna Island towards the northwest along the southern edge of the Strait of Georgia towards Gabriola Island and Nanaimo.
October 2013
Since NAV Canada implemented their “Airspace Redesign” in July 2009 in preparation for the 2010 Winter Olympics, Pilots have been plagued with CADORs reports when choosing to navigate through this area without contacting Victoria Tower or Victoria Terminal.
westward along Saturna, Pender, Mayne and Galiano Island up to Ganges Harbour on Saltspring Island. Above this same area, from 2,500’ up to 12,500’ is Victoria Class “C” Airspace which also extends beyond Ganges Harbour northwestward up to Kuper, Thetis, Valdez, and Gabriola Island.
Interoperating the intricacies of the delineation of this Airspace can be challenging at first glance. To the west of East Point at Mt. Warburton Pike on Saturna Island, Victoria Tower Class “D” Airspace begins at 1,200’ up to 2,500’ and extends
One of the most troublesome and awkward facets of this Airspace is what is referred to by Pilots affectionately as the “Saw Tooth”. Above the Nanaimo Class E Airspace is a “notch” extending the Victoria Terminal Class C Airspace to
3
www.flyvfc.com
Flight Training For wheeled aeroplanes operating from the various airstrips, and for seaplane traffic operating from the various harbours, and registered water aerodromes, and for helicopters operating from heliports in the Gulf Islands, it appears somewhat more complex. The National Parks of Canada “Aircraft Access Regulations”, prohibit the landing and take-off of aircraft within the boundaries of a National Park. A closer examination of this subject reveals that while this entire area has been delineated as a “National Park” on the Vancouver VTA, in reality this area has been delineated to encompass a proverbial “mine-field” of several smaller Parks as seen in the diagram below. It is within these individual Park Boundaries that aircraft are not permitted to take-off and land without an “Aircraft Access” Permit.
accommodate IFR Traffic on approach to the Nanaimo Airport. Here many unknowingly “ChartFolded-Up-and-Put-Away” Pilots transit up and down the Island overhead the Nanaimo Airport without contacting Nanaimo Radio, or Victoria Terminal. Inevitably these Pilots find themself responding to a CADORs Report after violating Airspace. Additionally, what makes this area more interesting is that for over 10 years there has been a Noise Abatement Procedure in effect over the Gulf Islands. Prompted by the Island’s Trust, and published in the Canadian Flight Supplement (CFS) under Planning (C23), this procedure requests Pilots to “Operate their aircraft in the most community friendly manner”, and avoid overflying the Gulf Islands below 2,000’ ASL unless for the purpose of takeoff and landing. Keep in
Aviation Excellence Since 1946
mind that this is not a compulsory requirement by regulation, but is a voluntary recommendation for “Noise Sensitive Islanders”. With the recent release of the 38th Edition of the Vancouver VTA, the “Gulf Islands National Parks Reserve” has been delineated with a magenta line. Interpreting this change guides Pilots towards the Aeronautical Information Manual (AIM) RAC 1.14.5, which suggests that Pilots should not overfly National, Provincial and Municipal Parks, Reserves and Refuges below 2,000’ AGL. Keep in mind that the only governing regulation is CARs 602.14 “Minimum Altitudes & Distances”, stipulating that over a built-up area that: “Except where conducting take-off, approach and landing that aeroplanes shall be flown no lower than 1000’ above the highest obstacle located within a horizontal distance of 2,000’ from the aeroplane”.
4
What contributes to the complexity of this topic is that CARs 602.96(4) states: “Unless otherwise authorized by the appropriate air traffic control unit, no pilot-in-command shall operate an aircraft at an altitude of less than 2,000 feet over an aerodrome”. Keep in mind that there are several marked aerodromes, water aerodromes, and heliports in the Gulf Islands on the Vancouver VTA. Keep in mind that you cannot overfly the Nanaimo Airport without talking to anyone; and regardless of Regulation or recommendation, it is always wisest to plan to overfly the Gulf Islands above 2000’ ASL. Above this altitude, always plan to communicate with Victoria Tower, or Victoria Terminal. And always remember the Airspace golden rule… “It’s always best to beg ATC for permission, than to answer CADORs for forgiveness”.
October 2013
Mystery Aircraft
OCTOBER MYSTERY AIRCRAFT Can you identify the aircraft shown here? Email: thepatrician@shaw.ca
September Mystery Identified From Tim: The Bristol Belvedere was a tactical helicopter produced in the UK for the RAF and 26 saw service from 1961 to 1969. It had a payload of 6000 lbs and could carry 19 fully equipped troops.
