Toni Onley as we remember him. Photo courtesy Delta Scrapbook
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Toni Onley as we remember him. Photo courtesy Delta Scrapbook |
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Al & Barb Fielder, Delta Young Eagles Organizers. Photo courtesy Anon |
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Delta's Boundary Bay Fly fly-out Club Picnic. Photo courtesy Peter the Pilot |
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Delta from the air. Photo courtesy Peter the Pilot |
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NavCan's Boundary Bay Airspace proposal with COPA suggested revisions. Mark up by Tony Swain |
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A thrilled UK visitor, Student Simon Carr, is briefed by Mike Langford prior to his surprise Harvard ride. Photo courtesy Ray Griffin |
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Simon and Mike ready to go at Boundary Bay! Photo courtesy Ray Griffin |
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Stephen's Solo! Get's a big hug from his Mum, Joan Cox. |
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Solo Shower for Stephen at Boundary Bay. Photos courtesy Chris Cox |
FAREWELL OLD FRIEND
Delta regulars were devastated last month by the tragic loss of popular local pilot Toni Onley. And our sad condolences go out to his daughter Lynn and other family.
Whilst Toni was renowned internationally in the Arts community, he was just 'one of the guys' here in the Old coffee shop.
When Mary and I arrived at Delta over 30 years ago, he was already bustling about in his beloved Lake Buccaneer.
Always cheerful, puffing at his pipe, and chuckling at our snide remarks about painting for gas.
He really used his airplane to good purpose, and certainly flew around far more than most.
We were quietly proud of him. We all got a charge when he turned up in gumboots, unloaded his paintin' and fishin' gear from his trusty Rolls Royce, with the rest of us in our old Volvo's and Chevy’s.
He took a lot of stick on his 'Roller'. Once at a stoplight, a scruffy street guy strolled over and booted the door in! Toni just smiled and nodded at the guy. “Just taking out frustration at his lot.”
Suddenly successful, he'd made a lot of money one year and said he 'had' to buy the car for tax reasons. This made lots of waves with the tax people. So he threatened to hold a public bonfire of his paintings at Wreck Beach if they didn't revise their treatment of the valuation of artist's works. And they did!
At Delta we only vaguely knew of his fame. He painted the occasional work just for us, to give away as a door prize, or raffle for charity and such. But being flying people, we demanded airplanes in the pictures, and he obliged!
As a bit of a doodler, I had some big ideas about pursuing my art, and asked what I should use, and where I could get the top quality supplies.
He said, "Just go get a kid's tin paint box, and simply mix colours as you need 'em."
And he was right. I did a pretty rough one of him painting from his plane. He said he'd stuck it up his studio! Yeah, right!
A LIFE OF FUN AND ADVENTURE
He turned up one day with a brand new Wilga. Got it to land on the glaciers and paint. It was from Poland, strange and foreign. Very exotic with it's air bottle starting system. Looked like a Praying Mantis. Toni loved to show it off, took many of us for a ride. It could sure do a STEEP approach! And stopped on a dime.
He and his long time engineer had to learn a whole new ball game! They were thrilled with it.
Of course there's risks flying off glaciers, and eventually a strong gust from behind, blew he and a friend upside down into a crevasse for the night. When he didn't come home, his faithful AME called flight service, which started a search.
They knew pretty well where to look, and soon had them out of there, broken arm and all. Later, he told us he'd dropped a painting down the crevasse, and if he
could only find it, it would be worth a mint, being the 'Onley Real Glacier Art' and all.
He was adventurous all his life. In 1996 he went to Brazil with Big Jerry to help ferry an Albatross flying boat to Boundary Bay. All the way from Sao Paulo, up the South
American coast, past the fabled Rio, Natal, the Amazon Estuary, through the West Indies, by Cuba, to Florida.
A 50-hour saga, quite a trip for a guy in his late 60's!
Toni wrote a wonderful book about his life a couple of years ago, The Flying Artist, and it's a fascinating read.
His mark on the art world came after a long period of struggle and determination. His work made a tremendous influence on the Art Scene in Vancouver, and eventually around the world.
