Victoria Flying Club
May 2006
Al Whalley's Alon Aircoupe GJNW and her tiny twin at home at the Club.
Inside
See Page 10 for explanation.
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Short Final
Letters to the Editor
Bears Air
Flight Itinerary
In My Travels
Passengers’ Ears Only
Looking Back
Eleanor’s
The
Patrician
S hort F inal
Newsletter of the Victoria Flying Club
APRIL 2006 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 Wednesday, May 24, 2006.
Board of Directors President Vice President Treasurer Secretary Directors
Sean Steele Bob Mace Eleanor Eastick Steve Ray Doug Marin Colin Dormuth Don Goodeve Lloyd Toope
General Manager Chief Flying Instructor
Gerry Mants 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.
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SEASIDE designs & photography
It’s good to be back in Canada, especially in Victoria! Back from the land of roundabouts and roadkill, neither of which I care for! Many thanks to Larry Dibnah for taking the reins of the Pat and making a great job of the April edition, along with our publisher, Nancy Dolan, of course.
Scone Airport I visited the Scottish Aero Club at Scone Airport on a cold and windy day, only to find no one there. The delightful premises were open and welcoming while a little sign sat on the Dispatch counter – “If no one’s here, we’re all out flying.” Despite the high cost, (see photo), they were certainly busy and prosperouslooking.
Cancellation of Qualicum Beach Airport Day Closer to home, Roger Yorke has advised that Qualicum Beach Airport Day scheduled for May 7th has been cancelled. Outside member commitments were too taxing as is often the case.
99s Scholarships Since 1995, The 99s, West Canada Section, offers an annual scholarship which has recently been increased to $ 1,500. The application deadline is July 31st and the applicant must be a woman who resides in Western Canada (British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, Western Ontario to Thunder Bay, Yukon and Northwest Territories). Applicants may apply for a scholarship in the following categories: Advancement of flight training: This category is for an applicant who wishes to advance her flying capabilities toward a career in aviation. She must possess the minimum of a valid private pilot license at the time this application is made. She must be a person in good standing in the community and agree to complete the training or project for which this award is given, within the time period of 18 months from the time the funds are awarded. She also agrees to provide progress reports to the Scholarship Award Committee every six months, and a final report upon completion of the training or project as described in her application. She shall submit one complete copy of her application; including photocopies for educational background Categories 2 and 3 do not require a pilot’s licence and include education and research or advancement of career in aviation-related careers.
Details and rules can be found on the 99’s website http://www.canadian99s.org/index.htm click on W. Canada and then on Annual Scholarships.
250.383.7777
seasidedesigns@shaw.ca seasidedesigns.net
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Short Final cont’d p.4
Letters to the Editor Eleanor: Larry did fine on the latest PAT. Marie Woodruff I'd call that an understatement! - Ed Dear Eleanor Larry did a super job with the April Pat! I have been to the VFC new web page a couple of times to-day. Looks great once you get the swing of things! A real nice layout and the "slide show" is the icing on the cake. I would imagine the photos will be replaced on occasion. A real professional look to it and easy to navigate! Al Whalley Hi Eleanor,
The new website is fantastic - very sharp looking. Many thanks to Doug, Don, Bob, Lloyd and Gerry, the prime movers, and to all who contributed photographs and stories and whatever else went into creating it. We owe Bjorn Olsen a debt of gratitude for putting up the original website and maintaining it for so long. During his years of running the site, Bjorn worked and played at VFC, met and married the beautiful Andrea, moved back to Norway (temporarily we hope) and now has a son Erik, who has just received his Canadian Citizenship!
I have been checking out our new website and it is great! Nice and clean, easy to navigate and has lots of interesting and useful information. Congratulations to all those involved in a superb finished product. Thanks, Rob Shemilt
May
Mystery of the Month Where is this 4800 foot asphalt runway? It's in BC, numbered 12/30 and the winter maintenance is limited. Many thanks to Art Porteus for this and a selection of other fine photos taken while flying to Banff in a Club plane a few years back.
Send your educated guess(es) to PatricianEditor@shaw.ca.
