Promoting the safe enjoyment of aviation for pilots, aircraft builders and enthusiasts.
The CRUFC is facing a significant decline in membership, down from 64 to 42 members due to insufficient new members and departing ones. A major contributing issue is the lack of ultralight instructors, which hampers training for prospective pilots. Addressing this shortage is essential to reversing membership trends and supporting flying enthusiasts.
On February 1st, during a flight to Red Deer Lake, the narrator experienced a catastrophic aviation accident after colliding with another plane. Despite crashing, the narrator survived with injuries, including a dislocated knee and broken ribs, and received prompt medical assistance. The aircraft, built over 26 years, was irreparably damaged.
On December 17, 2014, the SuperSTOL made its maiden flight after thorough preparation. The pilot conducted several short hops, confirmed its controllability, and completed multiple circuits. The aircraft's performance, especially in slow flight, was remarkable, with take-offs in three seconds and manageable touch downs at low speeds. The pilot plans to accumulate more flying hours for further exploration.
The Calgary Recreational and Ultralight Flying Club is seeking ideas to boost membership and engagement, as general aviation declines. The club's member expresses excitement about recent flying achievements and plans to attend the COPA AGM in Winnipeg. They aim to obtain a private pilot's license and encourage collective flying to Oshkosh.
The SuperSTOL is ready for flight pending Transport Canada’s final paperwork for MDRA inspectors. It features a Rotax 914 engine producing 115hp, weighing 897 lbs, and boasts good ground handling and night flying capabilities. The author is hopeful for flight authority soon, despite previous delays and ongoing adjustments to the aircraft.
The post expresses holiday greetings and reflects on personal desires for Christmas, particularly the wish for more time to work on aviation projects. It shares updates on various aircraft projects and highlights winter flying precautions, including pre-heating engines, checking tire pressure, dressing appropriately, and carrying survival kits. A safe Christmas is wished for all.
The writer recounts their desire to fly to Ram River Falls using the Buzzard aircraft equipped with a Rotax 582 engine, focusing on the challenges of high elevation flying. After completing maintenance and planning the trip with a pilot friend, they successfully navigated to the destination and enjoyed a smooth return flight.
The 2014 COPA for Kids event, intended to give 50 children a flying experience, was unfortunately canceled due to poor weather conditions. Despite dedicated planning by volunteers, attempts to postpone to the next day also failed. The disappointment felt by kids and parents highlighted the impact of weather on aviation events, yet hopes for future flying opportunities remain.
With summer ending, the author reflects on limited flying hours and returns to teaching at SAIT with an increased course load. They discuss their teaching roles, changes in the AME program, and mention a friend's tragic death in a plane crash. Plans for future flying adventures and a tribute to the friend are noted.
Oshkosh 2014 was a remarkable aviation event featuring over 10,000 airplanes, including the One Week Wonder project, where volunteers built a complete aircraft. The unveiling of Sonex's new Turbo engine showcased technological advancements, while the Ultralights barn highlighted innovative designs. The experience was unforgettable, celebrating the spirit of flight and aviation progress.
Calgary Recreational Flying Club YYC 