27 July 2008

DAY 10, JULY 26 : LYNN LAKE - RED LAKE

From left to right:
Camil Dumont Jr.: Quebec, Canada 15 years old
Martin Leroux-Dennebouy: France 19 years old, PILOT IN COMMAND
Michaëlle Dumont: Quebec, Canada 17 years old, PILOT IN COMMAND

THEY DID IT! 

THE YOUNGEST TEAM EVER TO REACH THE 70th PARALLEL ABOVE THE ARCTIC CIRCLE ON BOARD CESSNA 172!  3500 NM IN 10 DAYS. 
_____________________________________

SMOKEY!

The visibility was very low (2-3 M) due to forest fires in the area.  Tail winds of 30 knots increased drastically the speed of planes.  The Cessna 172 was now reading 130 knots ground speed! 

Our early arrival in Red Lake took the organizers by surprise however, it wasn't long before everyone was accomodated.  The pilots walked around the Norseman festival enjoying the sight of Norseman planes flying in. Some went fishing.  Finally the closing ceremony took place at the Heritage Center.  The pilots great achievement and competence was aknowledged.

The winners of the longest most remote ever Air Rally Challenge 2008 Governor General's Cup; Mackenzie River Challenge are: BONNIE AND PAUL BOEDECKER from Minnesota, USA!!!

Bonnie and Paul greatly deserved the award but we were all winners in this difficult but unique flying experience.

 The pictures and full story will be available on the www.airrally.com website.

We are pleased to present the first contributors to the Aviation Connection Pilot Mentor fund:

Wood Buffalo Municipality, AB
Hay River, NWT
Inuvik, NWT
Red Lake, ONT
Bombardier
International Air Rally

The contributions made to the fund will make the Pilot Mentor program 2009 launch possible and the program will be put into effect during the Canada Centennial Flight celebration.

The organizing committee is back to work and will post Pilot Mentor program details on
 www.aviationconnection.org soon.

Thank you for following the adventure and sorry for late updates as internet conection was not always possible!

Preparing montage of Red Lake finals to be posted soon...

see the photos at
http://ca.youtube.com/watch?v=qUwaCQUbCnc

Visit Paul and Bonnie's blog:
 http://airrally2008.blogspot.com/

Posted by International Air Rally at 15:43:00 | Permanent Link | Comments (1) |

DAY 9, JULY 25: FT. CHIPEWYAN - LYNN LAKE

CAVU !!!

The flight to Lynn Lake was a 4-5 hour flight for the smaller planes. refuelling was set in Thompson. 
The team of Bonnie and Paul from Minnesota was ahead in the competition.  The couple was handling the challenge with great spirit, hability and facility; amazing to see pilots from south of the border being so at ease in such remote, unknown regions!  So were John and Dave, Warren and Don on board Mooneys and Mark, Robyn and Bob from Ohio. 

Lynn Lake was the place to fish ! Warren, John, Dave as well as most of the participants were organised for the fishing trip to take place after supper at the Legion.  The mayor invited a few to join him on his boat.  We spent a great time catching Pike and Walleye until 10 o'clock at night!

Lynn Lake organization of our visit was very well handled thanks to Helen and her volunteers.  They made every effort to get us to the airport early in order to secure an early arrival in Red Lake for the finals.

 See photos of day 9:
http://ca.youtube.com/watch?v=Jj2mUZuNhEk
Posted by International Air Rally at 15:09:09 | Permanent Link | Comments (0) |

DAY 8, JULY 24 : HAY RIVER - FT. CHIPEWYAN (NWT)

SKY CLEAR AGAIN!!!!

The flight was short, the community of Fort Chipewyan received the pilots.  The community supper was organized by the Athabasca Lake.  The setting and the view of  the lake were outstanding.

We enjoyed traditional dances performed by the community youth dressed in beautiful native costumes.  The Air Rally participants took part in traditional games.  We were honored by the presence of Chief Ovide Mercredi, long time Canadian First Nation Grand Chief, highly respected by First Nation people and high Canadian officials.

Chief Mercredi made a speech to greet and thank the Air Rally for visiting the communities since 2003 and invited us to include his community in one of the rallies.

