Victoria Flying Club
June 2007
Tristan Nano snapped this peaceful scene just after lift-off from Runway 25 at Tofino. The Club's first flyout in two years was a huge
Inside
success - see story page 15
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3
5
6
7
11
15
Short Final
Letters to the Editor
Bears Air
Trident Fury May 2007
In My Travels
IFR for VFR Pilots
The 2007 Tofino Flyout
Eleanor’s
The
Patrician
S hort F inal
Newsletter of the Victoria Flying Club
JUNE 2007 Editor:
Eleanor Eastick PatricianEditor@shaw.ca Advertising inquiries: Bob Mace (250) 361-6996 or bmace@shaw.ca Publisher: Seaside Designs seasidedesigns@shaw.ca (250) 383-7777 Published monthly. Unsolicited articles welcome. The deadline for submissions is Thursday, June 21, 2007.
Board of Directors President Vice President Treasurer Secretary Directors
Paul Levie Doug Marin Lloyd Toope Jeremy Prpich Colin Dormuth Don Goodeve Eleanor Eastick Dennis Arnsdorf
General Manager Gerry Mants Chief Flying Instructor Graham Palmer 1852 Canso Road Victoria, BC V8L 5V5
Phone: Fax: Email: Web:
(250) 656-4321 (250) 656-2833 (250) 655-0910 info@flyvfc.com www.flyvfc.com
Opinions expressed are those of the authors alone. No part of this newsletter may be reproduced in any format without the written authorization from the publisher or author.
the right marketing solutions for YOUR business 250.383.7777 seasidedesigns@shaw.ca seasidedesigns.net
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SEASIDE designs & photography
Hi Everyone! Doesn’t this fine summer weather just make you want to get out there and fly, fly, fly! Well, it should and as an added incentive, VFC is now offering a BIG 10% discount to Sustaining and Life members. That’s right! 10% off instruction, flying, pilot shop purchases and parts (but not on membership or parking). Life and Sustaining members also get an 8 cent a litre reduction when buying fuel for their own aircraft. Figure it out – this is a really good deal! If you are a Flying Member in good standing for two consecutive years, you can become a Sustaining Member and cash in on the discount. It’s only $10 more per year ($125 + GST) and you’ll save that on your first flight. If you qualify, you can get more involved with the club, get voting privileges, and save a bundle! Speaking of good deals, did you know that KMY, the newest C172 costs only $5 more per hour than the older members of the fleet? Why not get checked out in it? June 21st is the longest day of the year...this is what they say, although all earth days have 24 hours. The Summer Solstice occurs at exactly 18:06 Zulu, but the important thing is that we will have daylight until nearly ten in the evening local time. Lots of time for an after-dinner flight.
July 1 Flyout – Boeing and Baseball It’s now or never if you want to get in on the fun and excitement of a flying into Boeing Field and seeing a Major League Baseball Game. Marcel Poland will be organizing all the details for you, but if you want to participate, you must contact him at the Club ASAP and sign up. Tickets to the game will be going fast – don’t risk disappointment
Victoria Day Flyout to Tofino The first flyout in two years was a great outing for all who went. The photo-story, page 15 tells it all. Thanks to everyone who sent photos – it was a hard job to whittle it down to just a few! The flight was a bit of a challenge with a layer of marine cloud over the land mass, but CYAZ was warm and clear. The Club supplied a free picnic lunch to all flyers and guests - a banquet in a box!
Trident Fury Most of the big noisy stuff was at Comox this year, but YYJ saw some of the planes. Colin Williamson snapped this photo of a CF-18 checking out MEK and the Club fleet! See the photo-story page 6.
Vernon Flyout We are planning a BC Day (Aug. 6) flyout to Vernon. Don’t miss the fun - join in on this longer flight. More details will be supplied in the July Pat.