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Short Final cont’d from p 2
NEW CYYJ VFR Departure Procedures The following information was provided by Neal Carmichael, CYYJ Tower Manager: As of April 13th Victoria Clearance Delivery will no longer be issuing transponder codes. VFR pilots departing CYYJ will be responsible for obtaining a transponder code by either filing a VFR flight plan with YKA FIC, or call 1-888-YVR-CODE prior to departure. Due to the implementation of a new electronic flight progress system (EXCDS - EXtended Computer Display System) at Victoria Control Tower, there will be new procedures for VFR departures at Victoria Airport. The changes will be published in the new CFS and become effective on April 13th, 2006. The CFS “PRO” section will be amended to include: (ATS Requirements) “All VFR aircraft departing within Victoria Tower Class C Airspace that are NOT on a Flight Plan or Flight Itinerary are required to call Vancouver ACC at 1-888987-2633 (1-888-YVR-CODE) or 1-604-586-4595 for a transponder code assignment at least 30 min. (but not more than 2 hours) prior to flight.” This means, all VFR aircraft departing anywhere within the Victoria control zone MUST obtain a discrete transponder code 30 mins (but not more than 2 hours) prior to flight by one of two methods:
1) Contact VR ACC (1-888-YVR-CODE) - After calling VR ACC and giving aircraft identification, aircraft type, proposed departure time and destination, the ATOS (Air Traffic Operations Specialist) will issue a discrete code to the pilot for the planned flight. The code will also be sent to Victoria Tower’s electronic system. 2) VFR Flight Plan - Kamloops FIC will forward Flight Plan information to VR ACC and a discrete code will be generated for Victoria Tower’s system. ** If using this method the pilot will NOT receive the discrete code from Kamloops FIC over the phone, pilots will obtain the discrete code from Victoria Clearance Delivery upon contact for initial clearance. Note: In both cases, departing aircraft will contact Victoria Clearance Delivery or Victoria Ground (outside of Clearance Delivery hours) for initial departure instructions It’s not as complicated as it sounds!
Farewell Scott Crossfield Hotshot test pilot and aircraft designer Scott Crossfield died last month in the crash of his Cessna 210A at the age of 84. What an exciting life he led, having “been there and done that” in the extreme. When asked what was the best time to be a pilot, he replied, “Any time.” What a guy!
Now summer time is ahead of us – a super time to be a pilot. Blue skies, Ever yone .
Tragedy for the Alberni Valley Flying Club... By Darren Hansen - Past President and Treasurer of the Alberni Flying Club All of us who are involved in any flying club feel a close kinship. We grieve as a family when anyone is lost and extend our sympathy to the AFC. -Editor The Alberni Flying Club would like to inform all pilots and Flying Clubs that the 5th Annual Fly-in will be going ahead as scheduled on May 7th. We would like this event to be a tribute to two of our members, Pilots David Guy and Ted Fisher who were killed in the crash of our Cessna 172 Club plane on April 15, 2006 when they went down on the Horne Lake ridge near Port Alberni. We are still in shock and working our way through this tragedy. Dave Guy, pilot in command, was a 20 year plus member of the club and treasurer for the last 10 years as well as manager of our rental aircraft committee. Through his able leadership this small club was able to sustain an excellent rental airplane, not an easy feat in this day of rising costs of gas and insurance. Dave had been flying for over 30 years. When someone asked to have a plane ride we would always recommend Dave as he was very experienced and always enthusiastic to build more rental hours on the club plane. Dave was a driving force for improvement to our airport, recently ordering a lighted windsock and maintaining the landing lights. Dave was employed at Catalyst Paper mill for 22 years in the Plant Protection Dept, the father of three daughters and husband to Jean, his wife of 30 years. Ted Fisher also lost his life in this crash. Ted was a Commercial rated helicopter pilot, who had just recently completely restored a Scorpion 2 Helicopter and sadly never got to fly it. He was planning to take his fixed wing license this summer. Ted was a new member to the club, but filled with enthusiasm for aviation. We were looking forward to working on projects with Ted as his amazing skills were evident in his finished Scorpion 2 project. Ted was also an employee at Catalyst Paper Mill, working there for over 28 years. Ted was a trained Auto Mechanic before starting work at the mill. He most of his career at Catalyst as a Millwright and in the last few years he worked as a Vibration Analyst in the Reliability Dept. He leaves his wife, Judi, two daughters, a son in law and two grandchildren. They both will be greatly missed by all the members of the Alberni Flying Club. Donations for the David Guy Aviation Bursary can be made at any branch of TD Canada Trust. Account #6248636, Branch #93020. A bursary in the name of Ted Fisher will be announced at a later date and donations can be made at that time. Please contact: alberniflyingclub@shaw.ca for details.