His love of flying let him experience the spiritual side of the environment more than most. He was in love with our wild and frozen lands, the oceans, the mountains, and the sweeping valleys.
He gained the respect of our wonderful country, was honoured with the Order of Canada, and spread our message of goodwill around the world.
And yet, his daughter Lynn tells me how much he loved his simple friendships at Delta, away from the spotlight and persona of a celebrated artist. No role to play, just one of the gang, enjoying coffee and swapping hangar stories.
Lynn told me that with us, he was the REAL Toni Onley. What a tremendous compliment. Farewell Old Friend!
DELTA YOUNG EAGLES & CETTERA
Delta's COPA Flight 5 is looking forward to the season, the sun is shining, and the Boundary Bay Club house is all spruced up.
Jean-Nil LeBlanc is our new Navigator, so now we can really go places!
The big news is our upcoming Young Eagles Day on Saturday, May 15, which will be announced in the Delta Optimist.
Pre registration is required and will take place at Delta Air Park, in the COPA Tent, 10am to 3pm, Saturday May 1, and Sunday May 2.
Pilots and volunteer Marshals are needed for this event, which is always a lot of fun. The kids are so excited, and parents so appreciative of our efforts.
Gary Peare was already volunteered as Ground School Instructor; but if you can help, please call Flight Captain Al Fielder at 604 540 6435.
The Flight also discussed extending support for local Air Cadet groups as well as the Hurricane Squadron as we help now.
Fund raising efforts were encouragingly successful last year, and we look forward to even better results in 2004.
DON'T MESS ABOUT.
At Delta! Pilots flying into Delta are reminded that an official GVRD observer monitors our self-controlled circuit from time to time. So be sure you follow the instructions in your Flight Supplement.
Our circuit is tight to the west against the Boundary Bay Zone, so take care, and plan ahead when arriving or leaving and stay clear east of the published Noise Sensitive Zone per your CFS. No direct flights between Delta and B. Bay or vice versa.
FIRST, properly leave the circuit you are in, and THEN follow published procedures to rejoin the other. Thank you!
ZBB OR NOT TO BE
Nav Canada has proposed extending ZBB zone way out east past The Trestle and becoming a Class C zone, which would make Mode C Transponders mandatory.
(see sketch map)
Don Brown of BBFC and I have now had a meeting with NavCan and we have definite concerns.
The proposal also extends the extended zone south to the US border, and north to the Vancouver International let down corridor, which extends down to 1200 ft ASL. This means non-transponder aircraft will have problems avoiding Boundary Bay when headed south or west to Vancouver Island, unless they are willing to fly along the border below 1000 feet over water.
To the north, where the proposed zone abuts YVR's let down we asked for a mile wide corridor be left to allow climb outs to the north-east to clear the higher ground, towers and high rises in Surrey.
We suggested that a one-mile wide corridor E/W be left along the U.S. Border to 2500 feet, for
non-transponder VFR traffic to climb for altitude prior to crossing the water, and to consider extending it west along the south edge of the YVR zone.
B. Bay is presently the Customs Airport of choice for many lower mainland pilots, and we suggested that this would be a problem for those basic aircraft returning from big events in the United States.
Langley was suggested, but there were concerns about the relatively short 2000 ft. runway, and the existing taxiways and ramp are tight for a big influx of itinerant aircraft. Some major re-organization would be needed.
Admitted that many students and other more recent pilots were trained on, or fly in, fully equipped aircraft, both owned or rented, and have no qualms working with Class C. However, a substantial number of people own vintage, homebuilt or ultralight machines, which have no Mode C capability, or even electrical systems. Most do use hand-held radios.
LESS ELBOW ROOM
Such approved equipment is expensive to install, and we believe it to be an economic penalty that is unfair to place on this simpler segment of aviation.
We believe it probable that non-commercial flyers will wish to avoid sophisticated controlled airports. They fly for personal travel and fun as a relief from such technology. This is not a frivolous endeavour.
We expressed concern that student pilots may be asked to hold by the reporting points, causing traffic congestion in the very place we wished to avoid such problems. However, ZBB tower manager Verne Hattle assured us that NO aircraft would be told to hold or stand by outside of the zone. We're not sure how that would work, considering we get complaints now that this is often the case. Hattle says not.
