Promoting the safe enjoyment of aviation for pilots, aircraft builders and enthusiasts.
The Airberta Air Rally's second day is smooth and eventful, covering multiple destinations in Alberta. From Coronation to Lacombe, the journey spans 460 miles and 8 airports, showcasing the province's aviation culture. The diverse experiences and encounters promise an exciting adventure for the participants, with anticipation for the upcoming leg of the rally.
In the late 80s, Wayne Winters offered ultralight training with a Merlin aircraft. Ultralights weigh up to 1300 lbs and are costly. In the USA, they require no license, but in Canada, an Ultralight Pilot Permit is necessary. The narrator bought a Cessna 172 without any permits or experience and later obtained a Private Pilot License. They eventually sold the aircraft and assembled a Rans S-12, finding it more enjoyable. The reemergence of Cessna production led to a substantial increase in used aircraft prices.
Transport Canada’s proposed regulation changes (NPA 2024-001) threaten Ultralight pilots, restricting which aircraft they may fly based solely on registration classifications. This vague proposal has drawn criticism for its lack of clarity and stakeholder involvement, raising concerns about its necessity and potential negative impact on pilots, aircraft builders, and aviation freedom.
In January, a pilot experienced a dramatic 56C temperature swing affecting runway conditions. After a flight, he landed amid a light crosswind, leading to a tail swing and a slide into a snowbank due to muddy, soft runway conditions. Luckily, there was no damage, only a dirty plane that required extensive cleaning.
After changing the engine oil and filter, ensure there are no leaks. Before starting the engine, check the oil level and verify oil pressure after starting. Taxi forward, make a turn, and check for oil trails. If there's a leak, investigate immediately. After a successful runup, check for leaks again. Never fly without these checks.
A pilot and his wife embark on a trip from Kirkby's to Memphis. Hindered by smoke, they strategize for safe flying, finally outrunning the smoke near Des Moines. They experience exceptional FBO treatment in Bismarck and Des Moines, with an unexpected delay and frustrations due to the US flight service contractor. The journey continues next month.
The first Airberta Air Rally took place with clear weather and light winds. The pilot made multiple stops, including Rocky Mountain House and Red Deer Forestry strip. They met fellow rally participants and visited non-rally airports for historical significance. The day ended at Bassano Airport, where they were warmly welcomed. The group plans to continue the rally the next day.
In flight training, it's common to have trouble trimming the airplane. An important rule to remember is to wait at least five seconds after changing pitch, power, or configuration before adjusting the elevator trim. This prevents frequent, unnecessary adjustments and ensures the airplane is properly trimmed. Additionally, there are exceptions to the five-second rule, such as when performing a go-around.
The website http://www.metar-taf.com provides quick and accurate aviation weather, offering more locations than Nav Canada’s websites. The map allows users to select aviation weather with color-coded symbols for different conditions. The site includes weather radar, distance measuring tool, and detailed weather info for specific airports. It also offers intuitive graphical displays of forecast weather and access to NOTAMS. Even though it lacks graphical maps depicting fronts and systems, the site is praised for its simplicity and accessibility. An app is available for a price, but the web version works effectively, especially with an ad blocker. Overall, it’s a valuable resource for aviation weather.
The narrator described a flight in November ferrying a Zenair CH250 to Nelson, BC, encountering weather challenges. After failed attempts, a successful flight was made on Nov. 24. The narrator landed in Creston to refuel and appreciated the airport facilities. The flight ended with an eventful landing in Nelson. It was a memorable experience.
Calgary Recreational Flying Club YYC 