and some people said it wouldn't last for the season!
Wednesday, September 26, 2007
Tuesday, September 18, 2007
16 Sept - A good day for SOSA on the OLC
The top four places on the Canadian OLC were taken by SOSA members this past saturday. Sergei Morozov flew 504 km, Joerg Steiber flew 491 km, Adam Zeiba flew 484 km and Dave Springford flew 438 km (455 with an additional turnpoint above the OLC limit). The day started early with Cu popping before 11 am and cloudbase and good lift to 5000 feet by 1130!
(click on the pics to enlarge)
The picture below shows the flight paths for the 4 flights.
Sergei in DW (light blue trace) flew first to the Bothwell area along Lake Erie, then back to SOSA, followed by Flesherton and then home.
Joerg in JS (green trace) flew to Priceville, Lucan, Hagersville, Guelph, Brantford then home.
Adam in POM (purple trace) flew to St Thomas, then Shelburne, Woodstock, New Hamburg, Brantford then home.
Dave in 2W (red trace) flew towards Priceville to intercept Joerg at Mount Forest, then Lucan, Hagersville, Reid's Field, Ayr, Guelph then home.
Tuesday, September 11, 2007
DG 505 to the Ridge in October
In the spring we planned to take the 505 to the ridge, but the weather did not cooperate, so many people expressed an interest in trying again this fall.
If someone is interested in becoming the lead organizer for this venture, please let one of the directors know that you will take charge. Your job , with assistance from the board, will be to organize the glider, trailer, tow vehicle, instructors and students for the trip and to select the dates for the trip. From a club perspective it is not unreasonable for the 505 to make its way to the ridge in early October and stay for 3-4 weeks if enough members will partake.
Flying at a new site and learning ridge soaring skills will be fun, challenging and exciting and leave you with new knowledge and abilities. Who's in?
Monday, September 10, 2007
Mid-week Student Training Nights
As we approach the equinox, the days are rapidly getting shorter and it is time to finish off the Tue, Thurs and Fri student training nights.
The weather for Tues looks marginal, but Thurs looks good - so contact Tom, Pat, Ray and Joerg and arrange to get some flights before the sun sets!
The weather for Tues looks marginal, but Thurs looks good - so contact Tom, Pat, Ray and Joerg and arrange to get some flights before the sun sets!
Sunday, September 09, 2007
Summer General Meeting
The SOSA Summer General Meeting will take place in the clubhouse on Sat 15 September. The meeting will start at 1930, with sign-in at 1900.
Only sustaining members whose accounts are in the black are eligible to vote. However, all members are encouraged to attend to hear from and provide feed back to the directors.
Account statements as of 31 Aug will be emailed prior to the meeting and this statement will be used to determine your account status.
Only sustaining members whose accounts are in the black are eligible to vote. However, all members are encouraged to attend to hear from and provide feed back to the directors.
Account statements as of 31 Aug will be emailed prior to the meeting and this statement will be used to determine your account status.
Mira
The following is the eulogy read by Dave Springford at the service for Mira. The family from Czech Republic have sent a letter to our members and this follows the eulogy.
Eleanor Roosevelt’s said “Life was meant to be lived”. This now so reminds us of Mira, a person who embraced a spirit of adventure and lived life to its fullest. Many people have visited with Tomas, Lukas and David this past week and reminisced about Mira’s life remembering that adventure, challenge and spontaneity were important in her life, and that taking the easy path was never an option.
- the adventure of Tomas and Mira’s life started in Czechoslovakia 18 years ago. At that time, Tomas had the dream job of any young man as a receptionist in a female University dormitory and this is where he met Mira. Amongst the 400 or so girls, Tomas only had eyes for Mira, and within 3 months their love was celebrated in marriage and their adventure together was started.
- Life for Tomas and Mira was meant for broader boundaries so they forged travel documents and escaped from behind the iron curtain on August 18th 1989 and lived in a refugee camp in Austria. They earned a living together doing dishes and washing windows to get by.
