St.Catharines Flying Club Wings Banquet 2009

A large crowd turned out for the 2009 Wings Banquet at the Sheraton Fallsview Hotel. An excellent variety and quality of delicious food was presented buffet style by Sheraton staff along with an amazing array of sinfully delectible deserts.

The Flying Club Social committee provided the wine for the tables out of the funds earned from various club functions.

A large number of great draw prizes was donated thanks to the generosity of Kaz's Pub, Jim Cole, Niagara Skydive, Ray Sherk, Lee Valley Tools of Burlington, VIP Pilot Supplies, Peglow Tool & Die and Jacki Kish.

After Patti Gamble welcomed the members and guests, our "Flying Pastor" Tom Korcok said grace and the orderely stampede headed for the food.

The guest speaker of the evening was John Tryfiak who described his rise from pilot student in 1998 to flying fire spotter 2008. Not bad for a 60 year old. (His words) If you start a fire in your back yard, John will find you, make a low pass, and throw water on it. As evidenced by John, there is hope for us 60 plus year olds to find useful things to do with our pilot licences.

Mike Neave introduced our two instructors Scott Montean and Jim Cairns who gave out wings pins, and certificates to the grinning winning pilots as follows:

Recreational-Harry Van Dyke, Tom Korchok, Mark Korchok, Tom Watkinson, Jake Morrison, Jason Rienas, Steve Peglow, Rob Mackenzie, Jocelyne Lelievre, Brad Lawrence, Jordan Gowland, Joe Blue.

Private-Scott Pellow, Harry Van Dyke, Jake Morrison, Jason Rienas, Steve Peglow, Jordan Gowland, Victor Elms, Matt Hamilton.

Commercial-Matt Calvert, Mike Whatling

Instructor-Scott Montean, Jim Cairns, Alfredo Bonilla

Night Rating-Jason Rienas, Steve Peglow, Jordan Gowland, Mike Whatling, Danilo Jokanovic

Multi Engine-Matt Calvert

Private Pilot of the Year award was shared by Scott Pellow and Jason Rienas. They will be going outside later to duke it out to see who gets to take it home.

Commercial Pilot of the Year was won by Matt Calvert and Recreational Pilot of the Year was won by Jocelyne Lelievre.

On behalf of club members and pilots new and old, it must be said that a great deal of thanks and appreciation is due to Patti Gamble, Board Members and Mike Neave for their dedication to the Club and for their tireless efforts in keeping the club viable despite the many financial and regulatory challenges they face on a daily basis. Much appreciation also to Conrad Hatch whose generous gift of his valuable time over and above what would be expected of him has helped many a student achieve high standards in flight tests.

Last but not least, we are fortunate in having two very dedicated instructors, Scott Montean and Jim Cairns who see to it that their students perform to the best of their ability and meet the expectations of Conrad's all seeing eyes.

Here are some pictures from the Banquet........