The Patrician - Women of Aviation Stories from some of the amazing women pilots among you in the Victoria Flying Club!
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The Patrician
MARCH 2021
The Victoria Flying Club ~ Aviation Excellence Since 1946
Women of
Aviation
Stories from some of
the amazing women
pilots among you in the
Victoria Flying Club!
www.flyvfc.com 1
The Patrician HANGAR SPACE
Contact Marcel at the Club to see if a
News
“To promote flying and aviation in general, and to teach and train
persons in the art and science of flying and navigating and operating
hangar spot is a good spot for your plane
and to get on the waitlist.
Around the Club
all manner of heavier-than-air aircraft.”
(Victoria Flying Club Incorporation Bylaws, 1946)
NEWS and EVENTS
BOARD OF DIRECTORS TABLE OF CONTENTS
WOMEN OF AVIATION hours daily) to coincide with NEW PLANES
On March 8, 1910, Raymonde Daylight Savings Time. As you may have heard, the VFC
PRESIDENT Colin Williamson
de Laroche became the first is adding new planes to the fleet!
3 News around the Club
VICE PRESIDENT Don Devenney women to earn a pilot's licence VFC MENTOR PROGRAM The club hopes that these new ad-
6 General Manager's Article in the world! On March 8-14, The program continues! Would ditions will bring fliers old and new
SECRETARY Jennifer Zadorozniak we celebrate this and all of the back to the club for recreation or
you like to meet other pilots to fly
TREASURER Iain Barnes 8 Ramona Reynolds, Alumni Profile achievements of women in with, split the cost of flights, share low-cost flying time! The Board
aviation with International Women knowledge on how to do things, of Directors made this purchase
DIRECTORS John Ainsworth 10 Hilary Harris, Alumni Profile
Tony Allan of Aviation week. As such, this get help getting into a new airport from pre-existing credit after care-
Adam Johnston 12 Member Showcase: Lindsay Harmsworth month's Patrician is dedicated for the first time? VFC's mentors fully weighing rising costs against
Graham Palmer to the women of the VFC! This have their resumes posted on long-term benefit to the club and
13 Member Achievements & First Solos issue features four articles a special VFC Mentors bulletin its membership. With these new
GENERAL MANAGER Greg Matte about women, including pilots, board beside the Dispatch coun- planes, the VFC will be able to
14 Member Showcase: Jessica James
CHIEF FLYING Mike Schlievert instructors, and the first female ter. Each mentor's resume includes offer fantastic flying rates and new
INSTRUCTOR 15 Ground School Schedule president of the VFC. their contact details, or you can services for years to come!
email mentors@flyvfc.com for Learn more about our new planes
16 Thanks for the Share more information. in the General Manager's article!
2021 ANNUAL GENERAL
CONTACT MEETING
Looking to become a mentor your- Have news or a story to tell?
The AGM has been scheduled! Email us at vfcpatrician@gmail.com
1852 Canso Road www.flyvfc.com P: 250-656-2833 self? There's always room for more
Mark your calendars for Thursday, for a chance to have your news or
Sidney, BC info@flyvfc.com F: 250-655-0910 experienced pilots! Send an email
May 13th. The Zoom meeting is story published in The Patrician.
V8L 5V5 to mentors@flyvfc.com for more
scheduled to commence at 18:45
information on how to join up!
hours for a 19:00 start. More
information to come as we get
PARKING AVAILABLE closer to the date.
