NE14 Boardsailing ?

Jay Allardyce and Luke Szczepeniak were at the field after the deluge of damp stuff (rain) had made it's mark on the SOSA field. It should have dried out by the weekend says Jay but just in case bring your bathing suits and Paul Fish will bring some sailing equipment.

Jay reports his findings in a colourful article - below

I woke this morning to find that the property value around Dave's trailer had increased overnight. This is due to the new lakefront proximity of Dave's trailer. I decided to go inspect the field on my bike, and I didn't have to ride very far to see the pools of standing water on the airfield.






Runway 21/03 is completely unusable due to a large pools of standing water approximately 100 feet x 25 feet in its center. The taxiways to the respective runways are also waterlogged. The center of the other runways do not have any standing water; however, my bike tires were spinning up quite a bit of water. The taxiway from both hangars to the runways is full of water and it would be virtually impossible to get the gliders to the runway without gettting them stuck/muddy. I have never seen the field in this shape after a torrential downpour. I would recommend that no flying take place on the field today due to its condition.

Tomorrow might be possible if the warm sun dries up some of the standing water, and the thunderstorms that are forecast later this evening do not happen. If you're standing at work, looking out the window and reading this, you'll likely see the first signs of cu for the day. Do not curse the weather gods just yet - the tephi for the day shows that it will overdevelop around noon. Besides, standing water in most fields in and around Rockton and likely most of Southern Ontario would not make any off-field landing a pretty one (and I for one and not coming to get you!). Cheers,Jay - The photo below is Luke's now soggy trailer patch.

New Cross Country program

Jim Carpenter has kindly offered to host a cross country clinic at the weekends. Pilots interested in cutting the apron strings and embarking on this fantastic adventure are invited to drop by the clubhouse at 1000 hrs on Saturdays and Sundays. We will get a weather briefing using the latest technology, all carefully explained by Bob Carlson - great stuff. Jim will talk about tasks for the day and he will pair up a junior pilot (sheep) with a more experienced cross country pilot (sheppard). Also one lucky pilot may be able to join a more experienced pilot in the DG 505. It's great fun. Any questions please e-mail Jim at carpentj@nexicom.net

A couple of weeks ago I was lucky enough to get the back seat in the DG and Jim guided us around the course with several other pilots flying club or other craft, including Jan Cina in the LS4, Doug O'connell in his 1M and Patricia Olivier Martin in the Junior.

Chris Wilson also took the time to sheppard us around in his Mosquito W2. The course that day took us to Hanover, Toronto Sailing and Guelph returning to Rockton, - in all 3.5 hours. You'll learn a lot so why dont you plan to come out and join us.


Last weekend was a bit of a washout but Jerzy Szemplinsky took charge of the 505 and escorted Jay Allardyce on a trip to Woodstock - and back - under terrible conditions. Amazing what can be done.

Clubhouse survey results

The clubhouse renovation survey produced some interesting results and you can view them at

http://www.surveymonkey.com/Report.asp?U=231609379874

We had 53 responses, all from SOSA members and 100% thought that the clubhouse renovations were needed. Most stongly agreed that the renovations helped to maintain community spirit, added a comfortable atmosphere, and encouraged social intraction.

Also most respondents thought that the renovations will help to retain existing members although more thought that the renovations will appeal to new members. That certainly seems to be the case with greater recent numbers reported by Mike Sury.

A more frequent use of the clubhouse and the intention to bring a spouse and family were expressed by most members

As far as further projects are concerned the survey revealed a wide variety of suggestions.

• Internet connection seemed to be popular although Martin says that this is not feasible at the moment
• Pool s also a popular suggestion and the Board has discussed this old chestnut many times and but is concerned with liability apart from the maintenance and cost. Discussion is on-going
• Office was also a frequent request and as you now know there is an office trailer located behind the clubhouse. Plans are to have a computer with See You and other software.
• There are many others and that were very interesting and willget further consideration.

Thanks very much for your responses.

Many people were involved with the project and to single out some without others is difficult. However to be congratulated for extraordinary effort in undertaking the clubhouse renovations are Angelo Savoia and Dave Springford assisted ably by Virginia Thompson.

