Friday, January 22, 2016
U.S Airspace issue resolved.
Canadian GA and business aircraft can again take shortcuts over U.S. airspace on their way to Canadian destinations. The FAA has amended a NOTAM issued a couple of weeks ago that made such overflights illegal without special security measures. As we reported last week, the NOTAM, apparently issued at the request of the TSA, cancelled the decades-long agreement between the two countries that allowed Canadian aircraft to transit U.S. airspace without security or Customs requirements. The NOTAM caught authorities and groups on both sides of the border by surprise and caused some major headaches for private and commercial operators who had to take long detours around the U.S. border or risk interception by U.S. authorities. It was apparently all a mistake but one that took two weeks to resolve, said Canadian Owners and Pilots Association President Bernard Gervais.
"The subsequent 15 days required relentless discussions and communications between COPA, AOPA, IAOPA, Canadian Business Aviation Association, Air Transport Association of Canada, FAA, Transport Canada, and more," Gervais said. "This event was apparently an oversight, a mistake and unfortunately normal protocol between TSA/FAA and our Transport Canada Civil Aviation Security was skipped or forgotten." Gervais said the matter has been a learning experience on both sides of the border. "COPA received assurance that such an event would not repeat itself without proper coordination," he said. "Canadian and U.S. staff pulled together in an amazing collaboration to resolve this issue."
Sunday, January 17, 2016
Live Web Cam: Delta Heritage Air Park (CAK3)
Greetings All,
Winter seems to have me flying a bit less, so adventures are somewhat limited. During this cabin fever season I came across the link to the Delta Heritage Air Park Live Webcam which I had heard about forever, but never got around to actually checking out.
The link is below. To use it, follow the instructions. It's very easy.
Click the "remember log-in" button so you don't have to fill in the log-in info every time you want to use it.
This webcam is a very handy tool to let you know what the conditions are like at CAK3. A great thing to check if you're headed to the pancake breakfast, a fly-in, or meeting friends there before heading out on an adventure of your own.
http://www.deltaheritageairpark.org/videoCam.html
If there's a grey Mazda 3 parked next to the RAA hangar, that will usually mean that I'm there, or airborne.
The Webcam is mounted to the building that houses Mary's Place (Coffee shop) and is pointed North. In view you can see the fuel pumps, the windsock, and the RAA hangar on which the windsock is mounted.
The RAA hangar, as well as the paved taxiway running across the webcam view in the foreground are roughly aligned with the grass runway (25/07). The white picket fence aligns approximately perpendicular to that. This is a good tool for judging the conditions at CAK3, and you can get good idea of the crosswind component, but obviously decisions to land in any sort of adverse conditions lie solely with the PIC. Just sayin'.
While we wait for Spring to arrive, feel free to pass along any tools or pieces of knowledge that we can post here to help make 2016 a safe and enjoyable year for us all.
Happy winter flying!
Cheers,
David M
Winter seems to have me flying a bit less, so adventures are somewhat limited. During this cabin fever season I came across the link to the Delta Heritage Air Park Live Webcam which I had heard about forever, but never got around to actually checking out.
The link is below. To use it, follow the instructions. It's very easy.
Click the "remember log-in" button so you don't have to fill in the log-in info every time you want to use it.
This webcam is a very handy tool to let you know what the conditions are like at CAK3. A great thing to check if you're headed to the pancake breakfast, a fly-in, or meeting friends there before heading out on an adventure of your own.
http://www.deltaheritageairpark.org/videoCam.html
If there's a grey Mazda 3 parked next to the RAA hangar, that will usually mean that I'm there, or airborne.
The Webcam is mounted to the building that houses Mary's Place (Coffee shop) and is pointed North. In view you can see the fuel pumps, the windsock, and the RAA hangar on which the windsock is mounted.
The RAA hangar, as well as the paved taxiway running across the webcam view in the foreground are roughly aligned with the grass runway (25/07). The white picket fence aligns approximately perpendicular to that. This is a good tool for judging the conditions at CAK3, and you can get good idea of the crosswind component, but obviously decisions to land in any sort of adverse conditions lie solely with the PIC. Just sayin'.
While we wait for Spring to arrive, feel free to pass along any tools or pieces of knowledge that we can post here to help make 2016 a safe and enjoyable year for us all.
