Trillium Aviators PIREP

By Phil Lightstone

 

The Trillium Aviators is entering its sixth season in 2024 of coordinating fly outs. Over the past five years there has been over 50 outings. The very first one took place on May 16, 2019 with four airplanes converging on the Owen Sound/Billy Bishop Regional Airport (CYOS).  Participating aircraft range from four to over 70. Ivan Kristensen’s (founder and chief organizer) best estimate is that the average number of airplanes would be in the mid to high twenties.

Ivan is planning the first fly out of 2024 on May 29th gathering at the Kincardine airport (CYKM). Airport manager, Steven Rouse is fully supporting the gathering of aviators with free coffee and donuts in the morning, raffles and other events are under discussion by the Kincardine organizing committee.  There will be full access to the terminal building, flight planning areas and washrooms.  The Cheesy Monkii food truck will offer a hungry pilot special for Trillium Aviators.

 

So where does the Trillium Aviators go from here. After much soul searching, Ivan has decided that it is time to take a step back from organizing these events. Ivan reports: “I have loved every minute of organizing and meeting so many wonderful like-minded people and have personally attended all except for two of these fly outs. In the process I have, as most of you have, made many new friends.”

Going forward Ivan would like to see the Trillium Aviators fly out events succeed. But in order for this to happen Ivan is actively looking for a person or persons to take over. The fly outs are easy to plan. Simply pick an interesting airport with a co-operative airport manager and a restaurant or food truck at the airport.  Make a few telephone calls and send an email out. The email list has over 300 names on it.  Meeting like-minded pilots and aviation enthusiasts is not only rewarding but creates many lifelong memories. 

I have personally attended many Trillium Aviators fly outs, meeting a lot of interesting people and seeing some really great aircraft.  As few of my favourite aircraft attending the fly outs are: a bright red Stearman biplane; a newly restored Navion; a military Beachcraft T34; and a cool looking Commander.

If you or someone you know would be interested in taking on the task of Chief Trillium Aviator, please contact me Ivan at ivankris10@gmail.com or (519) 654-6321. Ivan would be delighted to discuss the details of what is involved. Ivan plans to continue to contribute and provide guidance.