The backstory
I don’t recall the exact age when I felt like I wanted to learn to fly, but I do remember having a general interest in aircraft from early on.
I started building model aircraft with my father around age 6. I’ve always been interested in military history, so they were often WWII fighters and bombers.
My grandfather served as an aircraft mechanic during WWII. I was quite young when he passed away, but I can recall him sharing some of his interest with me about aircraft.
Right after graduating from high school, I became employed at AOG Air Support (now Stolairus), a company based at the Kelowna airport. Here I was given the opportunity to be directly involved with many aspects of aviation, including maintenance and manufacturing of aircraft parts. Specifically, for the DHC-2 Beaver and DHC-3 Otter. It was an incredible learning experience and fueled my growing interest in aviation.
Flying history
In 2002 I decided to try my hand at flying itself, and the following is a list of where I eventually spent time training or working:
- Okanagan Aviation (CYVK) – Private licence
- Southern Interior Flight Center (CYLW) – Commercial licence, Multi/IFR
- Royal Victorian Aero Club (Melbourne) – Australian Commercial licence
- Hillman Farm Skydive Club (Western Australia) – First flying job
- Kamloops Skydive Club
- Westcan Aircraft Sales (CYKA) – Forestry surveys, fire spotting, charters
- Skydive Salmon Arm
SAFC involvement
I have been a member of the Salmon Arm Flying Club for about 13 years. For 10 of those years, I volunteered as the Secretary.
In my time with the club, I have very much enjoyed conversing with the different members over the years. The stories widely ranging from humorous to the educational. Volunteering for the different functions that the club undertakes has been very enjoyable, as well. I hope that as a club we can continue to attract the younger generation of aviation enthusiasts and give them the opportunity to enjoy similar experiences that I have been able to enjoy with the club.
If a person is not involved with flying as a career or you are not fortunate enough to own an aircraft, flying is a challenging hobby to afford. As a club member, having nearly unlimited access to a plane at a reasonable cost, is a dream. I am very thankful to be a part of a flying club which can offer this. Being given the opportunity to take on the role of vice president, I hope to be able to help provide the same opportunities to future members, that have been available to me through the club.
Whether in pursuit of a career in aviation or simply to enjoy flying recreationally, I hope the Salmon Arm Flying Club will continue to welcome, encourage, and make flying accessible to anyone with an interest in aviation.
– Tanner
All Volunteers