Air Adventure Tour 2011

This year’s CRUFC Air Adventure Tour will visit Wendover, Utah, a historical site significant for its role in World War II. Participants can choose between two proposed flight routes, both offering opportunities to explore scenic locations. The tour departs on June 13th, with accommodations potentially lower for larger groups.

2010 Air Adventure Tour

Stu Simpson describes an Air Adventure Tour. The group faced storms, mechanical issues, and challenging landings during the trip from Alberta to the Pacific coast. He shares the thrill of flying alongside the Columbia River, navigating busy airspace near Seattle, and following the Kootenay River back home. The journey's highs and lows created lasting memories.

Feelings of Flight

The author describes the varied emotions and experiences of flying, from exhilaration to fear and solitude. They feel a deep connection with the sky and the aircraft, finding a sense of adventure, safety, and belonging. The author feels fortunate and strives to appreciate the gift of flight, viewing it as a precious and enriching experience.

Internet Weather

Glen Clarke presented a photo of poor weather at Kirkby Field, sourced from a webcam operated by the Alberta Motor Association (AMA) nearby. AMA and similar agencies provide access to numerous highway cameras displaying weather conditions. Utilize these resources for real-time weather insights when traveling along major highways.

The First Year of Merl

Stu Simpson has been flying his 1991 Macair Merlin, "Merl," for a year since his beloved Green Giant was destroyed in a plane crash. He compares the two planes' designs and performance, highlighting Merl's advantages like better visibility, comfort, cargo space, and improved landing options. Despite its challenges, Merl is a rewarding and capable aircraft that has allowed Stu to explore new flying experiences.

The Gift of Time

Time is integral to aviation, influencing landings and measuring flight experience. Pilots value the journey and the sights seen at slower speeds, cherishing moments in the air. Understanding time’s significance helps retain memories of flights and connections with other aviators, emphasizing its value as a precious gift rather than a competition.

And Merl Makes Five

Stu Simpson recalls his encounter with a Macair Merlin in 1992 and his eventual ownership of it fourteen years later. Following the loss of his Green Giant in a crash, Simpson acquired the Merlin and began extensive modifications, including an engine change and wing tank installation. Despite initial challenges with the aircraft's ailerons and oil pressure, Simpson resolves these issues and successfully test flies the plane. He expresses his satisfaction with the aircraft’s STOL performance, speed, and roomy cockpit, expressing his hope that it will be his final aircraft. Simpson acknowledges the help and support of the CUFC members throughout the project.