Kingston Flying Club

Interested in Aeroplanes..?

2010-11-12T11:57:00.002-05:00

Here's a great link to a webpage that has a host of links (including lots of excellent videos) that explain the principles of flight and all sorts of other flying matters...

Many thanks to a middle school teacher, Bridget, who brought this to our attention.

Club Calendar available for order..

2010-10-25T09:54:00.003-04:00

Thanks to the stalwart efforts of some Club members, a 2011 Calendar is now available for pre-order from the Club Line Crew. Priced at just $30 (taxes included) the calendar features recent aerial views of Kingston that will delight friends and relatives. Pre-payment will ensure delivery by mid December, making this an ideal Christmas present. Perhaps you have business associates who would like to have aerial pictures on display each month..

A sample calendar is available for review at the Club. Do have a look when you're next there.

Fall Colours...

2010-10-25T09:50:00.002-04:00

Despite some very unpleasant weather recently, opportunities have arisen to get up and enjoy the Fall colours locally. The two pictures were taken in early October.

Play on Amelia Earhart to run in Kingston

2010-03-26T08:23:00.002-04:00

Kingston's small and exclusive theatre company Theatre 5 is to present a play on the experiences of Amelia Earhart in April. The venue is small, so tickets may go quickly. I can't wait to see how they present any flying scenes...!

"Flying Flapper" finally departs at 98...

2010-03-24T16:36:00.003-04:00

A remarkable female aviator, Elinor Smith, who gained a pilots license at age 16, signed by Orville Wright, has died in the United States this week. A brief article summarizing her remarkable exploits is available here.

Brief Encounter...

2010-03-21T18:34:00.003-04:00

Avery and I had agreed to make a photo sortie over RMC this morning to collect images for next year's calendar. The weather didn't cooperate entirely, but one of Avery's shots can be seen over this entry. We had departed the airport in very light snow, but got a message from Flight Services during our final circuit over the College that conditions were deteriorating. Needless to say, this got our attention and we headed back directly. Within half an hour, the airport was enjoying quite a snow storm.

AGM reports a bumper year...

2010-03-08T07:14:00.002-05:00

Saturday saw the Club's Annual General Meeting held out at the Airport. Attendance was fairly good, but it was a great flying day and absentees may well have been taking advantage of that fact. Reports revealed that 2009, due to the extraordinary efforts of our Board and Club staff was a really good year for us. That said, challenges remain and we all have a part to play in promoting the remarkable services we offer and the opportunities we can extend to many more people. Let's make 2010 an even better year...

Well, would you believe it ?

2010-03-02T10:30:00.003-05:00

Popular Mechanics isn't the first source you think of when it comes to flying trivia, but they recently ran an interesting article on the World's 18 strangest airports..

Click here to read the piece and marvel at the ingenuity of engineers and pilots...

Club gets a twofer....

2010-02-22T15:55:00.005-05:00

Two more of our students successfully completed Flight Tests today. Neil was first to go - and he had tucked the Private Pilot's Test under his belt by lunchtime. Wayne, who had waited for some time to get into the air, was next to face scrutiny. He completed his Test for the Recreational license by 2pm and emerged from debriefing with a huge smile on his face. Kudos to both pilots and to their instructors, Matt and Brandon.

The two accomplishments are noteworthy. Neil's because he started training something like 7 years ago. His pilot number commences 80xxxx. The delayed certification is no reflection on the quality of pilot or training; it's just one of those things. Wayne's achievement is something special because he only soloed on January 10th this year. This makes him possibly the quickest pilot between that milestone and passing a Flight Test that Matt has known.

Caribbean trip provides aircraft excitements...

2010-02-09T09:47:00.005-05:00

It's always good to combine any travel with some airplane porn, so a forced delayed departure from St Maarten (TNCM) because of the East Coast snow storms was greeted with delight. It provided the opportunity to enjoy the sensational views of the runway activity on the international airfield there. Recognized as the shortest international runway certified to handle 747s, the approach is the one that we've all seen in videos coming in over a seaside beach. Yes, it's really that close and that low that the aircraft arrive...The nature of the Caribbean islands, generally quite rugged, with little flat ground, makes the adoption of the STOL-capable Twin Otter by regional airlines a natural fit. This aircraft was typical of the many Otters seen during the afternoon on the approach path.
And the Twin Otter is pretty much the only commercial aircraft capable of getting into the runway on Saba, where there are only 1,300 feet available. It's billed as the shortest, international, commercial runway in the World. Sadly, didn't get to see an aircraft arrive there, but it must be pretty impressive. This T-Shirt, on sale on the Island says it all...