CAVOKs, Blue Skies and Great Flying Everyone................Eleanor
Letters to the Editor The mystery Plane is a CC-115 Buffalo. It is a search and rescue aircraft. there are a few based in CFB Comox. Liam Aloni, Age 11 (Be sure to read about Liam and his favourite plane, page 9 – Ed) Hi there, If the SAR aircraft pictured in the May Patrician isn’t a De Havilland Canada DHC-5 (Buffalo), I’ll eat my hat! Cheers to all, Rolf Hopkinson (Hold the mayo – it’s a Buffalo! – Ed) Eleanor The mystery aircraft is a CC-115 Buffalo, mainstay of the Canadian Forces fixed wing SAR fleet. Ingrid Hey Eleanor, that looks like the trusty CC-115 Buffalo. See you at the Club.... Tristan Hello, May’s “Mystery of the Month” aircraft is a de Havilland Canada CC-115 Buffalo. The aircraft pictured is painted in Canadian Coast Guard colours. It is used very frequently for SAR (Search And Rescue) operations, and because it is STOL capable, it is used a lot on smaller airstrips (if they are out of range of a Cormorant or Sea King).Thanks! Matthew G. Good to see you back, Eleanor. Well this month’s aircraft is the wonderful and unique DeHavilland Canada DHC-5 Buffalo. I logged a number of medivac flights on this workhouse on the east coast. Now, they’re only found on the west coast at Comox and will continue in service for some years to come. Although a modest success, its piston predecessor, the Caribou was bought in large numbers by the US Army for service in Vietnam. The Army was always a big supporter of Canadian aviation products. Unfortunately in the mid 60s, the US Army ceased flying anything but rotary aircraft, and all fixed winged aircraft were transferred to the US Air Force which
has never bought any Canadian aircraft in any sizeable numbers. DeHavilland’s attempts to sell to the US AirForce were unsuccessful even with a spectacular demonstration in Central Park in New York City where one of the company demonstration aircraft landed and then took off on a tiny postage sized field! I can vouch for the beauty of this aircraft and the wonderful bird’s eye view from the huge oval windows....a perfect platform for SAR. I’m going to really miss this icon when it’s finally retired. By the way, a small number were sold to east African countries ....Tanzania comes to mind, but there were a few others as well. Walt. (Wow! What an interesting and informative letter. Many thanks, Walt. And here’s another great letter – Ed): Hi, Eleanor. [The mystery plane is] de Havilland Canada’s incomparable CC-115 (DHC5) Buffalo. Canada got 15, and 40 years later, the last six are still active, all at 442 Sqn: 115451, 52, 56, 57, 62 and 65. John McQuarrie’s book Canadian Wings:The Passion and the Force says this about the Buff’s performance: “I love doing airshows with this airplane because I know I’ll wax the zoomies in their high-priced jets every time. The STOL landing is our show stealer. We start at about 1500 feet by hanging 41,000 pounds of hardware right on the edge, in a pronounced nose-down attitude, point it at the end of the runway and grind her to a full stop in a little under 500 feet. The crowd roars and the Stanley Cup is ours again. – A Buffalo pilot.” It’s also the jump platform for the Skyhawks parachute team, and has done general transport duties at home and abroad. The worst day in Canadian peacekeeping history was August 9, 1974, when 461 was shot down over Syria, killing all nine people aboard. This day is now Canadian Peacekeepers Memorial Day, and there is a memorial to Buffalo 461 in Calgary. Until next time... ”Woody”. Well, thank you everyone! The Buffalo is a much-beloved plane to be sure - Ed
JUNE
Mystery of the Month First developed in 1945, this aircraft was a huge success. Before production even began, orders poured in for over 1500 of them. You will see one or two examples in VFC's hangar.
Send your educated guesses to
patricianeditor@shaw.ca 3
Many thanks to those readers who wrote in with their correct answers to the May Mystery aircraft.
de Havilland CC 115 Buffalo Thanks to everyone who sent in their answers to the May 2007 Mystery Plane contest. You guessed it! The aircraft is a de Havilland CC 115 Buffalo. This “Buff ” belongs to 442 Transport and Rescue Squadron, 19 Wing at CFB Comox. I took this photo during a Comox Open House in the summer of 2001. The CC 115 Buffalo is an all weather aircraft well suited for search and rescue operations in the mountainous regions of British Columbia. The Buffalo carries a crew of six including two pilots, one navigator, one flight engineer and two SAR technicians. The aircraft entered service with the Canadian Armed Forces in 1967. It has since been replaced by the Hercules in all its original units except 442 Squadron of Comox. The Buffalo also serves as the Canadian Forces Skyhawks parachute demonstration team and continues to thrill the crowds at air shows throughout this region. Its most impressive maneuver is a steep approach to a short field landing followed by an abrupt stop and then a back up roll down the runway as the pilot applies reverse thrust to the propellers. Thanks everyone. Larry D.
Amateur Pilots YOU ARE INVITED TO ENTER THE PRESTIGIOUS
20 07 Webster Memorial Tr o p h y C o m p e t i t i o n TO COMPETE YOU MUST • • • • •
Ente r NOW !
Be a Canadian Citizen or Landed Immigrant Hold a valid Canadian Pilot Licence Have not used your Pilot Licence professionally for the last 5 years Not currently undertaking or received pilot training in the Armed Forces Have never been a Webster Memorial Trophy winner
9 Regional winners compete for the National Title in Ottawa Aug. 22-25. Free Air Travel and Accommodation for the Regional Finalists along with the chance to meet respected people from many aviation backgrounds and interests. Excellent prizes awarded.