Happy winter flying!
Cheers,
David M
Saturday, January 16, 2016
Monday, January 11, 2016
Friday, January 8, 2016
Airspace changes for U.S airspace.
This notice just came for COPA regarding airspace changes. Please be aware. I will will update this notice as we learn more about the changes.
U.S. has
tightened cross-border aircraft security.
The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration issued a NOTAM on
Jan. 1 that significantly changes cross-border operations for Canadian
aircraft.
The NOTAM appears to require the operator of any Canadian aircraft
to obtain a waiver from the FAA to fly in U.S. airspace.
Before the NOTAM was issued, Canadian aircraft were allowed
to transit U.S. airspace without notifying U.S. Customs or security authorities
as long as their destination was another Canadian airport.
There are numerous shortcuts across U.S. airspace used by
Canadian pilots to get from one domestic airport to another and this NOTAM
appears to add a layer of bureaucracy to those flights. Pilots who ignore the
directive could find an F-16 or Blackhawk helicopter on their wing, according
to the NOTAM.
The measure was apparently imposed without consultation and
it seemed to take authorities on this side of the border by surprise.
The Canadian Owners and Pilots Association has put the
following notice on its Web site.
“Urgent to all Canadian pilots as of January 1st, 2016, U.S.
NOTAM FDC 5/6289, requiring a U.S. TSA approval for “all” flights through U.S.
airspace. COPA is currently working with authorities to resolve this issue.”
COPA Flight 6
Email: copaflight6@gmail.com
Blog: copaflight6.blogspot.ca
Thursday, January 7, 2016
NEW Aviation News & Lifestyle Magazine Jan/Feb 2016
Hi Aviators!
Here is your NEW Aviation News & Lifestyle Magazine Jan/Feb 2016
Because the file is too big to post here, we can give you the link that works on all electronic devices to download and read - whenever - wherever: Enjoy!
http://www.tinyurl.com/ANJMagzter
For the next ANJ March/April 2016 issue , your ad booking and article /photo submission deadline is February 20th, 2016
email your AD and copy material to: aviationnewsjournal@live.com
Happy and fabulous 2016!
TEAM ANJ and Elke Robinson
604.897.4749
Here is your NEW Aviation News & Lifestyle Magazine Jan/Feb 2016
Because the file is too big to post here, we can give you the link that works on all electronic devices to download and read - whenever - wherever: Enjoy!
http://www.tinyurl.com/ANJMagzter
For the next ANJ March/April 2016 issue , your ad booking and article /photo submission deadline is February 20th, 2016
email your AD and copy material to: aviationnewsjournal@live.com
Happy and fabulous 2016!
TEAM ANJ and Elke Robinson
604.897.4749
Sunday, January 3, 2016
New Years Day Flight – As the Props Turns - around the Lions!
I have a great view of the North Shore mountains and The Lions (also
known as the Twin Sisters) when taking my lunch walk at work. Every time I look at them I think “one day
I’m going fly around them”. Today I
did! While I flew, Darrell took some
amazing pictures.
But first I’ll start at the beginning of the day… New Years
day… we look out the window and see nothing but white. Fog everywhere. I don’t give up, I log on, to Ian’s King
George web-cam and yes, the airport was clear!
(Thank you Ian! Your cam is
amazing.)
We made the plan to fly The Lions last night, so I was
really excited to get going. Breakfast,
the Chevron for fuel, fuel in, gear in, inspection… oops, a bolt is missing
from the right side wheel pant. Found a
spare in the trailer and got that on.
Last check of cowling and fuel caps… one cap looks off and a closer
inspection found it not completely tight.
After much fiddling we finally got it closed using a wrench. Why is it so hard to close, when yesterday it
was fine? Hmmm.
Wheels up and we’re off to Delta Heritage Park for their New
Year’s Day Open House. Visited with
friends and enjoyed great snacks and coffee.
“Thank you DHP!”
A Flight Services call for a wind report, and James as our ‘Reliable Buddy on the ground’ with our planned route, we were off. Straight across Burnaby to the North Shore, Van
Tml wouldn’t give us clearance, so we stayed under 1200 until we reached Van Harbour.
