In 2009, the Finals were held for the first time at the Saint-Lazare airport with the collaboration of Cooper Aviation and the Saint-Lazare Flying Club. This venue was ideal for the premier scale aerobatics competition in the province, providing a wonderful opportunity to involve the public in the event and to cross-promote model and full scale aviation.
The event brought 23 pilots to the precision rounds and 7 entrants to the freestyle show. Pilots came from all over Québec and Ontario.
The event was promoted to local papers and community calendars. It is estimated that approximately 500-1000 spectators attended the event, many of them being present both days.
A sound system and microphone were set up for the benefit of the public, particularly showcasing the performances of pilots whose hometown is Saint-Lazare and allowing for question & answer periods between the public and designated pilots. Just before noon on both days, the public was invited to visit the pits to meet the pilots and see the airplanes up close. Pilots answered questions individually and many families took their picture next to the models. Stickers commemorating the event were distributed to the youth in attendance.
From noon to one o’clock both days, a special Freestyle show was put on for the public. On the second day, the Freestyle champion was announced (Scot Harrison from Aylmer, Québec). He received a championship cup and took off for a free ride in a Christen Eagle with pilot George Bertrand. First, second and third place winners of the weekend’s events and the Quebec championship in all classes received commemorative trophies. In addition, the champion of each class received a ride in full scale aircraft courtesy of the Saint-Lazare Flying Club pilots! The winner of the Basic & Sportsman class received a ride in an antique Bellanca courtesy of Alain de Hondt. The winners of the Intermediate and Advanced classes received rides in a Cessna with Scott Black (Cessna belonging to Bruce Olsen). The Unlimited winner offered his ride in the Bellanca to our volunteer coordinator and additional rides went to other volunteers. There were BIG smiles all around!
Thank you Saint-Lazare Flying Club!