Go to webstertrophy.ca and see what the competition is all about. 4
Application Deadline June 15, 2007
Application Form: Amy Foy - Administrator at 613-596-9037 OR E: webstertrophy@gmail.com Fax: 613-596-0387 Organizer: CANADIAN SPORT AEROPLANE ASSOCIATION
OR
Hangars and Much Mor e I
t’s a “guy thing”. The garage, the shop, or workshop, the basement, den, or office. Most guys need a space, someplace special, set aside for “himself”. For pilots, it’s the hangar. And on a warm, sunny afternoon, a wonderful pastime is to browse around the local or some distant airport, and peek into the open doors of other guys hangars. It’s sometimes surprising what we’ll find. An article like this could easily turn into a full book describing the various treasures that can be found in hangars. To the non-aviator, most airports appear to be a neat collection of tidy, aluminium buildings where airplanes are parked. But as pilots, we know better. Each one of those shiny shrines houses a mans’ world, as individual as the man himself. And always, there’s interesting “stuff” to look at, which naturally leads to a discussion with the owner.
BEAR’S AIR Barry Meek
doing that, a telephone would be installed (if the cell phone was unserviceable). Perhaps there should be a TV too? A sound system for certain. And a good magazine collection. Certainly there are fellows who have much more, and more interesting stuff in their hangars. My list could go on, but what I’ve included seems to me to be the absolute essentials for every guys airplane hangar. A couple of important considerations you need to be aware of when you’re building or buying your new hangar, are location and location. Obviously it must be close to a runway to minimize the taxi time, and it must face the runway. After all, you and your buddies can’t sit and look out at just another hangar door across the taxiway. You have to enjoy a clear view of the training, the endless touch-and-goes, and all the landings other pilots flub so you’ll have things to talk about all afternoon.
That warm sunny day you set out to go flying, inevitably turns into one or more of these discussions, and before you know it, it’s already dinner time. Your flight plan is forgotten, and it’s getting too dark to fly back to your home field without that “semi-legal” twilight landing. But what an enjoyable day, flying. Over many years of doing just that, I’ve compiled (in my mind) the ideal hangar, which utilizes some of the unique ideas from many fellow pilots. My hangar would have a workshop, a place that’s clean, tidy and stocked with a complete set of tools. There would be a space for a vehicle, perhaps the one I drive or one I’m working on. My kayaks would need to fit too. I’d need a storage room for parts, both aircraft and automotive, and for the old parts, already used but still good for something. A motorcycle wouldn’t take much room, but there would have to be a little corner someplace for it. Naturally a washroom would have to fit in, with or without a shower. Probably with. A fridge for cool drinks, snacks and TV dinners. A microwave would be close by, along with a sink and small kitchen full of dishes. Then, because all that is available, a cot would be nice on those warm afternoons or the occasional overnight stay. Speaking of warm afternoons, the picnic table, chairs and umbrella would share space with the gas barbeque. All the comforts, a home away from home as it were, would invite stays of longer duration. There might just as well be a computer hook-up, a small desk, filing cabinet and proper lighting in the office. While I’m
PHOTO USED WITH PERMISSION OF THE ABBOTSFORD FLYING CLUB.
I’m open to suggestions, practical ideas, on how to make my hangar more user friendly for women. You’ve undoubtedly noticed that wives, girlfriends or other casual female observers don’t show up much around the hangars at an airport. Our other half should not be excluded intentionally. Undoubtedly there are the ladies who share an interest in flying, and should be made to feel welcome. Last, but not least, we can’t overlook a space for the aircraft. Paint the lines on the floor so that pushing back is never a chore, and so you don’t hit anything, you might as well attach chocks exactly where you want the plane to be each night. With everything else that must be included the hangar, your airplane may need to be something with folding wings. Barry Meek bcflyer@propilots.net
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Canadian Forces Airbus
Canadian Forces CF-18A takes off from Comox
Trident Fur y 2007 The Trident Trident Fur Fur y militar y e xercise xercise was held on Vancouver Vancouver Island again this year. year. Aircrews from three nations trained for maritime and coastal security preparedness. There were a few changes to the format this time around though. All the noisy stuff – Canadian Forces CF-18’s, USAF F15’s, NATO Boeing Sentries, an RAAF Boeing 737 AWACS and a USAF DC-9 operated out of CFB Comox and the quieter aircraft - USN Grumman Hawkeyes
US Air Force F-15 fighter lands at Comox
and Lockheed Vikings - operated out of Victoria International Airport. Still, for two weeks spectators at both locations were provided with plenty of thrills. Victoria Flying Club members had their cameras in action the whole time. Here we have a few samples of Tristan Nano’s collection of excellent Trident Fury ’07 photos. Thanks Tristan.