Then the climb began.
Not a puff of wind, not a cloud in the sky.
The Lions
And then the mountains…. Wanting to approach from the West, we flew over Cypress ski hill, which was packed with skiers.
Looking North
Over the Inlet we climbed to 6000 ft and turned East
approaching from the West
The East Lion
A slow decent to the East
along the edge of the fog,
the hi rises near Coquitlam Centre
and over the Port Mann bridge, back home to King George
This flight was a dream come true, with no wind and clear blue skies. (fog on the ground doesn't count :o)
Happy New Year everyone!
From Darrell & Sharon
C-IZIM
Sunday, December 27, 2015
EVENT INVITATION: Franks on the Fraser (Jan 2nd) 2016
Hi Gang,
Every year the Gravel Bar Cowboys host a new years weenie roast. Below is the information forwarded to us about the event:
This is an open invitation to join us on the Fraser River gravel bars for the 5th annual Franks on the Fraser wiener roast.
The date is Saturday Jan.2 about noonish.
We will try and have the bonfire/windsock going way before then. Bring your own food to burn and as always landing is totally at PILOTS DISCRETION. Attached is a map showing the preferred #1 location but it may have to be moved if the snow is too deep. Look for us we will be there on the river somewhere.
Have fun be safe,
KenW
Posted by:
David McIntosh
purecanuck@hotmail.com
Every year the Gravel Bar Cowboys host a new years weenie roast. Below is the information forwarded to us about the event:
This is an open invitation to join us on the Fraser River gravel bars for the 5th annual Franks on the Fraser wiener roast.
The date is Saturday Jan.2 about noonish.
We will try and have the bonfire/windsock going way before then. Bring your own food to burn and as always landing is totally at PILOTS DISCRETION. Attached is a map showing the preferred #1 location but it may have to be moved if the snow is too deep. Look for us we will be there on the river somewhere.
Have fun be safe,
KenW
Posted by:
David McIntosh
purecanuck@hotmail.com
Friday, December 18, 2015
2015: David McIntosh's Flying Year in Review
With 2015 soon coming to a close, I thought I would recap the best year of my life, so far. The following is a mainly pictorial
"Year in Review" describing the places I flew to and the amazing
people I met along the way.
It all started out near the end of 2014 when Elke Robinson introduced me to my soon to be best friend David Bianchi. I was complaining to Elke about the Jodel I had been flying and how it had been down all that previous summer for maintenance, and in fact, was still down. She told me I should give David Bianchi a call and fly with him in his Titan Tornado until the Jodel got back on her feet. To make a long story short (You're welcome Leon), David and I soon became good friends, and from there the flying adventures ensued through our involvement in the Pacific Pilots group. I've put links after each flight so you can ready the full "author" length version, if you'd like.
The first Adventure that the David's went on was up to Powell River with James and Stumpy (Greg). I hadn't flown up there in years and it was the first time I got to check out Julie's Airport Cafe, which is a very nice restaurant a quick stroll down the road from the airport. Powell River Blog
In December David and I flew up to Sechelt to visit my friend Nicole who had invited us up there to attend a Boxing Day Party. Because of the limited hours of sunlight, our visit was quick, but none-the-less a very enjoyable one. Boxing Day in Sechelt Blog
Before the end of 2014, we also managed to get over to Victoria (CYYJ) for a poke around the airport. We found where the Royal Canadian Air Cadet program was having their new Cessna 182 towplanes customized, and we also found the home of the then engineless PBY-5A Canso/Catalina of the Catalina Preservation Society. Victoria Visit Blog
Then, there was the unintentional multi-day New Years adventure to Powell River that saw many different members of my aviation family coming together to save the day when I had a flat tire on the Jodel. Thank you to Jason Binns, Patrick Riley, and Gary Johnson for all of your help! New Years Blog #1 New Years Blog #2
Our next little trip was a low level inspection of the Fraser River on our way to and from Chilliwack. We were joined by Peter in his very nice little Folgore. The pie was good! Pi O'Clock Blog
In fact, it was that day, sitting in the cafe eating our pie right around 3:14pm that I came up with the concept of the Pi Day Fly-in at Chilliwack. Pi Day was going to be March (Third month) 14th, which math nerds would appreciate roughly translates to 3.14, π! We spoke with the airport restaurant and wheels were turning to make it a fun little event and a great excuse to bring a bunch of pilots together. Sadly though, the weather conditions were not conducive to flight on the day of the event, so we elected to have a get together in Ladner at Speeds Pub, followed by getting some pie from the local bakery and enjoying it in the RAA roundhouse at Delta Air Park. Sadly, word hadn't spread quickly enough, because Guido ended up posting a picture of his wrist watch and the easily recognizable floor tiles in the background letting us all know he had actually gotten to CYCW, and was alone. Clearly, the wind didn't bother him at all!
