Newsletter Archive/Archives du bulletin

webstertrophy.ca Newsletter #004 - 2016

Webster/Nav Canada On-line Exam Now Launched: In the previous update (003) there was a detailed description presented of a new on-line written exam developed by Nav Canada for all of the Webster competitors to complete as part of this year's requirement for full entry into the competition. Fortunately it was tested by a few people prior to any competitors writing it and a couple of minor glitches were noted and corrected on three similar questions. As the exam has been on-line for only a short period we are aware of only one competitor completing it at this time achieving a good mark. This helps to validate the level of the test for us from a knowledge aspect and as more come in further results can be evaluated.

Although we receive a large number of applications, flight tests often come in much later. This is primarily due to Private Pilot licence holders waiting to finish a Commercial test in order to compare each and send in the higher mark before the deadline. There is however a good deal of procrastination for some reason as we often see both Private and Commercial flight test reports come in that were completed weeks or months before. It is likely therefore that we will see something similar in the writing of the Nav Canada exam, where some if not many will wait until near the deadline to get it done, perhaps wishing to study as much as possible on the subject matter. Regardless, the exam must be written and assessed in order to stay in the competition.

Applications Started Well But Have Slowed Down: It was encouraging to see a number of applications arrive early resulting in a total of double digits, however at the present time they have been somewhat scarce. There is adequate promotion as usual out there and all Flight Training Units (FTUs) have received a current Webster power-point e-mailed to them for presentation to their Private and Commercial ground school classes. Due to the varied weather and prolonged winter experienced across most of the country this year, it is very likely that training has fallen behind that which is generally normal. Should reasonable weather continue from this point forward, more flight tests will get done and more competitors apply. Fortunately due to the change to a later date in September from August for the nationals this year, the deadlines were also extended by a couple of weeks and that should help.

Webster Promotional Av Trade Articles: In order to keep Webster fresh in the minds of the aviation community I attempt to write various articles concerning the competition at different times of the year concentrating on producing more of them from this point forward. They cover any subject thought to be of interest such as how the competition is run, acknowledgement of our supporters, where our past finalists are now in their respective aviation careers and what may take place in the future. Sometimes it feels that the well runs dry for a large number of articles have been written over the years and it is hard not to be repetitive, which could cause a loss of interest in the programme.

This week however I just finished one that I have thought about doing for quite a while and am extremely pleased to have had the chance to finally write it. It is titled Remembering Ma Webster and it focuses on Eunice Carter who was the first National Administrator after the competition was resurrected in 1980. Eunice was married to one of our original judges, Bruce Carter and she maintained the competition for fifteen years until her passing in 2003. She accomplished a number of worthwhile things beyond Webster some of which are featured in the article. It has now been sent out to all the Canadian aviation trades, many of whom willingly place Webster articles on their respective websites for us. I have already received confirmation that this article will be in an upcoming issue of COPA Flight including an accompanying picture or two. If you have an opportunity, I hope you can secure a copy and read about her. She was quite a lady and did an amazing job of developing and maintaining the programme in the early days of the 80s & 90s.

Who Is Hosting In The Upcoming Years? Well, at the moment we don't not have final confirmations on everyone however we do have two that wish to have us in 2018 and 2019 as they are celebrating specific anniversaries. We are currently contacting a particular FTU out West for 2017 in a region we have not been to for a very long time. Hopefully by the next update all can be revealed as confirmed.

Where Are The Female Pilots? Over the past few years we have not had any female finalists and that is bothersome. We have had a good number of applicants and a few that looked like they would become a regional finalist only to be passed by close to the deadline. Why does this happen? Possibly it is because there are fewer female pilots being trained or licenced than males and the odds are therefore against them, It is certainly not their training or standards for we do see exceptional candidates entering the competition. We have supporters who have donated grant money to be given to female finalists and that is accumulating awaiting one or more to get there. We are also working in the preliminary stages with one of our major supporters who is extremely interested in encouraging more young ladies into the industry. This is an item for an upcoming Webster meeting where we hope to come up with some intriguing ideas to interest more females into the competition and perhaps assist our supporter's aims as well.

Wayne

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