US Navy carrier-based Grumman Hawkeye at YYJ
US Navy carrier-based Lockheed Viking at YYJ US Air Force/NATO Boeing Sentry AWACS
Canadian Forces Hercules
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Royal Australian Air Force Boeing 737 AWACS
In My Travels T HE M ARTIN M ARS
by Larry Dibnah
IWhile strolling around the Qualicum Beach Airport during their Open House last month I bumped into my old friend and VFC member Dan Waldie. Dan, Doug Marin and Stu Knittelfelder (the Three Musketeers) had flown up from Victoria for the day’s events. It was sure great to see those guys again. Dan and I got to talking about the upcoming fly-out to Port Alberni with tours of the Martin Mars aircraft. In light of the recent announcement that the Mars will stay in Port Alberni, we both thought it would be timely to include an article on these majestic aircraft in the next issue of ‘The Patrician’. The Martin Mars and its story have surely added a colourful chapter to local aviation history. I recall, as a kid, seeing the big blue/grey-coloured Mars aircraft lined up at Pat Bay (now CYYJ) airport awaiting conversion to water bombers. These aircraft have almost become synonymous with the Vancouver Island Forest Industry and its ongoing challenge to protect valuable timber and nearby communities. You might even say that the Mars has become part of the West Coast rain forest culture. My mind goes back to a line from one of my favourite Bruce Cockburn songs: “… Big orange flying boat rises off the lake, a thousand year old petroglyph does a double take …” but I digress! Because much has already been written about the Martin Mars this article will be an overview of this aircraft, how four Mars came to be in British Columbia and why two of them have managed to survive all these years. Early Philippine Mars
The Martin Aircraft Company of Baltimore, Maryland contributed several designs to the WW2 effort including the Maryland and Marauder land-based bombers but the company also produced a line of fine navy patrol flying boats including the Mariner, Mars and later the Marlin. The largest of these aircraft and indeed the largest flying boat ever put into production was the fourengine Martin Mars. Design for the XPB2M-1 Mars began in 1935 but the prototype wasn’t rolled off the line until 1941. For almost a year the prototype underwent intense testing of systems and engines while at anchor. The prototype eventually took its first flight in June 1942. Additional testing led to further design improvements including a new tail configuration (twin vertical stabilizers to one single, larger stabilizer) and newer, more reliable engines. However, with WW2 nearing an end and with many airfields having been constructed throughout the Pacific there would no longer be a need for a long range naval patrol bomber. Between 1946 and 1948 the US Navy received only 5 Model JRM Mars flying boats from the Martin Company before production ceased. They were all named after Island Groups in the Pacific Ocean: the ‘Marshall Mars’; the ‘Philippine Mars’; the ‘Marianas Mars’; the ‘Hawaii Mars’ (all JRM-1 Early Philippine Mars models); and the ‘Caroline Mars’ (a JRM-2 model). These aircraft were re-configured as transports for everything from personnel and equipment to medical evacuation litters and were put to good use on routes between Hawaii, Japan and the USA throughout the early 1950’s. In 1950 the ‘Marshall Mars’ was destroyed when an engine caught fire during a short test hop and rapidly spread throughout the aircraft. The crew managed to escape before the aircraft exploded on the water. In 1956 the “Big Four”, as the remaining Mars were called, were retired and kept in outdoors storage until they were sold as scrap in 1959. Meanwhile, the province of British Columbia had experienced several devastating forest fires during the mid 1950s so the large forest companies operating at that time decided to strike up a Fire Protection Committee to recommend strategies for combating forest fires. Mr. Dan McIvor was one of the members of the committee and he also happened to be the senior pilot for the MacMillan Bloedel Forest Company. Mr. McIvor and the committee placed the highest priority on the use of aircraft for fighting forest fires. At that time, many types of aircraft had been converted for this purpose including DHC Beavers and Otters, Grumman Avengers and Geese and Consolidated Cansos. Most of them were inadequate for the magnitude of the fires that
story cont’d on p 8
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In My Travels cont’d from p 7 they encountered. McIvor’s search for newer used aircraft eventually took him to Alameda Navy base in California. After intense negotiations with the scrap dealer who bought the “Big Four” from the USN, McIvor struck a deal to have the aircraft removed from the base and delivered, one at a time, to Victoria, BC between August and September, 1959. As soon as conversions could be completed by the Fairey Aviation Company of Canada at Pat Bay, each of the four Mars flying boats began service in their new roles as water bombers with Forest Industries Flying Tankers Ltd. Sadly, CF-LYJ (Marianas Mars) and her crew perished in a crash while fighting a fire near Northwest Bay on Vancouver Island in June, 1961. A year later, CF-LYM (Caroline Mars) was damaged beyond repair during Hurricane Frieda at Pat Bay airport. The remaining two Mars, CF-LYK (Philippine Mars) and CF-LYL (Hawaii Mars) have continued to soldier on right up to the present time saving thousands of acres of valuable timber throughout British Columbia and even in California. Late in 2006, Timber West, the senior controlling partner in Flying Tankers Ltd, decided to put the Mars up for sale. For the first time since they arrived in BC there was a strong possibility that we could loose these magnificent aircraft forever. But after months of speculation Timber West announced that the aircraft and associated operations would be sold to successful bidder, the Coulson Group of Companies, also based in Port Alberni. You could hear the collective sigh of relief all the way to Alberta! The Coulson Group has extensive experience in the logging industry and employs a fleet of fixed and rotary wing aircraft. We certainly wish them every success with their new acquisitions, the Mars aircraft. We are very proud to have the Martin Mars remain in Port Alberni and hope that these aircraft continue to serve our communities with distinction for many years to come. References:
“Naval Fighters Number Twenty Nine – The Martin Mars” By Steve Ginter “Wings Across the Water” By Elwood White & Peter Smith Times Colonist Newspaper, April 14 & 22, 2007 Sandra McCulloch
Once again the Nelson Pilots Association O will be hosting the annual Nelson BC
This aviation event attracts both locals and folks flying in from across BC, Alberta, the US. and beyond (last years farthest participants flew in all the way
Flightfest and Airport Appreciation Days
from Ontario!). Nelson’s Municipal Airport (CZNL) will
on Saturday July 21.