Our next little trip was indeed to CYCW and it consisted of a 3-plane group. David B in the Tornado, Jen (David Bianchi's wife) and I in the Jodel, and James and Jodi in James' Coyote II. It was a nice day out and an error in my judgement led me to a reminder to never make assumptions and to always error on the side of safety. Thankfully nobody was hurt and nothing got pranged, but I did walk away somewhat embarrassed, but better off having learned from my mistake. Chilliwack Blog
I pleasant flight out to Rowena's was our next adventure. It happened to be the Bianchi's wedding anniversary lunch, so after finishing up the annual on the Jodel, I again took Jen in the Jodel and David B flew solo in the Tornado up to Rowena's for a nice meal. Bianchi Anniversary Blog
The next adventure we went on was amazing. I was part of a 3-plane group that flew up to Squamish to take aerobatic lessons with the extraordinary aerobatics instructor, Jodi Rueger. The plane we would be using for our lessons wouldn't be any of the planes we flew up in, but rather a more appropriate airplane, Glacier Air's Super Decathlon. Considering how much fun we all had, we ended up organizing a second visit to Squamish for some more upside-down flying time, which attracted even more airplanes to fly up the second time. Again, this was a beautifully memorable experience. Aerobatics Day Blog #1 Aerobatics Day Blog #2
The Double David's along with Jen, James, and Stumpy also managed to fly over to Qualicum Beach to visit David Bianchi's parents who live close the airport. We had a very nice lunch at the excellent restaurant located in the airport terminal building, and then with the departure of James and Stumpy, the rest of us took a short drive to go explore the Little Qualicum Cheese farm. Qualicum Beach Blog
After that, was the Great Vargas Fly-in (May 9th), which started out as what we thought would be a small event, but it soon ballooned into one of the most memorable moments of my life, seeing 16 airplanes and a helicopter bring over 30 people and a deaf dog to one of the most stunning beaches on the wild west coast of Vancouver Island. The Great Vargas Fly-in Blog
A nearly as cool fly-out happened soon after, and it was our trip to Texada Island. I want to keep it a bit of a secret, so I'll just say it was incredibly fun, included airplanes, beaches, fresh oysters, and a pearl! It was also the first time my sister, Tessa, joined us on one of our flying adventures. Texada Island Blog
The next family member to take flying as part of the Pacific Pilot group was my dad, Daryl. He and I flew up to Courtenay Airpark where we met up with David B, Len, Lee, and David B's parents. After Len and Lee took off for home, the rest of us drove into Comox and had a nice late lunch at the Black Fin Pub. Courtenay Blog
Later in the summer the Double David's took part in the memorial service for Gary Morical. Gary had passed away in an aviation accident the day before our trip to Vargas, of which he had intended to fly out with us. The memorial service was our chance to thank him for his friendship which had too quickly come to an end, and to hear how he touched the hearts of so many people in the local aviation community. Gary's Memorial Blog
June 14th saw the Double David's first participation in the 99's famous Poker Run. This event was so much fun and we only wish the Jodel was faster and the day longer, so we could have visited more of the participating airports and met more of the great participants and volunteers. Poker Run Blog
A couple weeks later I flew down to Ephrata, Washington solo in the Jodel to volunteer at the IAC Apple Cup Aerobatic Competition. I had previously taken a course on aerobatic judging, and this was my chance to put my newly learned skills to practice.
