November 12-14 2011
HAL-CON amd Flight Simulation
Following are some Comments From Jim Legere - Sherwater Aviation Museum
"We had a great weekend at Hal-Con. It was very busy and a lot of interest was shown in the flight simulator and in the Shearwater Aviation Museum. We had lots of requests for information as well as passing out info packages. We will continue to attend such events as well as have events at the Museum to attract interest.
We will use the winter slow down to develop programs of interest and have some events ready for our Spring Hobby Show in April which is an annual event and opening of the Museum for the Summer season. This event is very well attended.
We do not have online access at our booth. All they will probably have is a central location with hook-ups available. There is no mention of anything in the information package. We are looking forward to a great weekend and will send you complete details next week.
We at Shearwater are looking forward to a great relationship with FSNB as we move forward in this Flight Sim world. To date we do not have anyone that we know of that is active in the ATC side. I would hope that in the future you could give us a demo of this most important side of flight. Could you advise us as to what additional software we need to be able to get involved."
August 24 2011
Open House at the Saint John Airport
The day began for FSNB at approximately 1200 with setting up of equipment for the 1500hrs show. We were given three large tables in the Hangar area of the Atlantic Flight Center. The FSNB booth positions were occupied by Chief pilot John Taylor, pilot Harold Crowell and pilot Mike Partridge. We were supported by members of the Moncton Hangar - Gary Capson and Ray White and our hats are off to these two pilots representing Moncton - Thanks, Guys.
Setup went well and no incidents of improper or non operating equipment were evident.
No ATC Connection was established due to the non existance of wireless router equipment by FSNB to connect to the WiFi in the AFC area - something I will have to remember in the future.
There was no doubt about the number visitors to the booth and the many questions asked by the adult attendees. However there were very few adults that actually took part in taking the controls of the aircraft.
The new FSNB Brochures arrived very shortly after showtime began and were given to those that seemed genuinely interested in our group and our website and we were kept quite bust answering questions about our group, our website and us (the FSNB Pilots).
When all was said and done, here is what we got from the whole day's work:
The interest among the adults and adolesents was not exactly what we had hoped for: the simulation in most cases was regarded more like an arcade game than a flight simulator by the younger set. Although invited, The adults in attendance seeed un-interested and appeared to be indifferent to participating in the flying of the aircraft. Maybe it was an intimidation problem, even though we tried our best to make it look simple and fun.
In Conclusion:
As people running the demonstrations for the equipment, it seems to be the general consue that we need to rethink how our demonstrations are run and presented in the future. We have come to the following conclusion:
- Our equipment is something that we need to "protect" - after all - if it is damaged due to misuse, it is us - the owners that have to "foot the replacement ".
- To enhance our equipment displays, wee need a slideshow and commentary anout FSNB and the flight simulation itself - just a few minutes long. Those that stay for the duration are probably the interested parties; Those that leave are those that are more than likely not candidates for our group nor the world of flight simulation. Those that watch our demo would then urged to take the controls. Mike Would be the most likely candidate to put together a Powerpoint presentation which could be shown on a large monitor.
- Maybe a quick meeting in advance of this type of thing is a good idea for any future event, we can discuss things like access to the controls and what we will show and do for each person.
All in all, we did enjoy ourselves very much presenting our hobby that we enjoy so much to the general public and I am sure we will be happy to participate in future public demos when and if the opportunity arises.
Unfortunately, I did have one equipment malfunction that was not mentioned above - my camera. The rechargable batteries decided it would be a very good idea if they died and not recharge - which by the way is exactly what they did. I did manage three or so pictures so will produce what I have. Gary Capson (CYQM) was there and Gary is usually pretty keen on the picture taking so I will email him to see what he has in his larder.