Editor: Kelly J. Clark
If you’re interested in prime
vfcpatrician@gmail.com CALL FOR NOMINATIONS
paved parking spaces for your aircraft,
there are spots available! Want to make a change? The call
The Patrician accepts unsolicited submissions. for nominations for the Board of
Secure, pull-in/pull-out, easy access. Directors election is waiting for
This publication may be reproduced in whole or in part, you! Four (4) positions on the
with prior permission of the publisher or author. The Board of Directions will be coming
Please call Dispatch to arrange a spot,
opinions expressed are strictly those of the authors. up for election. Please note that
or get on the waitlist for hangar spaces at
250-656-2833 only Sustaining and Life members
are eligible for nomination or
SUBSCRIPTIONS election to the Board.
vfcpatrician@gmail.com
http://flyvfc.com/subscribe-to-the-patrician DAYLIGHT SAVINGS
HOURS CHANGE
Time is changing and so are our
PHOTO CREDITS hours! As of Sunday, March 14th,
we've switched to our longer
Front cover photo credits: Hilary Harris.
operating hours (08:00 to 20:00
2 MARCH 2021 VFC | Aviation Excellence Since 1946 www.flyvfc.com 3
NEWS and EVENTS OFFICE SPACE
MAR 8 International Women's Day
MAR 8-14 International Women of Aviation Week
AVAILABLE!
MAR 15 The Ides of March 800 square feet available
MAR 17 St. Patrick's Day in the VFC building!
MAR 20 First day of Spring
NEWS and EVENTS
NEWS and EVENTS
MAY 13 Annual General Meeting
Contact Marcel Poland at
Is your aviation-related event not listed? marcelpoland@flyvfc.com
Let us know at vfcpatrician@gmail.com for more information!
MENTORSHIP:
Looking to brush up your skills?
All prospective businesses must be Email mentors@flyvfc.com
Victoria Airport zoning compliant. to find a mentor or be a mentor.
Sustaining and Lifetime members:
15% discount on Cessna rental rates and
purchases in the Little Pilot Shop.
10% discount for everyone who pays fully in
advance for their annual aircraft parking fees
for 2021 - ONLY
[YOUR FREE AD HERE]
VFC CHARTER SERVICE VFC Charter offers inexpensive, on-demand, and
direct transportation to places not serviced by other
Do you know a business owner commercial carriers in the lower BC area.
that could benefit from Be there in minutes!
free advertising? The charter service is operational in day VFR
conditions. Please contact us for more information
on destinations and costs.
VFC would like to support our
community by offering free advertising
spots in The Patrician (business card For more information or to book a flight
sized ads) where space allows. Email: tedk@flyvfc.com
Call: 1-778-350-3213
Please send an email to Kelly at
vfcpatrician@gmail.com
for details.
4 MARCH 2021 VFC | Aviation Excellence Since 1946 www.flyvfc.com 5
General Manager's Article Clarification – Solo Monitor
Greg Matte, VFC General Manager Rate
News Around the Club There has been some confusion
regarding the new solo monitor fee
that was introduced by the Board of
Directors, commencing January 1st,
As we continue to look ahead to the Cessna Fleet Virtual AGM 2021. This fee is only charged for
GM CORNER
GM CORNER
coming months, there are a number pre-PPL students as well as anyone
of exciting initiatives and activities As the Cessna fleet progress through As with the recent Annual Awards working towards earning their night
on the go or under planning, so I its phase inspections, the AMO is Gala, the upcoming AGM (scheduled rating.
thought it would be a good time to also taking the time to remove the for the evening of Thursday, May
provide an update. defunct auto-pilot systems. Although 13th) will be conducted virtually Fleet Expansion
the saving in weight is minimal, it using Zoom. Details will be provided For those who haven’t already
Beechcraft Travel Air 95 will allow for the removal of these in due course as to how this will heard, the Board of Directors has
Rebuild Project long-standing deferred defects be conducted, including the voting approved an expansion of the fleet.
