Looking for COPA Flight # 106, Check out www.copayukon.com
An update of COPA FlIght # 106 activities will be posted here soon, pending the completion of their own web page.
Interested in Yukon Flying hstory?
Make sure you check out the excellent story about flying heicopters in Northern Yukon in 1962 written by Kit Cain who brings alive the experience of mosquitos, engine failures, and isolation in the pioneering days of Northern aviation. Look at our "History" page for the links.
Yukon Flying Issues This Week
Mid-winter finds most of us tied down and covered up, but there are still a few hearty souls braving the cold to the envy of all of us others who watch you pass over. Check out the winter operation tips in our "Maintenance and Operation" section. Perhaps most importantly, watch that fuel for contamination ( use only isopropyl alcohol to prevent/remove ice and water contamination if needed.)
CFCPY at -35 C
Another Sad Loss to Yukon Aviation !
Lloyd Ryder was one of the few Yukoners who was around when Whitehorse was a town of only 300 people.
When he died earlier this month at the age of 87, Ryder left behind a legion of friends and family around the territory.
A “dyed in the wool” Yukoner, Ryder knew the region like the back of his hand, said his wife Marny. Born and raised in Whitehorse, Ryder was best remembered for his lifetime dedication to flying, a passion he took up in 1955. Ryder met his wife while he was piloting a medevac flight.
Marny had come from the Ottawa Valley to work as a community health nurse in the Yukon, flying between communities like Ross River and Telegraph Creek. “He was the pilot, I was the nurse ... we were bound to meet sooner or later,” she said. “Since then, during all our years of marriage, we’ve been best friends.” While flying with him it was easy to see that he was in his element, said Marny. “He used to say that he was ‘above it all’ while flying. It was in his bones, he loved to fly.”
In 1962, Ryder began piloting commercially for the Whitehorse Flying Service - a job he kept throughout the 1960s and 1970s. Two years later, he would famously fly Senator Robert Kennedy’s companions to the St. Elias Mountains where Kennedy would become the first person to climb Mount Kennedy, named after his brother John.
He didn’t actually fly Kennedy himself, at that time Kennedy wasn’t allowed in a single-engine plane, but he met Kennedy at the base of the mountain. But that, and the time he flew explorer Brad Washburn, were just like any other flights for him, said Bob Cameron, of his mentor and longtime friend. “He didn’t get a big head about these sorts of things.”
Ryder usually piloted de-Havilland Beavers, which were vital links to remote camps and communities in the Yukon.
He spent a lot of time shlepping climbers and Japanese tourists on private charters to the St. Elias mountain range.
“Having gone up there with him I can see why he loved it - it was pristine,” said Marny.
Ryder was an outdoorsman who loved to fish, hunt and ski with his father and family friends.
“He was never exactly successful at hunting, but he loved being outdoors,” said Marny with a laugh.
Before becoming a pilot, Ryder used to deliver oil and wood to people in Whitehorse such as Cameron.
Ryder, along with Cameron’s father, who were longtime friends, up and left the Yukon in 1943 hoping to become “war heroes,” said Cameron. But Ryder missed his chance and was sent overseas only after all the action had died down.
“They laughed about it for years,” said Cameron. “Lloyd got there in time for the victory parades.
“He was there getting adulation and kisses from all the Dutch girls.
“I can still see him there at the parade with that Lloyd Ryder grin on his face.”..
Photo by Mike Thomas /Yukon News, Story by Vivian Belik / Yukon News
and;
One of the most enjoyable and helpful people at the Whitehorse Airport died prematurely this fall. Bill Baker always had time to help anyone who needed it and invariably provided more than was asked. We will miss you a lot Bill.
Yukon Transportation Museum Action;
Yukon Transportation Museum ..... worth a visit = (l to r) Fairchild, Skis and Engines, Ryan Monoplane.
Whitehorse (Eric Nielson International) Airport;
The Terminal Expansion appears to be progressing. The DC - 3 has moved to new quarters in front of the Transportation Museum, it looks good there. "PAY PARKING" is sort of in effet at the Whitehorse Airport, we hope the revenue replaces the goodwill.
Those of you who park along "19" have noticed that your electrical power installations has been tendered and construction is underway, sort of.
Editorial Issues
The fight for the survivial of General Aviation continues. The actions of one person to protect our right to fly can be accessed HERE.
I still recommend the SPOT beacon in any event. If you are using a SPOT Beacon check out how my alerting is set up at SPOT Beacon.pdf.
If you have news of importance, an issue to raise, advice, or an article of interest please send it along and we will include it.
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