Promoting the safe enjoyment of aviation for pilots, aircraft builders and enthusiasts.
The summer flying season offers exciting events for aviation enthusiasts. A recent trip to Vulcan attracted 16 planes, fostering camaraderie and good community relations. Despite strong winds, Bob Kirkby's breakfast on July 4th was enjoyable. Members are encouraged to volunteer for the upcoming COPA convention and contribute articles about club activities.
In December, severe cold weather arrived, preventing flights, which was unusual for the past eight years. Despite this, the previous flying season was enjoyable, highlighted by a new plane and a trip to Oshkosh. Upcoming events include the COPA convention, membership dues increasing to $30, and an annual raffle for current members.
Bernie Kespie's letter advocates for the Calgary Recreational Pilots Association to embrace a direction that prioritizes attracting pilots of all experience levels. He emphasizes the importance of maintaining a grassroots focus on safety and enjoyment in flying, while suggesting a need for clarity in club leadership to guide membership growth effectively.
Winter approaches as the author shares recent flight experiences, including a successful landing in Nanton and a visit to Lacombe with fellow pilots. They highlight upcoming December elections for club positions, a presentation on aerobatics by Kevin Hopkins, and an update on an RV-10 construction project at the November meeting.
September has arrived, signaling the upcoming fall and better flying conditions. The author shares experiences from recent flights, including a visit to the Vernon airport, and highlights an upcoming meeting featuring WWII pilot Gordon Hill. A potluck event on September 13th aims to engage local residents with the aviation community.
As summer approaches, flying opportunities may increase despite rainy weather. Visits to the aircraft carrier Midway highlight its impressive size. Upcoming meetings feature a fiberglass repair demonstration and raffle ticket sales. However, COPA's affiliation with the Young Eagles program has been suspended pending a new agreement, halting organized introductory flights.
Winter has arrived with temperatures dropping below -20°C. Despite the cold, impressive aviation activities occurred, especially at Linden airstrip, where local groups organized flights and a Young Eagles day. Plans are underway to upgrade the airstrip, including burying power lines and relocating it, with community support and funding.
The author reflects on unfulfilled childhood dreams of becoming an astronaut and fighter pilot, eventually finding joy in building and flying his own aircraft, the Challenger II. Despite challenges in financing and construction, he gains satisfaction from the process, culminating in successful flights that connect him to fellow aviation enthusiasts.
After months of searching for a suitable plane, I ultimately decided on a Zenair CH-250. My criteria included cross-country capability, affordability, and specific features. I adjusted my budget expectations and learned the importance of realistic pricing and local availability. Insurance proved challenging, but I secured a reasonable quote quickly.
COPA has partnered with Skymark Technologies to provide members with a free electronic pilot logbook called the COPA Flight Log. This software simplifies flight recording for pilots of all levels and includes features like quick data entry, currency checking, and customizable reports. Members can download it from the COPA website and request a serial number for access.
Calgary Recreational Flying Club YYC 