be buzzing with activity for young and old as well as pilots and non pilots. Aircraft arriving on Friday evening July 20 will be treated to a BBQ and given rides up town or there will be plenty of under-wing camping available. The fun gets underway Saturday morning with our famous pancake breakfast at the airport starting at 8am. Lots of interesting antique, classic, warbird and home built aircraft will be on display - as well, flying demonstrations will be the order of the day! Lunch, Heritage bus tours, shopping in historic Baker Street, tire kicking, swimming, or just a relaxing walk along the beautiful waterfront all ending with a superb dinner complete with prizes for all, rounds out a fantastic laid back West Kootenay weekend. Last years event saw more that 1500 people through the gates -- almost all gave rave reviews.
Support general aviation & the airports that serve us so well by planning to be part of this grass roots aviation tradition.
Tower : "About three miles ahead, you've got traffic 12 o'clock, five miles." 8
Est. 1946
Liam Aloni is the youngest member (social) of VFC and, in his own words, is crazy about aviation. I asked him to write about his favourite plane for the Patrician and to tell me something about himself. Why not take a lesson from Liam and send the Patrician a story about your favourite plane. -Ed My name is Liam Aloni. I am 11 years old and I have a passion for aviation. I am a gr. 5 student at Doncaster Elementary. In April of 2006 I won a discovery flight at a silent auction for the Greater Victoria Youth Orchestra (my mom and dad are musicians). On an overcast day I took flight in C-GGSN (one of the VFC’s Cessna 172s) with Ben Reid. It was the best day of my life! When I was in preschool my teacher asked everybody in the class what they wanted to be. Well, I said that I wanted to be a pilot so I could fly to New York. I think I am the youngest member of the VFC. There is one pilot in my family, I don’t know his name but I know he flies 767’s. I hope you like my article!
T he Airbus 3 19
by Liam Aloni
The A319 is a medium sized Jetliner. The A319 Program was launched at the Paris Airshow in 1993. The A319 is flown by a joystick. It is a shorter version of the very successful A320. The 319’s first flight took place in Hamburg Germany on August 5 1995. The 319 can hold 124 Passengers in a two class configuration. The A319’s range is 7,200 km. 930 Airbus A319s have been delivered up to date. Air Canada has 45 Airbus 319s, British Airways Has 33. The A319 is a small (but not too small) Airliner.
A FEW PAVED SPACES AVAILABLE! A number of outside tie-down spaces are now available. Phone Dispatch at 656-2833 for details.
A
OM RO
HA WI T
VIEW…AND AIR PLA NE ST
Open 8am 4pm daily
Wouldn’t you rather be flying? OO !
in the Victoria Flying Club
• Tax and financial planning • Rapid refunds (electronic filing) • Personal, corporate and estate tax
Owner Evelyn J. Andrews-Greene, CA Sustaining Member of VFC since 1983
Join us for breakfast or lunch…inside & patio seating 101-1852 Canso Rd
LICENSED
250.655.9395
386-4466 #202-31 Bastion Square Victoria BC V8W 1J1
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Canada Day Flyout Sunday July 1st Fly into Boeing Field and attend a major league baseball game at Safeco Field. This will be a lot of fun. Contact Marcel Poland at VFC for details about tickets and to book your plane.
Let's all get together for this exciting adventure! C o n t a c t M a r c e l N OW i f y o u w a n t t o get in on this fun-filled day!
R O YA L PA C I F I C MAINTENANCE LTD.
