It appears that winter is over and we’ve seen a flurry of activity over at the hangars! LOL
Spring and the busy flying season will soon be here and I would anticipate that our pilots are brushing up on their theory and flying skills. Your aircraft safety committee has plans for some “rust removers” in the near future.

Your executive has been working hard to address issues that may affect the long term health of the Club. Some of these include an updated constitution and by-laws, finances, capital funding for replacement of HXT and the future direction of the Abbotsford Flying Club.

The re-formation of a strategic planning committee is to be undertaken, as this committee had already been established under the guidance of past president Randy Kelly. To me, it seems logical to build on this. This committee, with input from the members, would set a path for the AFC in the coming years. Although many of us won’t be around, it would be nice to work towards the 100th year of operation of the Club with a strategic plan to guide us.

Your constitution and by-laws committee, with continuing input from the members, is the first step forward towards achieving this goal, so I would ask for your continued support and input.

On Monday, February 13th, there will be a “drive-out” to the Boeing Assembly Plant at Everett, Washington being organized by Richard Bauch, your fly-out committee chairman. There will be car-pooling from the club early on the 13th and I would encourage anyone who hasn’t been there to take in this marvel of modern technology. There are other fly-out events being planned for the coming flying season and members are encouraged to participate. As always, there are our ongoing Sunday morning fly-outs.

I would like to encourage our members to take full advantage of Club outings, activities and social events. Participation of members, and particularly new members, ensures the positive growth of the Club. New ideas and suggestions are always welcome and I ask everyone to feel free to contact any of your executive or committee members if you have ideas or suggestions. As always, the presentation of new ideas at the monthly meetings is always welcome.

I look forward to hearing some creative and enthusiastic ideas from the membership that could become new traditions or even ideas to re-vamp some existing favourite events. We can only move forward with the input of our membership.

Ken Campbell
President