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Respect Your Airplane A
s I entered the gate at the airport one day, I was surprised to see an airplane I once owned parked in front of the FBO. It had been at least 10 years since I’d seen her, and it struck me as peculiar that she looked just the same. The paint, the panel, radios, even the worn cowling bolts I’d become so well acquainted with, were still intact.
There are many fond memories in that airplane. Some advanced training, adventures, flights into bad weather, good weather, and of introducing my daughters to flying. I was always amazed at how a 10 year old child could make the manoeuvres so precisely and easily. Must have been from playing all those video games. I suppose it’s natural to wonder about an airplane’s history, where it’s been, who’s owned it, all that stuff. But there was no one around to ask at that point, so I carried on with my business.
BEAR’S AIR by Barry
Meek
disposable, or temporary, or throwaway. Society seems to think that way, but the farmer, the man who owes his very existence to it, has a much greater respect and understanding of the issue. Given the enjoyment, utility, learning, memories and pleasure we get from an airplane, it would seem fitting that they should be around for at least our lifetime. And of course, many are. Some fly regularly, while others we have to go to museums or airshows to see. The point is, a pilot, navigator, or anyone connected with aviation, understands, respects and tends to preserve airplanes, much like the farmer and his land. A machine that was built 50 or 60 years ago from metal, wood, fabric and a bunch of fittings, can still be flying today. Proof that with care, love and attention, most of our disposables could last at least a bit longer than they do.
The incident got me thinking about the planes and vehicles I’ve bought and sold in the past. I often wonder what became of one particular airplane, a Renegade, which after rebuilding and flying for one glorious summer, I sold to a fellow from Washington State. We exchanged a few e-mails, one in which he described how a wheel had departed the plane on landing one day, and the lower wing was damaged. But after that, I heard nothing more. How’s she doing now as an American citizen? I wonder. Airplanes, boats, motorcycles, furniture, clothing, tools, appliances, all the things we “own” in our lifetime, are really disposables. They come and they go through our lives, providing utility, enjoyment and comfort. In this society, it’s just “our stuff”. Some things last longer than others. I asked a farmer one day how much land he owned. His response is probably what got me considering all this in the first place. “None”, he said. “I’m just the caretaker for now. This land will be here long after I’m gone, and someone else will be looking after it”. He was right of course. The land isn’t
But we won’t go there. Let’s just be grateful there are farmers and pilots around, who love the land and their airplanes enough to give the care needed so another generation can enjoy the same experiences we have today. Barry Meek
bcflyer@hotmail.com
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April Mystery Photo Guesses to Guest Editor Larry. This one is easy, although it's because my father lives a block away! It's CYNJ, Langley BC. Alan Moore Hi Larry and everyone at VFC. I believe the airfield in question is Langley, where I spent a large amount of time last summer with JTM looking after the aerobatic programme there. I hope JTM is flying regularly and people are enjoying their time in the air. My withdrawal symptoms from flying have long since waned, but I can't wait to get back in an inverted capable aircraft. Keep up the good work with the Patrician and who knows - I might see you all again soon. Alex Meinke
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You're both right, of course, and thanks for your letters. Does anyone else find it hard to spot from the air or is it just me? Editor Eleanor
DATE
PLACE
EVENT
CONTACT
May 7
Port Alberni, BC
Alberni Flying Club - Fly-in and Tour of the Martin Mars Alberni Regional Airport (CBS8)
Darren Hansen (250) 724-9626
May 14
Cache Creek, BC
Seventh Annual Mothers Day Fly-in AZ5 Cache Creek Airport