CALL
Mitchell Holme Cessna Parts, Sales, Service and Aircraft Maintenance General Aviation Services Victoria International Airport 9552 Canora Rd T: 250 656-7322 E: service@royalpacificmaintenance.com Toll free Parts line: 1-877-2CESSNA (1-877-223-7762)
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1910 Norseman Road Sidney, BC Canada,V8L 5V5 Tel (250) 655-3300 Fax (250) 655-1611 email: bcam@bcam.net
THE BRITISH COLUMBIA AVIATION MUSEUM is dedicated to preserving aircraft and aviation artifacts. We collect, restore and display aircraft and artifacts related to the history of aviation in Canada, with emphasis on British Columbia.
The Museum is open daily! Summer Hours May 1 - Sept. 30 10:00 am to 4:00 pm Winter Hours Oct. 1 - April 30 11:00 am to 3:00 pm
A possible life-saver, this small volume is big on practical advice. Many thanks to Allen Lynch for this excellent review. -Ed
IFR for VFR Pilots An Exercise in Survival
by Richard L. Taylor reviewed by Allen Lynch
As a student pilot I have heard that getting an instrument rating is time-consuming, expensive and difficult, and more dangerous than useful if you do not keep your skills sharp through frequent IFR practice. I do not doubt this for a minute. And yet I hate the thought of suddenly finding myself in instrument meteorological conditions (IMC) and losing my life (and possibly taking others with me) because I didn’t know how to use basic life-saving equipment that was right there in front of me. So, when I saw this book on the rack at the VFC, I couldn’t resist buying it. Perhaps there was a useful compromise between pure ignorance and pure IFR. This book is about survival. Taylor begins each chapter with the same message ..”There is nothing so absolutely fundamental to a pilot as survival; and there is no objective that justifies the certain risk of an attempt to continue flight in adverse weather. Survival is everything”. And to the list of sayings that begin with “There are only two kinds of pilots….” The author adds the following: “There are only two kinds of VFR pilots – those who have flown inadvertently into instrument conditions and those who probably will.” The author sets out to provide the reader with a basic skill set that will increase the pilot’s chances of survival should he (or she) find himself PIC in IMC in a properly equipped and functioning aircraft. He explains clearly, and with simple drawings, the physiological causes of spatial disorientation, the dreaded “leans”. In a chapter titled “Weather to Watch Out For” he reminds us what kinds of conditions create what kinds of conditions, where and how to get weather information before and during a flight, and how to anticipate “IFR ahead”. It’s a simple and useful review of Ground School information, focused specifically on avoiding IMC. There is a chapter devoted to human psychology, and its role in decision-making in flight. Survival situations create stress, and this chapter aims to help the pilot recognize the signs, and to use the energy in a way that will increase, rather than decrease, his chances of survival. The chapter on communication reminds us that there are a lot of helpful resources at the other end of the radio. It also reminds us that delaying accessing this help may simply reduce or limit the usefulness of the assistance that is finally available. To this point the book is a useful review of basic material covered in ground school. The meat of the book begins with the chapter titled “Survival Flying Techniques”. An experienced pilot may find this redundant and obvious, but I think most beginners will benefit from the discussion of “hands-off flying”. Now it doesn’t take a lot of hard thinking to realize that, just because the pilot gets “the leans”, it doesn’t necessarily mean that the aircraft has “the leans” too. But how many new pilots would instinctively remove their hands from the controls if they suddenly found themselves disoriented and in IMC? This book suggests that, in the absence of turbulence, that is probably the safest action you can take. Establish a moderate power setting, set pitch and trim for straight and level flight based on the working instruments available and the sound of the engine, leave the controls alone, and concentrate on what you need to do to figure out where you are and how you’re going to get to safety. Climb and descend by adding or subtracting small increments of power while controlling yaw with the rudder, and make gentle turns using rudder only. Don’t let your disorientation get transferred to the aircraft through the yoke or the joystick. To a beginner like me it sounds like powerful, potentially life-saving advice, and a technique worth practicing. Taylor devotes a chapter each to radar, the DF steer, VOR navigation, and approach and landing techniques. There is a modest amount of background information on the science and technology, but most of the text is meant to explain how to use these resources to bring you safely back to land. He writes clearly and simply, and with enough humour to keep it interesting. He reminds us that ATC is there to help, and there are many ways that they can help if you only ask, and have the skill to carry out their instructions. He also reminds us that practicing is permitted, and very useful. As a student pilot, soon to be a beginner with a license, I generally assume that anyone currently holding a valid pilot’s license knows more about this stuff than I do, so it’s hard for me to judge how much of this book will be “old news” to the GA community. And yet, the book is not titled “IFR for VFR Student Pilots” so I assume that Taylor sees a need to sharpen the survival skills of licensed VFR pilots too. book review cont’d p.12
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book review cont’d p.11
I found this an informative and enjoyable read, with enough reminders of the risks inherent in flying and plenty of useful tips on how to manage the risk and improve your chances of surviving an unexpected encounter with IMC. I bought this book because I no longer regard “near-death” experiences as thrilling and acceptable components of recreational pursuits. Taylor’s book encourages me to believe that those sorts of experiences don’t have to be part of my recreational flying. Oh, and by the way, the last chapter is titled “Why Not Get an Instrument Rating?” Taylor lists 6 reasons that people generally use, all of which he discounts except for #6. The #6 reason is that you are a recreational pilot who flies for fun with no compelling economic or other reason to get from here to there by a certain time, regardless of the weather. This book is meant for those of us fitting this description, particularly when you recall that “There are two kinds of VFR pilots……..” Allen J. Lynch who began pilot training in May, 2006 was born and educated in US. He is an architect, licensed in California who moved to Victoria in 1984. Allen is a custom home builder who has one son, Gus, 24, an architectural intern in Seattle.
