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2005 Shuswap Float Fly
 
Author: Luella Cousins

The annual June Float Fly was held on June 4th and 5th, 2005 at Sandy Point hosted by the Grindrod Air Force. The weather co-operated fully on Saturday and the flying conditions were great. We didn't stay for the Sunday flying so I can't comment on the conditions for Sunday.

Walking down the beach was like taking a walk through wonderland with all types and colors of aircraft to whet the appetite and stir the imagination. From the sportier just for fun models to the highly realistic planes, the effort put into the planes was spectacular.

There were a couple of planes that caught my attention. One in particular was the Spruce Goose, a scale model sporting eight engines. In years past, I have missed the opportunity to see this plane fly but I was fortunate this year and was able to watch two flights of this incredible plane. The first flight went off without a hitch but the second flight had a bit of a problem at "splash-down" but nothing major. I am sure the owner of the plane was quite relieved.

Another of my favorites this year caught my eye for the beauty of the craftsmanship involved in the planeand watching it fly allowed me to appreciate the aerodynamics of the plane as well. Although I don't know the type of airplane, it was the white plane with the green trim that you will see in the photos shown below.

Other planes such as the Cub with the canoe supported by the floats, the family of red, blue and teal planes as well as many others certainly deserved recognition for the work involved in the planes.

I met a woman from the Calgary Radio Aero Modellers Society and I must say that I commend her on her flying ability. Her husband and her brother (who belongs to the hosting club) readily admit that her landing ability quite often outshines their own. Winnie was a great source of inspiration to us ladies who think of flying but have not yet dared to try. I must also mention that Betty Ann Northup from the Vernon club was also at the fun fly but I missed seeing her fly. I have watched her fly at other events and she is also an excellent flyer. So ladies, it is possible to be a pilot and possibly, outshine your husband. Just don't let him teach you to fly.

The concession at Sandy Point cooked up some good hamburgers and hot dogs for lunch. I sampled the cuisine and can speak from experience.

Although most years at the float fly there have been a lot of wasps buzzing around, this year I did not see even one. That was quite a pleasant suprise. Those little critters seem to love the smell of the fuel and have been quite a nuisance in the past. It was a bonus this year not to have to worry about them.

People came and went throughout the day and all that I heard remark on the event had only positive things to say.

Lester Koneman from Lester's Hobbies set up at the site and his tent was kept busy from those hoping to buy and those just bending an ear.

Also present, and rightfully so at this event, was Dave Milton from Slocan Floats. What else would you expect to see at a float fly. Just walking on the beach is a testament to the popularity of his floats. There are a lot of people who also use his floats for winter flying, depending on the type of snow.

If you have never been to the float fly, it is worth your time to come out and see the show that the Grinrod Air Force hosts at Sandy Point. If you check our events calendar you will see that they also host a fall fly-in.

Hope to see you all there in the fall.


 

click to enlarge "Sheer Water Fun"	click to enlarge A lot of realism in the take-off	click to enlarge A sportier looking float plane	click to enlarge Another float plane with engine pod
click to enlarge Another view of the Cub	click to enlarge Another view of the plane & support system	click to enlarge Another view of the Spruce Goose	click to enlarge Another view of the two engine seaplane
click to enlarge Beautiful mid-size plane on floats	click to enlarge Beautiful weather and beautiful planes	click to enlarge Blue and white beauty	click to enlarge Check out the detail on the cub
click to enlarge Check out the support system	click to enlarge Chub Neufeld's Seamaster	click to enlarge Chub's Astrohog on floats	click to enlarge Classic Cub on floats
click to enlarge Dean Wichman's Cub on floats	click to enlarge Different style float plane	click to enlarge Family of red, blue and teal float planes	click to enlarge Float plane with pod
click to enlarge High wing plane on floats	click to enlarge I didn't get a chance to see this one fly	click to enlarge LT40 with a different covering style	click to enlarge Nice looking plane
click to enlarge Not much effort for this plane to get airborne	click to enlarge Notice the canoe on the floats	click to enlarge One of the many planes at Sandy Point	click to enlarge Realism in flight
click to enlarge Same planes, different float systems	click to enlarge Second plane of this type at the fly-in	click to enlarge Spruce Goose - spectacular with eight engines	click to enlarge Spunky float plane
click to enlarge That's a glove on the cowl - glove used for turning over the prop	click to enlarge To the spectator, a great deal of realism in the take-off	click to enlarge Two Engine Seaplane

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