Congratulations to the big raffle winners! Stu Simpson was the first name drawn from our annual raffle contest and he chose the oil painting of his choice donated and painted by our own Al Botting. Thanks very much for that Al. Second name drawn for a cash prize of $250.00 was Graham Millington and third prize of a Titanium multi tool went to our newsletter editor Ken Beanlands. Thanks to all who purchased tickets. The proceeds help finance some of our club activities throughout the year. Thank also to Bob Kirkby for his update on all things COPA, it’s nice to keep informed on the hard work that COPA does throughout the year and also on the upcoming COPA convention in July. Thanks as well to Daryl Gillespie for bringing in the parts of a Rotax 912 engine and his description that went along with it. Judging from the interest that it generated we might have to do it again.

My Cessna 120 finally made its way back to the hanger in Carstairs although I’m still waiting on the limited STC for the engine mount adapters which will hopefully be done soon. Fortunately, I’m going through this now and not during the busy summer flying season. Mike Sweere flew me up to Red Deer and we were joined by Glen Bishell for what we thought was going to be a quick trip. After leaving Carstairs and getting up to altitude we could clearly see that Red Deer was still fogged in. We continued on our way hoping that the sun would burn off the fog that seemed to only have the airport fogged in. We flew north and south back and forth only about five miles east of the airport for about 45 minutes. When it appeared, it wasn’t clearing we headed for Lacombe for some breakfast planning to try Red Deer again later.

When we got to Lacombe and walked into town we were too early for the restaurants, so we ended up just grabbing a coffee and heading back to the airport. We talked to a local pilot at the airport for a while and then headed back for Red Deer.

When we arrived, the airport was still reporting less than one mile visibility. We were about five miles east again but now we could see the airport. It was clear to the west and north but not to the south or east. While talking to the controller he asked if we wanted special VFR to go into their airspace. We said yes and he came back with the clearance. Now this is only a clearance to enter the airspace not necessarily to land, it is still up to the PIC to remain VFR and decide to continue with the landing. The circuit and landing went uneventful, but it was definitely only a mile visibility to the south as we crossed over midfield from the east for a left-hand circuit for runway 34. It was the first time I had been involved in a special VFR and although I was only a passenger, it was a learning experience and gives me more confidence in case I run into that situation again.

I hope to see many of you at the rust remover on Saturday, April 4th.

See you soon!