Paul Fish

New instructors

Lorna Novosel our Chief Flying Instructor has proudly announced that we have four newly qualified instructors. These SOSA members have undergone a rigorous excersise and a significant time committment in order to qualify. Remember that all instructors continue to volunteer their time and so it is very much a labour of love. Well done and congratulations.


Eric Gillespie and Andrew Corrigan
























Rafael Bravo






















Sergei Morozov

SOSA 40th Anniversary Bash

On 16 July 1966 the first glider launch took place at the newly createdRockton aerodrome. This year marks the 40th anniversary of glider operations from our airfield.

To celebrate this event we will hold a party on the long weekend 5 Aug. Mike Sury is organizing this event and he is planning one wild party with a good ol' fashioned bbq burgers, hot dogs, salad and desert. The cost is $10 a head.

As an after dinner - pre fireworks activity, we can enjoy some sports: badminton, v-ball, boccie ball (some people consider this a sport). Of course we'd have to have everyone sign a waiver so there's no trouble from broken hips or slipped discs.

Look for more from Mike Sury

Phil Watson – it’s not just old rope

One of the most critical pieces of equipment we use at SOSA is often unappreciated since it appears to be such a simple device. However the lowly tow rope is used in one of the most important phases of each flight – the launch – and we rely for our safety on the stability of the ropes and the tow and glider rings that are spliced on to each end. For this we owe much to Phil Watson who volunteers his time to maintain the ropes in such a great condition. Many of our members see Phil at the field with his self designed and self made splicing box, patiently and methodically completing the task and finishing the job with such mastery. Phil had some big shoes to fill having taken over the ropes maintenance task from Carl Raufeisen. Carl is remembered by many SOSA members as a perfectionist and he passed away several years ago.

Phil has been a member at SOSA since 1991, and was licensed in 1993, later qualifying as an instructor. I was initially trained by Phil and I recall in one of the first flights how I was impressed by his thermalling technique opposite another glider.

Phil learned to fly power planes in 1954 under a flying scholarship, funded by the military and through the cadets when he was 17 years old. He initially had aspirations to take up flying as a career but Phil also had an interest in photography using this in his stint with the US Marines when he was attached to a battalion as a photographer in 1961. For a 28 year period Phil was a full time police officer and spent 5 years in the forensic department employing his photography skills. For many years he was also the commanding officer for the Air Cadets attached to the Dundas Squadron and later the Burlington Squadron specializing in range shooting and survival training. Phil is a long time resident of Waterdown, not far from SOSA.

When you get a chance watch Phil at the SOSA clubhouse or on the field, working his fingers delicately around the splicing box. Ask him to explain the technique and you will gain an excellent appreciation for this important art.

Luke Szczepeniak successfully completes his 50km

Last Sunday Luke took off in very tough conditions in the club Junior and to the amazement of many he made it to York Soaring over 50kms to the north. The day looked good with cu all over the place but a stiff 25 knot north wind broke up the thermals pretty quickly. Anthony Kawzowicz and Jerzy Szemplinski were among the very few to go cross country and stay above 847 ft (sosa ground) but many including your SOSA blogger were not so able. More to Luke's excellent achievement. Here is Luke's recount of his adventure


I took off from SOSA at 13:00, and struggled to stay up in the air near the club for about an hour and a half. There was quite a bit of wind from the north, and the thermals were broken up. To my amazement I managed to stay up with Anthony and Jerzy, but soon saw them heading away from Rockton. About 14:30 the conditions started improving slightly and so I started moving further north. I finally got a good thermal east of Puslinch and figured it was my turn to go on course. I headed towards Guelph Airpark. Due to the airspace restrictions, I could not use the thermals all the way to the top, and with the heavy head wind I wasn't making a lot of progress. Not having much luck, and with the trees looming closer and closer, I turned around and headed for the quarry north of Reid's Field. As it turned out, the quarry was working and I caught a good thermal.