In August, David Bianchi and I flew his Tornado, and James' shared Murphy Renegade to Abbotsford for the full duration of the Abbotsford International Airshow. James also brought his Coyote, Sharon and Darryl brought their Eurofox, and Leon brought his Symphony. The event was great, and we had a lot of wonderful interactions with the airshow visitors. There was a lot of interest in the neat little ultralights we had brought to the show. I think we'll be back next year! Abbotsford Airshow Blog
Following the Abbotsford Airshow, a group of Pacific Pilots also flew out to the Chilliwack Airshow, a smaller, but just as enjoyable gathering of airplanes and aviators. On our way home, I actually managed to get the Jodel into King George Airpark, aided by a decent headwind. That was a first!
Almost lastly, was my return to Ephrata, WA in September. This time I participated in my first aerobatic competition, called Apple Turnover. Again, I had an absolutely wonderful time, and it deserves its own blog post.
That's about it! Thank you to everyone that made my 2015 so amazing! I look forward to 2016 with much anticipation! The way I see it, we've only just begun to scratch the surface of what kind of flying we can do in the Vancouver area.
So, that's just my experience over the last 12 months. I know there are a lot of you out there that have had your own amazing adventures too. I encourage you to post your own "Year in Review" and share some of your favourite moments.
It all started out near the end of 2014 when Elke Robinson introduced me to my soon to be best friend David Bianchi. I was complaining to Elke about the Jodel I had been flying and how it had been down all that previous summer for maintenance, and in fact, was still down. She told me I should give David Bianchi a call and fly with him in his Titan Tornado until the Jodel got back on her feet. To make a long story short (You're welcome Leon), David and I soon became good friends, and from there the flying adventures ensued through our involvement in the Pacific Pilots group. I've put links after each flight so you can ready the full "author" length version, if you'd like.
The first Adventure that the David's went on was up to Powell River with James and Stumpy (Greg). I hadn't flown up there in years and it was the first time I got to check out Julie's Airport Cafe, which is a very nice restaurant a quick stroll down the road from the airport. Powell River Blog
In December David and I flew up to Sechelt to visit my friend Nicole who had invited us up there to attend a Boxing Day Party. Because of the limited hours of sunlight, our visit was quick, but none-the-less a very enjoyable one. Boxing Day in Sechelt Blog
Before the end of 2014, we also managed to get over to Victoria (CYYJ) for a poke around the airport. We found where the Royal Canadian Air Cadet program was having their new Cessna 182 towplanes customized, and we also found the home of the then engineless PBY-5A Canso/Catalina of the Catalina Preservation Society. Victoria Visit Blog
Then, there was the unintentional multi-day New Years adventure to Powell River that saw many different members of my aviation family coming together to save the day when I had a flat tire on the Jodel. Thank you to Jason Binns, Patrick Riley, and Gary Johnson for all of your help! New Years Blog #1 New Years Blog #2
Our next little trip was a low level inspection of the Fraser River on our way to and from Chilliwack. We were joined by Peter in his very nice little Folgore. The pie was good! Pi O'Clock Blog
In fact, it was that day, sitting in the cafe eating our pie right around 3:14pm that I came up with the concept of the Pi Day Fly-in at Chilliwack. Pi Day was going to be March (Third month) 14th, which math nerds would appreciate roughly translates to 3.14, π! We spoke with the airport restaurant and wheels were turning to make it a fun little event and a great excuse to bring a bunch of pilots together. Sadly though, the weather conditions were not conducive to flight on the day of the event, so we elected to have a get together in Ladner at Speeds Pub, followed by getting some pie from the local bakery and enjoying it in the RAA roundhouse at Delta Air Park. Sadly, word hadn't spread quickly enough, because Guido ended up posting a picture of his wrist watch and the easily recognizable floor tiles in the background letting us all know he had actually gotten to CYCW, and was alone. Clearly, the wind didn't bother him at all!
