Patrician3may07

Victoria Flying Club

May 2007

The Broken Islands in Barkley Sound form part of the spectacular Pacific Northwest scenery.

This photo was taken by Larry Dibnah

Inside

on a Club Flyout to Tofino.

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3

5

7

10

12

15

Short Final

Letters to the Editor

Bears Air

In My Travels

VFC Flyouts Summer 2007

Trident Fury May 2007

Hip Hip Hooray

Eleanor’s

The

Patrician

S hort F inal

Newsletter of the Victoria Flying Club

MAY 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, May 24, 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.

Back again from the Old Sod, I mean the UK and, as ever glad to be back in Canada. I went to the Scottish Aero Club at Scone Airport for another peek into their huge hangar. The Club itself owns seven aircraft for training– C152, Piper Tri Pacer, PA 28 Warrior, two ultralights and two helicopters, but the majority of flying machines belong to members. I say flying machines to try to cover all the odd types of aircraft stuffed into the hangar. Certainly there were lots of ultralights and a number of strange (to me) microlights built from Eurokits.

The very elegant-looking Ikarus particularly struck me as a nifty little plane, although its price was anything but small; the Ikarus C42 costs £41,802 assembled and ready to fly, while a kit version is available for £35,489. These are prices for delivery in the UK or Europe and are in pounds sterling, so you’re getting up towards the $80,000 -$100,000 in Canadian dollars. The Ikarus is roomier than a C152 and climbs faster, but cruises slower. It burns about half the fuel of a 152 with its 100 hp four-cylinder liquid-cooled 1,352 cc Rotax 912S mounted in the conventional nose position. It flies with a stick and the seats and rudder bars are fixed, so I suspect it would be uncomfortable after a while for anyone not medium-sized. But what do I know?

The Flyouts are Back!

After two or three years without a flyout, the Club is bringing back the popular activity.

Victoria Day, Monday May 21 – mark your calendar for a flyout to Gillies Bay, CYGB. Briefing will be at 10:00 at the Club with departures beginning around 11:00 for the less than one hour flight to YGB. And here’s the best part – there will be a free picnic lunch provided by VFC. Yes, there really is a free lunch!

YGB is a beautiful spot with a 3000’ paved runway, picnic tables, barbecue pit, 20 minute walk down to the beach on the trail or a 326 foot jump to the beach from the airfield.

Book your plane by phoning Dispatch. You can’t book online. This will be fun!

And a chance for new pilots to see what’s out there.

Canada Day

the right marketing solutions for YOUR business 250.383.7777 seasidedesigns@shaw.ca seasidedesigns.net

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SEASIDE designs & photography

And for something really exciting, Marcel Poland, assistant CFI is organizing a flyout to Boeing Field for Canada Day, Sunday July 1st. The object of it is to see a baseball game in Safeco Field between the Toronto Blue Jays and the Seattle Mariners. Marcel will take care of Customs, aircraft parking and transport to the game from KBFI as well as organizing tickets, which must be purchased in advance.

Interested members are asked to contact Marcel at the Club for more details.

This sounds like a really great thing to do as well as a learning experience – flying into a big airport, dealing with Customs and seeing a major league baseball game. Be in Seattle by noon and home at YYJ before dark. What a way to spend the day!

Short Final cont’d p. 4

Letters to the Editor Larry, The plane in April’s “Mystery of the Month” is an old Ford Tri-Motor. It was a major player in the aviation industry in the 1920’s-30’s. It was also an important part of Victoria’s flying history.

Thanks! Matthew G. P.S. It was featured on the front of Elwood White & Peter L. Smith’s book “Wings Across the Water - Victoria’s Flying Heritage 1871-1971” Hi Matthew.

Thanks for your quick reply. It’s encouraging to the Patrician staff to have people such as yourself take an interest and write to us.

As for the Tin Lizzie, you are right on all accounts! BC Airways Ltd. operated one of these aircraft from Landsdowne Field in Saanich on regular flights between Victoria, Vancouver and Seattle. Hmmm... Maybe I’ll write up a little story on this subject for the next Pat. Thanks for the idea.