Fort Chipewyan is a beautiful place  to enjoy nature.  The people of Fort Chipewyan are very hospitable and open to visitors.   

See photos of day 8: 
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LZucLHdoDpw
 
Posted by International Air Rally at 14:44:51 | Permanent Link | Comments (0) |

DAY 7, JULY 23rd: INUVIK - HAY RIVER

SKY CLEAR!

It is rather incredible that the majority of the planes including the 172 (youth team) made it to Inuvik without any delay.  The weather was perfect to undertake the long journey back to Hay River. 

Arriving to Hay River and meeting our local friends again made us feel at home.  Two of the planes; Galli and Thomas teams werefinally joining the group after 6 days of trying to catch up.  Unfortunately, the third team had to return home on a commercial flight as their plane was badly damaged on the ground due to sudden high winds.

The organizing committee reassured the two teams who had been informed that there would be serious shortage of fuel on route down to Red Lake.  Though there was heavy activity in the area due to forest fires, the Air Rally had secured the supply for the pilots.  That is a good reason for flying as a group with the backup of a serious organization.

A great supper with Mayor Jean-Marc Miltenberger, and a good night sleep got us ready for next leg to Ft. Chipewyan.
Posted by International Air Rally at 14:27:52 | Permanent Link | Comments (0) |

21 July 2008

DAY 5-6, JULY 20-21: NORMAN WELLS - INUVIK

The weather was not cooperating, the group split; some of them going ahead to Inuvik encountering low ceillings 25 NM south of Inuvik. 

Some planes stayed in Norman Wells and were met by those who had been delayed to enjoy a sunny afternoon and a wonderful dinner together.

Those who arrived in Inuvik were received by mayor Lindsay; celebrating the 50th anniversary.  They joined the festivities including a community dinner, an art festival and the closing ceremonies.  In the evening they were invited to a private mayor reception at the hotel. The participants were honored to be greeted by the North West Territories Lieutenant Governor Anthony W. J. Whitford.

The next morning, the Cirrus and the Comanche landed, still anticipating four planes in Inuvik.  We celebrated the airport's 50th anniversary.  Inuvik was full of visitors coming from many provinces and communities. 

Celebrating the Inuvik 50th anniversary was the ultimate goal of the Air Rally.  Being above the Arctic Circle gave us a unique feeling of achievement.  

Due to lack of accomodations, and thanks to the canadian forces, a few of us were admitted at the military barrack by the airport.    The experience was unique!  The second day, the Citation jet flew into Nome, the Pilatus and Learjet stayed in Inuvik.

A big celebration took place at the airport to celebrate its anniversary.

On july 22nd, the weather cleared allowing small planes including the Cessna 172 (young team) to fly over the Mackenzie Delta, Aklavik and Tuktoyaktuk.  The young team ( Martin, Michaëlle and Camil Jr.) invited on board the grandson of Mike Zubko, the first pilot to fly into Inuvik.  Tne town of Inuvik named the airport in his honor.  

See photos of day 5 and 6:
   http://ca.youtube.com/watch?v=a-7-HQlMfq0
Posted by International Air Rally at 23:39:34 | Permanent Link | Comments (1) |

DAY 4, JULY 19th: HAY RIVER - NORMAN WELLS

Very good weather for the first part of the trip.  Unfortunately, our destination forecast was below minimum.  Half the group decided to go on and others stopped in Ft. Simpson to reevaluate the weather. 

In Ft. Simpson, while waiting for the next forecast, Aurel Dan, from the Pilatus PC- 12, decided to set up a picnic.  As every year we sat around the table by his plane and enjoyed the delicacies brought from Switzerland.  We looked for the shade since the temperature was 27 °C (81 F).  The point of this stop was also to check on the young team of Michaëlle and Martin who arrived pratically at the same time.  A few teams gathered at Ft. Simpson until the conditions cleared at our next destination.

The Cirrus, piloted by Paul Boedecker, was the first to land.  The other members of the rally continued to arrive at regular intervals.  Warren Wright, North-Wright Air, had arranged transportation as well as an impressive riverside BBQ at his seaplane base. 

While enjoying the great food, we enjoyed the Pilatus Porter and the Twin Otter demonstrating a low approach and impressive landing.        

