It’s the start of a brand-new year of flying adventures! My New Year’s resolution is to fly even more this year than last. There is no need to park the airplane just because it’s winter; in fact, winter can provide some of the best flying conditions of the year—you just have to dress for the season.

Cold, dry air equals excellent aircraft performance. It also means many days of abundant sunshine and silky-smooth rides. But where should you go? Here are some ideas.

Monthly Saturday “Coffee Break” Fly-Ins

For the last 10 years, several flying clubs have offered Saturday morning fly-ins:

• 1st Saturday – Three Hills: Usually held in Earl’s hangar, often featuring a fresh-cooked breakfast (except during spring seeding and fall harvest).
• 2nd Saturday – Medicine Hat: The Gas City Flyers offer a $10 all-you-can-eat pancake breakfast and great hospitality.
• 3rd Saturday – Iron Creek Flying Club: Located at Flagstaff Regional Airport (Killam-Sedgwick). Shelly is famous for her abundant selection of home-baked treats. She was recently recognized for her outstanding dedication, having missed only one day in ten years of hosting!
• 4th Saturday – Wetaskiwin: Merv and friends are always very hospitable. The Reynolds Museum is just across the runway, with a taxiway leading right to their back door.
• 4th Saturday – Vulcan: They occasionally put the coffee on as well—we should encourage them to make it a regular habit!

Upcoming “One-Off” Events

The Fur Hat Festival 1st Weekend of February | Red Deer Forestry Strip (West of Sundre) Sponsored by the Rocky Mountain Flyers Association. Fly in for the afternoon or, for the more hardy pilots, try some overnight winter camping.

Gull Lake Family Day Fly-In February 16 (Tentative) | South end of Gull Lake The Lacombe Flying Club clears a suitable runway and parking area on the ice. They’ve been known to cook up great breakfast sandwiches and offer hot drinks. Stay tuned for final confirmation.

Lac la Biche Ice Festival February 26 – March 01 | Lac la Biche This year’s festival is earlier than usual to get ahead of the warming trends. This is a full-scale event featuring ice racing for cars, motorcycles, and sleds, along with other winter sports. This event has apparently been running for decades—who knew?