I pointed out that if traffic, both Mode C equipped or not, were to avoid B. Bay airport simply BECAUSE it went Class C, because of individual perceptions of complications, the traffic count could go down.
We were also concerned that remaining VFR traffic would be forced into the narrower areas between the various control zones in the area, and result in a reduction of safety, the opposite of that which we strive to achieve.
Everyone is 'concerned' by safety aspects, but it is impossible to quantify either concern, or safety!
Another concern arises now that both Boundary Bay itself and the Burns Bog area have been recognized as World Class important wetland wildlife areas.
NavCan's proposal will force more aircraft to transit these areas at lower levels and may cause more miss-understandings with the environmental watch keepers.
THE STAKEHOLDER CONSULT METHOD?
This 'One on One' thing is good in a way, however, the NavCan people are professionals, who, rather than giving weight to your concerns, automatically put things in a way that obtains an agreeable response. A bit like the 'Interview Room' scenario we see so often on the telly.
One tends to respond, "Well I understand what you are trying to say!" Which really isn't the point. One must be very determined to stick to your objections, and STATE them strongly. Some say they didn't really agree, but saw no way to disagree with the way the "Mother Safety" was aspect put.
If you demur, you get "How will you feel if we don't do this and there's another mid-air next year?" A sort of emotional blackmail?
It could work both ways. We do go for it and the dreaded mid-air occurs anyway! Maybe even within the new controlled space?
A follow-up public meeting would change the dynamics...IF, and only IF the real 'Stakeholders' turned up. If concerned pilots DID turn up, and really spoke their mind and brought up good points like Customs, or E/W bypass corridors, we could get a meaningful discussion, yay or nay. And at least we'd get a feel.
None of us want to impede the progress of better flight safety - but at the expense of not flying at all? How would the car folk, ski folk, motor home folk, hockey folk, boating folk, snowmobiling folk, et al, react to a similar scenario? Think about it!
SO THERE YOU HAVE IT
There's probably more pro's or con's. Sigh. Members are urged to send their comments to Nav Can's ZBB Air Space Review team, attn: Brian Stockall, Mgr, Nav Canada, Level of Service and Aero Studies, West, Suite 300, 9925-109 St, Edmonton AB, T5K 2J8 Brian's email is stockab@navcanada.ca
GRASS ROOTS FOR EVER
For volunteer organizations like COPA, the true strength of the group is the willingness of members to become involved.
At the Flight level this means volunteering for a committee or adding your voice to discussions at the general meetings. So much is expected of the volunteer Board, but the committee structure is really the vehicle for getting work done.
Information gathering and action plans are vital to achieve COPA's goals. Our Flight committees are 'Where The Word hits The Fan'. So make a difference, volunteer, and join fellow members to work at your local Flight!
COPA Members expect that our concerns be addressed and action be taken to resolve issues we face. Government policy often appears at odds with the good of General Aviation.
Although well intentioned, some policies do not foresee the consequences resulting from their implementation. We know where the road of good intentions often leads! Just look at the interminable discussions at COPA Flight and National levels about the ongoing Regulatory and Airspace change proposals that affect all aspects of our sector of General Aviation.
We don't wish to be awkward, but the voice of reason, as we understand it, must speak out, and focus attention on the harm that may arise from such policies.
Letters, e-mails and reasoned discussion by our members, make us better able to present valid concerns to the appropriate government agencies, and advocacy is the means by which we add more voices to the call.
Elsewhere in COPA FLIGHT NEWS the suggestions we bring to the government table, and the things we achieve. However we cannot always claim success, which is why, with your support, we must continue COPA's advocacy role.
THE ADVOCATE GUYS!
It is painfully obvious that dealing with government takes more than logical argument. It rarely wins the day.
The success of our advocacy depends all too often on the financial or voting power represented.
Getting the attention of a Minister is a big hurdle. More members, more votes represented, more chance of being heard. The power an organization represents can open a door, can win a hearing and maybe lead to a favourable result.
Where a public policy or regulation harms General Aviation, COPA advocates to have things corrected.
COPA is a generally a non-partisan organization whose goal is to protect the interests of our members.
