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View Full Version : A Serendipitous Day at the Cunim Gliding Club


India Four Two
22nd Jul 2016, 05:16
Background to this post. Firstly, I live in Okotoks Alberta, just south of Calgary. I deliberately chose to move there so that I could be close to the Cunim Gliding Club's field at Black Diamond (CEH2) - a 20 minute drive instead of over one hour. Secondly, Saturday is the start of the annual ten-day Cowley gliding camp (CYYM), which I was planning to attend.

This morning I had an email from a friend who was towing today, asking if I could take over in the afternoon. Of course! So I showed up about 2pm and had a great afternoon towing. 13 tows, averaging 12 min per tow. I was pleased with the efficiency. One of our members who is a tow pilot and who has recently converted to gliders, was there, having flown in from his home strip, five minutes away, in his 185.

Late in the afternoon, he flew to Springbank, Calgary's GA airport (CYBW), 15 minutes away, to pick up his son. Later I heard his voice on the radio but was very surprised when he showed up in a new toy - a Stinson 108:

http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c309/india42/Stinson%20108%20IMG_6325_zps7zwymavp.jpg

After having a look around it and chatting for a while, I had the following conversation:

“i’m flying the Stinson to Oshkosh on Sunday, back on Thursday.”

“I’ve always wanted to go to Oshkosh. I thought about going this year because it’s the 70th anniversary of the Chipmunk and the Mars is going to be there.”

“Why don’t you come with me?”

“Really?”

“Sure.”

“OK!”

So I emailed him my passport details ten minutes ago to apply for the eAPIS (https://eapis.cbp.dhs.gov/).

Oshkosh here I come! :D

And I will still be able to attend the last four days of the gliding camp, assuming no weather delays.

Planemike
22nd Jul 2016, 18:01
Right place............Right time !!! Have a wonderful trip!!!

piperboy84
22nd Jul 2016, 18:59
I42 Chores for Oshkosk:

1.Stop by Garmin booth and ask why the delay and projected availability for the Atlantic database on the new model 660 GPS

2. Stop by Air Gizmos booth and ask release date of Garmin 660 panel mount tray.

3. While passing Avidyne booth hurl profanity laced insults (preferably ones alleging they practice maternal carnal relations) for not drawing my name out of the hat for the IFD 540 nav com gps giveaway.

Updated tasks to follow, oh and have a good time.

India Four Two
22nd Jul 2016, 20:22
It will be my longest ever cross-country flight - about eleven hours or so. At least there's two of us to take it in turns.

pb84, Chores 1 and 2 - Wilco. Chore 3 - should I use my best Billy Connolly accent?

I'm really looking forward to seeing the Mars in action, plus I'm going to be checking to see if any of "my" Chipmunks are there.