- Living conditions were tough without the warmth of close family but the young couple found refuge in an old priest’s house which they had bargained for free in return for repairs and decoration. Tomas and Mira lived here for almost 2 years, While in Austria, both Lukas and David were born and Tomas recalls that these were some of Mira’s happiest moments.
- Canada held more opportunity for adventure for Mira and Tomas and although further distant from family ties they took the challenging step of emigrating in 1997. For Mira, Canada was a, beautiful vast and open country, full of nature as well as the opportunity to progress and allow her boys to grow.
- Canada provided Mira and Tomas with the opportunity to work together and start their own business venture in the field of electronics. Rezek Technology has become important and successful in its field, targeting the broadcasting industries. Mira’s creative work is now used at major companies such as IBM, Media 3 and ESPN and her “go to” attitude will be missed. For most couples, working together is disastrous but for Mira and Tomas this was an opportunity for another adventure together
- Canada, now home for Mira presented more adventure and challenges. Her love of the outdoors led her to take up sailing courses and persuade Tomas to buy a keel boat. They bought a property near Parry Sound where weekends swimming and canoeing were favourite times. Not wanting to miss out on any outdoor adventures Mira took up a number of different activities such as horse riding, dog sledding, and even scuba diving and winter survival camping all of which are fondly remembered family activities. Mira’s mantra for life was to keep it full and happy. She certainly succeeded in this
- Riding motor cycles was another passion that gave Mira a sense of freedom and adventure. Tomas fondly recalls Mira’s spontaneity one day when she announced that with three days off work they would take an 1800 km trip to the east coast to ride the cabot trail.
-Soaring was another way that Mira found to express her sense of adventure, the love of the outdoors and a family atmosphere. Here at the club was the challenge of learning to fly as well as an extended family of 150 people. Mira’s personality was fun and outgoing, always keen to help. She brought a welcome and contagious enthusiasm that will be greatly missed.
- With all this activity Lukas and David were not allowed to be couch potatoes languishing in front of the TV like most children. To Mira, teaching the boys life skills such as cooking, cleaning and bushwhacking through the outdoors was far more important. David and Lukas have their own love of life, a maturity well beyond their years and their own sense of adventure, all very much influenced by their mother. For them their mother will be an enduring memory throughout their lives.
We are all deeply saddened as we come together to celebrate the life of Mira and mourn her passing. She was taken from us in the middle of her life but as many remind us, it is not how many years you have lived but the life you put into the years. For all of us Mira’s strong spirit of adventure, her many accomplishments and her love of challenge is an inspiration. She certainly did put a great deal into her life and fulfill many of her dreams. Her memory will be strong in all of us.
Before I close I would like to recite a poem High Flight that has become a mantra for many pilots. It was written by a Canadian Aviator Pilot Officer Gillespie Magee during the second World War
The verse brings to mind the adventurous nature of Mira’s life which we all celebrate here together.
High Flight
Oh! I have slipped the surly bonds of earth
And danced the skies on laughter-silvered wings;
Sunward I've climbed, and joined the tumbling mirth
Of sun-split clouds – and done a hundred things
You have not dreamed of - wheeled and soared and swung
High in the sunlit silence.
Hov'ring thereI've chased the shouting wind along, and flung
My eager craft through footless halls of air.
Up, up the long delirious, burning blue,
I've topped the windswept heights with easy grace
Where never lark, or even eagle flew –
And, while with silent lifting mind I've trod
The high untresspassed sanctity of space,
Put out my hand and touched the face of God.
Pilot Officer Gillespie Magee No 412 squadron, RCAF
We will all miss Mira and her life is an inspiration for us all. Thank you.
At Štramberk on September 2nd 2007 Dear Paul, Dear club members,
Let me have a brief look back to the recent days we spent with you and your friends. When I spoke to you Paul for the first time I was not able to concentrate my mind on anything. Mira´s mother and my family had been so desperate and helpless, we didn´t know what to do. At that time you came with the idea or question of our coming to Canada to stay by Tomas and his sons to say last adieu to Mira. Although we knew that a lot of things should be arranged for to be able to go to Canada, I started thinking of it and doing what was necessary, which helped us to overcome the hard time we lived through then. At the same time it made it possible for Mira´s mother and Alena to believe that they would be able to part with her beloved daughter and sister. It is necessary to say that we would not be able to cope with so much paper work without you and your friends to say nothing of arranging so many things in Toronto.