Correctly identified by: Daryl Williams, Tim Hamblin
October 2013
5
www.flyvfc.com
VFC Achievements
Joey Martin Instructor:Brady Tucker
Peter Bain Instructor: Jeff Bujas
Silvia Zilker Instructor: Sean Tyrell
Tyler Robinson Instructor: Tyler Bishop
“Without disruption of air traffic, these fearless, forthright, indomitable and courageous individuals did venture into the wild blue yonder in flying machines. Furthermore, these skilful ndividuals did safely land said flying machines at Victoria International Airport, incurring no significant damage to self or machine, thus completing first solo flights.�
Aviation Excellence Since 1946
6
October 2013
VFC News
VFC FALL OPEN HOUSE The Victoria Flying Club opened its doors on Saturday September 21, and welcomed pilots, veterans, aviation professionals, and wannabe pilots from every walk of life. With the weather holding off until the end of the day, our fall Open House was a great success. As always, there was a line up to try out the Redbird Flight Simulator. A number of excited potential pilots also enjoyed Discovery Flights, and a chance to take control of an aircraft for the first time. Lots of our VFC members were on hand to enjoy the social atmosphere and the delicious treats. And, as always, we were excited to have some amazing aircraft on our ramp, including a T-28, and a Nanchang. The hi-light of the day was being able to welcome a number of new members to the flying club. We can’t wait to see these new pilots earn their wings!
October 2013
7
www.flyvfc.com
VFC News
Thanks to Ramona Reynolds for sharing her photos of a great day at VFC! Be sure to watch for our next open house in May and plan to join us as we share our love of flying with the community.
Aviation ion Excellence Since 1946
8
October 2013
VFC Achievements
VFC MEMBER ACHIEVEMENTS New Members
Sandra Rahi Giles Lansfield Linden Hoover Chris Perrault Simeon Bland Cheryl Cottrell Douglas Braden Christopher Carney Rowan Holland Matthew McLean Bonnie Tidswell Sean Gemmill James Gemmill Alexander Painter David Finlay Trond Hedland Shaun Pell Martin Conder Graham Batchelor Ronald Johns Jason Kane Dayton Parsons Richard Barnard Kevin McManus Steve Morley Meghan Lobb Julien Criticopoulos
Join VFC online!
First Solos Silvia Zilker Tyler Robinson Peter Bain Joey Martin
PPL Flight Test Jessica James Raquel Landert Matt Bryce
PPL Written
Keep up to date on all the latest news and events at VFC!
Submission Request
Brittany Mayo Josh Sandford Alethia Forsberg Harry Evans
PPL License
Email: thepatrician@shaw.ca
Brittany Mayo Josh Sandford Matt Bryce Harry Evans
Multi Engine Flight Test Jeff Bujas
IFR Flight Test Kim Sterling
Photos, stories, letters, articles, adventures, classified ads all accepted.
VFC SMILE CARDS 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!
October 2013
9
www.flyvfc.com
VFC Alumni
VFC Alumni Are you a VFC Alumni currently employed in the aviation industry? We would love to hear from you! Email a photo to thepatrician@shaw.ca with the following information... 1. Your hometown or where you are from. 2. What year you finished your training at VFC. 3. Your current position and what aircraft you fly.
711 A Broughton Street (street level, by Victoria Public Library)
Victoria BC V8W 1E2
Aviation Excellence Since 1946
10
October 2013
Pilot Briefing
GETTIN’ THERE aviation information for local destinations Destination:
Courtenay Airpark (CAH3) NOTE: Pilots flying Club aircraft must obtain permission from the CFI or designate EACH time they fly in to Courtenay Airpark.
Why Go? Courtenay Airpark is close to downtown Courtenay and a five minute walk to numerous amenities – hotels, restaurants, shopping, etc. There’s so much you can do in the Comox Valley and Courtenay Airpark is a great gateway. Courtenay is about an hour or so away and it’s a very scenic flight. However…
Courtenay Airpark has a somewhat small runway (1,800’ x 60’) and some obstacles which can make it a challenge to land there, even for an experienced pilot. Departures are similar; you wouldn’t want to try and fly a fully loaded C-172 out of there on a hot day. Because of these limitations, those of you flying Club aircraft will only receive CFI approval to fly into Courtenay Airpark when you have a maximum loading of 1 pilot and two passengers. Finally, Courtenay Airpark sits “under” Comox airspace so you’ve got to ensure you’re aware of their departure / arrival procedures.
Getting There
There are arrival and routing procedures for VFR traffic headed to the Comox area published in the CFS. You’ll want to be familiar with these procedures and have them available to you during the flight. Also, check out the website for the Courtenay Airpark (link is below) – it’s really informative. When you’re headed to Courtenay Airpark you’ll depart Victoria and head north much as you would if you were going to Nanaimo, Qualicum Beach, etc.
