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Newsletter Archive/Archives du bulletin

webstertrophy.ca Newsletter #006 - 2016

2016 Webster Finalists: It is with great pleasure on behalf of the entire Webster Team to announce the 2016 Webster finalists listed below. This was a very different year affected somewhat by a change in time from August to September but also due to the addition of the Webster/Nav Canada On-line Exam requirement introduced into this year's competition. At first it was felt that the requirement for a written component would have a very negative impact on the number of entries but as the deadline approached the numbers increased dramatically. Right from the start the partnership with Nav Canada focused on the development of an exam beneficial to Webster but which also zeroed in of concerns Nav Canada had with noted deteriorations of standards and knowledge in specific areas. Having Webster competitors write it gave them a venue to reach a good number of pilots and it appears to be working as the exam was quite challenging and appropriate for the knowledge levels of our competitors but with marks which reflected good results. The exam was developed a few years ago but only given to the nine finalists. This year it was broadened to include all the competitors at the regional level and therefore now has a greater impact for both Nav Canada and Webster. We have always felt that, to hold the position of Top Amateur Pilot in Canada, it should not only be stick and rudder skills, but aviation knowledge as well. We now have the means to achieve that.

British Columbia:        Jared Shury                    Coastal Pacific Aviation

Alberta:                         Reuben Vermeulen        Prairie School of Mission Aviation

Saskatchewan:             Timothy Penner             Mitchinson Flight Centre

Manitoba:                      Micheal Bryson              Harv's Air

Western Ontario:          Maxine Brignell              Sault College

Central Ontario:            Adrian Worek                  Brampton Flight Centre

Eastern Ontario:           Mark Chra                        Seneca College

Quebec:                          William Prefontaine        CQFA

Atlantic:                          Mark Nardei                    Moncton Flight College

Nav Canada Trophy Winner: As indicated in the paragraph above the exam was previously limited to the nine finalists only and the Nav Canada trophy was presented at the Awards Banquet by a representative to the finalist with the highest mark. This year since the exam was required by all competitors, it was decided that the highest mark from the entire group would take the trophy. Even ties were considered and Nav Canada was consulted about what they would prefer to do in such an event. As it turned out one of our finalists, Maxine Lenore Brignell – Western Ontario Region received the highest mark at 93% and will be presented with the trophy at the Awards Banquet.

Next Steps: The run up to the regional deadline is always stressful, pressuring competitors to get their exam done and/or get their flight test reports submitted along with a number of them making initial application to compete within 24 hours of the deadline. Yep. It happened again this year! Within the next couple of days we will be e-mailing out the finalists' package with all the details and materials required to prepare for the national finals. This includes such items as aircraft selections available, flight test guides, accommodations, mode of dress and deportment expected, travel to and from, etc.

Once all the questions and concerns have been addressed in this area we begin the process of extending the formal invitations to our supporter representatives and associated guests. Please note that there is distinct possibility of a Canadian postal strike which may or may not last for a long period of time. We prefer to mail the invitations out, however in such an event they may have to be e-mailed instead. Expect them sometime near the end of July or first part of August.

Canadian Business Aviation Award (CBAA): Last year CBAA come on as a Webster supporter and proposed an education bursary of $1,500 be presented to the Flight Training Unit of a specific finalist for his/her continued flight training.

The grant was linked to the region in which the CBAA convention would be held in a particular year. Last year the Quebec finalist received the award and this year the convention takes place in Calgary, Alberta thus Reuben Vermeulen receives it. As it turns out in both years the CBAA convention occurs within a few days of the Webster regional deadline and they would like to have the finalist there if possible to receive the award in person. Specific accommodation and travel costs are covered. Reuben has been contacted and will be attending the luncheon on July 6th plus one of the days of the convention.

The Near Future: As most of you likely already know Amy and I after ten years have decided to step down from the stewardship of the competition and the position of National Administrator will be taken over by Brenda Reid. Brenda is already heavily involved in the transition this year and certain changes are already beginning to be implemented, one being electronic assessment of the regional marks. Amy kept track of the flight test and exam marks manually working out the percentage ratios of the two as determined by the team at an earlier meeting. Brenda however with the initial assistance of Arlo Speer, one of our judges set up a computer programme to to do the same electronically. After the deadline both sets of assessments were compared and were equal, thus a new easier process can now be relied upon from this point forward.

The Nav Canada exam as indicated above worked very well however a few technical observations were noted as would be expected and they will be addressed for the next year's round.

Have a good day.

Wayne

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