The Patrician DECEMBER 2020
The Victoria Flying Club ~ Aviation Excellence Since 1946
www.flyvfc.com
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The Patrician
HANGAR SPACE
“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.” (Victoria Flying Club Incorporation Bylaws, 1946)
Contact Marcel at the Club to see if a hangar spot is a good spot for your plane and to get on the waitlist.
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
TABLE OF CONTENTS
PRESIDENT Colin Williamson VICE PRESIDENT Don Devenney SECRETARY Jennifer Zadorozniak TREASURER Iain Barnes DIRECTORS John Ainsworth Tony Allan Adam Johnston Graham Palmer GENERAL MANAGER Greg Matte CHIEF FLYING Mike Schlievert INSTRUCTOR
CONTACT 1852 Canso Road Sidney, BC V8L 5V5
www.flyvfc.com info@flyvfc.com
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News around the Club
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I Learned about Flying from That
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New Budget, New Rates
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First Solos and Member Achievements
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Flight Training Awards Application
PARKING AVAILABLE P: 250-656-2833 F: 250-655-0910
If you’re interested in prime paved parking spaces for your aircraft, we want to hear from you! Secure, pull-in/pull-out, easy access.
Editor: Katy Earl flyvfcmarketing@gmail.com The Patrician accepts unsolicited submissions.
Please call Dispatch to arrange a spot, or get on the waitlist for hangar spaces at 250-656-2833
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.
SUBSCRIPTIONS
OFFICE SPACE FOR RENT
flyvfcmarketing@gmail.com http://flyvfc.com/subscribe-to-the-patrician
PHOTO CREDITS Front cover: Aaron Burton. Instagram: burtonader Cessna 172S C-FGIM of the @victoriaflyingclub passes in front of Mt. Baker while on short final for Runway 27 at @yyjairport. Top right: Instagram: @captainmcphail
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VFC | Aviation Excellence Since 1946
News Around the Club
8:00 am to 5:00 pm OFFICE CLOSED Dec 25, Jan 1 LIMITED STAFF, CALL AHEAD Dec 26
NEWS and EVENTS
VFC December Office Hours
off the hourly rental rate for aircraft, and are entitled to one vote at each meeting of the Corporation. They also receive all Club privileges. So how do you become a Sustaining Member? If you have been a Flying Member in good standing for not less than 24 consecutive months, ask for an application form from Dispatch. Applications must be sponsored in writing by two Sustaining or Life Members in good standing and are submitted to the Board for approval.
PPL GROUND SCHOOL IS BACK! VFC SCHOLARSHIPS
Applications for VFC awards are being accepted until December 31st. See the last page for details, including the new MGen (Ret'd) M. S. Eichel Award.
WINGS BANQUET - SAVE THE DATE
Please save the date. The Annual Wings Banquet is scheduled for the evening of Friday, 29 January 2021 at the Mary Winspear Centre. While the facility has been booked for months, we continue to monitor COVID-19 and the directives by the BC Health Authority to see if this event can be held. At the moment, it looks unlikely, but we remain cautiously optimistic. If it cannot be held, the back-up plan will be a virtual event. Please check our Facebook group and the January Patrician for more information.
MEMBERSHIP RENEWALS
On January 1st it will be time to renew your membership with us. Have you considered becoming a Sustaining Member of the Club? Sustaining and Life Members receive a reduced price on fuel, a discount
Private Pilot Licence Ground School Dates: 30 Nov 2020 to 18 Dec 2020 Dates: 04 Jan 2021 to 22 Jan 2021 18:00 - 21:00
www.flyvfc.com
We are back to running a (socially distanced) PPL ground school. Depending on interest, there will be three possible sessions per day: 09:00 to 12:00; 13:30 to 16:30; 18:00 to 21:00. See the dates in the box below. The instructor will be Neil Keating, VFC Ground School Coordinator, (retired pilot RCAF & Air Canada). A list of students interested in taking the CPL Ground School is being gathered. Contact Brenda Hardwick at Victoria Flying Club 250-656-2833 to register for either the PPL or CPL the courses.
WINTER FLYING
Winter flying on the west coast is beautiful so don't let the chilly temperature deter you! Be prepared, check the weather, and enjoy year-round flying at the Victoria Flying Club! Our line crew staff are available to help with de-icing. If in doubt, don't hesitate to ask for assistance at the office. If we experience freezing temperatures, don't forget to plan to arrive early for your flight instruction appointments or plane rental to allow for de-icing time.