and replacing the yellow tags with process for the Board elections. The objectives of this strategic
The first rebuild (C-GGMF) is green tags on the aircraft journey Speaking of which, four of the Board decision is to improve single-engine
progressing nicely with lots of logs. We’re also in the process of positions will be coming up for aircraft availability for recreational
concurrent activity. The AME team installing the 406 MHz ELT, as they election, so if you’d like to be more flying and “time-building”, as well
is focused on the engine nacelles must be installed by November involved with the VFC during this as to allow for increased usage of
which have required additional 25th, 2021. These ELTs will greatly exciting time of multiple strategic the Cessna 172S fleet for training
TLC due to wear and tear. Murray improve SAR response as they initiatives and activities, then purposes. The mandate allows for
Palmer’s master craftsmanship in enable the COSPAS/SARSAT system contact me directly for a nomination acquisition of four aircraft with
metal fabrication and fitting has of satellites to fix a crash location form. Just a reminder that only the objective of bringing them
been amazing! The glass cockpit to within 100 meters. Finally, as Sustaining and Life members in good into flight operations as soon as
segment is being produced off- the exterior lights wear out on the standing are eligible for nomination/ possible, preferably in time for the
site by Victoria Air Maintenance, aircraft, they are being replaced with election to the Board of Directors. busy summer period. The mandate
while the seats are also being LEDs to increase reliability as well as further specifies three categories of
re-upholstered off-site by another performance. Ground School single-engine aircraft as follows:
local company. By the time you read
this article, the second Beechcraft Additional Hangar Space For those who aren’t aware, we 1. Two simple aircraft with the
(C-GGWA) will have flown to the now have a highly experienced, basics (“6-pack” instrumentation,
VFC from Penhold, Alberta bringing Although this has not been formally full-time ground school instructor 2-way radios & transponder) that
with it one of the overhauled brought forward to the Board of (Neil Keating). In addition to nearly will allow for a low-cost rental
engines that will go on C-GGMF. Directors for consideration, we’ve 18,000 hours of flight time as a option that will be ideal for “time
The other engine will be overhauled been examining a conceptual plan pilot, Neil began his career as a builders”;
by our Lycoming expert (Al Girard). for the construction of additional high school teacher and was also a
We should have also received the hangar space at the VFC, as the certified ground school and simulator 2. One older model 4-seater, also
two new variable-pitch propellers demand for partial or full shelter instructor with Flight Safety Canada with the basics, that will allow for a
and gearboxes. For those wondering from the elements remains strong. before relocating to Sidney and competitive-priced rental option for
about the painting of C-GGMF, As with fleet expansion, this is joining the VFC staff. Since his recreational flying / cross-country
we require about 20-25 degrees C another strategic initiative that will arrival, the VFC has successfully trips; and
for the paint to dry evenly, so we take time to fully develop with the introduced distance learning using
elected to allow mother nature to Board, and will likely be undertaken Zoom as well as CPL-level ground 3. One higher-end 4-seater
save on the hydro bill by waiting through incremental phases of school, a revamped mountain rating equipped with an attractive IFR
until the day-time temperatures rise implementation once approved given course, and RPAS (“drone”) training. suite (e.g. full instrumentation
into the teens later this month. the capital costs involved. More recently, he’s begun providing including GPS as well as ADS-B In/
one-on-one tutoring. This has out compatible in Canada and the
already proven popular with some United States).
of our students preparing for their
written exams.
6 MARCH 2021 VFC | Aviation Excellence Since 1946 www.flyvfc.com 7
of 2019, when I became the club’s better. Where previous boards We must be vigilant.
