Martin Elder, Ottawa, Ont., Piper Cherokee PA-32
Deborah Hind
Chris Gallant, Great Britain

The Cherokee Six was rescued after flying a hard life in Northern Ontario. Over 12 years I’ve upgraded and renewed the airplane but there is still much to do. I’ve been flying for 15 years. I have a float rating and it seems I’m always preparing for the Instrument tests but it’s a distant goal. My first airplane was a trusty Cherokee 160 but when my three children grew older we needed bigger. We fly on family vacations with occasional trips to Toronto, Maritimes and Quebec. Sometimes I take my Real Estate clients on sight seeing flights over Ottawa and I’ve gone hunting for farm and cottage properties in this airplane. That is fun.I do fund raising with the airplane. I offer a “champagne flight” to raise money for school programs, charities, health institutes. I don’t charge for these flights but I’m rewarded by meeting good people and quietly, I promote my Real Estate business.

Deborah Hind, my avid and steadfast co-pilot just retired this month from the government. Earlier this year, after many years of training, she received her Yoga instructor’s certificate. I’m sure there will be stretching and “up dogs” and “down dogs” under airplane wings after our long flights. Bring your yoga mats and join in!

Chris Gallant is from Great Britain visiting Canada who’s been travelling since January, beginning in western Canada. He is also a photographer and has asked to join our flight crew for the entire trip. Welcome aboard Chris! We’ll be meeting for the first time in Russell, Manitoba. Cheerio Mate!