Saturday Sorties

Each Saturday (weather permitting), a group of dedicated member pilots meet for a weekly flight. Some destinations or events are planned far in advance, and others are "show and go". Everyone is invited and encouraged (pilots and passengers) to participate. Contact the Club if you are intersted in getting involved.

Saturday, January 9, was a beautiful day, warm but windy at YBW.  This was a welcome break from the bitterly cold weather we experienced during the previous three weeks.  Five aircraft and their crews took advantage of the fine day by flying to Lacombe.  The captains and aircraft were, in no particular order:  Cessna 177B--FDJO, Don McLean; Cessna 182--FAOR, John Steele; Harmon Rocket--GRLO, Bill Beaton; Diamond DA40--FRTY, Harry Range; Cessna 150--FQIN, Nicholas Janzen.

Paul Keough, Colin Bennet, Harry Range, Pat Spencer, Don McLean, John Steele, Bill Beaton

Alaska Sortie--2009

It was an amazing trip. 9 days in total. 4 aircraft. 10 people. 15 legs for a total of 35 hours in the air depending on which aircraft. Stops included Prince George, Dease Lake, Whitehorse, Mayo, Dawson City, Fairbanks, Bettles, Fort Yukon, Tok, Skagway, Watson Lake, Fort Nelson, Peace River. One aircraft also visited Smithers, Anchorage, and Seward

The scenery was spectacular with highlights being the glaciers between Mt. Logan and Kluane Lake, south from Whitehorse to Skagway via the White Pass, and the wilderness north of Fairbanks. The weather cooperated for the most part and all aircraft ran well without incident. Favorite hangout is likely Dawson City which is slightly touristy but a place like no other on this continent with dirt streets and wooden sidewalks, all to handle permafrost. Favorite approaches were Runway 19 into Whitehorse, Runway 20 into Dawson and Runway 20 into Skagway. Honorable mention to Runway 04 into Fort Yukon over the Yukon River.

The aircraft and personnel were: Diamond DA40,  Harry, Anne and Lisa Range; Cessna 182, Ian Millar, John Steele, Don Schellenberg; Cirrus SR22, Phil and Sonja Wadsworth; Cessna C172, Geoff Connerton and Jamie McMahon. Watch for a time and date this fall for a slide presentation of the trip!

The week-end of July 17, 18, and 19 was an exciting one at the CFC.  The club provided the principal venue for the 2009 COPA National Fly-in Convention, celebrating 100 years of powered flight in Canada.  The event was enjoyed by 750 participants including those who flew in on the first leg of John Lovelace's cross-Canada convoy honoring the century of flight.  Thanks to the 150 volunteers who made this happen.

Volunteer Pilot Program and Donations - Pilots Needed!

Many of you may have frequent flyer points or credit card points that are not being used.  Ever thought about donating them?   Hope Air works to get needy Canadians to medical care by providing free air transportation.  The donations of major airlines, private donors (cash and points) and volunteer private pilots make this possible.  Please visit them online and consider making a point or cash donation.  Hope Air is also looking for volunteer pilots needed for the Prairie Region.  Contact Bill Beaton if your are interested in volunteering for pilot or ground missions.  Volunteer pilots have ½ their fuel cost paid by Shell Aviation and a tax receipt is issued for non-reimbursed operating costs.

Safe journeys and blue skies,
Bill Beaton  C-FAOR  & C-GRLO     
  Director and Past President, Calgary Flying Club  One Passion. Since 1927.
  Member, COPA Flight 14
  Volunteer Pilot, Hope Air