May 04 2011
First Lady Member/Pilot joined the CYSJ Hangar
-by Harold Crowell-
This is a day in history for FSNB. We are proud to announce that we have just enrolled our first female into the ranks of FSNB - Saint John Hangar. Her name is Beverly (Bev) Penny and she is from Saint John. You can read her bio on the CYSJ Hangar page. Bev has always been a computer gamer and enjoys her hobby a lot. During a (completely unrelated to FS) visit at our home late in April, conversation gradually drifted to Flight Simulation and I showed her my equipment and took her for a small flight. Needless to say, she was immediately bitten by the bug and a call to me from Bev a few short days later revealed that she had bought FSX and her husband presented her witha Saitek Yoke/Throttle Quadrant system and that she had already had a few flights with the Ultralight. I will be giving Bev some flight guidance shortly so that she can crash land as well as I can. Good going, Bev and Welcome to FSNB!
February 17 2011
Today, I found out that I had been accepted as an official member and pilot recruit for the Virtual Snowbirds. The VSB have been through several "trying" times due to the loss of some of their pilots. At this time they have six pilots and three recruits. I will receive my very own CT-114 Tutor early next week and now I am scrambling to obtain the Lockon Modern Air Combat and Lockon Flaming Cliffs2 which is their sim software of choice. I willbegim by flying the "Line Astern" position and hopefully with their twice a week practice sessions will soon get the hang of this new form of flying. WIll keep you all in the loop as I progress - IF I progress.
Saturday October 23/2010
In My Opinion - Harold Crowell, webmaster
On this day, an Open House was hosted by the Saint John Flying Club to celebrate their first year. The event was held at the Atlantic Flight Center at the Saint John Airport. The club uses a large, well furnished room on the 2nd floor of the flight center wich looks out over the entire field of the airport. Due to weather conditions, this event was held over from the previous Saturday. The activities for the day which actually began around 08:30 consisted of tours of the facilities of the AFS, the flying club, flights around the city, a BBQ and a Flight Simulator display by invitation to FSNB from the flying club. John Taylor (YSJ Chief pilot) and Harold Crowell (fsnb.ca webmaster) of the FSNB, Saint John Hangar - provided and set up their equipment for this event. Attendance was steady and much interest in the world of Flight Simulation was evident as determined by the number of people present and questions asked. Several tried their hand at flying the virtual skies over the city of Saint John and considering the inexperience of the "pilots" very few incidents arose.
How did this all turn out? In my opinion, the whole event was a huge sucess not only for the flying club but also for Flight Simulation as well. In conclusion, I am sure that FSNB would be happy to join me in wishing every success for the Saint John Flying Club in its future.
Thursday September 16/2010 FSNB AGM
The FSNB Annual General Meeting of the membership is scheduled for September 25th from 11a.m. to 3:30p.m. at Eastside Marios Restaurant, Saint John East, N.B. All members are invited to attend. Hope to see you there.
Friday August 20/2010 FSNB Saint John Hanger loses a member
It is with deep regret that we advise members of the passing of one of our FSNB Saint John Hangar members Albert Morgan. Albert was a very active member and participated in as many events as he could. Our deepest sympathies are expressed to his family and friends as he will be greatly missed. Clear Skies and Safe landings Albert.
Wednesday June 23/2010 - FS Program at the Stan Cassidy Centre Still a success! -Rolf Spangenberg-
In February 2010 two Gentlemen from the Fredericton Hangar introduced our hobby to patients and friends/relatives of the Stan Cassidy rehabilitation Centre. Burt Dykeman and Gus Marche made the presentation and were good enough to get the project going by donating equipment. Burt provided a computer/software and Gus a Joystick.
I am very pleased to report that this project is ongoing and that Burt is continuing to provide support and the Tools to keep up the interest among all those that touch the facility. Burt a great Thank you and also to Gus who has helped so diligently when he could.
Friday May 28/2010 FSNB New Logo
New Logo is now available for clothing orders. Please see our store section for photos. Prices listed are approx as prices are subject to change without notice..... but generally do not change significantly. Also available is a cut vinyl logo which can be displayed on rear window or trunk lid. Great advertising for the club. Please contact John Taylor at jctaylor1@hotmail.com if interested in placing an order.