Andy Anderson (250) 453-2281 email: ashirl@coppervalley.bc.ca
June 3 – 4
Nanaimo, BC
Nanaimo Flying Club – Fly-in Pancake breakfast, poker run & more Nanaimo (Cassidy) Airport
John Hubbard email: nfc@shaw.ca
June 17
Nanaimo, BC
EAA Chapter 679 – 2nd Annual Fly-in John Balogh (250) 741-1452 and Swap Meet Nanaimo (Cassidy) Airport
July 14-16
Nelson, BC
Flightfest 2006 and Airport’s 60th Anniversary CZNL Nelson Airport
John Dale (250) 825-2235 email: jrdale@netidea.com
August 11-13
Abbotsford, BC
Abbotsford International Airshow
Tel: (604) 852-8511 www.abbotsfordairshow.com
August 23–26 Victoria, BC
Annual Webster Trophy Competition Victoria Flying Club
Graham Palmer (250) 656-2833
Sept 9
Victoria, BC
Victoria Flying Club 60th Anniversary Victoria Flying Club (250) 656-2833 Hangar Dance with live band music
Sept. 22-24
Oliver, BC
Seventh Annual Yak ‘Discovery’ Fly-in at CAU3 Oliver Airport
Paul Dumoret (250) 535-0395 email: 3bar@telus.net
In My Travels by Larry Dibnah
The Cessna 140 The classic two-seat Model 140 belongs to a long line of excellent aircraft produced by the Cessna Aircraft Company. In past articles on light sporting aircraft first flown in1946, I’ve made reference to the Cessna 140 as it compared to the other aircraft on the market. Although most aircraft in production at that time provided excellent service and might even have been preferred by some, the Cessna Company caught up, kept pace with and eventually exceeded the others in the development and production of light aircraft suitable for recreational flying and flight training. In 1924, Clyde Cessna, who had already built and flown a few copies of the French Bleriot monoplane, was hired by Lloyd Stearman and Walter Beech to help with their new Travel Air Manufacturing Company. Clyde left Travel Air in 1927 to form the Cessna Aircraft Company. He and his son, Eldon, along with other employees in Cessna’s new company, helped produce the 4 to 6-place Cessna AW Series with its sleek cantilever wing. The stock market crash temporarily shut down the Cessna Company but in 1934, Clyde’s nephew Dwayne Wallace, an aeronautical engineer, left the Beech Company to join his uncle and help him get back into business building the beautiful, cantilevered high wing, radial powered Cessna C-34. This aircraft was touted to be the ultimate light aircraft of its time. More importantly, this proved to be the turnaround point for Cessna. During World War II, production of Cessna’s civilian aircraft stopped so that the company could turn out 5000 copies of its highly successful, twin-engine Cessna T-50 Bobcat for use as military trainers (called Crane’s in the RCAF). As with other manufacturers of the time, Cessna returned to the development of civilian aircraft after the war. A now experienced and highly skilled workforce enabled Cessna to quickly produce the popular two-seat Model 120 which helped to define the Company’s standard light aircraft concept which is still evident in its products of today. In 1946, the Model 120 design was improved upon to create the slightly larger Cessna Model 140, still with only two seats, but with a modern monocoupe aluminum fuselage. Cessna also offered a choice of engine and wing types with the 140. The 85 hp. Continental-powered version maintained the fabric-covered wing design with two lift struts while the 90 hp. version featured the all metal wing with a single lift strut. The now-common spring steel landing gear struts were created for the Model 120/140. During this time, Cessna also produced the five-seat Model 190/190, a classic in its own right, but the type had a higher price tag than most could afford. The Model 140 was definitely the winning money maker for Cessna and eventually led to the development of the tricycle landing geared Model 150/152 popularized by flying clubs and schools around the world today. Several excellent examples of the 140 are still flying. Victoria Flying Club’s Chief Flight Instructor Graham Palmer once owned and flew a Cessna 140. In fact, Graham flew his 140 from Victoria to Ottawa to participate in the Webster Trophy competition in 1995 and won Second Prize as runner up. Not only that but he established a world speed record on the flight east. Photos have been provided by the BC Aviation Museum and by Larry Dibnah.