This is what Alena asked me to write : I had dreamed and longed to go to see Mira´s family for a long time, but our son Simon was just a baby which made it almost impossible then. Unfortunately the events unexpectedly turned to the worst side and I understood that I should do anything to stay alongside Tomas, David and Lucas to embrace them to share their grief with them at least for a couple of minutes. It was the only thing we could do for them because we are not able to do almost anything for them otherwise. I was surprised to see so many people coming to the funeral - people which liked Mira. I understand now that Tomas and boys are not quite alone there which makes me comfortable. Mira told me a lot of things about her friends and flying in Toronto last year that after coming to Toronto and seeing you I had a feeling I know you already. She liked their friends and flying very much and I now believe that the flying party will make a kind of family for the boys in the future too for which I am immensely grateful to all of you.
We were deeply moved to learn from Tomas that you collected money to cover our air tickets and the hotel bills, which means that you understand our not easy financial situation we have to face here now in association with that sad event. I would like to say we are extremely grateful to all of you. Let us thank you and your friends very much once more.
Yours truly Marta, Alena and Alois
Eleanor Roosevelt’s said “Life was meant to be lived”. This now so reminds us of Mira, a person who embraced a spirit of adventure and lived life to its fullest. Many people have visited with Tomas, Lukas and David this past week and reminisced about Mira’s life remembering that adventure, challenge and spontaneity were important in her life, and that taking the easy path was never an option.
- the adventure of Tomas and Mira’s life started in Czechoslovakia 18 years ago. At that time, Tomas had the dream job of any young man as a receptionist in a female University dormitory and this is where he met Mira. Amongst the 400 or so girls, Tomas only had eyes for Mira, and within 3 months their love was celebrated in marriage and their adventure together was started.
- Life for Tomas and Mira was meant for broader boundaries so they forged travel documents and escaped from behind the iron curtain on August 18th 1989 and lived in a refugee camp in Austria. They earned a living together doing dishes and washing windows to get by.
- Living conditions were tough without the warmth of close family but the young couple found refuge in an old priest’s house which they had bargained for free in return for repairs and decoration. Tomas and Mira lived here for almost 2 years, While in Austria, both Lukas and David were born and Tomas recalls that these were some of Mira’s happiest moments.
- Canada held more opportunity for adventure for Mira and Tomas and although further distant from family ties they took the challenging step of emigrating in 1997. For Mira, Canada was a, beautiful vast and open country, full of nature as well as the opportunity to progress and allow her boys to grow.
- Canada provided Mira and Tomas with the opportunity to work together and start their own business venture in the field of electronics. Rezek Technology has become important and successful in its field, targeting the broadcasting industries. Mira’s creative work is now used at major companies such as IBM, Media 3 and ESPN and her “go to” attitude will be missed. For most couples, working together is disastrous but for Mira and Tomas this was an opportunity for another adventure together
- Canada, now home for Mira presented more adventure and challenges. Her love of the outdoors led her to take up sailing courses and persuade Tomas to buy a keel boat. They bought a property near Parry Sound where weekends swimming and canoeing were favourite times. Not wanting to miss out on any outdoor adventures Mira took up a number of different activities such as horse riding, dog sledding, and even scuba diving and winter survival camping all of which are fondly remembered family activities. Mira’s mantra for life was to keep it full and happy. She certainly succeeded in this
- Riding motor cycles was another passion that gave Mira a sense of freedom and adventure. Tomas fondly recalls Mira’s spontaneity one day when she announced that with three days off work they would take an 1800 km trip to the east coast to ride the cabot trail.
-Soaring was another way that Mira found to express her sense of adventure, the love of the outdoors and a family atmosphere. Here at the club was the challenge of learning to fly as well as an extended family of 150 people. Mira’s personality was fun and outgoing, always keen to help. She brought a welcome and contagious enthusiasm that will be greatly missed.
