Experimental Aircraft
Association Chapter 266
Montreal, Canada

THIRD INTERNATIONAL PRECISION FLYING AND NAVIGATION EXERCISE OF LACHUTE

For the third year the Chapter organized a precision flying exercise (rally) out of Lachute. The weather was the best we could dream of: unlimited visibility (very useful for the observation part of the exercise), hardly any wind (it helps to respect the assigned ground speed), not too hot (it cools off the cockpit and the judges). This year the precision landing was replaced by a "quality and elegance" landing judged by four independent and objective judges: a Russian judge, a French judge, an American judge and a Canadian judge, much like International Figure Skating, a guarantee of fairness.

The sponsors for door prizes had been generous: Kejy Aviation, Dicom, Pratt & Whitney, Pieces et Service Aerrow, VIP and our own Chapter which offered the traditional Sparkplug Model aircraft to the first and second teams.

In spite of all these ideal conditions the attendance was lower that last year: eight teams instead of thirteen. Was it the $10 (Can.) per team that we asked to cover (a small) part of our expenses that discouraged the people? Are we off track with this kind of activity in the GPS era? One thing is sure; we only attracted one Chapter team. Things to meditate on before the next edition.

All the participants seemed to have enjoyed their day. Most found the exercise a little difficult, apart for the landings which were generally of a very high quality (no nose wheel bent or ground loop). Another thing to meditate.

A big thank to the volunteers: Mark Clement, Peter Rochester, Jacques Genest, Louis Thirion & his Mrs., and most all to our chief judge and course designer Rad Skrivanic!

Editor's comment: A very special thanks to Michel Moreau who was our chief organizer and master of ceremonies. He flew the course several times to ensure we had a top notch rally… Thanks Michel!

Here are the scores: Score Sheet

For additional info contact Michel Moreau at 514-694-2129, or email mjmorea@eaa266.org

Photos from our 2004 Rally