September 19, 2010 - Jim Kamstra refuels his plane at the Stirling airstrip before heading back to their home in Newcastle, Ontario. Originally from Holland, Kamstra and his wife Corry are a part of the Oak Hills Flying Club and have been flying for over 35 years.



LIKE A BIRD




September 19, 2010- Pilot Jim Davidson takes to the sky in his open cockpit "Trike." Fully qualified and licensed, Davidson teaches lessons at The Sky Life Aviation flight school and has extensive experience flying in all four seasons.


ANOTHER DAY IN THE SKY







September 19, 2010- Nick Pfeiffer, originally from British Columbia, moved to Stirling several years ago with his wife and two sons. Working for an Engineering company, Nick flies back and forth to the West Coast once a month for business and says " Flying is just like driving a car, only a little faster with much less traffic."


This day was one of those, " How cool is my life!" kinda days. One of those days where a decision in one moment can open up doors and opportunities to so many others. Sometimes, those doors pay off in getting to go up in a plane!

A week prior we had been driving around, doing some feature hunting and exploration of Belleville and surrounding areas, when we stumbled upon an abandoned little airstrip. It was Sunday, you could almost hear the grass rustle with the wind and there was not even the sound of a dog barking to give the sense that at least some other life form was out here. It was prefect. Little planes parked under open garages along a field with a runway barely visible to the left. Driving back in the direction we had come, I noticed a woman in front of her garage, tinkering with the wing of a plane. Yes, plane. Intrigued we made the decision to back up and talk to her, I mean, how often do you see that happening? Come to find out she's a member of the Oak Hills Flying Club, herself and her husband build Ultralight Planes together and they have a fly in BBQ in a week we could come to.

Long story short, after having delicious burgers with fresh veggies, wandering around looking at planes and talking to pilots and 45 minutes spent in the co-pilots seat of a double engine plane, circling the city I call home for now, was more then worth the $5 entry fee and 5 minute conversation.

Talk about luck.