Reference: The World Wide Web Western Canada Aviation Museum BC Aviation Museum 7
ACCELERATED PRIVATE PILOT Groundschool July 10 - 28, 2006 Time: 0800-1100 DATE
TOPIC
INSTRUCTOR
July10
Canadian Aviation Regulations
Jason Ware
July11
Theory of Flight and Licensing
Jason Ware
July 12
Theory of Flight and Aerodynamics
Jason Ware
July 13
Airframes and Engines
Steve Mais
July 14
Systems & Flight Instruments
Steve Mais
July 17
Flight Operations
James Zacks
July 18
Navigation
Jason Stewart
July 19
Navigation
Jason Stewart
July 20
Navigation
Jason Stewart
July 21
Radio and Electronic Theory
Jason Stewart
July 24
Human Factors and Pilot Decision Making
Jason Stewart
July 25
Meteorology
Bryon Thompson
July 26
Meteorology
Bryon Thompson
July 27
Meteorology
Bryon Thompson
July 28
Meteorology
Bryon Thompson
Tr i d e n t F u r y
May 8th – 19th
6Six McDonnell Douglas F15A Eagle fighter jets 6Six General Dynamics F-16 Fighting Falcon fighter jets 2Two Grumman E-2C Hawkeye aircraft 1One Boeing E-3D Sentry aircraft The Trident Fury Military Exercise will be taking place, in part, out of CYYJ from May 8th to 19th and VFC has a ringside seat. Participating aircraft will be parking on the apron of 443 Squadron as well as on part of Runway 02/20 and the south side of Taxiway Golf. Aircraft will run two missions daily with no nighttime ops. Arrestor cables have been set up at either end of runway 09 although the cable will not be across the runway unless required for an emergency. The Boeing and fighter jets typically operate on runways that are 8000’ or longer - 09/27 is only 7000’. This exercise will bring a lot of benefits to our airport, and the one negative aspect (are they serious?) will be the extra noise generated in take-offs and landings. The aircraft will depart and arrive in groups, so noise will be in short bursts.
Come on out to the Club, have a bite at the Dakota Café and bring your camera! Don’t miss this great opportunity to photograph awesome aircraft! Send your best shots to the Patrician (patricianeditor@shaw.ca) and we will publish them in the June Pat. 8
See you at the Club!
PRIVATE PILOT Groundschool
Achievements
Classes held Monday and Wednesday, 1900-2200 TOPIC
INSTRUCTOR
01 03
Flight Operations Flight Operations
James Zacks James Zacks
First Solo Gereon Haimberger Chris Morin Denise Sweenie
08 10 15
Navigation Navigation Navigation
Jason Stewart Jason Stewart Jason Stewart
Commercial Licence Vincent Vialaret
17
Radio and Electronic Theory
Jason Stewart
24
Review (Tower Tour if available)
Marcel Poland
29
Review (Tower Seminar/Written Seminar) Marcel Poland
31
Theory of Flight & Licensing Requirements Aerodynamics Airframes and Engines Systems & Flight Instruments Meterology Meterology Meterology Meterology Meterology
DATE May
June
05 07 12 14 19 21 26 28
Jason Ware Jason Ware Steve Mais Steve Mais Bryon Thompson Bryon Thompson Bryon Thompson Bryon Thompson Bryon Thompson
at the
Pilot Shop Coming Soon in time for Spring and Summer - a huge selection of new Victoria Flying Club apparel! Check it out!
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
PPL Written Exam Sean Morris Jeff Lightheart Commercial Flight Test Adam Fras
Welcome New Members! Tomonari Kaji Joe Kennedy Silvia Yzenbrandt Nancy Durocher Leigh Nelson Adam O'Connell Peter Michl Scott Barnes Carmen Araujo Gordon McKay Lolita McKay Ron Liknes Brendan Pellow Victor Risinger Jwalit Vyas Gerardo Valenzuela Bassam Mnaymneh
• QUALITY • DEPENDABILITY • SERVICE •
PRINT WHAT YOU NEED WHEN YOU NEED IT! 905 Fort St (at Quadra) Tel: 250.385.9786 Toll free: 1.800.661.3332 E: repro@islandblue.com FTP: ftp.islandblue.com Web: www.islandblue.com
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Al's good friend, Gordon Coldham built little JNW and brought it out to fly at the Victoria model club's field at Michel's Farm. Unfortunately the winds were too strong and they never got it into the air.
The Alon Aircoupe model was a kit from Jack Stafford Models of Michican. The scale is 2 inches to the foot; wing span 63", length of fuselage 41 in., wing area 610 sq in. It weighs 6.5 pounds, powered with an OS 46 size 2 stroke engine. The radio used was a Futaba Sky-sport. The model, with Gordon (the pilot) on the ground, will out perform the original aircoupe in aerobatics ,short take-offs, and landings! Gordon says, "It was a real pleasure to make it identical to Al's real plane; Please note the pilot KEN is Barbie Doll's boyfriend-- He is twelve inches tall.---cut off at the armpits fits perfectly!"