I saw Anthony heading north, and took it as a good sign. This time, instead of heading over Guelph, I decided to stay just to the west where I could see another quarry ahead and some good fields, just in case things didn't work out.. This tactic seemed to pay off, as I got another strong thermal, but to my dismay, I saw that the Jantar had turned around and was heading in the other direction. I saw a what looked like yet another quarry ahead, and was fairly high, so I decided to press on. The object in question turned out to be a lumber yard around the Old GGC, but it was working quite well. With the vario chirping away happily I headed to Fergus. By the time I got there however, the few Cu had had disappeared from the sky. Not knowing the area very well, and only having a general idea of where the York Soaring airfield was, I stuck around Fergus figuring it was my best hope for lift. The search for the infamous "one more" thermal continued as the altimeter unwound. The Fergus airport looked better and better with every foot of altitude lost. My persistence paid off, I managed to find lift down wind of the school bus yard and my way to Arthur was clear.

The operation at York Soaring seemed to be running at a leisurely pace, there was a tow plane on the ground, getting ready to tow the Krosno, and the big 3 seat 2-32 was in the air. I landed the glider and pulled it off to the side. I saw a number of 1-23 and 2-33's on the ground as I walked over to the flight van, and was directed towards Allen who was in the office. After a quick and friendly conversation I arranged for a tow and called SOSA to let them know that I had arrived at York, and was getting aerotowed to Guelph.

Update from the youngest SOSA member

The youngest SOSA member Madelyn Burany Huntsman (4 weeks old) attended the National Championships and flew a low contest finish in the Burany Kestrel. As you can see in the photo she was a little unsure during her first gliding experience, with hand firmly on the parachute rip cord. Hey Mom where is the in-flight entertainment?

As some may have noticed, Kathy and Carl decided on a name change to Madelyn Elizabeth although speaking from experience I'm pretty sure the parents will be calling her a few other choice names in about 15 yrs.

Clubhouse Survey

We are conducting a quick survey of all who use the clubhouse at SOSA.
Click here to take survey

The survey results are needed to obtain some feedback for our $75,000 Trillium Foundation grant. We hope you will find just a few minutes for the questions. It is important



Yes, this is an old photo since Kathy has now produced a beautiful baby girl.

We look forward to your responses.

SOSA Board

SOSA publicity machine

Using the backdrop of the Canadian National Championships we have been approaching the various media to give us some (free) publicity. Behind the scenes the media committee (Terry McElligot, Herrie Ten Cate and your blog editor Paul Fish) has attracted the attention of a number of targets and will result in considerable publicity and hopefully visitors and members. Thanks to the committee and also to Dave Springford who did the interviews and flights

The Toronto Star sent both a reporter and a photographer on Wednesday morning and they took rides in the LK10 with Herrie Tencate as well as Dave in the DG505. The weather held up and we all enjoyed the event. The Star will publish a good article on Tuesday 27th.

The Cambridge Times also sent a reporter on Wednesday morning and so you should look for an article some time next week.

CTV from Kitchener sent their reporter Michael Melling to SOSA for the entire afternoon on Wednesday and he was treated to a number of flights to get the right shots. Although Melling has extensive camera experience, Herrie stepped in with some direction and advice even doing some of the camera work himself. Melling was pleasantly surprised and enjoyed the afternoon. Look for a segment in the news at 6:00 pm and at 11:00pm

CBC radio will do a live interview on Saturday morning on their show “Fresh Air”. Jeff Goodes will interview Herrie on a cell phone whilst Dave flies the DG505 over the Fresh Air of the Rockton countryside

CHCH TV 11 out of Hamilton will be setting up live on Tuesday 27th at SOSA. They will be broadcasting the Noon time show including weather, news and any other local items and will obviously focus on the National Gliding competition at SOSA. Herrie will be interviewed.

On Tuesday 27th we are holding a general media day along with the 2nd day of competition practice. The day will begin at 10:00am and will include an opening ceremony, the competitor pilots briefing, an acknowledgement of Trillium Fund for the clubhouse, rigging and launch.

All members are welcome to drop by although flying will be limited during the practice day launch.

New Grass Cutter

Recognising the importance of the SOSA grass runways it is critical that these are maintained says our Grounds Director Andrea Kuciak.