Monday May 24/2010 New FSNB Member
Our newest member is Jorge Maldonado who was added as an FSNB member effective May21.2010. We welcome Jorge to the Fredericton Hangar with the assigned call sign of C-FCJT. You can reas Jorge's bio on the CYFC hangar page.
Tuesday May 04/2010 New Scenery Available
New scenery is now available which will replace the default scenery at the Summerside (CYSU) airport. This Phase 1 release will remove the default buildings at the Eastern (Rwy 24) end of the field and place the correct representation of #8, #9 and #10 hangars. Phase 2 will do the same for the field center replacing the two hangars and CT as well as possibility of hangae obstruction lighting and animated hangar doors. This scenery developed by Harold Crowell as a request to accommodate an FS9/FSX version of a CP-107 Canadair Argus pending. Scenery is available by going to the downloads
Thursday March 05/2010 FSNB Logo Selected
Today, I received notification and the image file for the long awaited FSNB Logo and am pleased to display it in its rightful location on the FSNB website pages. The selection process took place over the past two months after several logo candidates were submitted for consideration
Thursday, Feb 11 2010 1800hrs - 2045hrs Flight Simulation Demonstration - Stan Casidy Centre, Fredericton NB.
by Gus Marche-C-FCGM FSNB - Chief Pilot CYFC Hanger
SUMMARY:
On the above date/time following a meeting between members of FSNB and management of the centre, a demonstration of our hobby was conducted by CYFC hanger members Gus Marche(Chief Pilot) and Burt Dykeman. Two stations were set up. There were approximately 15 residents who attended the demo and several of them took the controls and flew aircraft from and to various airports. They all displayed a keen interest in the hobby and showed their appreciation for our presence.
Following the demo which lasted about two hours and forty-five minutes, the residents in attendance were assured that should they want further assistance with the programs that they can have management of the centre make contact with us through Burt who works at the Chalmers Hosp as a volunteer.
CONCLUSION:
Burt and I felt that it would be a nice jesture to leave equipment at the centre for the residents to use, so Burt donated a complete computer system with all the necessary programs on it including keyboard and speakers and I donated a joystick. We hope that they will have lots of fun with it.
Thursday, February 4th 2010 - The first meeting of the YFC Fredericton Hangar was held at the Lincoln Big Stop. Two members from the Fredericton area ( Gus Marche, Chief pilot and Burt Dykeman) and two guests from the YSJ Hangar ( John Taylor & Clay Johnson) attended. A lively discussion was held on various topics such as departure and arrival charts (SIDS & STARS), various software such as FS Commander, favorite planes, etc. A good exchange of ideas and information resulted. It is hoped more of the local Fredericton enthusiasts are able to attend next meeting. Pictured from left to right are: Clay Johnson, John Taylor, Gus Marche and Burt Dykeman
Monday, Janurary 11/2010 - CYFC Chief Pilot Hired
FSNB would like to announce that Gus Marche has taken on the role as Chief Pilot for the CYFC hangar efective Janurary 6/2010. The FSNB Board of Governors as well as the entire FSNB membership would like to welcome Gus to his new position and all look forward to meeting Gus either on line or in person.
Friday December 18/2009 - Christmas Get-together
A Christmas get-together was held at Rolf's home on Iona Ave on Friday evening, December 18th. Only six FSNB members not including the host were able to attend. Rolf's better half (Donna) provided lots of great things to eat - Smoked Salmon Hors d'œuvres, BBQ chicken wings and drumsticks, meatballs, crackers and cheese, Grapes and other tid bits that were nothing short of delicious. Rolf announced that dessert was ready and waiting upstairs. This included lots of sweets - squares, cookies and not to mention hot apple pie. Thanks to Rolf and his wife Donna for their hospitality from all of those in attendance and those that could not attend for whatever the reason.
Sunday December 13/2009 - More FSNB Site Changes
As an on-going attempt to make fsnb.ca a better website, more changes are taking place. Namely, the original Navigation Bar is being replaced with simple text links. Text links decrease page load times simply because of their nature - they are non-graphic content items.....added to that they free up valuable realestate on each page which can be used for more important items.
-Webmaster-