Promoting the safe enjoyment of aviation for pilots, aircraft builders and enthusiasts.
The arrival of spring brings anticipation of the rainy season, with concerns about moisture levels impacting activities. Appreciation is expressed for club members' contributions and assistance during meetings. The narrator reflects on family history involving German POWs during WWII. Future discussions on Calgary's history are also anticipated.
The 2007 John C. Webster Memorial Trophy Competition honors amateur pilots but excludes ultralight and homebuilt aircraft, restricting eligibility. The author questions the competition's validity, arguing that many skilled amateur pilots cannot compete due to these restrictions. They suggest it should be renamed to more accurately reflect its focus on commercial student pilots.
The author wishes everyone a Merry Christmas and shares their excitement about receiving a Panasonic Lumix TZ1 camera for aerial photography. They discuss recent flying events and progress on their aircraft projects, particularly on the Buttercup and Cessna 150. The O-200 engine's benefits for homebuilt aircraft are highlighted, including reliability and affordability.
The author reflects on a month without flying due to cottage construction, missing various aviation events. However, a late September flight amid beautiful weather allowed for stunning photography of fall colors. The author discusses the current aviation film "Flyboys" and clarifies misconceptions about Canadian Light Sport Aircraft certification, highlighting challenges with the Legend Cub.
As summer winds down, the author reflects on a memorable season filled with flights, breakfasts, and stunning views, particularly a trip over Mabel Lake. Notable highlights include a successful aviation season, ongoing aircraft donations, and important maintenance tips. The author looks forward to future meetings and adventures, emphasizing safety and community spirit.
In a busy month, the author managed home renovations and aircraft upgrades, including work on a Cessna 150. After successfully retrieving a salvaged plane in Florida with his father, they encountered delays and icy conditions. The trip proved worthwhile, yielding a core engine and quality parts for future projects, costing $4,000 less than anticipated.
February brought mixed weather but ended positively with a lunch gathering in Lacombe that featured multiple aircraft enthusiasts. The author recently introduced a fellow student to light flying, excelled in class, and continued working on their Buttercup project, focusing on rib construction for wings. Upcoming aviation events are in the pipeline.
The article discusses the importance of choosing the right propeller for different aircraft engines, specifically focusing on the Rotax engine. It highlights the impact of using the wrong propeller, the significance of RPM in achieving maximum thrust, and the preference for fewer blades for efficiency. It also touches on the potential of adjustable pitch propellers for improved fuel economy and the factors to consider when selecting a propeller. The writer emphasizes the role of compromises in determining the most suitable propeller for specific aircraft models and encourages investment for enhanced performance.
The author expresses congratulations to President Paul Hemingson and discusses the vital importance of ballistic parachutes as safety equipment for ultralight aircraft. Despite initial strong convictions, the author observes a declining trend in installations due to lack of recent incidents. The need for chutes is highlighted in the event of in-flight emergencies like control failure or mid-air collision.
In this article, the author shares the wisdom of pilots in handling forced landings, particularly due to engine failures. They emphasize the importance of preparedness, selecting landing sites, and planning the approach. The steps outlined include maintaining speed, choosing a field, planning the approach, cause check, restart attempt, and concentrating on the landing.
Calgary Recreational Flying Club YYC 