TV Show recalls the Hudson Ditching ...

2010-01-08T08:44:00.003-05:00

Members may be interested to know that The Learning Channel (Cogeco Ch 16) will air a documentary on the ditching of Flight 1549 this coming Sunday evening. Called 'Brace for Impact: the Chesley Sullenberger Story' the programme will be narrated by Harrison Ford (who, incidentally, handed over Chair of EAA's Young Eagles scheme to Sullenberger and Skiles (his co-pilot) late last year).

The programme starts at 8pm local.

New Year greeted in style...

2010-01-02T09:28:00.003-05:00

The Club has a tradition of despatching as many pilots into the skies over Kingston as possible each New Year's Day. Unfortunately, with ceilings measured in the hundreds rather than thousands of feet today, the flying was a bust. But, that didn't stop the casual lunch get-together from going really well. The lounge was quite crowded, and the dishes provided for the pot luck meal were both delicious and varied. Best sight of the day, the two young men who appeared in junior flying jackets emblazoned with various wings and badges... seriously cute..

A poignant moment for everyone present came when Felicity McKendry shared some thoughts on earlier New Years in the Club. She spoke about an early January day when freezing rain had put enough ice on the runways to allow Club members to skate on the airfield's manoeuvring surfaces under a full moon. Memories of her late husband, Spence's early flying experience were also shared very touchingly.

Many thanks to Avery for sowing the seed that became this event - and to Anne-Marie, who organized the Club's resources to make it, as she always does, a place that every visitor feels welcome.

Happy New Year to one and all...!

Ice Pilots ONT - or the Fly-Out Lunch in Lindsey (CNF4)

2009-12-22T15:46:00.001-05:00

It was Avery's suggestion last week that members fly out for a meal in Lindsey - and he got a pretty good take-up on it. Four aircraft (GPOO, GNEU, GTBD, FEAN) and 9 aircrew made the trip, which was good fun, in excellent, but frigid conditions. The food at the airport restaurant, as you can see, was well worth the effort. Add a 20 knot headwind into the equation and you'll see on the accompanying video (click here) that the outbound journey was quite a bit slower than the one made homeward.

Great fun - and a template for future Winter outings... Suggestions for the next destination, anyone ?

Another pilot joins the licensed ranks...

2009-12-21T11:50:00.003-05:00

Jay had a beautiful day today for his Recreational Pilot's Flight Test. Clear blue skies and winds of less than 10 knots made for a really enjoyable experience for everyone concerned. Many congratulations on a great job - and to Matt too, who chalks up another training success for the Club.

Cross Dressing ?

2009-12-21T11:32:00.002-05:00

So, what's Matt up to ? Is this the latest in survival equipment ? Actually, the answer is much simpler - sort of. A friend and hunting buddy has dropped his snowmobile through the ice on a lake up-country. Matt is planning to do some water work to recover the vehicle.

Is this your camera, Sir ?

2009-12-20T17:46:00.004-05:00

So, the question occasionally arises, what would happen if you left your camera unattended around the Club? I guess the accompanying picture answers the question. Matt just couldn't resist leaving Avery some mementoes, when he saw the camera sitting in the lounge. The only question now is, "should we use this shot for Jay's official picture, when he passes his Recreational Licence Flight Test tomorrow ?"

Oshkosh Countdown underway... 218 days to go..

2009-12-20T08:44:00.002-05:00

In case there's anyone out there who hasn't heard yet, there are several Club members heading for the Experimental Aircraft Association's Airventure in Oshkosh next Summer. I guess the initiative came from Avery, who attended in 2009. He inspired Mike and James to make the decision to fly in for the 2010 event. Then, Darren and Ken indicated interest, and when Dave heard about the trip, he signed up too. The more the merrier. There are side trips planned, perhaps, to Sporty's Pilot Shop and the US Air Force Museum in Dayton, Ohio. These would be made either on the way to, or the on the way home from, the main event. Keep an eye on the blog for more news.

