Ancaster High Flys High at Spectrum

On Wednesday Spectrum Airways welcomed Aviation Technology Major students from Ancaster High School. The school is the first secondary school in the province to offer the Aviation and Aerospace Specialist High School Major program. Students in grade 11 and 12 can explore their interests in becoming a pilot, airline and airport operations, aircraft manufacturing and maintenance and scientific and technical services.

Partnered with both the Hamilton International Airport and the Canadian Warplane Heritage museum, the students are able to obtain hands-on experience through internship opportunities and co-op placements.

While at Spectrum the students were taught an introductory lesson on the Theory of Flight and Attitudes and Movements. Following the Ground Briefing, students went up for a 30 minute sightseeing flight to experience the thrill of flying. Students who were interested in pursuing a career as a commercial pilot had the opportunity to go on a 30 minute discovery flight instead, where they were given control of the aircraft and were able to apply what they had learned during the ground brief session. These students were even given their very first logbook in order to record their first flight which can be put towards the hours they need to obtain their Private Pilot Licence.

In all, it was a gorgeous day in terms of weather and the students had a wonderful time. We were more then happy to provide Ancaster High Aviation students with an exceptional learning experience geared towards their interests. We look forward to having them come back next year and hope to see some of the students join the Spectrum Airways family as they begin their flight training with us.

Flight Over Halton

Every year Spectrum Airways, in collaboration with the schools of the surrounding area, has given geography students the opportunity to experience the thrill of flying while providing a valuable learning experience. The very popular "Flight Over Halton" allows the students to collect data pertaining to their current geography unit, including the use of land, geography patterns, and urbanization. The 30 minute flight will also allow students to glimpse an aerial view of their school in addition to distinct land marks outlined by the teacher. The flight is a safe and fun field trip which gives students opportunities that other field trips simply cannot offer. Last week we kicked off our first High School Flight of the season with M.M. Robinson! They were kind enough to take a picture for us. I hope all the students enjoyed themselves as much as we enjoy having them here.

Jennica

YOUR Safety Night

Hello Everyone,

Most of you know me, but those of you who don't, I am Jennica (General Manager) and I will be taking over this Blog for Lindsey. Lindsey did an excellent job with the blog and I want to continue with the tradition.

Last night I attended "Your Safety Night (Interactive Round Table)" the first monthly Transport Canada Safety Seminar lined up for this season. It was a great opportunity to get to meet with other aviation enthusiasts and have an opportunity to hear them express their safety concerns. We covered a lot of great topics during this interactive session and even reviewed some noteworthy CADORS.

I think the most applicable safety concern for the fall season I would like to pass onto you is the Autumn Migration of birds. It is that time of year when lots of birds will begin their travel towards the south. As pilots it is important to have a sense of situational awareness especially in this situation. A bird strike might seem incidental but it could become fatal. Students and rental pilots are encouraged to practice communication, teamwork and pre-planning exercises with their instructor/co-pilots perhaps simply by asking the question "What If?"

Transport Canada holds these seminars monthly and it would be nice to see some familiar faces from Spectrum. I will keep the Safety Board updated with the dates and maybe even try to get it on our website. The next one is scheduled for October 20, 2010 - What does CASARA do for me?

When do birds become elephants?

Hello Goodbye

Hey everyone!

Unfortunately, this is farewell. Since I'm away at school I can't update the blog as often, nor am I able to truly keep current with what's going on back in Burlington. I did want to say that though my time as the blog's author was short lived, I still enjoyed it. I will miss authoring this blog, it became a short of pet project over the summer. Working at Spectrum for the second summer in a row, I can say this of it: It's been a pleasure.

I wish the best for everyone taking lessons and/or continuing their flight training, be it recreationally or career driven. It's both a challenging and rewarding path, but what's worth the prize is worth the fight. I one day hope to continue my own lessons and will leave you not with a 'goodbye', but a 'so long for now'.

- Lindsey L

PS: The blog will still remain, someone else will be taking over but I'm not entirely sure who yet.

Congratulations!

We've got two people to congratulate today. First of all there is Param Singh, who passed his Multi Engine Flight Test. The other is James Bowden who completed his First Solo! Way to go guys!

The weather hasn't been that nice this week but I'm sure everyone is hoping that it will improve, I know I am.

Also, just as a heads up, I will be leaving for school in less than a week. I'll do my best to update the blog from afar if everyone so wishes.

- Lindsey L

First Solo

Congratulations to Connor Chilton on his First Solo! Keep up the good work Connor!

ATTENTION ALL SPECTRUM ALUMNI!

To all Spectrum Alumni out there, we want to share your experiences as Commercial Pilots with other Spectrum fans and students. If you graduated from Spectrum and went on to become an Airline Pilot, notable Charter Pilot, Military Pilot, Show and/or Stunt Pilot, or anything of that general idea we would love to hear from you.

Please take a look at our facebook page (linked under 'Spectrum Fanpage' seen above) and contact us. We will be leaving a spot for all to upload pictures and experiences. Or you can send us the pictures and stories and we can do it for you.

If you are friends/family with or know of someone who went on to excel in an aviation career please have them contact us or contact us on their behalf. Thanks!

-Lindsey L