Once again the Paddle River Float Fly was held, this time as in the spring at Clear Lake. Approximately 25 pilots attended along with about 40 aircraft. A very successful turnout considering the iffy weather for the weekend. Most of the participants brought their trailers and motor homes so accommodation was no problem and much exchange of liquid refreshments and food took place. Participants from Slave Lake, Drayton Valley, Stony Plain, Leduc, Mayerthorp, and Edmonton attended.

 

As can be seen from the pictures the location is ideal with a nice grassed area and a wide smooth beach. There are very few trees to hinder the visibility while flying.

The pictures show a general shot of the site and a few of the interesting planes. Gord Saunders' Funtana 40 on floats with a Saito 82 was quite spectacular with its aerobatic gyrations. Al Schmidt's 12' Beaver with it's Zenoah G62 always amazes me with it's sheer size and smooth graceful flight. Of particular interest was Tom Mounce's Twin Otter electric. Easy flight, full nav lights and differential power for steering on water. Once again we held a North Star flurry where as many North Stars as possible get airborne at the same time and play a game of follow the leader. This year we had eight North Stars up at once including Al McGillis up for his first "flurry". When it was over he was shaking but had a ear to ear smile.

 

This coming spring it is planned to hold the float fly again at Paddle River providing the water level is adequate, and next fall to return to Clear Lake.

Thanks to the new club formed specifically to sponsor these float fly's, MOFFA. (Mostly Old Float Fliers Association). President of this club is Doug Shaver from Mystery Lake Alberta, VP is Gord Saunders, Treasurer and Membership is Jean Guy Denis from Whitecourt, and Peter Cary, Secretary. At present there are 29 paid members and MOFFA is a MAAC sanctioned club.

 

Special thanks must go out to Les Patterson for providing prizes for the draw. The money raised goes a long way to provideng the operating money required to put on the float fly.

 

If you have any questions about float flying you can direct them to me, Peter Cary. (petercflyer@shaw.ca)