- With all this activity Lukas and David were not allowed to be couch potatoes languishing in front of the TV like most children. To Mira, teaching the boys life skills such as cooking, cleaning and bushwhacking through the outdoors was far more important. David and Lukas have their own love of life, a maturity well beyond their years and their own sense of adventure, all very much influenced by their mother. For them their mother will be an enduring memory throughout their lives.
We are all deeply saddened as we come together to celebrate the life of Mira and mourn her passing. She was taken from us in the middle of her life but as many remind us, it is not how many years you have lived but the life you put into the years. For all of us Mira’s strong spirit of adventure, her many accomplishments and her love of challenge is an inspiration. She certainly did put a great deal into her life and fulfill many of her dreams. Her memory will be strong in all of us.
Before I close I would like to recite a poem High Flight that has become a mantra for many pilots. It was written by a Canadian Aviator Pilot Officer Gillespie Magee during the second World War
The verse brings to mind the adventurous nature of Mira’s life which we all celebrate here together.
High Flight
Oh! I have slipped the surly bonds of earth
And danced the skies on laughter-silvered wings;
Sunward I've climbed, and joined the tumbling mirth
Of sun-split clouds – and done a hundred things
You have not dreamed of - wheeled and soared and swung
High in the sunlit silence.
Hov'ring thereI've chased the shouting wind along, and flung
My eager craft through footless halls of air.
Up, up the long delirious, burning blue,
I've topped the windswept heights with easy grace
Where never lark, or even eagle flew –
And, while with silent lifting mind I've trod
The high untresspassed sanctity of space,
Put out my hand and touched the face of God.
Pilot Officer Gillespie Magee No 412 squadron, RCAF
We will all miss Mira and her life is an inspiration for us all. Thank you.
At Štramberk on September 2nd 2007 Dear Paul, Dear club members,
Let me have a brief look back to the recent days we spent with you and your friends. When I spoke to you Paul for the first time I was not able to concentrate my mind on anything. Mira´s mother and my family had been so desperate and helpless, we didn´t know what to do. At that time you came with the idea or question of our coming to Canada to stay by Tomas and his sons to say last adieu to Mira. Although we knew that a lot of things should be arranged for to be able to go to Canada, I started thinking of it and doing what was necessary, which helped us to overcome the hard time we lived through then. At the same time it made it possible for Mira´s mother and Alena to believe that they would be able to part with her beloved daughter and sister. It is necessary to say that we would not be able to cope with so much paper work without you and your friends to say nothing of arranging so many things in Toronto.
This is what Alena asked me to write : I had dreamed and longed to go to see Mira´s family for a long time, but our son Simon was just a baby which made it almost impossible then. Unfortunately the events unexpectedly turned to the worst side and I understood that I should do anything to stay alongside Tomas, David and Lucas to embrace them to share their grief with them at least for a couple of minutes. It was the only thing we could do for them because we are not able to do almost anything for them otherwise. I was surprised to see so many people coming to the funeral - people which liked Mira. I understand now that Tomas and boys are not quite alone there which makes me comfortable. Mira told me a lot of things about her friends and flying in Toronto last year that after coming to Toronto and seeing you I had a feeling I know you already. She liked their friends and flying very much and I now believe that the flying party will make a kind of family for the boys in the future too for which I am immensely grateful to all of you.
We were deeply moved to learn from Tomas that you collected money to cover our air tickets and the hotel bills, which means that you understand our not easy financial situation we have to face here now in association with that sad event. I would like to say we are extremely grateful to all of you. Let us thank you and your friends very much once more.
Yours truly Marta, Alena and Alois
Tuesday, August 07, 2007
What happened at the MubBowl
The MudBowl was a great success this year. We had 18 contest pilots including many junior pilots. The weather wasn’t great with only one race day but we had a lot of fun. The BBQ organized by the Junior team was attended by more then 75 people. I’m sure knowing that Lynne Gough was baking desserts helped boost attendance. The winner for a second year in a row is Chris Gough flying 44 an LS8 that his dad generously lent him for the race. I wonder if Andy was worried about competing against Chris? It’s about time that a new pilot shows the old guard a thing or two. Great job Chris!
