Scud running

Not much flying going on with the weather we have been having although some of us did make it to "The place for pie" at the weekend.


An object took flight at King George during the last windstorm and damaged one of our airplanes. I would like to suggest that we all secure any loose objects in our hangers before the next storm to prevent more damage.

New Aviation News Journal Magazine Nov/Dec 2014 ready for you!

Here is the new PDF copy for ANJ Nov/Dec 2014...

Preview MAGZTER copy ONLY below -  at this time (file too big to upload on Pacific Pilot).

Click here:  http://publishers.magzter.com/reader/7275/71283

Print copies available via Subscription (www.aviationnewsjournal.com)

Blue skies...
TEAM ANJ

Pacific Pilot Gathering

Greetings Aviators....

I would like to take this opportunity to update those who couldn't make it to our social gathering last Wednesday night.  I realize the weather was not ideal for driving, in fact a boat would have been a more logical form of transportation that night.

We had some new faces show up, which was wonderful to see.

Rob Halas, Elke Robinson, Bob Barron, Arvind AV, David Bianchi, Vignesh Rajasekar
Gary Morical, Greg Stump, David McIntosh, James Shepherd

There were some great topics shared that should be mentioned here.

• David McIntosh informed the group of an ambitious project in the works to bring an Avro Lancaster from the east coast of Canada to Abbotsford for restoration and display.  The restoration project is in the preliminary stages so stay tuned for more information.
  

• James Shepherd would like new pictures to update the blog banner.  If you have any great group shots please send them to James and he will update the banner.  

Upcoming Events:

• Delta Heritage Air Park pancake breakfast on the 2nd Sunday of each month.  We would like to make a presence and introduce ourselves to the local groups and flying clubs so we will try to arrange a group gathering for these events.
• Langley's pancake breakfast is on the 3rd Sunday of each month, again we should try to make an effort to make a presence there too.
• Remembrance Day ceremony at the Delta Air Park.  Keep an eye on their website for details.

http://www.deltaheritageairpark.org/ 

Remember the Christmas Luncheon on December 14th at 12:00.

Safe Flying,

David Bianchi

Social Gathering

Hello Pacific Pilot friends,

When: OCTOBER 22, 2014
Where: Delta Air park
Time: 1900 hours
What is happening: Pacific Pilot Social gathering at Mary's Place at the Delta air park.

James has generously donated coffee for the night, I will bring sugar and cream.
If anyone would like to bring some treats to share, I'm sure no one would object ;-)

Please feel free to invite anyone you like to come and hang out, meet new people, catch up with old friends.

If you have any questions please e-mail me at dcbianchi12@gmail.com

See you all there,

David Bianchi

Christmas Lunch : 1200: Sunday December 14th at Big Ridge Brewing Co. Restaurant (Surrey, BC)

We are early for announcing and booking our Christmas Lunch, and have already made the reservations at Big Ridge Brewing Co, Restaurant, our usual spot , for December 14th at 1200.

5580 152nd Street, Surrey, BC, CA ·

(604) 574-2739

Pacific Pilots is cordially inviting you and your spouse to have a fabulous time mingling , laughing, telling of our flying adventures of 2014, dreaming about our aviation exploits for 2015, whilst enjoying a scrumptious lunch :  visit with our  growing flying group , see old friends again, and make new friends...welcome!

Vargas Island Trip

Well fellow pacific pilots and followers, we had a gorgeous day for our trip to the west coast of Vancouver Island.  The weather was beyond perfection for flying, not a ripple in the sky.

We started out departing King George Air Park at 0900, and headed north towards Port Moody where we turned westbound to follow Burrard Inlet, transiting through the beautiful downtown harbour.   Following the Sunshine Coast we made our way over Texada Island over to the tip of Denman Island where we turned north again to follow the east coast of Vancouver Island to make our way to Courtenay.  

After fueling up in Courtenay (No Mogas) we took off again and headed west.  Our route took us past the Comox Glacier enroute to Nootka Island.  

Entering Nootka sound the sheer beauty of the west coast opened up to us.  Flying past the light house on the southern tip of Nootka Island we made our way to the west side of the island to find the beach where the stream for Crawfish Lake meets the mighty Pacific Ocean.  

Landing on an ultra smooth sandy beach is an adventure only a few privileged pilots will ever experience.  

We secured the airplanes we wandered over to the outflow stream from Crawfish Lake and admired the pure beauty of our surroundings.

After we had our fill of beauty bliss, we took off again and made our way to Vargas Island.    En route we saw a Humpback whale take a few deep breaths then dive with its mighty tail in the air.  

Next we saw a ton of Sea Lions enjoying the sun on the beach.  

After following the shore line we arrived at Vargas Island where to our great pleasure, Bob Barron, Sharron and Daryl Toorenburgh were already there enjoying all the beach has to offer.  After doing a flyby to check out the best landing spot we touched down and taxied up to say hello.  

Departing Vargas, it was off to Tofino/Long Beach Airport for lunch.  A big thank you to Len who didn't tell Ian and I exactly where the restaurant was. After wondering where the heck Len went, we called his cell phone to find out the Big Kahuna Restaurant is located at the North West corner of the airport!  

After fueling up the airplanes and our bodies we headed home.  

Ian and I followed Highway 4 to Port Alberni, while Len flew around the Southern Tip of Vancouver Island. Two hours later we were safely home back at King George Air park.  

I must bow my head to my co-pilot Rob, who was able to endure 5.7 hours in the back seat of my Titan Tornado!  

Job well done everyone, and I look forward to our next adventure.

Fly Safe,

David

Humpback Whales and Sea Lions on the flight from Nootka Island to Vargas Island.

Sunday on Vargas Island

Hello Pacific Pilots,

It looks like a great weekend comming up for an adventure.

Vargas update: looks like the trend has been fog until 11:00, so I propose traveling up to Courtany, have a break, fuel you body and plane.  Check the fog situatuon over at Vargas at that time, if it has cleared up we go, if not we pick another destination (skys the limit).

If you plan on joining the adventure, we will depart King George at 0900.  Those departing from other airports, we will meet at up at Courtany.

Please invite anyone you think might enjoy the flight.  We are not an exclusive club, all are welcome.

Any one looking for a copilot or travel companion,  please email me at dcbianchi12@gmail.com and we will find you a mate to join you.

Hope to see you all out there. Remember, Safety first.

HAPPY FLYING!

David

September local flying

September means most of the snowpack has melted away.  If you've ever thought to find the "Nazi Gold" bomber up behind Widgeon Lake, now is the time as it is completely free of the snow that usually covers it most the year.  This picture is from the north side looking south, about 5000'. Crash is circled in red.

Had a look at possible sandbars on the upper Pitt River, with the thought of getting close to the hot springs up there.  Didn't really see anything friendly, some bars between the first bridge and the lake, have a look for yourself.

For reasons unknown, the embedded youtube videos don't appear on a mobile device.  I'll add the URL link below them as a "just in case"

upper Pitt River sandbars

From there I whipped over to Stave Lake and had a look at their bars.  Ended up landing on the airstrip.  It's OK, all the loggers and pipelayers are gone for now.

Stave River sandbars and landing

And finally just the takeoff from Stave Lake.

Stave Lake takeoff

Hope you enjoy the armchair flying and it motivates you out into your plane.  The best flying in the world is in your backyard.

PS.  If any of you genuine gravel bar guys see a promising land-able bar in the video's, let us know.