I took the mystery plane photo at the Abottsford Airshow way back in the mid 70’s (not sure of exact date). That’s when they used to have more of the oldies at the show.

Anyway, thanks again Matthew for your correct answer and for your support. See you at the Club!

Larry D. Matthew responds: No problem! I’ve been reading (and re-reading) every issue of The Patrician since I joined the Club back in July, 2006. This Mystery Aircraft was the first one that I’ve been able to identify correctly.

I would also like to take the time to thank you and Eleanor for keeping The Patrician going! It is always nice

to be able to read up on things happening around our Club and in aviation in general!

Matthew Hi Larry.

The mystery photo looks to me like a Ford Tri-motor.

There’s a lovely example of one down at the Museum of Flight in Seattle.....a must see for all aviation enthusiasts.

Plan on spending a good deal of one full day there.

Walter Salmaniw Hi Walter.

You’re absolutely right. The April mystery aircraft is a Ford Tri-motor. I’ve always found the Tri-motor to be a very intriguing aircraft for some reason. Thanks for letting me know about the one at the Museum of Fight in Seattle.

We just might drop in to see it over the summer.

Hey Larry, That there plane is what some may call a “Ford Tri-Motor.”

Sweet Newsletter.

Sam Roland Hi Sam. Thanks for your note. You’re absolutely right. The Ford Tri-motor is one of my all time favourite oldies. There was no other plane like it in its time.

Thanks also for your support Sam. Much appreciated.

See you at the Club sometime.

Ford/Mercury guy, Larry.

Many thanks to Larry for looking after the Pat while I was away and for his continuing contributions. What would we do without you?...

Eleanor

MAY

Mystery of the Month What is this great aircraft, so suitable for our West Coast? A transport Aircraft used primarily for SAR operations, its short take-off and landing (STOL) capability is ideal for rough landing strips.

Send your educated guesses to

PatricianEditor@shaw.ca Thanks and Good Luck.

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Short Final cont’d from p 2

9/11 Revisited Speaking of Boeing Field, that’s where I was on 9/10, just hours before the huge act of terrorism in New York. Two VFC members and I had gone down to KBFI to see the Museum of Flight and got back to the Club around eight in the evening. The next day, all civil aviation was grounded; at YYJ the ramps were empty, the sky was empty and the eerie silence brought fears of what might happen next – where would the next catastrophe be?

But we all got past it and life resumed, although aviation changed forever.

I stuck my Museum pass in my kneeboard on that Day Before, and it has remained there ever since, somewhat worse for wear – see photo! Which brings me to the point: do any of you have a story to tell of 9/11 – where were you, what were you doing at the time the news broke? It might be interesting to publish recollections from fellow pilots or air travellers. Drop me a line at patricianeditor@shaw.ca if you’d like to contribute.

Now let’s all look forward to warm sunny days, good VFR and a renewed enthusiasm for the Club Flyouts. Blue Skies everyone!

Many thanks to those readers who wrote in with their correct answers to the April Mystery aircraft.

Ford Tri-motor

The April ’07 Mystery Plane is the famous old Ford Tri-motor.

Our many thanks to those readers who wrote in with their answers to the April 2007 Mystery Plane quiz. The aircraft is the famous old Ford Tri-motor. One of the reasons for the aircraft’s popularity was that people related Henry Ford’s name to the line of safe, quality automobiles that he had produced around that time. The aircraft certainly lived up to Ford’s reputation.

The Ford Tri-motor was an all metal, three-engine, high-wing aircraft of tubular steel construction with corrugated aluminum covering throughout. Although there was one prototype, the 3-AT model, built and flown in late 1925, the Tri-motor did not go into full production until 1926 after some improvements were made to the original design. A total of 199 Ford Tri-motors had been built by the time production ended in 1933. These numbers included the 4-AT and 5-AT models.