Alumni Stories
first female general manager had focused on modernizing the
during the transition to the new fleet and organizational affairs, During my time at the VFC, I had
management team. ours made policy and human some of the greatest of champions
Ramona Reynolds We have a close-knit community,
but sexism runs deep in male
protections a priority. Much like
an empty airplane, a club isn’t
in this community and also many
opponents; some worthy, some
The VFC's First Female President dominated fields such as aviation. much without people in it. We not so much. But I can say with
Before I first became president, we held sexual harassment training absolute certainty that I have
also started a chapter of Women and standardized the employment never met anyone at the club
Ramona Reynolds
Ramona Reynolds
in Aviation. I was overwhelmed by agreements and policies which who didn’t have its best interests
ALUMNI STORY:
ALUMNI STORY:
stories from women in all areas have been continued and updated and intentions at heart. While we
sexism as a woman in treated as a newcomer because of of aviation about sexism, loss of by the current management team. may disagree on many things, we
You all know the history of this
aviation. I came to the club to my gender. employment opportunities, sexual Together, as a community, we are bound together by a shared
Club: we’re headed for our 75th
have fun and I became a change- harassment, and sexual assault became better. passion for aviation. Airplane
anniversary, but the club’s origin
maker. I made a lot of mistakes I’m turning fifty this year, and for and abuse that was current, people are passionate, and with
dates back to the 1920s. As the
as I grew into the position. I had a women of my generation it was historical, and even cultural. Change is never easy, but I’ve that in mind, I urge every member
club’s first female president, I
lot to learn. I let people speak on the norm for men to be the ones As a mother, I was criticized for seen the club grow in ways that of the club to become a champion
was asked to write this article
behalf of myself and my role, but to introduce them to the world of pursuing my goals, but empowered I wouldn’t have thought were for the young women taking to the
Alumni Story: Hilary Harris
in celebration of International
I also found my voice and power. aviation and to invite them into its by the sense of connection I possible when I first became air right now and in the future.
Women of Aviation month. It was
When I was a child, aviation was community. When I joined, I was felt to those who depended on president. However, as things
challenging to be the first female
something fun, but it turned into welcomed with open arms by the me. I became both airport-mom improve we must remain vigilant, To the women of the VFC, my
president of a flying club with
something more. people who would become my first and mama bear; nurturer and lest we return to the old ways. I advice is this: stay focused. Show
over 100 years of history, and a
friends and mentors at the club: fierce protector, and came out don’t believe that any of us want up and do the work. Keep showing
heavily regulated flight training
Aviation has always been a part of Colin, Kim, Don, Ted and Marie; swinging. When I tried to address younger generations pay the up especially when it gets hard.
unit, approved maintenance
my life. I grew up in the 70s and the very same people who mentor these systemic issues, I received price for cultural norms that were Encourage the women around
organization, and charter. Being
watched my father attain his pilot so many of our members today. significant pushback and less established by those who came you to take their seat at the table
the first female anything in an
licence. He bought a little 172 that In the beginning, their support than polite regard. I have received before us. and if there isn’t a place for you
organization is a double-edged
we flew everywhere. I hopped in and friendship kept me in the air. enough stories of my own that I make your own. You don’t need
sword: uplifting and terrible.
the back seat of that plane like In 2013, it was the men in this could write a book based solely I’ve reflected on what I want to an invitation. Women like me kick
most kids hop in the back seat community who encouraged me to on angry correspondence received my legacy as first female president open the doors so that women
In fact, most of my experiences
of their parents’ car. When we accept a nomination to the board. from privileged men. Don’t worry: I to be, and it’s this: that I will not like you could hold them open
as a woman in aviation, and in
moved to Victoria in 1981, my dad The reaction from the women kept the receipts. be the last. My hope is that I have for the women behind you. With
leadership at the Victoria Flying
became a member of the Victoria in the community had been the Slowly, painfully, we moved played a part in creating a safer perseverance and support, I hope
Club, have been two-sided. I have
Flying Club, and so when I joined it opposite: they told me how hard it forward. I celebrated the success of environment for everyone, but I that one day the women who join
met the most honourable people
myself in 2009 it was like coming would be; that I would never make our students in the same way that know that the work is not done. us even won’t notice there was
and the most challenging people
home. I’d also been married to a it; that I would quit; and that I I celebrate the growth of my own As recently as a few weeks ago, I ever a door there at all.
that I have ever known at the VFC.
former member of the Snowbirds, was destined for failure. In 2014 children. We rooted out the old received an email from a female
In contrast, my core values were
so I’d seen many sides of aviation I became this club’s first female ways of doing things and charted member of the club who witnessed And remember: this is the fun part.
tested constantly during my term,
in Canada; yet to this day I am president, which I held until March a course toward something sexism, verbal abuse and bullying.
and I have experienced significant
8 MARCH 2021 VFC | Aviation Excellence Since 1946 www.flyvfc.com 9
that’s just gas, which means that it work to this day. This was my first Aurora and somehow felt like even
Alumni Stories can fly for more than ten hours on
patrol, if needed. With the Aurora,
I flew fisheries patrols offshore of
experience working with helicopters
and opened my eyes to a whole
new world. In 2018, I had the
more of an adventure!