(image from courtenayairpark.com)
October 2013
11
www.flyvfc.com
Pilot Briefing If you’re in Victoria Terminal’s airspace you can expect to be passed to Comox Terminal somewhere around Nanoose Bay. Whether in Terminal or not somewhere around Bowser, a town on the shoreline just south of Deep Bay / Denman Island, you’ll make your initial call to Comox Tower. (Remember to listen to the Comox ATIS before you call them). Comox will likely route you along the “Highway Route” and instruct you to call them at Royston. As you continue towards Royston it’s a good idea to start monitoring Courtenay’s frequency (123.35 MHz at time of writing) so you’ve got an idea of what’s happening in the area. Once you call them at Royston Comox will release you for your approach into Courtenay. Change frequencies and make your initial calls to the Courtenay Airpark traffic. Join the circuit midfield when arriving from the south. Circuit altitude is 800 ft and you need to ensure that you remain clear of the ridge to the north for noise abatement purposes. Make your radio calls as appropriate and get yourself set up for landing. Yes, this IS a short field landing!
Don’t forget to visit the Pilots Lounge!
the appropriate procedures and you’ll make out just fine.
Local Knowledge
Weather
Flying into Courtenay can be complicated however it IS doable. Here are a few things to be aware of that you may not find written down:
Comox is right next door and they have a METAR and a TAF so good weather information is available. In addition, the Courtenay Airpark website has several webcams that will give you a visual idea of current conditions.
• There is a footbridge on the approach path to Rwy 13 that you have to clear. • On the charts, at the north end of Denman Island, you’ll see a sand spit island named “Sandy Island”. Nobody, and that includes Comox Tower, calls it Sandy Island; the locals all refer to it as “Tree Island”. • Courtenay can be a busy spot with a variety of small aircraft arriving and departing. You may hear non-standard radio procedures, unfamiliar place names and some short-cuts being taken. Pay attention, make your required radio calls, follow
Important Links & Contacts Courtenay Airpark Association (great site!): www.courtenayairpark.com
Printed copies of all the Gettin’ There articles are available. You can pick them up at the Customer Service at the Club. Watch for future installments of Gettin’ There in upcoming issues of The Patrician.
After landing, exit the runway and taxi to the visitor parking areas. Short Term Visitor parking is located in front of the Pilots Lounge. Over-night parking is located in a designated grassed area south of runway 13/31 and east of the main hangar line.
Aviation Excellence Since 1946
12
October 2013
Flight Training
PRIVATE PILOT GROUNDSCHOOL Monday and Wednesday 1900-2200 Victoria Flying Club Classroom NOTE: NO GROUNDSCHOOL ON OCTOBER 14, OR NOVEMBER 11 DATE
TOPIC
INSTRUCTOR
02
Airframes and Engines
Sean T.
07
Systems and Flight Instruments
Sean T.
09
Human Factors and Pilot Decision Making
Laura
16
Radio and Electronic Theory
Sean T.
21
Meteorology
Tyler
23
Meteorology
Tyler
28
Meteorology
Tyler
30
Meteorology
Tyler
Nov 04
Meteorology
Tyler
06
Meteorology
Tyler
13
Flight Operations
Colin
18
Flight Operations
Colin
20
Navigation
Brendan
25
Navigation
Brendan
27
Navigation
Brendan
ATC
Jason G.
Review
Colin
Oct
Dec 02 04
To Register for Groundschool, or to purchase a Groundschool Kit, please contact the Victoria Flying Club office at info@flyvfc.com or 250-656-2833. October 2013
13
www.flyvfc.com
Flight Training
START YOUR CAREER IN AVIATION TODAY
WATCH YOUR FUTURE TAKE FLIGHT
Did you know.... •
You can obtain your Private Pilot’s Licence from the Victoria Flying Club before you graduate highschool?
•
Within two years of graduation, you can complete your Commercial Pilot’s Licence AND a Diploma in Business Administration from the University of Victoria?
•
Commercial flight training at VFC meets the requirements for the Canada Student Loans Program and StudentAid BC?
•
Victoria Flying Club alumni are currently flying for international airlines, charter companies, and the military?
Your future is cleared for take off!
VICTORIA FLYING CLUB 1852 CANSO RD. SIDNEY BC 250-656-2833 Aviation Excellence Since 1946
14
flyvfc.com
October 2013
Events
COPA Flight 6 and the Victoria Flying Club Present... Thanksgiving - Monday, October 14th Open to ALL aviation enthusiasts!
Chilliwack / Rowena’s
Have you ever been to an unregistered aerodrome? If not, here is an opportunity for you to push your boundaries and explore new horizons! We are planning our October fly-out to Chilliwack with an optional and highly encouraged stop at Rowena's. For those who are not feeling 100% comfortable with going to Rowena's, please let us know and we will try to pair you up with a pilot who will be going there. VFC aircraft will not be permitted to land at Rowena's, as it is an unregistered aerodrome (see VFC Member Rules and Regulations). Rowena's; which used to be called Pretty's is a 2,100ft gravel strip. It is located near Harrison Hot Springs and close to / part of Sandpiper Golf Course. Want to bring back pie to family and friends? Order your pie when you sign up and it will be ready when you land!