The 4-AT was powered by 225 hp Wright J-5 radial engines and the 5-AT was powered by the new 425 hp Pratt & Whitney Wasp engines.

The popular Ford Tri-motor became a common sight in the skies over North America as it helped to pioneer routes which would become some of the modern airways of today. There are still a few Tri-motors flying today including one that makes an annual appearance at Oshkosh. I’ve been told that there is also a Tri-motor on display at the Seattle Museum of Flight on Boeing Field.

There is also a local connection to this famous aircraft. In 1928, B.C. Airways Ltd. operated a 4-ATB model Ford Tri-motor from Victoria’s Landsdowne Field. The aircraft, which was registered as GCATX, flew scheduled flights between Victoria, Vancouver and Seattle. Unfortunately, on August 25, 1928 G-CATX, along with her seven passengers and crew, perished as it crashed into the Strait of Juan de Fuca in heavy fog near the town of Dungeness, Washington.

Thanks everyone.

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Larry D.

Back to the Futur e I

was learning to fly in 1971. Back then at Prince George, British Columbia, CP Air still flew orange 737’s in and out. In winter, refuelling those jets in the icy cold winds was one of the hardest jobs a young fellow could have. The flight school had a couple of Cessna 150’s. The flying was all right, but it took a while to preheat and prepare an airplane for the day’s lessons. For some reason, I vividly remember that nobody used headsets in aircraft in those days. We had a speaker on the ceiling and a hand-held microphone.

Headsets today are more than just a tool for a pilot.

They’ve become somewhat of a status symbol. You see the students around the airport all carrying their little “lunchbags” containing a personal set. They make a statement .... “I’m a pilot”. If they’re not David Clark, they’re not cool. That’s changing however, as D.C. seemingly has lagged behind in the ANC department.

Just as it became a necessary item for a pilot to own, the headset now has reached a new status height and must be an ANC model. I would be in the trenches with those who still resist the new technology, figuring that I’ve flown this long without them, why would I spend that kind of money for a new “fad”? However, it turns out they are not a “fad” or they shouldn’t be. I’d say they’re an absolute necessity if you care about your comfort, your sanity, and tinnitus, not to mention your hearing capability. Old pilots lament the fact they can’t hear as well as they once could, and blame it on the high decibel levels in the cockpit over time. Tinnitus is also a problem though, something which so far, medical science hasn’t found a cure for. It is a condition of a ringing or roaring sound in one’s ears. I wonder if ANC headsets had been around 25 years ago if most of those problems would not exist today.

A tangible and immediate benefit of the ANC headset for me is the relatively low noise level once I turn it on. When your job is climbing into a small, noisy airplane every morning to fly for 6, 8 or sometimes 10 hours, it’s always a welcome relief when that “rumble” magically disappears.

Headsets are a tiny example of the way technology is changing aviation. Some of the changes are slow and will

BEAR’S AIR Barry Meek

be recalled only on reflection at some period in time down the road. The ATC system, although way different from what it was back in the ‘70’s, seems to have “evolved” more than suddenly changed. Pilots roll with the punches of change, absorbing the small details over time, until one day we wake up and say, “Wow, this transponder requirement, or this controlled airspace, or this GPS approach stuff is really different”. None of it was around when we did our training, just as there were no headsets.

In 1996, Nav Canada privatized the ATC system, and is now in the process of transitioning to employ more satellite technology much of which most G.A. pilots probably don’t yet understand. The FAA is attempting to download its role in the U.S. while developing the next generation air transportation system, called NextGen. That will see pilots requiring new equipment and learning new procedures in the coming years.

How about this scenario? You’re approaching an airport in your 172. You push a button signalling a satellite which broadcasts your intention to only the aircraft in the vicinity of 10 miles (transponder equipped linked via GPS). Your data head shows other traffic, much like a TCAS, so you can plan your approach, push the buttons that broadcast your downwind, base and final legs. Alarms will sound if you’re too close to traffic at your altitude, minimizing the need to keep a constant watch. All is co-ordinated through GPS, transponder-type equipment and satellites which have yet to be invented. Satellites could be monitoring your position via the bar-code on the top of your plane.