See day 4 photos:   
 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UJd8r5dp59c

Posted by International Air Rally at 23:00:15 | Permanent Link | Comments (0) |

DAY 3, FRIDAY JULY 18th : FT. MC MURRAY - HAY RIVER

Good weather, flight over the tar sands, the terrain is changing from the flat prairie to rolling hills. Everyone arrived in Hay River safely, a good VFR day.  Hay River airport manager closed up a runway for our planes, volunteers from the town received the pilots with great enthusiasm. 

Every crew had been assigned a local volunteer to show them varied sights of the town including the impressive water falls, the golf course, the museum.  Some were lucky enough to cross the path of a mama bear with her two babies.  In the evening our hosts treated us to a freshly caught white fish BBQ by the river and a refreshing harbour cruise and jet boat rides for the more adventurous.  For three of the crew members, the jet boat rides were followed by a courtesy police car ride directly to the hotel.  

See photos of day 3:
http://ca.youtube.com/watch?v=rvBNXxCIANg
Posted by International Air Rally at 22:26:00 | Permanent Link | Comments (1) |

20 July 2008

DAY 2, JULY 17th: THE PAS - FT MC MURRAY

The leg Brandon The Pas went very well for most teams escept for one : the team of Don and Pat Eisenberg who shortly after taking off decided to turn back to Brandon to the great surprise of others considering that this team had the option to file for an IFR flight plan . Pat and Don decided to abandon the challenge
The young team of Michaelle Dumont and Martin Dennebouy  made it only 1 hour after the other planes.

 

The Pas airport was  busy as all traffic from Flin Flon airport (under construction) was diverted into The Pas due to reconstruction. After landing and without waisting any time Warren, Dave and John, jumped on the boat and went  fishing on Clearwater lake. It was a marvellous experience they said: The fish was biting , the water was calm, they enjoyed the sunset and returned to rest at the KiKiwak hotel. Others were  received at the airport by jack Lane  KiKiwak Inn hotel manager, a very friendly and helpful person who didn’t mind running back and f orth from the hotel to the airport and with the help of a few volunteers got us all where we needed to be. The airport proximity to the lake and the fishing reputation of The Pas make it a dream place  for any fisherman pilot.
We thank Jack and Mary from the Kikiwak for making our visit very enjoyable and Chad for his help at the airport.
July 17- The alarm clock s wer set early. Today is a big day !
 The slowest planes got to the airport first in order to arrive in time to meet the Honourable Mayor Blake. Flying conditions were good. After crossing the province of Saskatchewan , we finally arrived in the land of black gold .The young team of martin and Michaelle got to the airport two hours later.
 the Reception was obsolutely outstanding. Even with a very busy agenda Mayor Blake made a point to come to the airport to welcome the teams. The media was there, hostesses greated the pilots with presents and treated us to a great buffet in the Syncrude immaculate hangar.
. A program was carefully arranged and that included at tour of the oil and sand discovery center that lasted 2 hours.
 Back to the Radisson hotel on time for the evening reception and supper presided  by mayor Blake who presented a donation to the Aviation Connection pilot Mentor Fund.
Everyone was impressed by the dynamism of Fort McMurray and its people (average age :32 Fort Mcmurray is surrounded by beautiful wilderness and offers its habitants great future and also the opportunity to live in  the middle of such beautiful immense wilderness

See the photos here of day 2(july 17th): 
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4v9Z2QmvTnc
Posted by International Air Rally at 10:34:16 | Permanent Link | Comments (0) |

16 July 2008

DAY 1, JULY 16th : BRANDON - THE PAS

The teams arrived as planned at 4 PM and earlier, July 15th, to the exception of three planes grounded in Ontario.
 
It was a pleasure to see again many familliar faces. The pilots from different origins connected very quickly and in a short time the pilots bounded together. A great group indeed !
Briefing and presentation was followed by a BBQ at the airport.   Brandon flying Club members joined in. 

The participants made the 6 o'clock news, and the next morning, a full page on the Brandon local news paper : The Brandon Sun as well as radio interviews.