DISPATCH POSITION, OFFICE SPACE FOR RENT
As well the Dispatch position is still open for resumes. We also have office space for rent - ask Marcel for more information! Got news to share? Send it to flyvfcmarketing@gmail.com for a chance to have your news or story published in The Patrician.
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I Learned About Flying From That - Supersonic Flight VFC General Manager
GM Corner
BGen (Ret’d) GCP Matte, CD, PhD I’ve been asked on numerous occasions to relate my experiences beyond Mach 1, in part based on the story I shared at last year’s Wings Awards Banquet about flying supersonic at 100’ AGL. In fact, many if not most of the non-aviators that I took up for a backseat ride in the CF-18 asked to experience breaking the sound barrier. Spoiler alert… for most it was a non-event as they didn’t feel a thing, so I had to direct their eyes to the Mach meter so that they could see for themselves that they were hurtling through the sky faster than the speed of sound. I can understand the allure. Prior to Chuck Yeager’s flight in the Bell X-1 on 26 April 1948, many believed that supersonic flight was impossible, and to this day only a limited number of people (astronauts, fighter pilots, Concorde passengers, etc.) have exceeded the speed of sound. The reason for this belief was the underlying physics. While air is far less dense than water or hydraulic fluid, it too can be compressed to the point of incompressibility…a barrier that would destroy any plane that attempted to pass through it. However, the growing knowledge of aerodynamics and experimentations with aircraft designs made the impossible possible. But this also depends on the conditions. At higher
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altitudes the air is far less dense than at sea level. When Yeager broke the sound barrier for the first time, it was in the stratosphere at 45,000’ MSL. At lower altitudes, the air becomes increasingly dense, and the “experience” of going supersonic is much different. Violent might be one of several adjectives that I would use, having once taken the CF-18 supersonic at 100’ AGL (approximately 2000’ MSL) over the Cold Lake Air Weapons Range (CLAWR). While the CF-18 was designed for supersonic flight, with an upper limit of Mach 1.8 (which I explored on a separate occasion), my flight that day in May 1988 was an experience that I would never forget, nor repeat! To put things in perspective, the speed of sound (aka Mach 1) at 2000’ MSL on a standard day (15 degrees Celsius) is about 1100 feet per second, or 760 miles per hour. By way of a comparison, driving down the Pat Bay Highway at 122 kilometers per hour would equate to 76 miles per hour…one tenth the speed of sound. As you might imagine, as one gets closer and closer to the earth’s surface the speed rush seems to increase exponentially. Flying supersonic at 100 feet above the treetops feels VERY fast. Naturally, the margin of error for a slight dip from level flight is razor thin, so it’s important to
focus on maintaining level flight and avoiding the treetops. To fly faster than the speed of sound at low altitude, I started at about 20,000’ MSL where it’s easier for the Hornet to go super. I then pushed the nose over and dove towards the earth in full afterburner while maintaining about 1.1 Mach, as I was concerned that I might slow back into the transonic regime as the air density increased. My plan worked! I carefully pulled out of my steep descent as I transitioned below 1000’ AGL while remaining supersonic. With great care, I leveled out at 100’ AGL (about 70’ AGL on my radar altimeter, given the trees). Fortunately, the terrain is relatively flat in the weapons range, so level flight was relatively easy to maintain… if it wasn’t for the thermals as my flight path criss-crossed over the cold water of the various lakes and the warmer land. While the total duration of my “experience” at low level only lasted about 45 seconds that was as long as I could stand it, as I thought that at any moment the plane might suddenly disintegrate out from under me due to the stress on the fuselage, wings and twin vertical stabilators. As I said earlier, “violent” is probably the best adjective I could use to describe the experience. In addition to potential airframe
VFC | Aviation Excellence Since 1946
disintegration, I was also concerned about the engines exceeding the placard limit of 852 degrees Celsius for exhaust gas temperatures (EGT), as this could lead to engine fires or explosion.
Although this “experience” only lasted 45 seconds at the most, by this time my “spider sense” was telling me that maybe this wasn’t the best idea. I gently pulled away from “terra firma” to reduce the strain on the aircraft while slowing my speed, then came out of afterburners. Once I returned to a safer subsonic speed with a few thousand feet of air under me, I suddenly realized that my
VFC CHARTER SERVICE Be there in minutes!
body was completely tensed up and my hands were trembling. As you might expect, I had a recurring dream for some time thereafter wherein I was flying low level across an open field with a stand of trees at the far end of the field. Each dream ended with the realization that I waited to late to pull up and was destined to crash through the trees. Maybe it was my subconscious reminding me of the danger of low-level flight, and the foolishness of flying supersonic at 100’ AGL.