Our next little trip was indeed to CYCW and it consisted of a 3-plane group. David B in the Tornado, Jen (David Bianchi's wife) and I in the Jodel, and James and Jodi in James' Coyote II. It was a nice day out and an error in my judgement led me to a reminder to never make assumptions and to always error on the side of safety. Thankfully nobody was hurt and nothing got pranged, but I did walk away somewhat embarrassed, but better off having learned from my mistake. Chilliwack Blog
I pleasant flight out to Rowena's was our next adventure. It happened to be the Bianchi's wedding anniversary lunch, so after finishing up the annual on the Jodel, I again took Jen in the Jodel and David B flew solo in the Tornado up to Rowena's for a nice meal. Bianchi Anniversary Blog
The next adventure we went on was amazing. I was part of a 3-plane group that flew up to Squamish to take aerobatic lessons with the extraordinary aerobatics instructor, Jodi Rueger. The plane we would be using for our lessons wouldn't be any of the planes we flew up in, but rather a more appropriate airplane, Glacier Air's Super Decathlon. Considering how much fun we all had, we ended up organizing a second visit to Squamish for some more upside-down flying time, which attracted even more airplanes to fly up the second time. Again, this was a beautifully memorable experience. Aerobatics Day Blog #1 Aerobatics Day Blog #2
The Double David's along with Jen, James, and Stumpy also managed to fly over to Qualicum Beach to visit David Bianchi's parents who live close the airport. We had a very nice lunch at the excellent restaurant located in the airport terminal building, and then with the departure of James and Stumpy, the rest of us took a short drive to go explore the Little Qualicum Cheese farm. Qualicum Beach Blog
After that, was the Great Vargas Fly-in (May 9th), which started out as what we thought would be a small event, but it soon ballooned into one of the most memorable moments of my life, seeing 16 airplanes and a helicopter bring over 30 people and a deaf dog to one of the most stunning beaches on the wild west coast of Vancouver Island. The Great Vargas Fly-in Blog
A nearly as cool fly-out happened soon after, and it was our trip to Texada Island. I want to keep it a bit of a secret, so I'll just say it was incredibly fun, included airplanes, beaches, fresh oysters, and a pearl! It was also the first time my sister, Tessa, joined us on one of our flying adventures. Texada Island Blog
The next family member to take flying as part of the Pacific Pilot group was my dad, Daryl. He and I flew up to Courtenay Airpark where we met up with David B, Len, Lee, and David B's parents. After Len and Lee took off for home, the rest of us drove into Comox and had a nice late lunch at the Black Fin Pub. Courtenay Blog
Later in the summer the Double David's took part in the memorial service for Gary Morical. Gary had passed away in an aviation accident the day before our trip to Vargas, of which he had intended to fly out with us. The memorial service was our chance to thank him for his friendship which had too quickly come to an end, and to hear how he touched the hearts of so many people in the local aviation community. Gary's Memorial Blog
June 14th saw the Double David's first participation in the 99's famous Poker Run. This event was so much fun and we only wish the Jodel was faster and the day longer, so we could have visited more of the participating airports and met more of the great participants and volunteers. Poker Run Blog
A couple weeks later I flew down to Ephrata, Washington solo in the Jodel to volunteer at the IAC Apple Cup Aerobatic Competition. I had previously taken a course on aerobatic judging, and this was my chance to put my newly learned skills to practice.
In August, David Bianchi and I flew his Tornado, and James' shared Murphy Renegade to Abbotsford for the full duration of the Abbotsford International Airshow. James also brought his Coyote, Sharon and Darryl brought their Eurofox, and Leon brought his Symphony. The event was great, and we had a lot of wonderful interactions with the airshow visitors. There was a lot of interest in the neat little ultralights we had brought to the show. I think we'll be back next year! Abbotsford Airshow Blog
Following the Abbotsford Airshow, a group of Pacific Pilots also flew out to the Chilliwack Airshow, a smaller, but just as enjoyable gathering of airplanes and aviators. On our way home, I actually managed to get the Jodel into King George Airpark, aided by a decent headwind. That was a first!
Almost lastly, was my return to Ephrata, WA in September. This time I participated in my first aerobatic competition, called Apple Turnover. Again, I had an absolutely wonderful time, and it deserves its own blog post.
That's about it! Thank you to everyone that made my 2015 so amazing! I look forward to 2016 with much anticipation! The way I see it, we've only just begun to scratch the surface of what kind of flying we can do in the Vancouver area.
So, that's just my experience over the last 12 months. I know there are a lot of you out there that have had your own amazing adventures too. I encourage you to post your own "Year in Review" and share some of your favourite moments.
Until
next time, fly safe and fly smart.
Written
by: David McIntosh
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