There’s no chatter on the radio, because there’s no human controller. A computer will sequence you, based on the information other aircraft transmit through the satellite, and the intentions you transmit to it.

Can this be so far in the future? Real-time weather is already available in your cockpit. You can do your banking, buy gas, check out a library book, pay your credit card bills, obtain a boarding pass for a flight, order a meal, park your car, it’s all done without talking to anyone. The technology has been around for several years. All this is rudimentary compared with ATC in the year 2030, just as using a handheld microphone and overhead speaker were 25 years ago.

Sometime in the future, I’ll be asking my yet unborn grandchildren if they know what a VOR is. Or an ADF, 5 story cont’d on p 6

Bears Air cont’d from p 5 glidescope, ILS or a stormscope. Even if they’re pilots, they won’t know what I’m talking about. Just like Benny Goodman, Frank Sinatra, Johnny Cash and the Beatles, most of what we have today will be unknown by the next generation, and forgotten by ours. One bit of advice about the headsets. Always carry a spare. If your main set lets you down, those hand-held microphones and overhead speakers aren’t there anymore for backup. You’d feel pretty dumb trying to remember the light signals.

Barry Meek bcflyer@propilots.net

Amateur Pilots YOU ARE INVITED TO ENTER THE PRESTIGOUS

2007 WEBSTER MEMORIAL TROPHY COMPETITON Application Deadline

June 15, 2007

TO COMPETE, YOU MUST > 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; and > 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 competiton is all about.

For an Application Form Contact: AMY FOY - Administrator at 613-596-9037 or E-mail: webstertrophy@gmail.com or fax: 613-596-0387 Sponsored by:

Organizer:

Canadian Sport Aeroplane Association 6

In My Travels DE HAVILLAND CANADA BEAVER, OTTER & TWIN OTTER

by Larry Dibnah

What stories of Canadian Aviation legends would be complete without mention of the de Havilland Beaver and Otter aircraft? I’ve referenced these extraordinary planes in some of my previous articles but now it’s time to give them the attention they deserve.

Commercial flying in the Canadian north began as soon as there were aircraft available which were rugged enough to meet the challenge. I recall as a kid, reading about the adventures of Canadian pilots such as Wop May who flew fabric covered bi-planes in harsh weather conditions during the 1920’s demonstrating the value of aviation for peacetime purposes. During the time period following the First World War several aircraft types were being developed to meet the demand for aerial service between communities throughout North America. However, it wasn’t until 1935 when the Noorduyn Norseman was introduced that operators finally had an aircraft designed specifically for the harsh northern Canadian conditions and which could carry a respectable load. A few flying samples of the Norseman continue to serve to this day.

After the end of World War 2, the de Havilland Company of Canada was looking for an aircraft design that could be produced in its now-idle factories. The company had designed and built the successful DCH-1 Chipmunk military trainer in 1946 but wanted a piece of the booming post-war commercial aircraft action. Development of the DHC2 Beaver design began in 1946 and incorporated some of the features which had been proven in the earlier Norseman. The Ontario provincial government had considerable input in the Beaver design since they needed an all metal aircraft that could be operated on strong landing gear but could easily be converted to skis or floats. The Beaver prototype - CF-FHB - flew in August of 1947 and after years of great service now resides in the Canadian Aviation Museum in Ottawa. Powered by the reliable Pratt & Whitney R-985 Wasp Junior engine, the eight-seat, all metal, high wing DHC-2 Beaver was an instant success with the Canadian bush plane industry as well as with several foreign air forces. A total of 1657 Beavers were built before production ended in 1968. Some have been converted with Pratt & Whitney PT-6 or Garret turbo prop engines.

