New Features...

A short time ago I asked the resident Stetson videographer Barry Hanna to put together a short video that shows what we do at the newly created Stetson Flight School.

He has done an awesome job that exceeded all expectations and I wanted to share it with you...

Click Barry to take a look at the video...

Thanks Barry!

Goose.

Today, July 15, 2010 saw both Jason Banks & Gord Finck pass their written exam and practical flight tests to attain their wings!

They are the first two true beginners to earn their wings after attending the Stetson Flight School.

They will continue to attend Flight School to leverage knowledge from our instructors and build on basic skills.

These successes are directly attributed to the ongoing dedication by our volunteer instructors and the support of the club executive…

Thank you all very much!

Goose.

As requested by one of our members, I have added a quick-jump to the weather section of this page to the menu on the left. Enjoy...

Another suggestion by one of our members, you can now follow the Flight School updates on Twitter! This means real-time updates via your cellphone or computer.

The combined Ed Rae Memorial Fun Fly and Stetson Classic and Warbird Event...

... was held on Saturday June 26, 2010 and got off to a wet start. The showers were not enough to keep pilots and spectators away although the shelter was full of people and equipment until lunch time.

32 pilots from 3 clubs registered for the event and brought a plethora of aircraft types and sizes.

The Stetson club was very privileged to have several members of Ed Rae's family attend and a small ceremony including a minute of silence was MC'd by Gerry Nadon.

Several other past members were also remembered including Bill Pryde, Ford Sommerville, Serge Martin, Mike Hughson and Stu Poulin.

Pictures from the event can be found on the Stetson Gallery and full coverage here...

Many thanks to all the hard-working volunteers, organizers and members that made the event happen and to our sponsor Discount Hobbies.

See you next year!

The Stetson Flyers Image Gallery...

... is finally available. After considerable time and effort trying to locate, configure, install and debug a free imaging system that satisfies a majority of our needs, 4Image was chosen and put in place.

As a registered member, you will now be able to share your pictures with your fellow club members, family and friends.

I have also prepared a How-to document to get you started... click here to download a PDF document.

If you have any issues with the gallery, please let me know by email at gallery_admin@stetsonflyers.com

You can access the gallery using the new link in the sidebar menu...

Enjoy!

Goose

2010 Stetson last monthly meeting...

Was held at D & S BBQ in Carlsbad Springs with over 40 people showing up to chat with friends and fellow members, enjoy a great dinner and endure the last meeting before the summer break.

Needless to say it was a great night and I am looking forward to the next one.

2010 Stetson Field Cleanup!

Saturday May 15 2010 was a great day for the field cleanup, with sunshine and a light breeze to keep from getting too hot.

Over 30 club members put in a full days work and the results are easy to see. Both the trailer and BBQ hut were leveled, pavers laid outside the trailer, fence repairs, everthing was painted, half a load of stone dust was distributed by an army of workers and so much more.

Louise headed a working party to clear the ditches and treeline down the driveway as well as planting trees and shrubs around the Stetson sign.

Thanks to everyone who got involved, you are all a great credit to the club!

Speaking of earning your Wings...

The following is the official list that will be used by our CFI to test your flying proficiency which is the practical half of attaining your Wings.

1. DEXTERITY
The pilot must be able to locate all the transmitter controls quickly without fumbling.

2. THEORY
The pilot must be able to name all major components of the aircraft and define functions, including effect of controls, and have a thorough knowledge of safety rules and regulations.

3. AIRFRAME & PRE-FLIGHT CHECK
The pilot checks the engine mounting, plumbing, centre of gravity location, security of under-carriage and signs of structural or covering problems that could affect flight eg. presence of warps which could affect trim. The pilot also checks that controls are neutral and control throws correct, and checks throttle setting, state of battery and performs a range check.

4. TAKE OFF
The pilot demonstrates gradual application of power while keeping the aircraft straight, and using a little elevator to lift off, makes a gentle climb out with wings level until safe altitude is reached.

5. TRIMMING
Pilot shows ability to trim the aircraft in flight. Displacement and re-trimming both the primary roll control and elevator should be demonstrated.

6. PROCEDURE TURNS - One in each direction
The pilot's ability to perform the following steps in the procedure turn will be assessed.
   a. Level flight segments should be straight and level.
  b. Aircraft should pass directly over the landing area.
  c. Turns should be at a constant altitude.
  d. Turns should be completed in order that upwind and downwind tracks are superimposed.

7. LANDING CIRCUITS
Pilot to demonstrate in both directions, with all turns of 90 degrees. With high performance aircraft, the power needs to be reduced much sooner than at the turn onto base leg. The upwind and downwind legs are parallel to the landing strip. The first three legs are maintained at a constant height and a gradual approach angle is started at the beginning of the base leg.

8. APPROACH & LANDING
Pilot demonstrates an engine assisted landing, using a suitable power setting that allows the model to descend, controlling nose attitude with elevators (airspeed), and using the throttle to stabilize the rate of descent. The aircraft should be flown over the threshold at an altitude of about 1.5 meters, the throttle closed gradually, and the round-out or flare initiated. The "hold-off" period is then commenced where the aircraft is gradually allowed to sink and settle on the ground in a slightly nose high attitude.

9. SIMULATED DEAD STICK LANDING
At a safe and high position, the pilot will reduce the throttle to idle and perform a descending circuit to show his/her ability to safely glide the model without engine power to a position where a landing approach can be executed.

10. Student has passed the written exam

2010 Stetson Field Rules...

Have been added to the side menu for easy access. Students will need to read and understand these rules to pass the Wings exam.

Spending too much time on the computer...?

Join the Stetson Flyers Facebook Group!.

You will need a Facebook account to join. It's a great way to stay in touch with other members and even discuss issues, show off your builds etc...

2010 Instructors Check-Flight is complete...

Thanks to all the instructors who attended the check flight on Friday.

The weather conditions were less than perfect and all but two were able to pass the test.

Timing was critical to get this task completed before the first Stetson Flight School class which will occur on Tuesday May 4th at 5:00PM.

"Nine Spin" Zeke... R.I.P

Pictures : Hal MacDonald

Warbird event resolved!

Thanks to new member Dave Hubenig, who graciously volunteered to act as our Event Director, we are good to go!

Now you warbird guys and gals, get 'em out and get 'em working! Your event is coming soon!

Dave can be contacted on 613 796-1972 or drumrd@rogers.com

Stetson Flight School...

is now open and the first class is set for Tuesday May 4th, 2010 from 5:00PM.

You must register to attend... please use the email link on the Flight School page.

To see what has been happening with the school, please vist the Flight School page.

Thanks!

Simon Goose Nadler
Chief Flight Instructor

2010 First Fly...

was well attended as you can see from the pictures below, with the weather in stark contrast to where your webmaster is spending Christmas :).

Thanks to Marc and Barry for providing the pictures and video of the event.

Welcome!... to the new & returning members of the Stetson Flyers... , including David Colpitts, Jason & Brad Banks, Alfredo Catap, Joe Colitti, Gordon Finck, Dave Hubenig, Peter Kember, Paul Khadr, Lee Norris, Len Rawlings, Raphael Ready, Dan Rodgers, Michael Wendt, William Wilson & Chris Wilson, Yorek Hurrelmann, Peter Kember...

We wish you a long and happy relationship with the club...

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