GM Corner
As I leveled out above the treetops, the first thing that caught my attention was the manner in which the aircraft felt like it was struggling…as if was pulling a heavy weight behind it on a tow rope. The plane was yawing slightly from side to side, probably due to the minor asymmetries of airflow around the aircraft and the external pylons. The sound of the air rushing by the canopy was deafening. Then the wings caught my eye through my peripheral vision. Recall that the wings on the CF-18 are folding so that they can be closely parked together on board an aircraft carrier. I could see that the wings tips beyond the wing fold were flapping up and down by a foot or two at about 60
hertz. Was it possible for the wing lock to release due to the strain? Then I noticed the vertical stabilators in my mirrors. They were oscillating side to side at about 120 hertz. Then there were the thermals. Every thermal caused a sudden and significant bounce. If it wasn’t for the 5-point harness (including the negative G strap), I probably would have cracked the canopy with my helmet as I bounced with each thermal in my seat. A quick glance at the EGT gauges indicated that the engines were running hot and getting too close for comfort to their placard limit.
We have a saying in the fighter pilot world. There are bold pilots and there are old pilots, but there are no old, bold pilots. We have another saying as well… I’d rather be lucky than good. In my case I was lucky that I survived my bold phase to both enjoy many more years of flying the Hornet and to eventually become the “old man”, as the Wing Commander of 4 Wing Cold Lake at the ripe old age of 41.
VFC Charter offers inexpensive, on-demand, and direct transportation to places not serviced by other commercial carriers in the lower BC area. The charter service is operational in day VFR conditions. Please contact us for more information on destinations and costs. For more information or to book a flight Email: tedk@flyvfc.com Call: 1-778-350-3213
www.flyvfc.com
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New Budget, New Rates VFC General Manager BGen (Ret’d) GCP Matte, CD, PhD
GM Corner
On behalf of the VFC Board of Directors, it is my duty to inform you that rates will increase modestly in January 2021. Of note, the decision to raise rates was not taken lightly. Rather, the impacts of COVID-19 nearly brought the VFC to insolvency earlier this year. The Management Team and the Board’s Finance Committee undertook two months of forensic financial analysis of the Club’s revenue sources, fixed costs, variable/discretionary costs, and staffing. These and other efforts contributed to the development of the VFC’s 2nd ever budget in its 74-year history. More importantly, although the VFC is a non-profit corporation, the Board has a fiduciary responsibility to ensure the long-term financial solvency of the club. This in turn requires life-cycle management planning – saving towards replacement, refurbishment and/or growth of the VFC’s equity, namely the aircraft fleet, the infrastructure, as well as the critical IM/IT system. As you recall, there were no rate increases in 2020 due in part to troubles with last year’s budget planning process, and the changeover of our bookkeeper. However, in the interim most other costs incurred by the VFC have gone up, whether it's insurance, our lease, hydro/gas, aircraft parts, as well as many other services/ essential requirements. In addition to no change to the rates, the staff have not had any increase in their salary, nor a cost of living adjustment, since early 2019. While this has provided the VFC members
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rates that are below most other general aviation clubs and FTUs in BC, Alberta and beyond, we cannot risk another close call financially. In the near term, we are only midway through COVID-19, so we will enter 2021 with this ever-present financial hazard. As such, rates will increase across most of our services. We will be in touch with all of you in the coming days to provide you a precise breakdown of the rate increases for instruction, aircraft rentals as well as aircraft parking, and to remind you of your annual membership renewal. There will also be a couple new charges introduced, such as a solo monitor fee, as this had been provided freely at the club’s expense over the past years. On a more positive note, and in recognition of the loyalty of our established membership, Sustaining and Lifetime members will be given a 15% discount on rental rates with the Cessna fleet as well as purchases in the pilot kit shop. This discount will not apply for instruction, aircraft parking, Redbird usage, or rental of the Piper Seminole for ME/IFR training. The rental rates for the Beechcraft rebuilds, and the modern glass cockpit training will be determined at a later date by the Board of Directors. We will also continue to offer a 10% discount for everyone who pays fully in advance their annual aircraft parking fees for 2021.