DATE
PLACE
June 2
Nanaimo, BC
Nanaimo Flying Club Annual Fly-in, Pancake Breakfast and Poker Run
doug.sowden@nanaimoflyingclub.org
June 3
Port Alberni, BC
Alberni Valley Flying Club
Darren Hansen Annual Fly-in and Tour of Martin Mars
June 23
Penticton, BC
Penticton Flying Club/COPA Chapter 443 First Annual Fly-in, S. Okanagan Wine Tour and BBQ.
rsvp Larry Taylor 250-492-0428 or e-mail: ltaylor@pacificcoast.net
June 23
Langley, BC
Langley Aero Club Fly-in for all types of aircraft. Includes prizes for amateur built a/c and seminars for builders.
Tedd McHenry 604-574-4764 ext #6 www.vansairforce.org/CYNJ
June 24
Kamloops, BC
Kamloops Flying Club/COPA Flight 82 Fly-in breakfast 08:00 hrs to 12:00 hrs
Blake Farrin 250-314-9876 or email: cj4me@shaw.ca
July 1
Seattle, WA
Victoria Flying Club Fly-out to Boeing Field and Mariners Game in Seattle
Marcel Poland, VFC 250-656-2833
July 21
Nelson, BC
Nelson Pilots Association Annual Flight Fest
Case Grympa, President georama@netidea.com
August 6
Vernon, BC
Victoria Flying Club Fly-out to Vernon.
Victoria Flying Club 250-656-2833
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EVENT
CONTACT
On Saturday June 23rd, Chapter 433 will be introducing its “new”
Annual Fly-in, Southern Okanagan Wine Tour and Barbecue It will take place at the Penticton Flying Club where there’s a great deal of parking for planes and cars, plus plenty of space for camping over-night. So come and enjoy the hospitality! The cost for this event is dependent on attendance. Therefore, we need to know if you are coming; Please RSVP Larry Taylor at 250-492-0428 or e-mail: ltaylor@pacificcoast.net
P R I VAT E P I L O T G r o u n d s c h o o l Classes held Monday and Wednesday, 1900-2200 June
July
Aug
DATE
TOPIC
INSTRUCTOR
04
Navigation
Jessica Hamstra
06
Radio and Electronic Theory
Jessica Hamstra
11
Review (Tower Tour/Written Seminar)
Marcel Poland
13
Review (Tour Seminar)
Marcel Poland
18
Theory of Flight & Licensing Requirements
Emily Harvey
20
Aerodynamics
Emily Harvey
25
Airframes and Engines
Steve Mais
27
Systems & Flight Instruments
Steve Mais
04
CARS
Steve Mais
09
CARS
Steve Mais
11
Meteorology
Bryon Thompson
16
Meteorology
Bryon Thompson
18
Meteorology
Bryon Thompson
23
Meteorology
Bryon Thompson
25
Meteorology
Bryon Thompson
30
Human Factors
Brad Fraser
01
Flight Operations
Brad Fraser
08
Flight Operations
Brad Fraser
13
Navigation
Jessica Hamstra
15
Navigation
Jessica Hamstra
20
Navigation
Jessica Hamstra
22
Radio and Electronic Theory
Jessica Hamstra
27
Review (Tower Tour/Written Seminar)
John MacConnachie
29
Review
Brad Fraser
Achievements First Solo Karan Ahuja Baltej Nanda Joy Bradstock Safaraz Nawaz Kirsten Ursel Achitay Gautan Aubrey Morrow Glenn Golonka PPL Flight Test Trevor Young Vickie Gregory Sylvia Yzenbrandt Kazuma Maruyama PPL Written Test Chris Barton Multi IFR Flight Test Steven Mais Jeff Lightheart CPL Flight Test Yasuhiro Koide Dave Williams IFR/Multi Engine Rating Steven Mais Jeff Lightheart Mina Katayama Class IV Instructor Rating Dallen Clarke
Welcome New Members! Andrew McLearn George Duthie James Hand Liam Shaw Jared Mann Linda Katz Geff Freeland Chris Rye Antony Zegers Tyler Bishop Irvin Engle Sarfaraz Nawaz Karan Nain Vikas Sahrawat Steven Horn
13
ved a few pa spaces lable! i a v a e r a A number of outside tie-down spaces are now available. Phone Dispatch at 656-2833 for details.