Going to Oshkosh in July? Well it's that time of year again that we all dream of flying to far off places. I am looking for someone to share the expenses with me again this year to fly to Oshkosh in the last week of July. They will be able to log the cross country time, learn the ins and out of talking to ATC and Center, flying through class B and C airspace, through and over military airspace and TFR's and the use of oxygen at high altitudes. All done in a RV-7. This would be a very inexpensive way for a person working on their commercial license to build some time and at the same time get their required cross-country trip logged. Please contact Norman Younie at rv6capt@pacificcoast.net
Alberni Flying Club
fly-in
lberni Regional A S8) A B C ( . e t irpor th t a Fly-in Sunday May 7, 2006 10:00am to 4:00pm. SPECIAL ATTRACTION: Escorted tour of the Martin Mars Waterbombers based on Sproat Lake.
Refreshments will be served at our clubhouse and fuel is now available at the airport.
fly-in
FOR FURTHER INFO CONTACT Darren Hansen @ (250) 724-9626 Cell (250) 735-0443 or Email: alberniflyingclub@shaw.ca.
Updates and info available @ http://alberniflyingclub.blogspot.com 10
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.
Just Imagine! If 100 members spend $100 per month at Thriftys, VFC could award $6000 per year in 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!
Smile Card total to date $893
In
In a famous SR-71 (Blackbird) story, Los Angeles Center reported receiving a request for clearance to FL 60 (60,000 ft). The incredulous controller, with some disdain in his voice, asked, "How do you plan to get up to 60,000 feet? The pilot (obviously a sled driver), responded, "We don't plan to go up to it, we plan to go down to it." He was cleared.
L indair Ser vices Ltd 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. 5180 Airport Road South, Richmomd, BC Tel: 1-800-663-5829 Fax: 1-800-667-5643
www.lindairservices.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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Celebrate with the
Victoria Flying Club Since January, the Victoria Flying Club has been quietly celebrating its 60th anniversary year with photo displays and newsletter articles. But mark your calendars everybody! On September 9th, 2006 we will be holding a Hangar Dance and party at the Club to top off the celebrations.
Everyone is invited! There will be a cash bar and finger foods/appetizers and music by the
‘Time Benders’ band. Ticket prices will be approximately $30 per head. There’s room in the hangar for up to 500 people so we hope that you can join us.
Please stay ‘tuned’ for further details.
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For Passengers’ Ears only by Bryan Webster
T
oday is passenger awareness day for all who fly right seat without a care in the world.
Any licensed pilot will tell you it takes a great deal of time and dedication to complete both the ground school and flight testing which enables him to be the captain of an aircraft. From the date a person decides to take flight training through completion there is a barrage of studying, testing and hurdle hopping to prove the individual is capable and competent to hold a pilot’s licence. The candidate is subjected to in-flight emergencies and challenges under a variety of situations, making sure there is a thorough understanding of what to do if something goes wrong. Once this phase has passed, many continue for years with out re-visiting the Pilots Operating Handbook to refresh their memory on how to handle engine failures, and other unscheduled conditions which may arise in flight. Remember one thing about flying any aircraft; you are being suspended by thin air at great speeds without any brakes, and later guaranteed to be returning to mother earth one way or another that same day. This being said, is it important for frequent passengers at aviators’ clubs to be informed of what exactly to think about when going for a flight. Why? - because you, the passenger are directly involved in all events which take place on any particular flight, and if you think nothing ever goes wrong simply flip over to the aircraft accidents column in any COPA paper to brief the dates and locations. Unfortunately even with high standards in flight training and maintenance, there are still many variables which contribute to damaged aircraft and injuries all over the world on a daily basis. So what can you do as a passenger to aid in the safe, uneventful return of each flight as you have in the past, and expect to in the future?