July 16th, 1st day of the Air Rally.
Early start at the airport for weather briefing, questionnaires and flight plan filling ! Unfortunately, the weather was not on the VFR pilots side. Though IFR pilots could have moved on, they decided to stay together until it was possible for everyone to move on. A game of pool, a pizza treat and a lot of jocking around made the time fly. Finally it was a GO ! Thanks to Aurel; the Pilatus captain  from Switzerland and Dave; the Lear Jet captain, Mark Homer on board a Piper Comanche, the VFR teams got regular weather briefing ahead and indications to make their flight safe all the way to The Pas. 

Arriving at the Pas later did not stop Warren, Dave (Rogers) and John from going for the big Fish ! Unfortunately, one of the teams, turned around and back to Brandon.

We are now 4 teams short.We expect them in the Pas tomorrow.

See the photos of day 1(july 16th) at:
 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SqazBDFYpQs

Stay put for more !

Posted by International Air Rally at 23:29:23 | Permanent Link | Comments (1) |

08 July 2008

2008 Mackenzie River Challenge

                            


Our journey is a tribute to Alexander Mackenzie and his brave companions.  
( Read story : "Voyages from Montreal" )

The International Air Rally participants will start the journey from Brandon, Manitoba and proceed across the province of Saskatchewan and Alberta to reach the North West Territories and follow the Mackenzie River from Great Slave Lake (Hay River) .  The teams will reach Inuvik July 20th on time to celebrate Inuvik's 50th anniversary. 

During this 10 day journey, the participants will have the great privilege to meet the people who have, with great enthusiasm, agreed to contribute to the organization of this unique flying event.  You will get to meet them when reading the blog on a daily bases. 


MEET THE TEAMS

Considering the extent of the flight (3216 NM), we can say that the pilots who have entered this challenge belong to a special breed of pilots.  Neither the age: from 17 to 78 and neither the distance: some originating from Europe or distant US states have stopped them.  THEY ARE ALL WINNERS FROM THE START!!!

DAN, AUREL , SIMONE AND CESAR                   Switzerland                                    Pilatus PC-12       
GIRSPERGER, SVEN  

BOEDECKER, PAUL AND BONNIE                       Minnesota, USA                            Cirrus SR22

FUSS, PETER                                                     Vermont, USA                                               
HOWEL, HARVEY                                               Mass., USA                                   C525 Citation Jet
DE LAPLANTE, FRANCINE AND MARC                Ontario, Canada

GUNTER, SEIBOLD                                             California, USA                               Cessna 182
SUTTON, DORIS

McCULLOCH, DAVID                                           Florida, USA                                 Bombardier Lear jet 23
CORPER, RAY
DUMONT, CAMIL                                                Quebec, Canada
TOBENAS, CATHERINE
WALDNER, SAM                                                 Manitoba, Canada
TURPLE, ART                                                      Nova Scotia, Canada

LEROUX-DENNEBOUY, MARTIN                           France                                         Cessna 172
DUMONT, MICHAËLLE                                         Québec, Canada

EISENBERG, DON AND PAT                                California, USA                             Cessna T210M

McALLISTER, BRUCE                                          Colorado, USA                              Cessna 182
BEVINGTON, DICK

STAPLES, WARREN                                           Ontario, Canada                             Mooney M20J
LOUNSBURY, DON

BOBE, FRANK                                                    Mass., USA                                   Cessna 172
OBERLI, CHRISTIANE                                  

THOMAS, HELMUT                                             Quebec, Canada                        Piper Cherockee 235
TURCOTTE, GINETTE

HOMER, MARK
STIEFIELD, ROBYN                                             Ohio, USA                              Piper Comanche PA24-250
HARROLD, BOB

ROGERS, DAVE                                                 Ontario, Canada                             Mooney M-20J
DORSCHT, JOHN

MIDDLETON, PAT                                               British Columbia, Canada                Cessna U206F
SCHILL, DARRYL

GALLI, JOSEPH, ALEXANDER, THOMAS             Quebec, Canada                              Cherokee 6
SHADE, ROBERT

HELSETH, MARK AND ANDREW                        Minnesota, USA                            Cessna 172

TUCKER,BLAKE                                                 Manitoba, Canada                   Cessna 172                           
BERTRAM, YVONNE

ASHTON, DALE                                                  Manitoba, Canada                          Cessna 172 


                      
          
Posted by International Air Rally at 15:34:00 | Permanent Link | Comments (3) |