“I spend half my life explaining to the Brits that I’m not an American and the other half explaining to the Americans that I’m not a Brit.”
So says Dave McElroy, a native Canadian and organiser of the SAC’s first flying experience on the left side of the Atlantic.
Dave goes on to explain the premise of this unique opportunity....
"Some SAC members have asked me questions about Canada, for instance:-
Q What’s the weather like in Canada?
A As the 2nd largest country in the world and at about twice the size of Europe, Canada comprises at least a dozen distinct climactic zones. These vary from rain forest, to arctic tundra, to desert, to temperate forest - and many more. In summertime, the weather on any given day can range from +38C to +10C, whereas in winter the spread could be as extreme as from +12C to -50C, depending on what part of the country one happens to be on a given day.
Q Is it true what they say - that Canadians are reasonably polite, easy to understand and, well – just like “unarmed Americans?”
A Good question.
Why not join in on this unique expedition - and find out yourself the answers to these questions - and many more?
Dave McElroy Phone 07818 016310
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I am fortunate to have a 1/2 share in a Piper Comanche 250T based near Toronto. It will carry 4 people plus baggage, and cruises at 150 knots. So far, there are three of us confirmed (myself plus Ian and Fran Cunningham), so we are looking for one more to fill this plane. Then we will look to rent another aircraft or three. The type(s) will depend on the number of people who are interested, and their flying experiences. Equivalent of a Private Pilot JAR is required to rent an aircraft in Canada - more information on request. Cessna 172’s or PA-28’s are readily available for rent. One of our members is actively trying to source a C182 at this time.
In the Comanche, I will serve as first pilot, but other participants will have the full opportunity to take turns flying the aircraft and booking dual time for as much of each leg as they like. So far, the plan is for a one week trip from Toronto through Eastern Canada’s Maritime Provinces and back. About 14 – 16 hrs flying time in the Comanche. We would probably fly from Glasgow - Toronto on a Friday or Saturday, and return a week later – in late April / early May, depending on respondents’ interest and schedules.
For those of us travelling in the Comanche, I would estimate the following approximate cost profile, per person:
- 16 hours flying @ $Cdn 200/hour = $3,200/4 $800 each (16 hours flying = 2,400 nm)
- 6 nights accommodation @ $80 ea 480 less for shared accommodation
- Food 7 days @ $50 ea 350
- Drink - depends on the participant, to be sure
- Misc spending @$50/day 300 shared rental cars, etc.
- Maps / charts ($200/4) 50
Subtotal $1,980 Cdn = £1,130 @ $1.75/£
- Plus airfare to Toronto - 500 (assumes booked well ahead, non-refundable)
Total - rough estimate only £1,630
For similar mileage in a C172 it would mean 20+ hrs flying time, rather than 16. At an estimated cost of $140/hr, and based on 3 people in the C172, the flying cost would likely be about $200 more per person, which would put the above rough estimated total cost to about £1745. £1745 divided by 8 days = £220/day each, all in.
Why does this represent a great opportunity and great value, for those SAC members who have any interest in either flying abroad, or visiting Canada, or both?
- Unique way to see a good part of Eastern Canada.
- Having a “native” guide to help explain the quaint customs of the Colonials.
- Having a native guide to help explain flying in another jurisdiction
- Flight planning
- Other strange aviation customs, for instance, no landing charges except at major airports (which we will have no reason to use).
- The contemplated trip would traverse 5 of the 10 Canadian provinces: Ontario, Quebec, New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island and Nova Scotia.
- Based on 6 days flying, this would average about 3 hrs per day.
- Hotels / B&B’s would be booked on arrival at each destination, not ahead of time – leaving total weather flexibility. Not having reservations at this time of year will not present a problem.
As further background, I have organised a good number of flying trips from the Toronto area in past years - two to Alaska, one to Venezuela and a host of shorter trips.
If you have interest in exploring this opportunity further, please contact me and we will organise a meeting to discuss various options, routes, etc.
Dave McElroy Phone 07818 016310
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