We are one month closer to spring. This cold snap makes the mind dream of all things flying since the body isn’t willing. I have been happily building wood stoves and test-firing them. It is my only excuse to get to the field.

Buford, the new project, has had a break from me and is anxious to be included in the plans to be flying by summer… well, late summer.

I hope everyone had a great time at the last meeting held at SAIT’s Art Smith Aerospace Center. Thanks to Ken for helping to set it up. Seeing all those parts and planes up close was a thrill.

Also, thanks to Wade for his insight into what may have happened on the Air Canada flight from Victoria. I had no idea that the parameters were that tight between cruise and stall at altitude. I have it on good authority that he will be a speaker for us very soon.

We have several club events coming. First, remember that the rust remover will be coming up in April at the Cardel Center. This helps keep those who attend current so if ever a ramp check is made, we are free to fly without penalty.

Also, this year the Spring Poker Run will be the Saturday after the long weekend in May. This year’s fields will be the South runs which include Vulcan, AJ Ranch, Claresholm, High River, Okotoks. After collecting your hand, it’s back to Indus for the final card and a breakfast of eggs, sausage, and hash browns.

I had the privilege to fly with Dan after his recent rebuild. I had a great time being the chase plane with Wayne’s Merlin. If I had had a gun sight, he would have needed another rebuild. The thrill of chasing down another plane will not soon be forgotten. The struggle to keep a maneuvering plane in your sights without grief is anything but easy. Glad to see him back flying.

Douglas Adams had a quote that I recently came across saying, “The knack of flying is learning how to throw yourself at the ground and miss.”

Wishing everyone tailwinds and no bumps.