Pontius's Copilot

Ten or twelve years ago a Canadian pilot posted intermittently on Jet Blast his reminiscences of a long and eventful life in aviation. I remember reading through tears of laughter his very detailed and descriptive dry sense of humour, recalling tales of crop-dusting/spraying/water-bombing (my memory's not that good now!) in converted warbirds such as the Bearcat and Avenger. I got the impression that these postings were prompted by his having been diagnosed with what he referred to as the "Big C", which I assumed was cancer.

Does anyone out there know what became of this superb storyteller (and aviator, obviously). I'm sure there's much more to tell, was his life storey ever published?

I would love to see it passed on to the whole new generation of pilots who've started their careers since then and have never known any flying other than straight-and-level with passengers.

604guy

I suspect that you are refering to a gentleman that posted under the handle Duke Elegant. Les made his final flight 8 years ago last month. Lots of his stories reside over on AvCanada

ehwatezedoing

Yes,

You will find some of his stories here:
AVCANADA; View topic - TALES OF A WAYWARD AVIATOR

Pontius's Copilot

Thanks for the prompt responses gents, I've just re-read the first couple of stories ... and they are at least as good as I remember. Apologies to the Duke's memory for calling him Canadian, and to any who feel I should for confusing a Bearcat with the Avenger (in name only).

J.O.

You don't necessarily have to be born in Canada to be a Canadian. When it comes to pilots, they don't get much more "Canadian" than Les and his contribution to aviation in Canada was significant in its own way. I still miss his stories.

604guy

My last trip through LHR the Custom's officer said "welcome home". I hadn't a clue what he was on about! It wasn't until I was picking up my rental car that it suddenly dawned on me....my Canadian passport accurately lists my place of birth as UK, so yes I was "coming home"..........but, I consider myself as very much a Canadian and wouldn't characterize myself any other way. Perhaps part of the mindset of living in a part of the world that is predominated by folks that are originally from away (with all due respect to our First Nations friends and neighbours)

J.O.

Even their ancestors came from somewhere else. The only true natives in Canada are the bears and the beavers.