Executives at de Havilland Canada had determined that there was a need for an aircraft as rugged as the Beaver but with much more cargo capacity. The DHC-3 Otter was designed to meet these criteria. Featuring twice the cargo space of the Beaver, seating for a pilot and 14 passengers and powered by a 600 hp Pratt & Whitney R-1340 Wasp engine, the Otter first flew in December of 1951. Soon thereafter, the Otter impressed the DH executive and potential buyers alike with its 100 ft takeoff roll (with only pilot and co-pilot), helicopter-like climb and an even shorter landing roll. In lieu of 14 passengers the Otter could carry 2000 lbs of cargo which was loaded through huge barn-like double doors similar to those on a Dakota.

The DHC-3 Otter proved to be one of the better bush planes of the day. It also had the distinction of being the first single-engine plane to fly over Antarctica. It’s no wonder owner/operators like Max Ward quickly put the Otter to good use throughout northern Canada, Alaska and the Antarctic. The RCAF owned 66 DHC-3 Otters which they used for utility, transport and SAR duties. Several Otters as well as Beavers have been modified with turboprop engines.

DHC-2 Beaver

Line-up of Beavers

DHC-3 Otter

The single engine Otter still hadn’t reached its full potential so de Havilland Canada Twin Otter Amphibian sought to improve upon its performance, reliability and load carrying capability by developing the DHC-6 Twin Otter design. The Twin Otter first flew in May 1965. Powered by two Pratt & Whitney PT-6 turboprop engines, the aircraft possesses STOL capabilities similar to the single engine DCH-3 Otter but could do it with a full load of either passengers or cargo. The Twin Otter has a speed of 184 mph and a range of 900 miles. As with the Beaver and single engine Otter, the DHC-6 Twin Otter can be fitted with wheels, skis, floats and even balloon tires for tundra operations.

story cont’d on p 8

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In My Travels cont’d from p 7 Also, Twin Otters with their turbo prop engines have demonstrated a high tolerance for extreme low temperature conditions making them ideal for Arctic and Antarctic operations.

Twin Otters are currently flying throughout the world, their rugged, hard working qualities endearing them to private, corporate and airline operators in much the same way as did the Douglas DC-3 Dakota. Some people have even referred to the DHC-6 as the present day equivalent of the old Dakota. Twin Otters were produced up until 1988 after 844 of them were completed. Hundreds are still flying today either in stock or rebuilt condition.

Turbo Otter

Recently, Viking Air of Victoria, BC announced that it has Transport Canada approval to start building the DHC-6 Twin Otter again. The new Twin Otters will be similar in appearance to the original ones but with some interior technical improvements and newer engines. The company already manufactures parts for and performs conversion and repair work on some of the existing fleet of Beavers, Otters and Twin Otters but now has orders for 30 of the new Twin Otters. This is great news for Viking Air employees as well as for de Havilland aircraft owners and enthusiasts around the world!

This also means that the Beaver, Otter, Twin Otter and other de Havilland aircraft will be in service to communities everywhere for some time yet and will continue to demonstrate some of Canada’s contributions to general aviation.

References: Bush Planes and Bush Pilots by Dan McCaffery The Bush Pilots by J.A. Foster

Photos: Larry Dibnah

Eleanor lays two roses for VFC at the the magnificent bronze statue of Canadian hero Andrew Mynarski at Durham Tees Airport.

This airport sits on the old 6 (RCAF) Group airbase named Middleton St. George. 419 Squadron RCAF Bomber Command flew from this station and Mynarski’s Lancaster left on its fateful flight from one of its runways. Pilot Officer Mynarski lost his life by a most conspicuous act of heroism which called for valour of the highest order. The boy from Winnipeg was awarded the Victoria Cross posthumously.

Once again the Nelson Pilots Association O will be hosting the annual Nelson BC

Flightfest and Airport Appreciation Days on Saturday July 21.

Support general aviation & the airports that serve us so well by planning to be part of this grass roots aviation tradition.

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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 from Ontario!). Nelson’s Municipal Airport (CZNL) will

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.

the first annual

An Aeronautical Invitation!

