On September 13, RC Air Ops standards officers from each region of the country congregated at SOSA to kick off the Air Cadet Gliding Program Intermediate Performance Glider Flight Test Program. The test program was designed to evaluate the suitability of modern two seat aircraft for use in the Canadian Air Cadet Gliding program.  The evaluations included the ASK21, PW6, Puchacz and L23. (They may return next year to test the DG505). The Air Cadets program is looking to expand their scope of training to include soaring, cross country, and aerobatics through a new aircraft platform.

The RC Air Ops selected SOSA as the base for their test program in part because of our unmatched fleet, but later realized we had a lot more to offer.  Special thanks for the efforts of John Brenan, Jim Carpenter, Charles Yeates, Scott McMaster, Chris Gough, Joe Stubbs and others for helping them meet their goal.

During the week, there were firsts all around.  Many of the flights were first on type, some even took solo flights in the LS4.  John, Jim and Charles tempted them with advance soaring and cross country techniques (including at least one 100 km flight).  Scott showed off the Puchacz and famous steep approach, while Joe nursed loops and rolls out of the ASK21.

During a fire-side chat on Thursday night ideas where exchanged about the future of the Canadian Air Cadet program, the largest source of new glider pilots in Canada. All involved had a great time. The RC Air Ops extends their warmest thanks to SOSA and its members. A thank you plaque can be found in the clubhouse.

After weeks of rain the weather patterns finally broke in mid-October and we have seen some amazing soaring weather over the past two weekends.

Jerzy has flown some impressive flights from SOSA covering 375, 410, 376, and 480 km each day!

The cloudbases have been in the 5000-6000 ft range and thermal averages have been in the 5 kt range.

Just because the outside air temperature is cold doesn't mean the soaring weather is over!