Non-partisanship is important, not only in respect of the issue-of-the-moment, but also to protect future relations with the government of the day. However, there are times when we must encourage those who support OUR point of view!
Governments come and governments go, but COPA intends to go on forever.
Every member has a role in advocacy. Members can bring in new members to strengthen COPA's advocacy power.
Members should write letters to Ministers, their local MP's and MLA's. A simple hand-written note is better than any other form of communication with politicians.
Taking the time to write a note is perceived as an indication of the writer's true interest. Keep it simple and only deal with one issue per letter. This avoids the filing problems with multiple subjects. The clerk may just pop it in the least important item file!
Petitions, emails and ads don't do nearly as powerful a job. Stacks of dusty and ignored petitions fill the basements of Parliament and Legislatures across this Land. Lost in battle! They are forlorn relics of high hopes and good intentions.
WITH THANKS to Sam Lewindon for the forgoing. He's Chair of the White Rock, BC, Chapter of CARP, the Canadian Association of Retired Persons, who allowed me to plagiarize his excellent column in their local January newsletter!
They advocate for those who are 50 Plus, and I'm one of those. Double Sigh!
SIMON'S PLANE RIDE
Last month a lady brought a pleasant young man to the Old Coffee Shop at Delta, and as is our custom we made them welcome and asked why they were here, etc.
Simon Carr, the young fellow, was a medical student from Edinburgh spending some exchange time at Richmond Hospital, and the lady he was staying with, Janet Clarkson, was showing him around.
They were in a bit of a rush as she had so much to show him around the area, Crescent Beach, White Rock et al.
Turned out he was really from York, only 50 miles from my hometown Hull, in Yorkshire! Hey Hey! Interested in planes too, but not had much chance in the UK due to the expense and all.
"Want to see Mary's Harvard?" Well sure, that would be great. He even got to sit in it. Wow! He was absolutely thrilled. But eventually, thanks so much, but we'd better get going. Nice people.
It so happened that my friend Mike said he was off to blow the cobwebs out of his Harvard, so I asked if he'd consider taking this nice young man.
"Sure" he said, if he's a friend of yours. Well he was by now.
Simon and Janet couldn't believe it. We jumped in our cars and followed Mike to Boundary, and soon a totally unbelieving Simon was given the briefing, strapped in, and away they went.
They were gone a half hour, and when they got back, Simon's grin was from ear to ear. Mikes was too. He walked about six inches off the ground. After profuse thanks and all, after much hand shaking, hugging, and kissing, everybody headed for home, waving all the way.
He'd immediately run out of film, but COPA member RayGriffin happened by, and took a few photos. It's so rewarding giving airplane rides to those not expecting it.
And it's so rewarding getting the letters!
Dear Tony and Mary.
Thanks so much for the wonderful pictures. I'm sure Simon will print and frame them for his memory book of Canada!! Thanks for the one of you and me.
We were part of his day too!! I must say, we are still talking about our day to many friends and family. When they arrived for dinner on Sunday evening, they couldn't believe their ears when we related our exciting adventure, Thanks Again, Janet Clarkson, Richmond, BC
And more... Hi Tony
I am the mother of Simon who had the flight in the Harvard.
Is it you I have to thank for arranging such a wonderful surprise for him? He is over the moon, and so grateful for the kindness shown to him by all you guys. Simon said that one of you was from Hull, England. Is that you? If so where abouts, as we live in York which is not very far away.
Look forward to hearing from you, in the mean time thank you once again. ...Lynda Carr
Well... It WAS Mike who took him, ...but what the Hey!
TAIL PIECES
When I was a student, they just cut your tie off!
It's a bit more traumatic these days at Boundary Bay! Our friend's son Stephen soloed in March, and they tried to drown him!
His Mom Joan was so proud. As we get older and jaded, one tends to forget the excitement of that first solo.
The thrill is always there, just below the calm demeanour of we Old Bolds.
Congratulations to ALL you new pilots, whereever you are.
Keep your heads up, and your ears to the ground for any goings on with the National Parks taking over the South Straights, the BC Parks, lakes and whatever. Be ready with those fierce letters.
Fly Safe now.