OPEN HOUSE of the

KELOWNA FLYING CLUB at its new facility on

Sat May 26/07 at YLW Time: 10:00 AM but aircraft are invited to come in earlier.

Coffee and donuts will be available on arrival.

A/C Parking: in the designated area on the north apron, opposite the club house on the west.

Food: We are serving BBQ dishes for lunch, burgers and H-dogs, salads etc. coffee, cookies and pop between 11:00 and 1:00. Food is free - no charge! Donations will be welcomed but are not expected.

***We are wanting as many aircraft and people to attend this event as possible & would love to see a good cross-section of aircraft from home-builts to the normal variety of certified types.

So please make an effort to come and join us. Tell your buddies far and wide of this event.

“Drive-in” guests are of course, most welcome as well.

***If you intend on coming, please let me know who you are, where you are from, and how many in your party, your ETA, and a/c type - just to give us an idea of who may be coming, weather permitting. (Rupert Gruen, Secretary - KFC).

NOTE: This event is a go, even if the weather is not good for flying in.

Even if you can just "drop in" for a short chat and coffee, [or for the $50 burger!]

you will be most welcome!

PS: Spread the News!

A

OM RO

HA WI T

VIEW…AND AIR PLA NE ST

Open 8am 4pm daily

www.kelownaflyingclub.com

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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Flyouts 2007 Victoria Day Flyout Monday May 21st Let's all go to Gillies Bay for a picnic.

Be at the Club by 10 AM for flight information and weather brief, pick up your free lunch and head for Texada Island and CYGB.

Call VFC to reserve your plane .

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!

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cont’d on p.11

Qualicum Beach Airport Appreciation Day May 5, 2007

The Parksville Qualicum Aero Club (COPA Flt 76) is pleased to announce our 2007 Airport Appreciation Day, Saturday, May 5, 2007.

For those of you interested, there is a shuttle service to the Town of Qualicum Beach as it is the annual Fire & Ice event featuring the carving of ice sculptures and a chili contest.

As our members have the opportunity to visit your airport, a poster will be dropped off. In the meantime, we have included a poster with some of the day‘s events outlined.

Updates and Arrival reporting points will be posted on our web site at www.qbairportday07.com

Join us for a great aviation day.

CANADIAN AVIONICS & INSTRUMENTS

at the

Pilot Shop

Calgary Int’l Airport (403) 250-5665

BOB CAMERON

Lots of SALE items, new stuff here for spring.

1910 Norseman Road Sidney, BC Canada,V8L 5V5 Tel (250) 655-3300 Fax (250) 655-1611 email: bcam@bcam.net

Victoria Airport (250) 655-0665

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

President

9548 Canora Road Sidney, BC V8L 3R1

Tel: (250) 655-0665 Fax: (250) 655-0664 E: cav#2@islandnet.com

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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DATE

PLACE

EVENT

CONTACT

May 05

Qualicum Beach, BC

Parksville-Qualicum Aero Club Qualicum Beach Airport Day Pancake Breakfast 08:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.

Opening Ceremonies at 10:00 a.m.

www.qbairportday07.com

May 13

Cache Creek, BC

Fly-in Breakfast

Andy Anderson Starting 08:30 a.m.

250-453-2281 or 250-457-7333

May 26

Kelowna, BC

Kelowna Flying Club Open House

John and Bernice Swallow

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

July 21

Nelson, BC

Nelson Pilots Association Annual Flight Fest

Case Grympa, President georama@netidea.com

Tr i d e n t F u r y 2 0 0 7 A MULTI-NATIONAL DEFENCE EXERCISE

May 7 – 18

...and possibly one refuelling aircraft

nn

6 Six F15 Eagle Fighter jets 2 Two AWACS aircraft 1One JSTARS aircraft it cred photo

Aircraft will run two missions daily of about 2 1/2 hours each with an approximate turnaround of 2 hours between. No nighttime ops and 2 days of no flight ops during the 10 day exercise.

These planes will be parked on the apron of 443 Squadron as well as on part of runway 02/20 and the south side of taxiway Golf.