Last year, I decided to try out life
Hilary Harris Newfoundland, sovereignty patrols opportunity to use my military Flight as an airline pilot. I picked up a job
in the high arctic, and anti-drug Instructor skills working at the with Flair Airlines and had the good
VFC Flight Instructor patrols in the Caribbean. I was Victoria Flying Club. My eyes were fortune to complete my 737-800
fortunate enough to participate in opened again: this time to wonderful type rating and fly one pairing from
anti-submarine warfare exercises world of recreational flying and Vancouver to Toronto and back
ALUMNI STORY:
ALUMNI STORY:
with our allies in England, Scotland, private aviation. Since joining the before Covid grounded us all. I joke
Hilary Harris
Hilary Harris
and the United States, and was VFC, I’ve met so many fun, friendly, that my career as an airline pilot
Good day! My name’s Hilary Harris Private Pilot’s Licence courtesy 3 G. Needless to say, they’re fun to able to visit interesting destinations and interesting people. I’ve had so was short and sweet. I certainly
and I’m an instructor at VFC. As of the Air Cadets during my fly. Apart from the standard skills like Sicily. I particularly enjoyed many generous offers to fly with enjoyed it and, even as I write this,
part of International Women’s Day, summer break that year. I joined of instrument and visual flying, we flying scientists around the coast individuals on their personal aircraft I’m preparing to return to airline
I’ve been asked to tell you a bit the military after high school also learned how to fly in formation of Ellesmere Island to monitor the and have always been so impressed flying in mid-March.
about my experiences as a pilot. and studied engineering at Royal and low-level navigation. After environmental conditions. We saw by the competence and commitment
Roads Military College and the completing the course, I stayed all kinds of things: polar bears, to aviation they’ve demonstrated. To me, flying isn’t just a job, but a
I would have never thought of Royal Military College of Canada. on as an instructor and eventually glaciers, arctic ice-breakers. Very I’ve particularly enjoyed tagging whole life: a pilot’s licence is a ticket
being a pilot if it wasn’t for the During the summers, we began our taught at the flight instructor few people are lucky enough to see along with Victoria airport’s to fun, friendship and adventure.
influence of my grandfather. He flying military flying training with school. that part of the world. unofficial Air Demonstration team, With a solid background in aviation,
was a Mustang pilot in World War a few short introductory courses in “Yak Flight” led by Mike Sudul and countless doors will open to you and
II and owned an aerial surveying aviation. I was posted to Nova Scotia at In 2012, I retired after twenty Dave Gagliardi. you’ll have all kinds of experiences
company after the war. He always twenty-nine to fly the CP 140 years at the age of thirty-seven that you could never have predicted.
loved flying in all of its forms, from When I arrived in Moose Jaw I was Aurora. The Aurora is a very and I thought that I was done I recently had the brilliant And for my next adventure? Float
float planes on up, and he brought twenty-two and it was the place to different aircraft than the Tutor; with aviation. But I lived beside experience of ferrying a tiny Planes! I can’t wait to get my rating.
