Dave McElroy
Instagram Name (If Applicable):
@davemcelroy8
What is your occupation?
Retired
What is your home airport?
CYVK Kelowna
What year did you start flying?
Late sixties
Where did you learn to fly?
CYXC Cranbrook
Why did you start flying?
Because at age 6, when I saw my first airplane up close, I was absolutely fascinated that this machine could actually FLY!
For the first time in my life I had some disposal income and signed up for flying lessons.
What airplane did you learn to fly in?
C150
What airplane do you fly now?
RV6. Have flown 29 other types including Harvard.
What is your favorite kind of flying or place to fly to?
Long distance flying to faraway places; have done lots of that.
Also formation and aerobatic flying.
What is your favorite feature on the BCGA website?
News & Events
In a few words describe what the BCGA is to you:
Community of those of us who are lucky enough to fly – or aspire to fly – ove some of the most beautiful country in the world – Super, Natural British Columbia.
What other aviation organizations / clubs are you affiliated with?
AOPA, BCAC, Kelowna Flying Club, COPA
Do you have a business or work at a business that you would like other members to know about (Provide Name & Link):
Kelowna Flying Club (President)
www.Kelownaflyingclub.com
Other interests:
Inspiring young people of all ages to imagine bigger lives for themselves. And paying it forward.
Anything else you would like to share with your fellow members:
People ask me why I love flying. Let me count the ways.
I love how flying stimulates all my senses. I love the sights, sounds, smells and the touch(es) of manipulating the controls and systems of an aircraft in flight.
I love all flight phases – from startup, taxiing, taking off, climbing, descending, landing, taxiing in and shutting down. It’s all magical – every time – even though I’ve done it many thousands of times.
I love flying in close formation with other aircraft flown by experienced airmen. More magic.
I love putting an aircraft through its paces while flying aerobatics. More magic.
I love taking off and landing 2-3 hours later in a totally different environment. Sometimes the people speak a different language, wear different clothing, have a different climate and have very different customs and ethics. But they ALWAYS welcome private aviators.
Who else but pilots gets to do this stuff?
Did I mention I love flying?