Passengers are welcome to come along! Seats are offered at cost and are limited. Email to reserve. Club Pilots are eligible to rent at a discount! Team up with other members to further reduce costs. Owners who are VFC members JHW D GLVFRXQW RQ IXHO Take passengers for company and cost sharing. Contact flyoutbug@gmail.com to register Get out of the circuit!
CATCH THE FLYOUT BUG. October 2013
15
www.flyvfc.com
Events
UPDATES FROM COPA FLIGHT 6
The Victoria chapter of COPA is running two separate programs: (You do NOT have to be a COPA member to participate in either activity.) (1) the Fly-Out Bug program This is a monthly fly-out which is organised for really anyone in the region to participate in. We have a few more fly-outs this year: Thanksgiving, Remembrance Day and Boxing Day - please stay tuned for more details on each. To be included on the Fly-Out Bug email distribution list, contact: flyoutbug@ gmail.com. (2) our local “Flight” which was resurrected just one year ago, is really a social / educational meeting each month where
pilots (and aviation enthusiasts) gather at or near the airport for an hour or two to discuss interesting topics. For anyone who is a recent graduate, these monthly meetings are a great way to maintain and continue your ground-school knowledge as well as learn about all sorts of aspects of flying that official ground school doesn’t even touch on. We have had a number of interesting topics this past year including: a photo journal of Firat & Tiffany’s trip to Alaska and Inuvik, a guest lecture on local airspace from ATC, presentations on: US Customs procedures, weather and flight planning and this month on aviation medicine and pilot flight fitness (see details below.)
Our local flight is also busy trying to arrange a “COPA for Kids” event (which sadly was recently weathered out today but will no doubt be rescheduled.) Basically as a group we annex off a small area of ramp and coordinate the flights of kids (ages 8-17) for a 0.2 sight seeing flight, to give them a gentle introduction to GA. Anyway program (2) the COPA Flight: pilot presentations & activities - has it’s own separate email address & list. If you are not signed up, but would like to sign up, please just send us a note at copaflight6@gmail. com Remember, you are not required to be a COPA member to join or participate!
Fly between Victoria and destinations on Vancouver Island and the Lower Mainland. Charter an aircraft and take up to 3 people. (restrictions apply)
For more information or to book a flight Email: tedk@flyvfc.com Call: 1-250-474-0213 Aviation Excellence Since 1946
16
October 2013
Photo of the Month
Thanks to Andrew Yan for submitting this month’s winning photo (above). A gorgeous shot of a YYJ sunset behind a WestJet 737. Send your best aviation photo to thepatrician@shaw.ca for your chance to win great Pilot Shop prizes. Every submission is entered into a yearly draw for a $100 VFC Gift Certficate. Keep your camera in your flight bag!
October 2013
17
www.flyvfc.com
VFC News
SHARE YOUR STORIES WITH US! VFC member Dan Waldie recently attended the Reno Air Races. He has promised us an article in the near future, and we are really looking forward to it. Here’s why.... Dan is pictured above with Bob Hoover, aviation hall of fame member, and the original pace plane pilot of the Reno Air Races. In the background is his P51-D “Old Yeller” that he performed in all over north america in the past 50 years. Bob was one of the many Aviation Excellence Since 1946
guests at a RARA fundraiser on Saturday Sept. 14 that included Clay Lacy, Hoot Gibson, Tiger Destefani and many others. Bob Hoover is 91 years old. He also flew chase plane for Chuck Yeager when Yeager broke the sound barrier. Wow! If there’s one thing we know, it’s that most pilots are also great story tellers, and most pilots also appreciate a good story! Do you have an interesting story to share with the readers 18
of The Patrician? If you have flown somewhere interesting, attended an event, or learned an important lesson, we want to hear from you. If you just want to share a collection of photos, that’s great too! The Patrician welcomes submissions from all aviation enthusiasts, VFC membership not required. Email your story or article ideas to: thepatrician@shaw.ca and we’ll work you into the editorial calendar. We can’t wait to hear your story! October 2013
VFC Classifieds Aircraft - Accomodation - Aviation Books and Gear - Help Wanted - Miscellaneous Email the details of your FREE Ad to: thepatrician@shaw.ca
AIRCRAFT FOR SALE! Offers on $30,000 Economical fun 1966 Alon A2 Aircoupe 2 Radios, intercom GPS TTSN 2370.2 TTS Major O/H Continental 90 HP with all new components 223.0 Photos of all stages during O/H. All Logs since new! Only reason for selling due to unexpected illness! Al Whalley 250-380-2502 email alonflight5@shaw.ca
October 2013
19
www.flyvfc.com