Newsletter Archive/Archives du bulletin

webstertrophy.ca Newsletter #007 - 2015

One Month To Go: On August 16th, courtesy of our sponsor Air Canada, Amy and I will be boarding a westbound flight out of the magnificent city of Ottawa for the also magnificent city of Vancouver to be there ahead of time for the launch of Webster Week 2015. Arrivals of finalists, judges and Transport Canada Inspectors will for the most part occur the next day on Monday. Upon arrival at YVR, transport to the hotel this year is extremely easy as the Canada Line rail system leaves the airport and stops right at the door to the River Rock Resort and Hotel where everyone is staying. A trip of about 10 minutes.

Transportation is being arranged by Pacific Flying Club (PFC) to ensure the moving of everyone from the hotel to PFC and back again as well as to the various events planned throughout the week as necessary. We will also have a 7-place van rented as well. Transportation is often the biggest problem to solve during the competition so we greatly appreciate the volunteers who give up their time and use of vehicles to accommodate us. We do ensure that their gas is covered and they also have invitations to the banquet for their services. One of the events is a heavy aircraft sim night for the finalists courtesy of Air Canada. Those volunteer drivers who take the finalists and our photographer Andrea Shury over also get to fly the sims as well as a bonus.

The Competition: On Tuesday morning there is a briefing at PFC starting at 0900 in which all the participants are involved. The finalists receive a "Webster Week" briefing from Amy as to what is going to happen and what is expected of them regarding dress, behaviour, etc. The TC inspectors, Martine Dumas (simulator) and Pierre Samson (aircraft) will describe the two flight tests that the finalists will take. Last year on the simulator the finalists did a navigation trip over Nevada to San Diego and had to land on an aircraft carrier. This year's trip is equally interesting but in another part of the world. One of our judges, Arlo Speer will explain the two written exams, one designed for Webster based on those subjects found in the Study & Reference Guide for a Private Pilot Licence and one designed by Nav Canada specifically for Webster as well on pilot/controller communications, airspace and airport operations.A PFC representative will explain dispatch procedures and other pertinent facts about their operation.

Following the briefing the familiarization flights will take place where three finalists will go up with a PFC instructor or senior pilot to become familiar with circuit departure/joining procedures, landmarks and training area where the tests will be conducted. These are followed by a BBQ hosted by PFC and around 1400 the first exam is written.

On Wednesday morning the finalists, judges and inspectors leave the hotel in time to arrive at PFC so as to launch the first two tests by 0800. Although we now implement the Redbird simulator into the programme which cuts the weather problems down by half, we still attempt to move the flying portion along as quickly as possible in the event of large weather problems during the week. If all goes according to plan the testing is finished by Thursday evening and perhaps the second exam has been fitted in as well, otherwise it is completed when time permits. If weather really messes up the flying, Friday and even Saturday morning is available to finish off the stragglers.

Every year we have the top nine competitors become Webster finalists and in the past there have been excellent candidates definitely worthy of being among those nine finalists. This year however the finalists' regionally submitted flight test reports overall have been exceptional! We are expecting that this will be a very hard-fought and close competition and among one of our very best yet.

The Extras: During the week, Aero-Formatech will be on site with a portable aircraft fire-fighting unit and all finalists will take a certified fire-fighting course between their flight tests and exams. The unit will also be available for demos to those who would like to see it perform which is fascinating and very close to real. There is a tour of JAZZ being scheduled for Tuesday evening, a PFC hosted reception at the River Rock for Thursday evening, the Air Canada heavy aircraft simulators for Friday evening and of course the Awards Banquet on Saturday evening, August 22nd.

Thanks Everyone: As we have often said in the past and it bears repeating this competition would not be where it is within the aviation community today if it were not for the involvement and generosity of a large number of people, organizations and companies. From our Webster Team through to all of those who financially support the programme, donate grants and prizes to the finalists or their Flight Training Units, provide services to the promotion of the programme and offer to host the event at different sites across the country, it is sincerely appreciated. Every contribution is a part of the whole and every contribution assists in maintaining the status and prestige of the event.

A special thank you this year to Pat Kennedy who has been outstanding in her enthusiasm toward making this year's Webster a resounding success and to Pacific Flying Club , Delta, BC for acting as host.

Congratulations on their 50th Anniversary! We would also like to acknowledge Sea Land Air for giving us access to a Katana, required for our finalist from the Atlantic Region.

Wayne

---