Pilot Keith Francis says there’s a world of untapped potential in the aviation industry for County-based youth chasing a lucrative career, or hobbyists looking for a new adventure.
Stanhope Municipal Airport is hosting a public fly-in May 4, with Francis – a member of Algonquin Highlands’ airport advisory committee – saying the event is designed to educate the community about flying.
“It’s an amazing skill, to be able to fly – a lot of people assume it’s one of those things they’ll never be able to do, that it’s too complicated or too expensive. We want to dispel those myths a bit and show people what’s possible if you’re passionate and are willing to put in the work.”
There are lots of job opportunities, Francis said, with most major airlines hiring for mechanics and pilots. Apprenticeships are readily available for youth out of high school, he added.
“I like to tell people if they can fix a snowmobile or a boat, they can fix a plane,” he said.
Francis has had his flying license since he was 18. He remembers selling his first car to pay for some air time when he was starting out. The thrill he got from being in the cockpit, gliding through the sky, was unlike anything he’d experienced before. He was hooked.
Francis estimates it takes approximately 50 hours of training, and between $15,000 and $20,000, to secure a license. Those who want to fly commercially typically spend an extra couple of years perfecting their technique. The closest flight school is in Lindsay, though Francis noted the committee was working to bring one to Haliburton County.
The fly-in will see pilots bring all kinds of aircraft to the Highlands. Francis said there will be five to 10 classic planes available for people to tour, including a 1995 Antonov An-2, CT-156 Harvard II – used by the Royal Canadian Air Force for training during the Second World War, and old-school single engine planes such as the de Havilland Canada’s DHC-1 Chipmunk and DHC-2 Beaver.
Fisher said there will be model airplanes available for people to fly, volunteers will lead tours of parked aircraft, while anyone looking to get a taste of life in the sky can register for plane and helicopter rides. Algonquin Highlands public works and Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry staff will bring equipment onto the runway for people to see.
Food will be available from Till Death BBQ, K Pub Chicken, and Into the Blue pizza food truck. The event will run from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Algonquin Highlands mayor Liz Danielsen said it will be a great day and encouraged the community to attend.
“Events at the airport are making a comeback after being on pause since the pandemic. We are committed to offering a welcome and fun space for local families and visitors to enjoy, while promoting aviation to our youth,” Danielsen said.
