Promoting the safe enjoyment of aviation for pilots, aircraft builders and enthusiasts.
The writer, Stu Simpson, shares his passion for ultralight airplanes, highlighting their affordability and the joy of flying. He reflects on his experiences with different ultralights, from adventurous trips to building his own plane. He particularly loves his current plane, the Green Giant, for its capabilities and the sense of adventure it provides.
A pilot's log book is a unique record of training, experiences, and memories. It serves as a judgment of flying expertise and treasure trove of past adventures. The log contains detailed flight records, training experiences, and significant milestones, helping the pilot relive cherished memories and lessons learned. Each entry carries the essence of the pilot's journey, forming a personal treasure chest of flying experiences.
Stu Simpson had a solo adventure at Kirkby Field, feeling the thrill of flight in his Giant plane. He reminisced about landing challenges at a rancher's strip and shared his desire for more aerial exploration. Simpson then flew to Linden, avoiding power lines, and later marveled at the countryside. He encountered a student pilot's radio communication and pondered the future of aviation. Returning to Kirkby Field, Simpson savored the joy of flying and reflected on the freedom experienced by barnstormers of the past. His day in the sky left him deeply grateful for the exhilarating moments spent aloft.
The morning hustle in Calgary is guided by Captain Kirk, also known as Al Molnar, who navigates the city's traffic from the skies in the "Chopper 96/960". Molnar, with a background in radio, found his niche in combining radio and flying into a successful career. Assisted by pilot Jess Henderson, they report on the city's road conditions and assist law enforcement. The lower altitude of their Robinson R22 helicopter allows for better visibility over traffic. Molnar takes pride in the impact of his work, helping people navigate their daily commute and occasionally aiding law enforcement.
Stu Simpson and his friend Kirby took off from Kirby Field in their airplanes and flew through bumpy conditions caused by thermal activity. Despite the challenges, they enjoyed the breathtaking views and radioed for updates on airport conditions. After a smooth return journey, they landed back at Kirby Field and reflected on the joy of flying. They also met the chief pilot at Okotoks Flight Center and shared flying stories. Simpson felt both regretful and content as the adventure came to an end, but he looked forward to future flights.
A group of pilots enjoy a breathtaking flight over Alberta, Canada, marveling at the landscape and overcoming challenges. They savor the joy of flight, reflecting on the beauty of autumn and the allure of aviation. Despite missing the peak of autumn colors, the clear skies and camaraderie among pilots make the experience truly unforgettable.
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.
The user experienced unexpected difficulty controlling their Cirrus SR22 during a go-around, recalling smoother training. The response emphasizes the importance of proper power application and managing pitch and yaw during rejected landings. It advises pilots to anticipate control challenges, trim appropriately, and practice go-arounds to enhance safety and confidence.
When transitioning to a new controller, pilots should read back the local altimeter setting for accuracy, using a brief format like "30.23, Cessna MLB." This verification ensures the transponder correctly transmits pressure altitude and prevents errors from similar-sounding altimeter values, maintaining consistent altitude readings for both pilot and controller.
Today, I attended the cactus desert fly-in at Casa Grande with friends, exploring backcountry flying and camping essentials. We admired vintage planes, enjoyed formation flying by young pilots, and flew to a desert landing spot. After a scenic day in the air, we celebrated with milkshakes, marking another successful flying adventure.
Calgary Recreational Flying Club YYC 