Our Contest Manger Dugald and his team did an excellent job running the contest. Malcolm managed to keep all pilots registered and had pink tickets ready every day. Neil kept the line organized and efficient in his typical nice and easy way. Dave and Luke worked hard scoring and Joerg provided great weather forecast. There was a late night bonfire on Saturday evening and movie night on Sunday.
Thanks for our visitors Ulli Werneburg and Ed Hollestelle for joining in the fun. We hope you’ll join us again next year.
Monday, July 30, 2007
SOSA Mudbowl August 4, 5 & 6
We’re on track for a good and exciting MudBowl. We will use the Canadian Scoring rules and handicap list. There will be no water ballast and we do not require FAI approved recorders. The tasks will be easy enough for all pilots. All you require is a Bronze Badge. The cost is $10.00 per pilot. There will be a pilot meeting on Saturday morning at the clubhouse at 10:00 am.
Your organizing team is in place:
Contest Director: Dugald Stewart
Contest Manager: Martin Brassard
Weather: Joerg Stieber
Scoring: Luke Szczepaniak & Dave Springford
Chief Tow Pilot: Andrea Kuciak
Office Manger: Malcolm Dyke
Flight Line manager: Neil Wilson
The competitors are:
John Brennan DG505 505
Luke Szczepaniak LS4 DW
Anthony Kawzowicz Jantar Standard 2 HK
Sergei Morozov SZD51 Junior JR
Jay Allardyce Jantar Standard 2 MF
Chris Gough LS8 44
Dave Springford LS8 F1
Joerg Stieber LS8 JS
Martin Brassard LS6b KC
Steve Newfield LS6b U2 tbc
Thomas Rezek SZD55 TR
Andy Mazur SZD55 AM
Jerzy Szemplinski SZD55 XG tbc
Scot McMaster Club Libelle
Andrea Kuciak/Joe Stubs Salto JO
Paul Fish Discus 1W
Terry McElligott DG200 JT
Willem Langelaan DG800s OX tbc
Rod Crocker 1-35 K9 tbc
Hans Juergensen ASW20
Wilf Krueger DG808 K2 tbc
Chris Wilson/Tom Coulson Mosquito W2 tbc
Jaime Pinto PW5 PJ tbc
Tony Rywak AS20 LV tbc
Dave Webb Tinbus EZ tbc
Sean Coulton Hornet NES tbc
Kamil Jarosiewicz PW5 VS tbc
Monday, July 23, 2007
Mudbowl and BBQ Sat 4 Aug
The SOSA Youth Team will host its second fundraising barbeque of the year on Saturday, August 4th, 2007, during the annual SOSA Mudbowl. The theme of this barbeque will help usher in the fall season, with a delicious meal of freshly cut corn straight from the field, and tasty polish sausages or chicken breast. The usual sides including potato salad, caesar salad, and fresh buns will compliment this feast. Back by popular demand is Lynne Gough and her extravagant selection of desserts. If you missed her TRIFLE, you shouldn’t this time! At dusk, our CFI (chief fire igniter Adam Oke) will set ablaze all that graces the north fire pit. It is sure to be an excellent evening, and will be a great start to the annual Mudbowl. This will be the social event of the year!
The cost of the barbeque is $13 (or two for $25), and should be paid the night of the barbeque. Accounts will not be billed. RSVP by August 2nd to jay_airplanefreak@hotmail.com with the number of individuals attending in your party. Bring the whole family and all your friends to the club on August 4th for a great evening.
The cost of the barbeque is $13 (or two for $25), and should be paid the night of the barbeque. Accounts will not be billed. RSVP by August 2nd to jay_airplanefreak@hotmail.com with the number of individuals attending in your party. Bring the whole family and all your friends to the club on August 4th for a great evening.
The 800Km Man!
Here is SOSA's 800Km Man, Adam Zieba. On holiday Monday, July 2nd, Adam flew an 802Km flight that lasted more then 9 hours. This is the longest flight flown out of SOSA. Well done Adam.
Tuesday, July 10, 2007
Another New License
Congratulations to Spencer Hunt who earned his glider pilot license this past weekend. Well Done!