By the way, highlights of Airventure in 2010 will include the 75th anniversary of the DC-3 or Dakota, with a mass attendance of these remarkable aircraft, and a similar celebration of the Piper Cherokee, which clocks up 50 years as one of the World's most popular aircraft designs.

Time to spare, go by air - FALSE...

2009-12-20T07:58:00.002-05:00

No names will be mentioned, but one of our members put the lie to the old saw about 'time to spare..' this week. Having spent nearly three frustrating hours waiting for VIA to show up with a delayed train, he called the Club and said, "do you have an aircraft free..? "

And the result, a much quicker trip to Toronto with just the same convenience as rail services provide - delivery right downtown, but on time and after a much more pleasurable experience.

Hats off to the Club for making this possible - and kudos to the enterprising member who came up with the idea...

Perhaps it will catch on...

if you want a hint about who the member was, check out this video - beautifully shot and edited by Sushee...

Matt gets another student onto the Night Flight...

2009-12-20T07:55:00.002-05:00

Matt's annual tally of successful students this year continues to click up, even in the closing days of 2009. Last night, Mike completed the requirements for Night Rating with a solo cross country trip to Smiths Falls (CYSH); a more interesting experience than the 14 circuits completed the night before. With a number of other newer members interested in gaining their Night Ratings, the coming year should start well for Matt too.

Talk on Canada's last VC...

2009-12-03T08:13:00.002-05:00

Don MacNeil will speak about Lt Robert Hampton Gray VC at the Canadian Aviation Museum in Rockcliffe, Ottawa on December 30th at 1 pm. Gray was decorated for his heroic actions during attacks on a Japanese warship in Onagawa Wan, Japan, in August, 1945. His plane, hit by anti-aircraft fire, was downed and his body was never recovered.

Don MacNeil will describe the career and many daring exploits of this gallant Canadian aviator, a member of the Royal Navy's Fleet Air Arm. There is a possibility that a light bus might be hired to transport Club members, if there is sufficient interest. Please mail me to indicate any support for this idea.

Aviation Dinner well supported...

2009-11-29T08:01:00.007-05:00

Kudos to Dave and Lois Tisdale for another excellent Kingston Aviation Dinner. Hosted, as tradition dictates, at the Italo-Canadian Club, where guests enjoy the warmest of hospitality and a delicious meal, the event passed very smoothly. An interesting slide show, prepared by Mike Tisdale, opened the evening. The meal, which offered Turkey or Roast Beef, was first class. After dinner, the usual insights into the 'state of the industry' were delivered by various speakers. Notable amongst these, was the National President and CEO of the Canadian Owners' and Pilots' Association, Kevin Psutka, whose brief address was a model of brevity and clarity. For the record books, one hundred guests attended the Dinner this year.

The after dinner address, by retired Canadian Navy Lt Col D. Glenn Cook gave an interesting first-hand glimpse, from the operational perspective of a Sea King pilot on scene at the time, into the Cuban Missile Crisis. Glenn revealed much about the preamble to the crisis, including privileged information culled from later discussions with Russian submarine commanders by American naval staff studying the period.

Club members interested in aviation history may like to note two upcoming events. On December 30th, in the afternoon, a talk at the Aviation Museum in Ottawa, and in mid January, the Kingston chapter of the Canadian Aviation Historical Society will be meeting. Details will be published here when they are available.

Club Newsletter (DRAFT) up for consideration..

2009-11-26T13:37:00.003-05:00

An initiative to produce an occasional newsletter for the Club has resulted in the posting of a mock-up on the Club website in time for the annual Aviation Dinner this coming Saturday. Everyone's encouraged to have a look and let us have comments (on this weblog will do fine..)

We'd be particularly interested to know if there are areas of interest you'd like to see addressed in a newsletter. For example; aviation book reviews, articles about aircraft types, local aviation history and so on. The choice is yours...

Ground School in full swing..

