The first three Canadian
compass rose projects took place in West Canada (as reported by
Roberta Baker).
- The first one was in
Cranbrook in 1996, led by June Mills. As there were no 99s
members in their city, the Cranbrook Flying Club actually
initiated the project and the design was sent to them. Several
99s members in surrounding communities attempted to fly there to
assist them but because of foul weather, no one was able to get
through. The Cranbrook Club was able to complete it on their own
and we were able to fly there the following weekend to view
their handiwork.
- The second one was painted
in Vernon in 1997. This one was initiated by the 99s member
residing there and was joined by Vernon Flying Club members. The
City of Vernon also supported us by supplying the paint. It is
actually due for re-painting this year and the Vernon Flying
Club and 99s will be tackling this big job.
-
The third one
was completed in Penticton in 1998 and was done solely on the
initiative of a 99s member residing in Penticton. The painting
was done by dedicated 99s, spouses and friends and incorporates
the Native name for Penticton in the design.
Due to the
terrain covered by our chapter (all of BC outside the Lower
Mainland and Vancouver Island) you can imagine it is quite an
accomplishment to gather our 9 scattered members from throughout
the province to participate in these projects. But the 99s are a
dedicated group of aviators, whether in Hanover, Ontario or the
Canadian Rockies.
Note,
according to the Nov-Dec. 1989 Canadian Flight magazine, the
following airmarkings were carried out by the Saskatchewan
Chapter in 1989:
-
airmarked
Weyburn Airport on June 3, 1989. The group flew to the
airport the night before, camped overnight, then painted the
name on the taxiway. Mary Pyne was the Airmarking Chairman. A
reporter from the local paper arrived, and was quickly put to
work snapping chalk lines and pushing a paint roller.
-
On June
24th, the Chapter airmarked Unity, again marking out the name
on the taxiway.
-
Also that
year, they painted a 60 foot compass rose on the runway area
of Saskatoon Airport. It was a twelve-point compass in blue
and white, and included the painting of the name adjacent to
the compass.
In August, 2001,
First Canadian Chapter painted a compass rose in Hanover, Ontario.
Want to know how
to do a compass rose and see "how to" pictures? Visit our
International 99s website. Instructions are included in the
"members only" portion of the website.
Memories of the
October-November 2003 compass rose project (Eastern Ontario
Chapter) done at the Rockcliffe Airport in Ottawa - visit our
photo gallery (next).