me to the Victoria Airshow for an be for anyone who loves airplanes. I it’s a long-range patrol plane the Victoria airport and after a Grumman AA-1 through the
airplane ride when I was little. was there to complete Basic Flying designed to hunt submarines. It few years I couldn’t help myself. mountains to Calgary. The plane had
Training on the Tutor jet which were has four turbo-prop engines and In 2014, I accepted a part-time been beautifully restored by Victoria
Lured by the promise of a free – and still are – beautiful, sporty weighs 140,000 lbs when carrying military reservist job as a Flight Air Maintenance, and painted a
pilot’s licence, I joined 676 trainers with a max speed of over its 60,000lb fuel load. It’s small by Safety officer at 443 Maritime lovely jellybean orange. That flight
Kittyhawk Air Cadet Squadron. 400 kts, a max altitude of 41 000 airline standards, but it’s notable Helicopter Squadron, where I still was as magical as any I’d had in an
I was fifteen, and received my feet, and the ability to pull +7.3 / - for the proportion of its weight
10 MARCH 2021 VFC | Aviation Excellence Since 1946 www.flyvfc.com 11
Member Showcase Member Achievements
Lindsay Harmsworth
NEW MEMBERS FIRST SOLOS
Kaleb Neufeld Forest Kruus Jordan Isenor
MEMBER ACHIEVEMENTS
Anthony Bocquentin
MEMBER SHOWCASE:
Shivam Nagpal Blair Vaillancourt
Lindsay Harmsworth
How long have you been flying for? Krishna Srivastava Garry Brown Tony Clemente
Anthony Rudge Travis Dhasi Liam Nish
I have been flying for just over two years. Michael Rudge Leith Balson Takumi Satake
Samuel Biagioni Dwayne Cranston
What is your favourite place to fly/aerodrome to visit Guy Lomax Richard House
and why? Dylan Magnuson Gavin Vales
Nico Reindl Michael Barry
My favourite aerodrom to fly to right now is Gillies Louis Gave Austin Bicknell
Bay. You can camp next to the airstrip and they have
courtesy bikes that you can ride! But make sure to bring Lily Russell Mark Stevens
a bike pump. Jakob Steele Nicholas Hovde
Sophie Gatt Nicholas Meelker
Daniel Larson Todd Richards
What is your favourite club aeroplane? Zachary Sitara Lyle Hanna
My favourite aeroplane is BMO because it was my first
solo plane.
What do you enjoy most about flying?
I think I enjoy almost everything about flying - I enjoy
First Solos
the challenges it brings, getting to share it with my
family and friends, the amazing people you meet at the
flying club, and you get to see some pretty spectacular
views!
"Without disruption of air traffic, these
fearless, forthright, indomitable and
What is your go to in-flight snack? courageous individuals did venture into
Definitely dried mango! the wild blue yonder in flying machines.
Furthermore, these skillful individuals
One piece of advice you’d pass along to other pilots? did safely land said flying machines at
Try to speak with everyone you meet in aviation, Victoria International Airport,
because you can learn a lot (good and bad) from other incurring no significant damage
people’s flying experiences! Takumi Satake to self or machine, Blair Vaillancourt
Instructor: Mami Iijima thus completing first solo flights." Instructor: Ryan Greenwood
What's a truly memorable flight or experience that
you've had?
I think one of the flights I remember the most was when
my instructor and I were flying back from Nanaimo on
my first night training flight. We were asked to do a few
orbits because someone had dropped their phone on
the runway! We had quite a laugh with the Tower.
Liam Nish Tony Clemente Jordan Isenor
Instructor: Ryan Greenwood Instructor: Ryan Greenwood Instructor: Ryan Greenwood
12 MARCH 2021 VFC | Aviation Excellence Since 1946 www.flyvfc.com 13
Member Showcase Ground School
Jessica James Schedules
How long have you been flying for?
MEMBER SHOWCASE:
I have been flying since the fall of 2012.
GROUND SCHOOL
What made you want to become a pilot?
