The history of the non-profit flying club based at Ottawa-Rockcliffe Airport is incredibly captivating. It all started back in 1918 when the Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF) conducted their first experimental postal flights here using Curtiss JN-4 Canuck aircraft. This marked the beginning of a long and distinguished aviation legacy at this very spot. You can learn more about it at iottawa.net.
The Rockcliffe Flying Club’s Story
As mentioned, the flying club’s roots trace back to 1918, though it was officially founded in 1954. Interestingly, that initial incarnation only lasted two years. Back then, Wing Commander Norman Goey arrived at the RCAF Rockcliffe base with a vision: to establish a military flying club. Goey was passionate about seeing a service-run flying club come to fruition.
In 1961, a group of senior RCAF officers breathed new life into the club. It kicked off with just two Aeronca aircraft (CF-JKW and CF-NMY, costing $1825 and $1374 respectively). RCAF storage facilities were brought into use. At the time, Rockcliffe was an active RCAF airbase, complete with hangars and a control tower. That same year, on August 28, 1961, Transport Canada licensed the club to provide flight training to its members. Another key activity was also established: offering aircraft for recreational flights.
The Rockcliffe Flying Club moved to Uplands Airport in 1964. The hangars, control tower, snow removal service, air traffic control, and runway lights at Rockcliffe were all shut down, but the club itself remained at the airfield. Since then, the Rockcliffe Flying Club has continued to provide flight training and aircraft rentals to both military personnel and civilians.
Exploring the Flying Club’s History
The Rockcliffe Flying Club is a true community with a rich history. Its story includes exciting events like tornado sightings and lively social gatherings. The club’s narrative is even intertwined with beloved characters, like Charlie Brown, the club cat, and more.
It’s worth noting that this is one of the few genuine flying clubs left in Canada. Many others have either had to close their doors completely or merge with training programs just to stay afloat. What makes the Rockcliffe Flying Club stand out is its continued success as an independent entity. What’s more, the number of visitors and aviation enthusiasts in Canada’s capital, Ottawa, keeps growing year after year. Simon Garrett, Chief Flight Instructor and Operations Manager, confirms this. He points out that with a new maintenance hangar, a Redbird Full Motion flight simulator, a leased C182, two C162s on order, and a Super Decathlon being brought into service for its aerobatic and tailwheel training programs, the aero club has successfully positioned itself as a “one-stop shop” for recreational pilots.
Members of the Aero Club
Another unique aspect is the incredible camaraderie among the staff and club members. For instance, Michael Hopkinson, a member since 2003, even tied the knot at the aero club. His wife, Rika, who was training to be a pilot, had always dreamed of getting married at the Rockcliffe Aero Club.
Candace Denison, who earned her private pilot’s license there, called the aero club a “gem.” She noted that members and staff truly feel like one big happy family.
Jordan Steingass started working at the club as a co-op student in 2004. She agrees that the club feels like family. This strong sense of community might just be one of the key ingredients to the club’s longevity and success.
Modern History and Opportunities
Ottawa residents are very familiar with the Rockcliffe Flying Club’s activities. That’s because it’s a thriving hub of aviation in the Ottawa region. The flying club boasts over 350 members and provides a range of services, including:
- Aircraft rentals for recreational flights and accumulating flight hours.
- Aircraft refueling.
- A pilot shop with essential supplies and equipment.
- Aircraft parking and tie-down services.
- Aircraft maintenance and inspection services.
- Sightseeing flights, offering stunning views of the local landscape.
Aviation enthusiasts and aspiring pilots alike will truly appreciate these opportunities available in Canada’s capital.
Training
The Rockcliffe Flying Club also operates as a Transport Canada-approved flight training school. Their ground and flight training programs are diverse, covering everything from obtaining a recreational pilot permit, private pilot license, night flight rating, VFR OTT (Visual Flight Rules Over-The-Top) rating, to instrument ratings.
The Rockcliffe Flying Club prepares residents for commercial pilot licenses, instructor ratings, and pilot certificates. It’s also worth noting that the school’s size and varied flight training programs can be tailored to each student’s individual needs. This ensures both flexibility and effective learning.
A Student Pilot’s First Solo Flight
You’ll often see photos of the traditional water dousing ceremony, symbolizing a student pilot’s first solo flight. Let’s delve deeper into this rather interesting tradition.
A crucial milestone in pilot training is the first solo flight. It’s a huge deal because, for the first time, the student pilot is flying without an instructor. Getting permission for such a flight is a clear indication that the student pilot is sufficiently prepared and competent to operate an aircraft unsupervised.
Moreover, water symbolizes purification, so in this context, it represents a transition to a new stage in the pilot’s life. Therefore, the tradition of celebrating a student pilot’s first successful solo flight at the flying club is a wonderful way to mark this joyful and important event.
Aviation Hub in Ottawa
The Rockcliffe Flying Club is conveniently located right next to the Canada Aviation and Space Museum at Ottawa-Rockcliffe Airport. It’s easy to get to the flying club from downtown or Highway 417. Visitors to the club can always make a point to also visit the museum and explore its vast collection of aircraft. This allows for an even deeper dive into Canada’s rich aviation history, offering insights into both the practical and historical aspects of flight.
This collaboration with the Canada Aviation and Space Museum facilitates a number of events held at the airport, including Capital Wings and Wheels (formerly the Classic Air Rallye), Canada Day celebrations, the Battle of Britain commemoration, the EAA (Experimental Aircraft Association) Fly-in, and the Canadian RC (Radio-Controlled) Off-Road Championship.
In 2011, one of the country’s most renowned aero clubs celebrated 50 years of outstanding service, noting a true sense of community. And in 2012, the flying club had the distinct honour of hosting the Webster Trophy competition for the first time. This was a significant achievement for the aero club, showcasing its high level of recognition and professionalism.
While the flying club has a strong emphasis on recreational flying, it’s also deeply committed to training professional commercial pilots. This includes a wide range of flight training programs, from private and commercial pilot licenses to night and instrument ratings.
The Rockcliffe Flying Club is a vital part of Ottawa’s aviation community, supporting new pilots in achieving their dreams. Whether you’re an aviation enthusiast, an instructor, a consultant, or a pilot, you’ll find something to love at this flying club.
