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FRTrillium Aviators Descend on Lindsay
Written by: Phil Lightstone
Photos by: Phil Lightstone
Trillium Aviators have become a bit of a phenomenon in Ontario over the past few years. Through Ivan Kristensen’s tireless volunteer efforts, the Trillium Aviators will be entering their sixth season of gathering like-minded pilots and aviation enthusiasts for mid weak fly outs to destinations in southern Ontario. The fly outs range from bring your own lawn chair and lunch to delicious BBQ hosted by local COPA chapters. Ivan started Trillium Aviators in 2020 as a reaction to the COVID-19 pandemic based upon fly outs which he experienced while vacationing in Florida. The email list now has over 500 names. In fact, COPA Flight captains would send Ivan’s email out to their club membership lists. No doubt Ivan’s email easily reached over 1,000 pilots in Ontario.
Earlier in 2024, Ivan announced that he would be stepping down as the Trillium Aviators’ organizer. Ivan’s successors are Perry Burford and David Carswell. Perry and David own and fly VANS Aircraft RV-7 aircraft and have been members of the Trillium Aviators for the past several years. Having received several requires for weekend fly outs from pilots who are unable to make the weekday events, Perry and David are expanding the fly outs to the weekends. Their first weekend fly out was to the Stratford Municipal Airport (CYSA), in conjunction with COPA Flight 69, on June 2, 2024. COPA Flight 69 pancake breakfast included pancakes, local maple syrup, pea-meal bacon, hot and cold refreshments and great companionship.
On August 22, 2024, the Trillium Aviators descended upon the Kawartha Lakes Municipal Airport (CNF4) located in Lindsay, Ont. The event attracted 32 aircraft and over 50 pilots, including several from areas which the Trillium Aviators do not typically see. There were a number of aircraft from North Bay, Bancroft, Oshawa, Brampton, Kitchener, Kincardine, Goderich and Port Elgin, to name a few. The airport provided a $0.05 discount fuel to their already low(er) price. Lindsay’s paved runway 13-31 is 3,508 x 75 feet but also has a turf runway 03-21 which is 2,666 x 50 feet. Runway 03’s threshold is displaced 365 feet. Airport Manager Craig Logan was on-site providing airport advisories using a handheld transceiver, while co-ordinating volunteers from COPA Flight 101 who were providing marshaling and fueling aide to pilots. Dave Canswell reports: “it was nice to see fellow aviators from the ‘other’ side of Toronto.”
The Airport View Restaurant did a fantastic job serving both breakfast and lunch to the Trillium Aviators as well as their local patrons. On a personal note, I had the Build Your Own Omelette, creating an onion-less Spanish omelette. With copious amounts of hot coffee and breakfast powered aviation conversations, the camaraderie could not have been any better.
Manfred and Elaine Harder flew their Bell OH58 helicopter from Oshawa Executive Airport (CYOO) for the event. Manfred, a retired Captain from the RCAF, spent 10 years restoring the OH58 and in 2024 won the Best Helicopter Award at AirVenture. Recently, Manfred flew his helicopter to CFB Trenton with his helicopter on display at the airshow.
Glen Mira and Hell Comat flew a beautiful red and white VANs Aircraft RV6 from the Kitchener Waterloo Airport (CYKF). Glen reports: “Trillium fly outs are an excellent way to meet people. It is hard to find people willing to talk aviation. There is not a lot of people who fly. I have known Ivan for the paste 20 years and have taken part in the Trillium fly outs since they started. They are a great cash injection into the local economies.”
With an eye to safety, Ivan reports: “as always fly safe and be courteous as you merge with other airplanes into what could be a busy circuit. Keep a listening watch at least 10nm back and make you first call about 5nm back and and then as appropriate when entering the circuit. Keep the air to air chatter to a minimum. Don't forget to check NOTAM's”.
Over the past five years, Trillium Aviators has conducted roughly 64 fly outs, contributing to supporting COPA Flights’ and other flying clubs’ activities with their respective airport managers, airport authorities, municipalities, local politicians and area residents. This grassroots group, under Ivan’s leadership has gone a long way to promote the benefits of General Aviation, while highlighting the benefits to the community of municipal airports.
The Trillium Aviators are working on a flyout to Gore Bay-Manitoulin (CYZE) in early September. The airport management at Stratford Municipal Airport (CYSA) is inviting the Trillium Aviators to a Food Truck frenzy at the airport Saturday Sept 14 with a rain date of Saturday Sept 31.Again, supporting General Aviation’s freedom to fly. To be added to the Trillium Aviators’ email list, simply email Perry at burfordperry9@gmail.com.
