By Mike Davenport, Langley, British Columbia
For the past number of years, four Langley pilots have flown formation flights over lower mainland cenotaphs as their contribution to area Remembrance Day services.
While snow, wind, and rain heavily influenced some Remembrance Days services across Eastern Canada, that was not the case in the lower mainland of British Columbia, as the weather grinch took the day off. The result was that they enjoyed smooth air with the ceiling and visibility unlimited throughout the morning. Transport Canada was completely on board and gave clearances through some of Canada’s busiest airspace ensuring a successful and safe day.
The lead pilot was Glen Hoffman (Cardinal) followed by Sean Walker (Emeraude) as number two and by numbers three and four; Scott Jackson (RV-6) and Gary Peare (Cherokee). Each donate their time in this worthy task each year. This includes participating in a number of practise flights and the associated briefings and debriefings necessary to ensure both safety and the precision timing needed.
This year, 14 lower mainland municipalities watched as the formation appeared overhead. Timing had to be “spot on” as there were many sites to cover in a very short time. This required the navigation skills of Brodie Morgan, an airline pilot flying right seat as “FO” in the lead aircraft. His skill resulted in each site being reached on time or within 30 seconds of the schedule.
After the flight Glen held a detailed debriefing at his hangar that was complete with lunch and an adult beverage.