Ontario’s Trillium Aviators Growing in Numbers

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The loose-knit group of Southern Ontario-based flyers have been organizing fly-outs to various airports in the region, paying close attention to applicable social distancing regulations and guidelines. A few events were organized in June of this year with growing attendance.

On July 4, for example, the group gathered at Wiarton Keppel airport (CYVV) in a celebration of Canada Day. Over 40 aircraft showed up.

Last week the fly-out destination was the Gore Bay-Manitoulin airport (CYZE), located on Ontario’s Manitoulin Island.

“I’m sure excited to see so many people here today,” said organizer Ivan Kristensen to attendees. “I am from Guelph and I have to admit when it was suggested to me that we should visit the Gore Bay airport I was unsure as it would be beyond a 180-mile radius from Kitchener, but I’m sure glad we did this with all the support and enthusiasm we see here today.”

Most people flying out to Trillium Aviators’ destinations are from Ottawa, Windsor, Sudbury, Hamilton, Elliot Lake and Ottawa. “I am absolutely flabbergasted at the response we have had to this visit; we even have one couple from Vancouver, and another couple from Victoria,” Kristensen added.

Thirty-six aircraft participated at the Gore Bay fly-out, where brown-bag lunches were consumed while staying two metres apart.

“We would like to welcome everyone to this great place called Manitoulin Island and welcome to our airport,” airport manager Robby Colwell told the attendees. “It is great to have all of you here today. I see many faces that I recognize and many new faces here today.”

Contact organizer Ivan Kristensen by email to be added to his email list.

Photos submitted. Aerial photo: Pat Hanna

BC Laser Attacks on Aircraft Increasing

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Numerous laser attacks on aircraft flying over southern Vancouver Island have southwestern British Columbia pilots concerned.

Last week pilots flying from the Nanaimo airport (CYCD) area southeast to the region around Victoria airport (CYYJ) have been complaining about being targeted by land-based laser beams. At around midnight on July 28 there were numerous complaints to the RCMP of laser beams emanating from the Saltair and Chemainus areas on the Island.

Aircraft affected have included both light piston singles and helicopters flying VFR. One pilot complained about being hit by a green laser for 20 seconds.

One pilot of a Cessna also reported being struck on the underside of his wing while flying at 5,500 feet above sea level.

With flight training substantially opened up in the region in recent weeks, there has been an increase in light aircraft flights doing nighttime training.

Yukon Celebrates 100 Years of Flight

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COPA Flight 106 – Yukon will be joining in on the celebrations marking 100 years since the Yukon welcomed its first aircraft. The Yukon Transportation Museum is organizing a commemorative flyover that will include both commercial and private aircraft. The museum may also be displaying aircraft outside of its venue.

Photo courtesy of the University of Fairbanks

It was in the year 1920 when the U.S. Army’s Black Wolf Squadron of four de Havilland-designed Airco DH.4 biplanes made a stopover at what is now Whitehorse airport (CYXY) on a proof of concept flight from New York to Nome, Alaska. It was at 13:00 on August 20 that the first aircraft landed, and it will be at that time and date that the commemorative flight will overfly the airport.

Weather and local health guidelines permitting, there will also be a barbecue on the museum grounds.

Further information and details can be obtained by emailing the organizers.

Top photo credit: N727RH