Diamond Jubilee Year without the risk of falling into receivership. We hope that you recognize the need to also budget for lifecycle management for our aircraft fleets, infrastructure, and critical systems, as a means to reinvest into the club’s future. The Board of Directors has adopted a longer-term perspective on the financial well being of the VFC to provide it some protection against future economic shocks (such as COVID-19 and the Great Recession of 2008), and to better situate it to continue to deliver its services and social activities for many years to come. On behalf of the Board of Directors and your Management Team, allow me this opportunity to thank-you in advance for your understanding! BGen (Ret’d) Gregory C.P. Matte, CD, PhD General Manager
Sustaining and Lifetime members: 15% discount on Cessna rental rates and purchases in the Little Pilot Shop. 10% discount for everyone who pays fully in advance for their annual aircraft parking fees for 2021
As fellow VFC members, we all want to see the VFC enjoy its 75th
VFC | Aviation Excellence Since 1946
First Solos and Member Achievements Paul Katsnelson Scott McIntosh Scott Stamp First Solo Noah Devine Newton Ng PPL Written Noah Devine
Member Achievements
New Members Caitlin Moreland Chris Orr Dylan Hollingsworth Eli Tchernov Emery Racette-Vaillancourt Erik Couture Ian Browning Ian Guilar Ian McDonald Jack Leuttger Jordan Isenor Josh Bartley Kenneth Martin Luke Bergen Mathas Joyal Paul Judar
"Without disruption of air traffic, these fearless, forthright, indomitable and courageous individuals did venture into the wild blue yonder in flying machines. Furthermore, these skillful individuals did safely land said flying machines at Victoria International Airport, incurring no significant damage to self or machine, thus completing first solo flights."
CPL Flight Test Jacob Dennison William McMillan
Noah Devine Instructor: Matt Cameron www.flyvfc.com
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Victoria Flying Club
Flight Training Awards Application Form
All current VFC students/members are eligible to apply for these awards. Signed copies of applications must be submitted to BGen (Ret’d) Greg Matte by December 31, 2020. Applicants are to attach a signed submission of 500 words or less explaining how they plan to make use of a Flight Training Award (if selected) as well as their future aviation goals. Please include your full name, phone number and e-mail address. The Betty Wadsworth Scholarship
Betty Wadsworth joined the Victoria Flying Club in 1958 and was active in the support of general aviation all her life. As a director of COPA and a member of such organizations as BC Aviation Council and the Western Canada Aviation Museum of Flight and Transportation, her contributions have been recognized by numerous awards and citations. Betty Wadsworth maintained her connection with the Victoria Flying Club where she learned to fly, and when she died in April 1986 she left a portion of her estate to the Club. Since 1991, the interest from this grant has been awarded each year to further a member’s training, qualifications, or skills at the Victoria Flying Club.
Michael Cooper-Slipper Award Michael Cooper-Slipper was born in England January 11th 1921 and he joined the AF Squadron 605 equipped with Hurricanes, at the tender age of 17. At 19 he was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross for valour during the Battle of Britain. After the war he joined AVRO Canada and test few the CF-100, CF-102, and Orenda powered F-86. He also flew a modified B-47 as a test bed for the AVRO Arrow Iroquois engine. After his career as a test pilot he embarked on a career in aviation sales, first with de Havilland and then with Field Aviation.
The Brian Smedley Award Brian began his aviation career as an Aviation Mechanic for the Flying Fireman. This led him to become a pilot for the Flying Fireman followed by the BC Government Air Services. After 24 years with the BC Government, Brian flew for Ainsworth Lumber in 100 Mile House, BC. After
retirement from flying, Brian was able to follow his lifelong dream to become a cowboy. He worked for many ranches in the Cariboo his last one being the 112 Mile Ranch.
The Butler Flying Award Claude Butler served as president of the Victoria Flying Club several times over the years. He was a successful businessman, inventor, and a man with many visions. His compassion and generosity knew no bounds. Claude always referred affectionately to his loving wife Jean, who was the Mayor of Central Saanich for several years, as “Her Warship.” He asked “Her Warship,” in his last moments, to do something memorable and worthwhile on his behalf for the Victoria Flying Club and this is how the Butler Flying Award was born.
The MGen (Ret’d) M.S. Eichel Award Major-General (Ret’d) Scott Eichel joined the RCAF in 1963 as a radio officer. Eager to fly, he was crosstrained to pilot in 1969. Over the next two decades he flew a variety of aircraft including the DC-3, T33, Sea King and the CP-140. He rose steadily in rank to become a General officer, but the Ottawa bureaucracy denied him his true passion – flying. He retired early in 1994, and obtained his Class 4 instructor rating so that he could pursue his love of flying as a civilian Flight Instructor. He went on to teach students at Pro IFR (Boundary Bay) and at the VFC for the next 25 years, and became well known for his captivating aviation stories as well as his mentorship. Even long after he stopped instructing, Scott could be found at the VFC enjoying a bowl of Wonton soup and the camaraderie of others who shared his passion for flying.