VFC
Smile Cards The Victoria Flying Club is very excited to partner with Thrifty Foods in their successful
Smile Card Program. Pick up your Smile Card today and 5% of all your Thriftys grocery purchases will go towards creating scholarships and awards for VFC members.
To date, we have been able to create three new bursaries! Pick up cards for your family and friends too. This is a great opportunity for VFC members. We thank you for your support!
L indair Ser vices Ltd
Smile Card total to date $3973
IslandBlue R E P R O G R A P H I C S A N D A R T S U P P LY C E N T R E
Specializing in Cessna, Piper, Beaver float and wheel equipped aircraft. A high quality Service Department that is ready to complete any inspection or repair requirement you may have.
• QUALITY • DEPENDABILITY • SERVICE •
5180 Airport Road South, Richmomd, BC Tel: 1-800-663-5829 Fax: 1-800-667-5643
Tel: 250.385.9786 Toll free: 1.800.661.3332 E: repro@islandblue.com FTP: ftp.islandblue.com Web: www.islandblue.com
PRINT WHAT YOU NEED WHEN YOU NEED IT! 905 Fort St (at Quadra)
www.lindairservices.com 14
"Lighthouses, a Sandy Beach and a Perfect Picnic" Victoria Day, May 21, dawned bright and clear, but by 10 AM the sun was hidden behind a layer of marine cloud, ruling out the planned destination of Gillies Bay on Texada Island. The cloud, however, had a silver lining; the usually foggedin Tofino was wide open for the whole day and the decision to go there was a "no-brainer " (hmmm - maybe that's an unfortunate expression when referring to pilots!)
The destination of CYAZ is mutually selected as pilots gather in the lounge to discuss the weather. B. Spahn photo
Under the able "facilitating" of Peter Liem, a joint decision was made among the six planefuls and everyone picked up the best free lunch in Canada from Ashley at the Dakota Cafe and headed to CYAZ.
THE 2007 TOFINO FLYOUT
All lined up on the ramp at CYAZ.
Pachena Pt light
Nitinat
Carmanah light
photos by Brian Spahn, Tristan Nano and Don Devenney.
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NEW KID ON THE BLOCK At 7:AM April 18,2005 after 14 years in the making, "Ercoupe 4 " fired up its 150 hp engine for the first time, purred like a kitten and entered into the history books of aviation! Yes! Thanks to the hard work, dedication and perseverance of an extrordinary couple, Marv and Ruth Dunlap of Whitmore Lake Michigan, a four seat Ercoupe is preparing for its first flight in the coming weeks and looking forward to highlighting the annual Ercoupe Convention 2007 when it flies in for the event!
In the sunshine at last. The Coupe's first run up.
Even with the original plans and personal advice from Fred Weick, who designed and built the original Ercoupe, the challenges that faced these two adventurous Coupe lovers during their extended "labour of love", were often overwhelming at times, but every obstacle was eventually overcome by their determination, expertise and skill! The four seater is equipped with a 3 bladed Whirlwind propeller, retractable landing gear and flaps along with all of the other bells and whistles, that will make this aircraft second to none in the world of Fred Weick and his Ercoupe dynasty!!
Simple elegance, the Coupe's panel
Well done Marv and Ruth! Fair winds and happy landings! Note: Marv and Ruth are Region Directors Chapter 13 Ercoupe Owners Club and own a 1946 Ercoupe.
Ercoupe 4
Al Whalley
A busy and exciting place as the 4-seat Coupe takes shape.
1978 Lincoln Ver saille
A
VIEW ITH A W OM RO
…AND AI
Open 8am 4pm daily
RPLA NE ST
OO !
in the Victoria Flying Club
Join us for breakfast or lunch…inside & patio seating 101-1852 Canso Rd 16
LICENSED
250.655.9395
$1500.00
• White with Maroon leather upholstery • 2nd owner [ Lady] Purchased in October 1988 • 33000 km since Engine removed & Ford overhauled by Suburban Motors Victoria March 1996. • Engine restored to non computerized version with all new ignition system and components Feb 2006 • New carburetor Feb 2006 • Transmission overhauled 2002 • Brakes serviced 2007
Serviced by Suburban Motors since purchase. All records available.
LINCOLN FOR SALE
CALL 380-2502 or Cell 881-5355 Vi & Al Whalley