The Yellow Peril has been in our service for more than 18 years we are am told and this is well beyond the service life. The SOSA Board elected to spring for new equipment and this was delivered to the airfield last weekend. Thanks to the committee of people headed by Andrea . To be recognized with this initiative in particular is Doug Bremner who started this whole discussion and even got the brochures and prices. Some others involved included Ray Wood, Dave Springford, Scott McMaster and Andrew Corrigan

We will use the existing 135 tractor for now to pull the cutting equipment. It's in good condition but ideally we will want a 60hp to 80hp tractor in the future. The extra horsepower will not only let us go faster but help keep the blades from bogging down when we have to cut thicker/taller grass. We will keep the Yellow Peril until we are comfortable with our new system and then sell it.

If you want to try your hand at this friendly machine just ask Andrea and she will arrange for you to be checked out

Future plans are to buy a 60hp to 80hp tractor to pull this new cutter and maybe next Spring. That way even once the Yellow Peril is dead or sold we'll have two systems so two people can mow at once:
1. The bigger tractor with the new cutter,
2. The existing tractor with the bush hog.
If for some reason the big tractor is down for maintenance our smaller existing tractor can pull the new cutter.

If anyone is interested the specs are on the website at http://www.woodsequipment.com/turf_grounds/commercial/turf_batwing/7144RD_9180RD_9204RD.asp


Model
9180RD
Overall Cutting width
15 feet
Wing deck cutting width
5 feet
Center deck cutting width
6 feet
Deck overlap
6 inches
Overall width
182 inches
Transport width
100 inches
Maximum overall length
176 inches
Transport height
90 inches
Minimum horsepower requirements
35
Cutting height range
1-5 inches
Splitter gearbox horsepower
100
Mower deck gearbox horsepower
50
Blade Tip Speed
16,950 FPM
Approximate weight
3,120 lbs.
Transport tongue weight
720 lbs
Operating tongue weight
330 lbs.
Ground pressure
9.7 lbs. per square inch

Clubhouse - painting the exterior

This week Jean-Marc , Virginia Thompson and Paul Fish are on a tear to paint the clubhouse exterior. Anyone else up 4 it?

Please let Paul know at 416-564-2855
or paul @sosaglidingclub.com

2006 Canadian National Championships at SOSA

Just a reminder that the "Nats" are going to be held June 28th to July 7th and you will see some excellent glider piloting skills. Members should take advantage of the activity at the field during this time and chat with the pilots. Watch what they do.

Martin Brassard is the Contest Director and he has requested any prizes that members may wish to give. Please contact him at martin@sosaglidingclub.com

Snacks, Water and Juice

Olga says that it is really important for all flyers stay well hydrated on these hot days. The SOSA fridge in the clubhouse is very kindly stocked by our volunteer, yes that is Olga and she has been doing this for many years. The fridge contains Juice Pop and Snack bars. The low cost is noted on the fridge door and is based on an "honour system" which means that

Please remember to thank Olga for pitching in again and congratulate her on becoming a grandmother.

Canada Day Barbeque in support of the Canadian Junior Soaring Team

The SOSA junior pilots are entertaining SOSA to a Canada Day celebration and BBQ in support of the Canadian Junior Soaring Team.

Bring your friends and family for an enjoyable night of food and fun on July 1st during the Canadian National Soaring Championships. The cost of the barbeque is $20/ person, with proceeds to the Canadian Junior Soaring Team.

Junior Team members will be cooking up a storm to deliver you, your family and friends a delicious array of food including burgers, dogs, and plenty of salad. We are in the process of establishing the number of attendees in order to purchase food for the event.



Please reply to jay@juniorpilots.ca with your name and the number of people in your party attending or sign up in the clubhouse. Please include in the subject line “Canada Day Barbeque”. See you on July 1st!

Member Profile - Neil Wilson

Neil has long been seen at the SOSA airfield, I am told since he was in diapers. He is now likely the best groomed and enthusiastic ground handling member at SOSA. He knows all the SOSA procedures and is a veritable font of gliding knowledge. This year Neil turned 14 and father Chris has encouraged Neil to emerge as a chrysalis to take flight with fellow instructor Tom Coulson on a course to become a pilot. This prompted my chat with Neil one evening to gather some notes for a SOSA blog.