Spencer will now hit the road traveling with Dave to the US Standard Class Nationals in Hobbs NM where he will get an introduction to contest life.
Spencer will now hit the road traveling with Dave to the US Standard Class Nationals in Hobbs NM where he will get an introduction to contest life.
Monday, June 25, 2007
New Glider Pilot Licensee
We are thrilled to congratulate Dennis Dyke for getting his glider pilot license last Friday. He passed all his tests and will now work toward his Bronze Badge and passenger rating. I’m sure that his first passenger will be Malcolm.Well done Dennis!
Wednesday, June 20, 2007
Wild Life at SOSA
It has been some time since I’ve been a regular at SOSA and when people see me they often ask what I’ve been up to. In the past two years I have often found myself volunteering at the Toronto Wildlife Centre located at the former Canadian Forces Downsview base. This is a charitable organization that focuses on the rehabilitation and care of wild animals. Essentially, it’s a hospital for wild animals.
On Saturday, June 14th I happened to be there when I recognized the voice of one of a SOSA member. As I walked in the reception area I was more than pleased to find Steve Benedek was there because he found a baby skunk alone and lost in the middle of the SOSA driveway (south side) and thought it may need help.
After the centre assessed the animal it was decided it would be best to bring the skunk back but to SOSA and place it in a semi-protective cage, near the driveway so that can be removed by its mother should she return. The plan was then to get someone at SOSA to check in on the little guy in case he needed to be brought to a local rehabilitator or back to Toronto.
We were all set to prepare the skunk for his trip back to SOSA when, after been given handling instructions (i.e. use gloves), Steve mentioned that he was slightly scratched on his finger when he picked up the skunk. This changed everything.
Skunks are a rabies-carrying species and although it was HIGHLY UNLIKELY that this skunk had rabies, Steve was instructed to see a doctor right away and then they would notify health services.
The rabies incubation period is known for dogs and cats but is UNKNOWN for a lot of wild animals. This meant that the baby skunk had to be put down for precautionary measures.
All-of-a-sudden this turned out to be a sad afternoon for all.
Steve’s effort to help an animal suddenly went in the wrong direction.
I was proud to see a SOSA member go out of their way to help one of the other beings we share this tiny planet with and it would be a good thing if we all did the same should we have the chance.
SO!!!!
If you find an animal in distress at SOSA, home, or elsewhere:
1. DO NOT PICK THEM UP.
2. Call the Toronto Wildlife Centre hotline: (416) 631-0662
3. Leave a message and they will call you back with questions and instructions.
Thanks again to Steve for his effort.
Mike Viechweg
On Saturday, June 14th I happened to be there when I recognized the voice of one of a SOSA member. As I walked in the reception area I was more than pleased to find Steve Benedek was there because he found a baby skunk alone and lost in the middle of the SOSA driveway (south side) and thought it may need help.
After the centre assessed the animal it was decided it would be best to bring the skunk back but to SOSA and place it in a semi-protective cage, near the driveway so that can be removed by its mother should she return. The plan was then to get someone at SOSA to check in on the little guy in case he needed to be brought to a local rehabilitator or back to Toronto.
We were all set to prepare the skunk for his trip back to SOSA when, after been given handling instructions (i.e. use gloves), Steve mentioned that he was slightly scratched on his finger when he picked up the skunk. This changed everything.
Skunks are a rabies-carrying species and although it was HIGHLY UNLIKELY that this skunk had rabies, Steve was instructed to see a doctor right away and then they would notify health services.
The rabies incubation period is known for dogs and cats but is UNKNOWN for a lot of wild animals. This meant that the baby skunk had to be put down for precautionary measures.
All-of-a-sudden this turned out to be a sad afternoon for all.
Steve’s effort to help an animal suddenly went in the wrong direction.
I was proud to see a SOSA member go out of their way to help one of the other beings we share this tiny planet with and it would be a good thing if we all did the same should we have the chance.
SO!!!!
