Club gets a twofer....

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...

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 ...

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...

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)

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...

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 ?

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.