If you will be flying over water, never wear anything during the flight which gives buoyancy such as a boater style life jacket or floater coat, especially important for children! The reason for this is if an aircraft does end up inverted in water for any reason, it will be nearly impossible for the individual pinned to the ceiling to get out, and equally difficult to help him. As for life vests, next time you are over open water think about where yours is, and know how to inflate it, should your life depend on that knowledge. Next time you are entering any aircraft look around at things such as door handles and exits, because the time to find out how they work is not during an emergency. When you wrap your seat belts around your waist and buckle them together, take note that they are not built by Ford or in any way released by pushing a button on your side, as is the familiar automobile style belt. Shoulder harnesses in the front seats were designed and tested for forward impacts; wear them at all times without exception. That includes the person at the controls, as he/she would become a liability instead of the guiding light should you end up in a lake with a sudden stop, and the pilot becomes one with the dashboard. Get information on the brace for impact position, which in simple terms means cross your arms and grasp the shoulder harness belts at chest level. This will help to avoid breaking limbs outstretched when impact forces exceed many times your body weight. Remove glasses and your headset thus avoiding entanglement, followed by unlatching doors at the Captain’s command which will ensure the exit can not be jammed shut during the sudden stop. On occasion pull out the aircraft manual stuck way in the back of the glove box, and quiz your captain on emergencies and critical speeds such as engine-out descent rates which should be committed to memory. (If this upsets him, more the reason to continue).
The last suggestion I have for you is, enrol yourself and your fellow flyers in Egress Training – it could save your life.
First, be a part of the flight crew from the point of helping organize the equipment for any flight, and to keeping the captain honest in his duties by the occasional quiz.
13
LOOKING BACK Larry Dibnah Looks Back.
The Late 40’s.
I found this g roup of photos on file in the BC A viation Museum Library while
Photo #1 looking west -
working there in March. The
This is a lineup of Victoria Flying Club’s Fleet Canucks parked on the North side of what is now our current hangar.
exact date they were taken is unknown but an educated guess would place them in the period between the late 1940’s and early 50’s.
Photo #2 looking south This is a Luscombe Silvaire, registration CD-LGU, owned by Bill Sylvester’s BC Airlines Ltd. Notice in the background there is a BC Government-owned Avro Mark V Anson.
Like New
1973 CITABRIA 7ECA
Photo #3 north Lesslooking than 100 hours on This is a Cessna 140 on skis – a rare sight ‘major overhaul’ engine, in the Victoria area nowadays. The aircraft airframe & propeller. appears to be parked outside the hangar upholstery. which is justNew south of the current Control Tower.
Email enquiries to rosanneanddon@aol.com for details.
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The Victoria
Flying Club
is seeking a part-time
DISPATCH ER. We’re looking for an energetic and friendly individual with a keen interest in aviation to join our Dispatch team.
See the world… from our point of VIEW!! Increase your confidence • Aerobatic Course* • Adventure Rides • Emergency Manoeuvres Training
Discovery Ride
$
Intro
Duties include customer service/reception, updating aircraft logbooks, monitoring maintenance schedules, and booking flights for customers. The position provides approximately 8 hours a week on weekends
99 95
*Basic course - 10 hrs dual 5 hrs solo Courses customized to help you reach new horizons.
during our winter months and up to 20 hours per week in the summer. We will provide on-the-job training; you do not require a TC Dispatchers License for this position.
VFC
drop in with a resume Mon thru Sat.
Aerobatics
DISPATCHER
Please contact Joscelyn or Gerry at 656-2833 or
Wouldn’t you rather be flying?
• 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
386-4466
Call Dispatch at the club for further information
656-2833
#202-31 Bastion Square Victoria BC V8W 1J1
15
Get prepared for all your Commercial Pilot Training with the complete
Commercial Pilot Groundschool Kit Turbine Pilot’s Manual Advanced Pilot’s Manual CPL Air Law CPL Meteorology CPL Pilot Prep Audubon Guide to Weather Tote Bag
$59.95 $51.95 $19.95 $19.95 $69.95 $29.95 $12.95
Total Retail Value
$264.65
Package Price: $200 A
OM RO
HA WI T
VIEW…AND AIR PLA NE ST
OO !
CANADIAN AVIONICS & INSTRUMENTS Calgary Int’l Airport (403) 250-5665
BOB CAMERON
Open 8am 4pm daily
in the Victoria Flying Club
Join us for breakfast or lunch…inside & patio seating 101-1852 Canso Rd
Victoria Airport (250) 655-0665
LICENSED
250.655.9395
President
9548 Canora Road Sidney, BC V8L 3R1
Tel: (250) 655-0665 Fax: (250) 655-0664 E: cav#2@islandnet.com