Promoting the safe enjoyment of aviation for pilots, aircraft builders and enthusiasts.
As spring approaches, pilots prepare for a season of flying, considering aircraft maintenance and planned trips, including events in Oregon and Yukon. With dynamic weather to monitor, more daylight allows for increased flying opportunities. A farewell gathering at Tipitinas celebrated eight years of the restaurant, attracting many pilots for a final lunch.
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.
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This spring promises ideal flying conditions, with early-season weather improving after a challenging two months. While the author missed several good weekends due to fog and plane repairs, they enjoyed the last weekend of February flying around Calgary. Filming for a club video is also underway, with members encouraged to participate.
The author challenges the notion that flying and aircraft ownership are prohibitively expensive, emphasizing the affordability and year-round utility of their club's airplanes. They encourage potential pilots to visit airstrips, engage with pilots, and explore flying as an enjoyable pastime, asserting that it can be surprisingly reasonable.
January was a challenging month for flying, prompting upgrades to an aircraft named Chrissy. Key enhancements included larger tires, adjustments to landing gear height, relocating instruments for better visibility, and adding a second radio and audio panel for improved communication. The installation is nearing completion, with a follow-up report promised.
The new president expresses gratitude for the role and emphasizes a collaborative approach to enhance club membership and activities. A revamped website is introduced, aiming to attract new members and showcase the club's enthusiasm for flying. The president aspires to create a television ultralight program and appreciates outgoing executives for their contributions.
The author eagerly anticipates winter's arrival, enjoying rare snowfall in Calgary. After preparing their skis and battling heavy snow drifts, they successfully launch their aircraft, relishing the thrills of snowy flying. They practice landings on their makeshift runway, celebrating the unique experience skiing provides. The day concludes with enthusiasm for future snowy adventures.
The year ended with a memorable flying experience over the Kananaskis Valley during a visit from the author's parents. After a clear Boxing Day, the author and friends enjoyed a smooth flight, overcoming oil temperature regulation challenges with a new adjustable air intake for the engine. The joyful day concluded with successful flight procedures and exploration.
In this column, the author wishes everyone a Happy New Year while reflecting on the joys of flying and the hard work of those maintaining airstrips. They remind readers to renew memberships and inform about changes to Calgary/Springbank flight frequencies effective February 11, 2010. The annual banquet is upcoming in February.
Calgary Recreational Flying Club YYC 