Neil is now a 9th grader at high school in Woodstock and he has fond memories of SOSA especially summer weekends “camping out” at the family trailer home. At the field Neil has taken a keen interest in all of the ground operations under the watchful eye of his father Chris and enjoys everything from retrieving and launching gliders, driving the bus (and his Dad’s car I have noted), cleaning the gliders, time keeping, running ropes etc. His enthusiasm for this volunteer activity puts most of us to shame. Many, including your editor have learnt from Neil’s expert ground handling example. Notwithstanding his considerable experience Neil carries himself in a cautious, polite and understated manner; a real gentleman around the field.

Flight instruction started at the end of April and at the time of my chat with Neil a couple of weeks ago he had completed 8 flights in the Blanik L23 with Tom, tackling the initial control of flight, some gentle stalls, slow flying and turns, He was also starting to learn the tow and take off. Last weekend I noticed Neil landing just behind me. I’m sure like a duck to water Neil will handle glider flight as well as his ground handling. It is amazing how the younger people take to the idea of flying much more quickly.

Neil had some challenges in overcoming his diminutive stature in order to reach the controls. To assist, Chris and Tom got together and constructed some clever extensions to the rudder peddles and seat, including some weight to counter that of Tom in the back. The challenges with flying, Neil explains, are trying not to over control since he has been familiar with radio controlled gliders which require a soft deftness. The much larger and bulky gliders surprisingly also require a gentle squeeze on the controls rather than a large movement. Neil is really enjoying the instruction although he does not now have time to enjoy the view. His goal is to go solo this year and get his licence by the time he is 16 when he looks forward to taking his friends flying.

This is not the first time Neil has flown by far. Neil had carefully documented 34 flights with his Dad since he was about 2 or 3 years old. His first flight was in a Schleicher 2-33DXR on 24th August 1997 and he remembers being impressed with the amazing view. With Dad at the controls Neil recalls that he wasn’t nervous at all. Other memorable flights were taken in the Twin Astir on April 12th 1998 and May 17th 1998 sitting side by side with his sister Angie. That was cool Neil remarks.

Like most of us Neil is afraid of heights he explains although being in a glider is quite different from looking down from the top of the CN Tower. Somehow in a glider it is strange that there is no such fear because “you are not tied to the ground” Neil explains.

Neil has an ambition to become a teacher rather than follow a flying career. He will follow in his father’s footsteps and always take an interest in gliding. Neil likes the atmosphere at SOSA, the social events at Canada Day and the Halloween costume party, dinners at the brown barrel restaurant and at Tom and Shirleys home, as well as cooking dinner; hamburger and steak over the BBQ at SOSA. Other interests are gymnastics at school and soccer. However they take second place to gliding. Neil would like to encourage other young people to take up this unique and special sport.

This summer Neil hopes to spend a large amount of time at SOSA with his friend Dennis Dyke and will stay with their family if his own family are away. Take the time to chat with Neil at the field. He is a very mature young man and is keen to share his knowledge of the club and of gliding.

Kathy adds a new SOSA member

Olga reports the great news of a new addition to the Burany and the SOSA family. Kathryn and Carl would like to introduce the newest SOSA member..Lauren Elizabeth Burany Huntsman...a perfect little pilot..she soared right into the world on June 14th at 12:50 pm..weighting in at 6.12 oz and 21 inches long...Parents and grandparents are all doing very well!!!
We hope show off little Lauren at he Nats in a few weeks time!!"

Update fom Olga at June 18th
Kathryn is doing just wonderfully...she is very relaxed with the baby and still has her great sense of humour when I asked her how much sleep they actually got last night...not much but it will get better..was her reply...Carl is a big help...he diapers and burps and walks with Lauren...Kathryn is hoping to get to the field during the Nats. We went for a walk yesterday...baby was two days old...so she could get use to being outside...very cute.

DG 505 is Flying!

After months of paperwork our new bird is finally flying. On Thursday, 1 June 2006 our new DG 505 took to the air for its first flight at SOSA.