Private Pilot Licence Ground School
Jessica James
SCHEDULES
A few things...firstly, I was very fortunate enough to have
grown up in a very small aviation related community, Nimpo How has flying changed your life? February 08 – April 28: Mondays & Wednesdays; (09:00 – 15:45)
Lake. (Fun fact-At one point Nimpo Lake was actually
known as the floatplane capital of British Columbia.) Being Goodness these are good questions! It has changed my life February 18 – March 23/2021: Tues, Thurs, & Fridays; (18:00 - 21:30)
surrounded around aviation from birth defiantly started in many ways. Too many to count or probably realize. It's
my flying bug. My first flight in a Cessna was actually at 6 how I have met my long term boyfriend, how I have met
months old with my parents. Secondly, when I graduated my closest friends, my mentors, and many, many amazing March 24 – April 30/2021: Tues, Thurs & Fridays + Mar 24; (18:00 - 21:30)
high school I didn’t know what I wanted to do, my Mom people along the way. It has also given me the opportunity
has always been a big advocate for school, so I had to pick to see beautiful places on the coast while creating memories May 03–May 25/2021: Mondays to Fridays; (18:00-21:30)
something. (Thank you Mom! :) ) Knowing that someday I and stories. I look forward to what it has in store for me after
wanted to get my PPL I started with that, then continued on the pandemic is over. May 26– June 18/2021: Mondays to Fridays; (18:00 - 21:30)
with my CPL and the rest is history.
If you could fly anywhere − and I mean anywhere − where
What do you enjoy most about flying?
The people that you meet, the family it creates and the
would it be?
The Maldives and Africa.
Commercial Pilot Licence Course
places that it will take you. March 16–Apr 29/2021; (Weekdays: 13:00-17:00)
One piece of advice you’d pass along to other pilots?
What is your favourite place to fly or visit? Why?
The industry is very very small, always be a good person. Individual scheduling requests available for PPL, CPL, MTA, and RPAS by individual request.
This one is hard...it continually changes and there are so
many places I want to see. But...the one that will always stay What's a truly memorable flight/experience you've had?
the same is probably Anahim Lake, BC. (Closest airport to my Individual tutoring available for PPL and CPL by individual request.
hometown.) Another good / hard question. Simply stated, there are so
many. Confirm your attendance with Neil Keating (204) 291-9667 and Brenda Hardwick (250) 656-2833.
What is your go to in-flight snack? There have been captains that have taught me about flying
and about myself in a short amount of time that have made
Flying commercial with an open cockpit concept you don’t a lasting impression. Landing at Sonora lodge and having
get to snack but my favourite in flight beverage is and a grey whale greet us near the dock. Learning tail dragger
always will be London Fogs. from one of my favourite humans. Having a very kind older
passenger state that she was proud to see a women pilot
What is your favourite club aeroplane? because she never had the opportunity when she was my
age. All the milestones along the way, those first solo's,
My favourite at the time was WLY & BMO. achieving flight tests, your first commercial briefing, learning
something new then nailing it. There's too many to mention
What about becoming a pilot was the most surprising, and I look forward to the ones that are yet to come.
challenging, or rewarding for you?
Are there any other stories or anecdotes you'd like to
Surprising: how much I repeatedly fall in love with aviation. share? We're all ears!
Challenging: never giving up, even though there have been
lots of obstacles along the way, including our current one, There's so many going through my head and some that
COVID. Rewarding: getting checked out commercially on a would only apply to a few but in a nut shell; there's days that
DHC-6. are going to be really tough, but if you love it, it's worth it.
14 MARCH 2021 VFC | Aviation Excellence Since 1946 www.flyvfc.com 15
THANKS FOR THE SHARE!
Pics from our members on Instagram who shared with us using the #flyvfc or #victoriaflyingclub tag.
From top, left to right: @rachelaliyah joins the VFC Dispatch team; @pilot.angie enjoying a flight without turbulence;
Avena ready to fly helicopters and take her CPL; @mathewthepilot shows that the world is better up here; @pottumutu_
nav striking a pose for one of our Member Monday posts; @leahvarga at home in the pilot's seat.
Tag us on Instagram & get featured!
16 MARCH 2021
@victoriaflyingclub #flyvfc #victoriaflyingclub
VFC | Aviation Excellence Since 1946
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