Past fly-in events at Rideau Lakes Aerodrome (CRL2) in Westport, Ontario have seen a small assortment of aircraft, as well as local visitors, make the trip to the airport to see visiting aircraft, chat with pilots and locals and enjoy some food, all while supporting the flying club, airstrip and the community. Their 2024 fall fly-in was much of the same but with a small difference, as we'll read further on.

No, the fly-in events at Rideau Lakes aren't the biggest, though they're growing in popularity, but the flying club members work hard to make the fly-in a great experience, not just for the flying club but for the community and for everyone who visits. This year, one difference, was the addition of prize draws, not just for pilots but everyone in attendance.

The first aircraft to arrive was a Cessna 150, followed by a Cessna 172. Cessna aircraft are always a common site at airports and fly-ins across Ontario, and probably at most fly-ins in North America. Cessna has been a long standing popular aircraft with flying clubs, and private owners, at airports across the country and in the USA. No matter where you go, almost without fail, you'll find some type of Cessna from the old 120, 140 and 170s to 172, 182, 195, the SkyMaster and 310 up to their jet aircraft, the Cessna Citation. These popular aircraft have had many variants throughout their production runs that included changes in instrument installations from the old 'steam' gauges to the more modern glass cockpit, different engines and other upgrades and adaptations. Regardless, the Cessna line of aircraft continue to be a popular aircraft.

Another of the earlier arrivals was the ultralight aircraft (Canada), LSA - Light Sport Aircraft (USA), the Aerotechnik SportStar, a light, 2-place aircraft, manufactured in Czechia. The SportStar is fitted with a Rotax 912ULS, 100 horsepower engine with a 3-bladed variable pitch propeller. Production began in 1997 and continues today. It was the first aircraft in the US to be approved and designated as S-LSA (Special Light Sport Aircraft) by the FAA and was the first aircraft in the US to be placed in the LSA category. The bubble canopy gives the pilot superb view making it ideal for flight training. The SportStar is also capable of towing sailplanes and can perform banner towing. It is also float capable, depending on the type of floats to be installed. Owners can also outfit the aircraft with a rocket-boosted recovery parachute which is installed in the forward engine panel and can be fired by means of a handle in the cockpit. Different variants are available including the SportStar SL, Max, and RTC. Specifications of the SportStar (Max) are 132mph max speed, cruise of 127mph, stall speed of 52mph with a range of over 800 miles.

The fly-in isn't restricted to fixed wing aircraft. At times, helicopters and even a gyrocopter, have made the visit to one or more of the three yearly fly-ins held at Rideau Lakes Aerodrome. This year, an American registered Robinson R44 flew in for a bite to eat and visit. This popular American designed and built helo can be seen at many airports and fly-ins. Considered relatively easy to fly, the R44 is a fairly affordable helicopter and is used by police forces in many cities and is a popular civilian owned helo. Some folks even utilise the R44 to help ranchers herd their animals such as cattle or horses.

Another ultralight aircraft that flew in was the Savannah. It is a 2-place aircraft that can be purchased as a 'ready to fly' aircraft or in kit form. They are built in a factory in Piedmont, Italy. The Savannah looks very much like the Zenith/Zenair STOL CH701 which the late Chris Heintz, designer of the CH701, felt the Savannah was an unauthorized copy of his aircraft. Most Savannah aircraft have a constant-chord wing that combines flaperons with early models fitted with full-span leading edge slots. Sales of the Savannah began in 2000 with aircraft operating in Europe, North America, Russia, Australia and New Zealand, among other countries. It is also operated by the Indian Air Force. There are numerous variants produced and general performance includes a max speed of 123mph, cruise of 111mph and a stall speed of 30mph.

There were, of course, an assortment of Piper aircraft that also made the visit including the Piper PA-28 Cherokee and Piper PA-12 Super Cruiser. Though these two aircraft look very different, with the Cherokee sporting a low wing, 4-place design and the Super Cruise being a high-wing aircraft, these two aircraft from Piper are loved by their owners. The Cherokee has a conventional, tricycle landing gear whereas the Super Cruiser is a tail-dragger configuration. Though neither aircraft are still in production, they can often be seen at fly-ins and airports around the world.

During the day, around lunchtime, the flying club held a draw for an assortment of prizes for all in attendance. Aviation related prizes included aviation coins from the Royal Canadian Mint celebrating the 100th Anniversary of the Royal Canadian Air Force. There were also an assortment of aviation books, airplane perpetual pewter calendar and metal aviation signs. Of course, these were popular with aviation types and winners were pleased as punch with their prizes.

Of course, prizes weren't limited to those from the aviation side of things. Local businesses were great in offering prizes for their support of the event and the community. From clothing, accessories, calendar, earrings, candle, gift certificates and more. All in all, there were 25 assorted prizes and winners. A lot of people went home with great memories, full bellies and happy to have won a prize on the day. We'll see a list of prize donators at the end of the article.

Come back next week for our return visit to the Rideau Lakes Aerodrome, Pig & Pie Fly-in. The airport is a great place to fly into with a 3200', mostly grass with a short gravel/dirt section, runway. The approach over the lake on arrival unnerves some pilots but there's lots of runway should you want to come in high. The food and company make it worthwhile. So, come back next week for more Pig & Pie!