2009-11-24T09:10:00.003-05:00

This season's ground school has been underway for several weeks. Last night, Al Baldry introduced the class to flight preparations for a cross country trip as part of his navigation component. Completion of the ground school is a key element of the full package of requirements for certification as a pilot. The Club is fortunate to have very experienced instructors who are willing to give their time and share their knowledge with those who seek to become pilots. Al is one of many Club members who provide instruction on the various essential areas of study.

Early Aviation History described..

2009-11-20T14:21:00.004-05:00

Members interested in learning the origins of the Royal Canadian Air Force, and much else besides that relates to Canadian Aviation History, will likely enjoy a book by C.W. Hunt - Dancing in the Sky, the Royal Flying Corps in Canada. Hunt is a Belleville man with 6 earlier books on Canadian history under his belt. Dancing in the Sky tells a tale in which any Canadian can take great pride. Excellent research, the use of contemporary accounts and the rich range of local stories make this a great read for any Club member. Highly recommended and available from Amazon and other good booksellers.

Ice Pilots..? Yes, really !

2009-11-20T13:54:00.004-05:00

If you aren't already aware, check out the information online relating to the new History Channel reality series about Buffalo Airways, a company flying a mix of DC-3, DC-4 and C-46 cargo planes around the North West Territories. There will be 13 episodes, so if you missed the first one, which introduced the owning McBryan family and key aircrew and other figures, there's lots more to come. Before you bemoan the business of using the Herman Nelson to pre-warm our aircraft and the check for icing in Winter time, watch these guys clean a cargo aircraft of snow, balancing on a slippery wing 15 feet off the ground. The adventure starts long before they leave the ground. Conversations among members who saw episode 1 suggest that everyone with an interest in aviation will love this series and its characters. This link will take you to the History Channel's page describing the series and providing the schedule.

Club Pilot supports TV Coverage of Napanee Solar Farm

2009-11-06T23:00:00.004-05:00

The Club's involvement with the media in its 80th year is not always obvious. This week, Sushee, one of our charter pilots, took a news crew from Global TV in Toronto on a trip to observe and record the massive solar farm near Napanee. If you haven't heard about this project, here's a link to an October Reuters News article. This is a major undertaking of some importance.

The results of the filming will be on air on Sunday, November 8th on the Global News (Cogeco Channels 3 / 715) on their evening news bulletins at 6 and 11 pm.

Vintage Aircraft has an outing...

2009-11-06T15:17:00.002-05:00

This morning, Mark, who has authorization to fly the Tiger Moth kept at the Club, decided to take it up for a few circuits. Dave was a very happy passenger. The only drawback to flying this lovely machine is the open cockpit. After a while in the air at this time of year, just below the cloud base (somewhere between 2 and 3 thousand feet today), the portions of the face that are unprotected become extremely cold, Mark reported, and significantly reduce the pleasure to be extracted from flying the biplane. But this is a pilot who's been seen to take the old kite up in mid Winter, with snow on the ground and frost in the air. Expect to see the familiar silhouette of the Moth in Kingston's skies again before long.

A Picture speaks a thousand words...

2009-11-03T13:51:00.003-05:00

The picture of Kaitlyn is telling everyone that she's thrilled to have her flight test and other obstacles to certification behind her. Matt, her very proud instructor, had been trying to catch up with Kaitlyn for a picture ever since she passed her Flight Test on October 18th. Today, he finally did so - in flying conditions that were absolutely great. Can you tell it's just a little cold though - check out Kaitlyn's mittens.

Matt is still trying to get his trio of successful pilots, Kaitlyn, Steve and Scott, together for a group picture. Recording their achievement over the same weekend would be quite something.

Veteran pilot takes to the air..

2009-11-02T13:42:00.004-05:00

I had the privilege this morning of taking an aviator back into the air, who saw his first flying, in postwar Germany, in the 1950s. Hans spent more than 400 recreational hours in a variety of aircraft, including Tiger Moths, the J-3 Cub and the very British Auster, which he didn't like at all. His last flight at the controls was in 1963, but this morning, as a treat from his son-in-law, he sat in the right-hand seat and enjoyed the sensation of flight in a light aircraft again - in near perfect conditions. His delight at the experience is evident...

By the way, we showed him our resident Moth, which he remarked differed only a little from the ones he'd flown in that it has a tail wheel rather than a skid.