If you find an animal in distress at SOSA, home, or elsewhere:
1. DO NOT PICK THEM UP.
2. Call the Toronto Wildlife Centre hotline: (416) 631-0662
3. Leave a message and they will call you back with questions and instructions.
Thanks again to Steve for his effort.
Mike Viechweg
Tuesday, June 19, 2007
THE UNOFFICIAL MASTER LIST OF CLUB RULES
From freeflight Issue (5/84)
We thought that we would reprint the unofficial official rules of the club (as opposed to the official official rules, which no one has seen for years and are, in fact, locked in a filing cabinet in a disused men’s room with a sign on the door saying “Beware of the Leopard.”
1. Come early (unpack the hangar) or
2. Leave late (repack the hangar)
3. Stay overnight. The club does not die at 5:00 pm.
4. Be ready on the flight line (the golden rule definitely applies here)
5. Chase a glider that touches down (participate)
6. Help record flight down times (especially when the field manager is getting harried)
7. Be nice
8. Be patient
9. Thank your tow pilot
10. Thank your instructor
11. “Understand” " that fellow club member who you always disliked (maybe he’s not the jerk you always assumed he was)
12. If you don’t know, ASK!
13. Volunteer (take the plunge it’s fun!)
14. Leave everything else at home (your ego, your anger, your frustrations)
15. Keep your club clean, (this means throwing out yours, and maybe someone else’s pop cans, water bottles, Kleenex, apple cores, etc.)
16. Try doing the facilities a favour (wash a plane, clean a windscreen, sweep out a hangar, mow the grass, gather some trash. We do not have resident elves for these tasks)
17. Share the load (who do you think operates the club? WE ALL DO)
18. Go to a club meeting. What better way to voice your opinion (no one will do it for you) and find out what’s really happening.
19. Smiling is contagious infect someone!
We thought that we would reprint the unofficial official rules of the club (as opposed to the official official rules, which no one has seen for years and are, in fact, locked in a filing cabinet in a disused men’s room with a sign on the door saying “Beware of the Leopard.”
1. Come early (unpack the hangar) or
2. Leave late (repack the hangar)
3. Stay overnight. The club does not die at 5:00 pm.
4. Be ready on the flight line (the golden rule definitely applies here)
5. Chase a glider that touches down (participate)
6. Help record flight down times (especially when the field manager is getting harried)
7. Be nice
8. Be patient
9. Thank your tow pilot
10. Thank your instructor
11. “Understand” " that fellow club member who you always disliked (maybe he’s not the jerk you always assumed he was)
12. If you don’t know, ASK!
13. Volunteer (take the plunge it’s fun!)
14. Leave everything else at home (your ego, your anger, your frustrations)
15. Keep your club clean, (this means throwing out yours, and maybe someone else’s pop cans, water bottles, Kleenex, apple cores, etc.)
16. Try doing the facilities a favour (wash a plane, clean a windscreen, sweep out a hangar, mow the grass, gather some trash. We do not have resident elves for these tasks)
17. Share the load (who do you think operates the club? WE ALL DO)
18. Go to a club meeting. What better way to voice your opinion (no one will do it for you) and find out what’s really happening.
19. Smiling is contagious infect someone!
Friday, June 15, 2007
Flight # 1000
The Thursday evening training crew led by Instructors Ian Oldaker, Joerg Stieber and Ray Wood had a busy night last night with 7 students including one new member, Mathieu King who joined and flew his first flights last night.
They also quietly passed the flight 1000 mark for 2007!
They also quietly passed the flight 1000 mark for 2007!
BWY Engine Mount
Can you spot the crack in the engine mount above? Adam Oke did on Wednesday morning during his DI of BWY. Wednesday night, Dave Springford, Scott McMaster and Doug O'Connell stripped the cowlings, removed the prop and spinner and all the wiring and engine connections in preparation for the engine removal.
At 0830 Thursday morning, Vern Stutt from Kovachik's arrived and with assistance from Al Grant and Dave Springford removed the engine and the engine mount and by 1030 it was on its way to Toronto for welding to repair the broken tube. BWY will not be serviceable this weekend, but should be ready to go by the middle of next week.
The engine is currently suspended from the hangar roof, and supported by a wooden stand. While curiosity may drive you to look at the engine, please remember we look with our eyes, not our hands!
