a non profit aviation society was officially organized on December 15th 1915. Exciting events responsible for the final realization of the Club happened before that date. In our archives we read: "May 24 1910 the first Aero Club licensees of the world flew near Hastings Park, Vancouver B.C. Pilot Clifford Turpin world license holder number 22 and Phil Parmalee world license holder number 25, set u
p their flight headquarters at Hastings Park." In an other document dated May 15th 1948, we read: "The Aero Club of British Columbia has come a long way since its inception in 1912. In that year a few flying enthusiasts formed a Club and began building their first airplane on floats at the edge of the Fraser River. Those pioneers of aviation labored for two years to build their first aircraft, a stylish model on floats. The big day of the trial flight was made by a pilot who had never flown previously and crashed into the water moments after take off. The pilot survived. And they immediately set about to rebuilding their plane. Such was the spirit which motivated our Flying Club." We have a photo of the Aero Club of B.C. taken between 1912 and 1914. Since 1915 the Aero Club was the training base for students, male and female alike, to become Royal Air Corps Pilots in W.W.1 and W.W.2, Airline Pilots for transporting people, mail, and merchandise across oceans and continents, Bush Pilots to serve small communities in isolated valleys, Air Cadet Pilots, Instructors, Sky Divers, Aircraft Owner Pilots and private Pilots. The Aero Club is now a center for Pilots, their families and many friends that love aviation. The REUNION is an occasion to honor the pioneers of Aviation in B.C. and the pioneers of our Flying Club. We are celebrating the history of the oldest Aero Club in the British Commonwealth. Come one come all, young or old, past members or relatives of members. If you have pictures or interesting stories, of yourself or of your father or grandfather, related to the Aero Club, send it to us. Meetings: First Wednesdays of every month, 7:00pm. Aero Club of British Columbia Pitt, Pitt Meadows Airport