July Jump for AIQ officially commemorated...

2009-10-30T13:14:00.002-04:00

This morning a montage of pictures from the fund-raising parachute jump made in July by Anne-Marie and others was installed in the Club. It joins a variety of displays highlighting the Club's 80th Anniversary and brings a welcome splash of colour to the wall, just inside the front door.

Flying Club well represented at Bush Pilot Talk...

2009-10-21T23:08:00.002-04:00

Felicity McKendry is shown having her copy of Gene Manion's book, "Flying on the Edge" signed by the author after an excellent talk he gave to a meeting of the Wolfe Island Historical Society. The talk, which lasted just over an hour, gave some amazing insights into the practical, and political, challenges faced by those who provided aviation services to an impoverished Newfoundland from the early 1960s on. Manion, originally a Wolfe Islander, moved to Newfoundland in 1960 after 7 years as a pilot with the RCAF, flying the CF-100. Despite daunting conditions and significant business rivalries, he went on, over several decades, to build the most successful aviation service company around, with more than a dozen aircraft, including a four-engined transport and a number of contracted helicopters. Members of the Club present, besides Felicity, included James Baldwin and Mike Hill. Anyone wishing to pick up a copy of Gene Manion's excellent book can find details, including ordering information, here.

Want your aviation news in video...?

2009-10-21T08:34:00.000-04:00

If you have some time on your hands (study for exams got too much for you, perhaps?) this website features aviation news in video. Despite the relentless injection of short advertising clips, the content is varied and frequently exciting. An article on the Granleys, who have two generations in Canadian military flying, including Snowbird work, features a lot of display footage. Enjoy !

Forgotten Luxury of an Historic Airliner..

2009-10-21T07:49:00.003-04:00

Many thanks to Al Baldry for information about this historic aircraft's restoration. Eighty years on, Vintage Aircraft (a Division of the EAA) has produced an article (click here to read it) about the Boeing 40C pictured above (US Reg N5339. No year of manufacture is given, but the restoration article indicates that the aircraft went down in October 1928. A hint of the pleasures of early airline travel can be gained from this picture of the interior luxury (note, the pilot sat in an open cockpit!).

And the crowning glory, for those on broadband, the restorers delightful video about the project - with FLYING footage...!

The home website of the marvellous Pemberton family, who have many more historic aircraft in their hangars, can be reached by clicking here. What a great job they are doing...

Practical Nostalgia...

2009-10-21T07:42:00.000-04:00

So, you've always had that desire to own and fly a Spitfire, but worries about being able to keep it serviced have kept you from making the final move.. Now, there's no need to worry. Click this link to order the Haynes Spitfire Workshop Manual. You know you want to.

Matt scores a hat trick - Congratulations to our three intrepid aviators..

2009-10-18T17:00:00.002-04:00

Many congratulations to the three pilots who successfully tackled their Flight Tests this weekend. Kaitlyn, Scott and Steve all did their instructors, and the Club, proud. It will make for a memorable weekend for all concerned. Hopefully, the achievement will pave the way for much more active flying within the Club, although at least one successful pilot is due to leave Kingston shortly. Although we're missing Kaitlyn's picture (it's traditional that we conduct at least one flight test in the gathering darkness eh, Glenn?) we do have pictures of two very happy pilots and a proud instructor. We'll catch up with Kaitlyn's picture before long.

Bush Flying Talk announced...

2009-10-18T16:59:00.000-04:00

This coming Wednesday, at 7 pm, Gene Manion, a bush pilot with many tales to tell of flying in Newfoundland, where he ran the largest private air services operation after a career in the Air Force, will discuss his adventures and his recently released book, "Flying on the Edge". The talk will take place in the United Church Hall, which is on Victoria Street. Do note that the Wolfe Island Ferry is now running to its Winter Dock - taking the 6 o'clock boat is recommended.

Always a pleasant surprise at Corporate Aircraft..