VFC has a ringside seat to this Military Exercise.

Come on out to the Club and be sure to bring your camera.

Don't miss this chance to photograph some awesome aircraft!

Send your best shots to patricianeditor@shaw.ca and we will publish them in the June Pat.

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See yo at t he C u lub!

Ca Mc n li Co

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 May

June

Achievements First Solo Gwen Hill Erik Deutscher Cosmo Lauzon Graham Arts

DATE

TOPIC

INSTRUCTOR

02

Meteorology

Bryon Thompson

07

Meteorology

Bryon Thompson

09

Meteorology

Bryon Thompson

14

Human Factors

Brad Fraser

16

Flight Operations

Brad Fraser

21

NO CLASS VICTORIA DAY

PPL Flight Test Ryukichi Arakawa

23

Flight Operations

Brad Fraser

28

Navigation

Jessica Hamstra

30

Navigation

Jessica Hamstra

04

Navigation

Jessica Hamstra

06

Radio and Electronic Theory

Jessica Hamstra

11

Review (Tower Tour/Written Seminar)

Marcel Poland

CPL Written Test Dave Williams Braden Fandrich Yasuhiro Koide Graeme Ferguson Ed Cunningham

13

Review (Tour Seminar)

Marcel Poland

PPL Written Test Nancy Durocher

CPL Flight Test Ben Aitken IFR/Multi Engine Rating Ben Reid

From the Nav Can meeting April 20: VFR Flyway in the Vancouver VTA airspace showing a few ways to cross to the water to the mainland and a way around the control zones to the Chilliwack areas.

Welcome New Members!

Baltej Nanda Jefferey Yoell Benjamin Woods Monty Hussey Saket Kumar Grant Diamond Jeffery Bujas Tom Eng Karan Ahuja Sarfaraz Nawaz Achitay Gautam Mike Ketler Gregory Lee Sebastien Boue Adam Molnar

Est. 1946

13

ved a few pa spaces ble! a l i a v a are 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 $3715

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

Hip Hip Hurray!

The Mars are here to Stay Here is the final update to the ongoing saga of “our� Martin Mars water bombers. They are to stay at the tanker base at Sproat Lake thanks to a decision by TimberWest to accept a bid by Coulson Aircrane Ltd. of Port Alberni.

Saying the planes no longer fit its core business functions, TimberWest announced in November 2006 they were for sale. The company, sole operator since Weyerhaeuser dropped out as a financial supporter in 2001, said the $3-million annual operating costs were too high. The fate of the magnificent planes was uncertain for months, particularly with strong interest from the Glenn L. Martin Aviation Museum in Middle River, near Baltimore Maryland where the Mars were actually built. The community interest was huge and fans included original employees of the Martin manufacturing plant.

The planes, the last of their kind, have won many admirers over 46 years fighting forest fires. We owe a vote of thanks to all who worked so hard to keep them here.

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A number of outside tie-down spaces are now available.

Phone

D I S PAT C H at 656-2833 for details.

aved p w e f a spaces e! availabl AIRLINERS CIRCLE WHILE CONTROLLER TAKES A BREAK

F

A

OM RO

HA WI T

VIEW‌AND AIR PLA NE ST

Open 8am 4pm daily

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in the Victoria Flying Club

Join us for breakfast or lunch‌inside & patio seating 101-1852 Canso Rd 16

LICENSED

250.655.9395

or most workers, taking a break to visit the restroom is not a big deal. But if you are an air traffic controller, and you've been at your post over two and a half hours, and the only other worker on duty is a trainee not qualified to take over for you, well, it could mean that two Southwest 737s will have to fly holding patterns for 18 minutes.

That's what happened at ManchesterBoston Regional Airport last Friday, according to the National Air Traffic Controllers Association (NATCA). Before leaving the tower to go to a restroom, the controller called the Boston Tracon and asked them to hold incoming flights, NATCA said. The controller was scheduled to work alone from 5:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.

(From Duncan Flying Club Newsletter)