Promoting the safe enjoyment of aviation for pilots, aircraft builders and enthusiasts.
After nearly a year, the author sold his 1947 Aeronca Chief, which required significant effort to restore. The buyer, inexperienced with tailwheel aircraft, received guidance from the author. Following the sale, the author began searching for a replacement plane, considering various models like the Cessna 170 and PA-20, amid challenges finding the right one.
October was a month of contrasting experiences in aviation, featuring beautiful weather and exciting events like the Airbus A380's inaugural flight. However, the month also had a tragic side, with several light aircraft accidents, sparking media frenzy. Despite this, personal flying adventures and community events continued to thrive among aviation enthusiasts.
The article describes the author's journey in building a single-seat ultralight airplane, inspired by his wife's title suggestion. He details the process of acquiring parts, the importance of center of gravity, and the challenges of construction, reflecting on the joys and demands of this new passion project, likened to a demanding mistress.
Many countries, including Canada, aim to adopt the US Light Sport Aircraft (LSA) standards, which differ slightly from Canadian Advanced Ultralight (AULA) regulations. The LSA's weight limit is higher, and their standards are more costly. The author advocates for updating AULA standards to allow more flexibility in maintenance and repairs.
October is approaching rapidly, prompting a call for contributions from club members about their summer flying experiences. The author reflects on a busy September, balancing cabin work with aviation activities, including attending a Fly-In breakfast. They've been experimenting with their airplane's airspeed indicator and pushing flying techniques.
The summer weather has hindered flying plans, with August proving disappointing. School has resumed after 18 years, leading to challenges with orientation, but support from instructors boosts morale. The course involves practical hands-on training and safety measures, while tool purchases assist in meeting requirements. A busy month limits article production, but future updates are anticipated.
As summer ends with kids back in school, the writer reflects on memorable flying experiences, including visits to aviation museums and a flight adventure to Tofino. They also found joy in instructing, emphasizing the importance of rudder control for smooth landings. Excitement builds for upcoming meetings and future adventures.
The Nelson fly-in breakfast trip involved a logistical challenge due to uncertain weather conditions. After evaluating the forecast, the author and Ken Beanlands decided to proceed. They flew successfully through turbulent conditions, enjoyed the breakfast, and returned home smoothly, marking a memorable mountain flying experience for Ken's 40th birthday.
Aircraft bolts are crucial for design, construction, and maintenance. Only use certified AN/NAS/MS bolts for reliability. Proper tightening is vital; too loose risks failure, while over-tightening can weaken components. Safety locking methods are essential to prevent loosening. For comprehensive guidance, refer to AC 43.13-1B/2A and the "Motorbooks International" handbook.
Last year, I purchased a 1947 Piper PA-12 and flew it home from Columbus, Ohio to Canada. The journey involved meticulous pre-flight planning, several stops across the U.S., and navigating various weather conditions. Despite challenges, I successfully completed the 1,760-mile trip in 19.2 hours with great satisfaction.
Calgary Recreational Flying Club YYC 