2009-10-14T14:07:00.005-04:00

When you're lucky enough to make fairly regular trips to Oshawa with Club aircraft for servicing, it's always interesting to see what's sitting in the hangar of our AMO, Corporate Aircraft Restorations. Today, the team were working on various aircraft, all of them immensely important to their owners. But, the aeroplane that stood out amongst the others was at the back of the hangar, close to the office complex. A beautiful, camouflage-painted Hawker Hurricane is in for some work from the collection of historic aircraft owned by Ed Russell. The aircraft, a Mark XII, was originally built in 1942 There are some great pictures of it in the open air on Airliners.Net. Enjoy!

Jim makes it a double today...

2009-10-12T18:13:00.003-04:00

Jim was the second pilot to place himself in the hands of an examiner today. Getting into the air only after the cloud began to descend and the winds were a little stronger, he faced all the same challenges as Phillip - and maybe a few more besides. The great news is that he met all the required standards to achieve a pass and clear the Flight Test hurdle; something for all of us to celebrate at Thanksgiving.

Another Pilot joins the ranks...

2009-10-12T13:30:00.001-04:00

Phillip completed the long journey to full certification this morning by successfully tacking the formal Flight Test. Conditions were very good, with high, broken clouds ensuring that there was no glare, and winds light enough to be almost negligible. All those conditions combined to ensure that Phillip was over the test hurdle by 1:30 pm. Congratulations on a great performance.

Book me in for the Flight Test - the Written is behind me..

2009-10-12T13:15:00.000-04:00

It's not clear that Scott actually said that this morning after he cracked the Transport Canada written exam, but I'm sure that it's what he was feeling. Most people believe that the most daunting aspect of gaining certification is successfully passing the four written papers. With that behind him, Scott is ready to tackle the pure delight of the Flight Test.

Piper Tri-Pacer pops in for breakfast..

2009-10-10T13:25:00.002-04:00

This locally owned Piper Tri-Pacer, based on Wolfe Island, was the first aircraft to make it into CYGK for our Fly-In Breakfast, taking advantage of a short break in the rain showers and occasional thunderstorms that marked the first hour or so of the event.

Ultralight Eagle..

2009-10-10T13:12:00.005-04:00

This Challenger Ultralight from the Kingston Ultralight Club was one of the aircraft to brave the elements and make it into Kingston for our Fly-In Breakfast on October 4th. It sported a very well executed Eagle paint job, which the pilot remarked had, 'come with the airplane'.

Unusual Aircraft at the Fly-In

2009-10-10T08:05:00.005-04:00

Perhaps the most unusual aircraft to fly in for the Club's breakfast last weekend was a Velocity, which made it down from Arnprior. Certainly deserving of the description 'complex aircraft', this type features a pusher engine, canard foreplanes, swept wings and retractable undercarriage. As the name and appearance strongly suggest, this is a fast aircraft, with sustained cruise speeds in excess of 175 Knots. To really see this aircraft type to best advantage, watch this video compiled at Air Venture's Velocity Cook-Out.

Historic Jet visits Kingston

2009-10-09T21:56:00.006-04:00

The weekend of October 4th was an important one for the Club. As part of the Fly-In Breakfast organized to celebrate our 80th Anniversary - in the 100th Anniversary Year of powered flight in Canada - we were honoured to have the F-86 Sabre Jet currently flying in the famous colours of the Golden Hawks aerobatic team join us in Kingston.

The accompanying photographs are just a few of the dozens dedicated to capturing the presence of this wonderful example of a flying historic aircraft.

Glenn rounds off a great day..!

2009-06-21T19:19:00.002-04:00

Glenn brings his aircraft to the ground, after a successful flight test, with landing lights on and in the gathering dusk. He'd had a long day's wait to demonstrate his proficiency, but that didn't daunt him at all. Congratulations on a great job... Another certified pilot joins the ranks.

Fundraising under way for AIQ's Engine Transplant

2009-02-13T17:27:00.002-05:00

The Club has begun a campaign to raise funds to replace the engine in AIQ. With $30K needed, it may take a while, but every purchase made through the Club store will go towards the total. If you've been holding off buying something - now's the time to do so...

It's in everybody's best interests...

A very special bottle of wine..

2009-02-13T08:14:00.000-05:00

Nearing completion of ground school, and working on flight planning, Glenn is seen behind a congratulatory bottle of wine given to him by Al Baldry to celebrate his first solo on February 4th.