Wednesday, June 06, 2007
Thursday, May 31, 2007
Heavy Metal Radio Calls
Predetermined radio calls to SOSA on 122.825 will be broadcast by West jet crews when they are inbound to Hamilton. As shown at the CAS Seminar this spring, Westjet traffic overflies the TETOS intersection (basically Plattsville) southbound and then turn east direct Hamilton. West jet pilots will make the following radio broadcast:
"Rockton Traffic WestJet XXX over Plattsville at 8000 ft, in descent landing YHM in 18 minutes".
This broadcast is meant for information only, do not respond to it. Once the tranmission has been made, they will be going back to their IFR frequency.
What this means to our operations is that you should now be looking out for 737 traffic inbound from the west to Hamilton and descending from 8000, down to about 3500 by St George.
"Rockton Traffic WestJet XXX over Plattsville at 8000 ft, in descent landing YHM in 18 minutes".
This broadcast is meant for information only, do not respond to it. Once the tranmission has been made, they will be going back to their IFR frequency.
What this means to our operations is that you should now be looking out for 737 traffic inbound from the west to Hamilton and descending from 8000, down to about 3500 by St George.
Wednesday, May 30, 2007
SOSA Youth Team Steak Barbeque and NavCan Airspace Briefing
SOSA Youth Team Steak Barbeque
On Saturday, June 9th, the SOSA Youth Team will be hosting a steak barbeque. The cost is $15 and includes a juicy AAA rib eye steak, salad, and a delicious dessert. All the proceeds from the barbeque will go to support the SOSA Youth Team in their endeavours during the 2007 season. This is guaranteed to be a great evening of fun, friendship, and food! Please join us for a wonderful meal that will help support the youth team. Please respond to jay_airplanefreak "at" hotmail.com with the number of individuals attending if you are interested. There will also be a sign up sheet in the clubhouse for those interested. Please indicate by any of these means whether you will be attending and how many people are in your group. Bring the whole family, or treat some friends to a fabulous steak dinner! Please indicate your intentions to attend by Wednesday, June 6. Cash Payment for dinner will be accepted the night of the barbeque. A donation box will also be passed around for loose change in support of tows for Chris and Jay who will be competing in the Canadian Nationals in Hawkesbury at the end of June.
Jay Allardyce
Representatives from NavCan will also be at SOSA on the 9th to brief us on the airspace changes that take effect 5 July and the airspace review that will take place over the next year. The briefing will start at 6 PM in the clubhouse.
On Saturday, June 9th, the SOSA Youth Team will be hosting a steak barbeque. The cost is $15 and includes a juicy AAA rib eye steak, salad, and a delicious dessert. All the proceeds from the barbeque will go to support the SOSA Youth Team in their endeavours during the 2007 season. This is guaranteed to be a great evening of fun, friendship, and food! Please join us for a wonderful meal that will help support the youth team. Please respond to jay_airplanefreak "at" hotmail.com with the number of individuals attending if you are interested. There will also be a sign up sheet in the clubhouse for those interested. Please indicate by any of these means whether you will be attending and how many people are in your group. Bring the whole family, or treat some friends to a fabulous steak dinner! Please indicate your intentions to attend by Wednesday, June 6. Cash Payment for dinner will be accepted the night of the barbeque. A donation box will also be passed around for loose change in support of tows for Chris and Jay who will be competing in the Canadian Nationals in Hawkesbury at the end of June.
Jay Allardyce
Representatives from NavCan will also be at SOSA on the 9th to brief us on the airspace changes that take effect 5 July and the airspace review that will take place over the next year. The briefing will start at 6 PM in the clubhouse.
Student Training
The Tuesday, Thursday and Friday student training nights have been rather short on students since starting two-weeks ago. Ray Wood has been at the airport on Thursdays ready to instruct and no students have appeared. Tuesdays and Fridays have also been light with only 1 or 2 students.
So come on out for these mid-week sessions and you can have an instructor to yourself for the night!
So come on out for these mid-week sessions and you can have an instructor to yourself for the night!
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