The Rural Voice, 1980-09, Page 17THE FLYING FARMERS
Perth farmers are taking to the air
Farmers who have both feet plant-
ed firmly on the ground may not know of
an international organization called The
Flyini Farmers. But many do: the
groups membership in Ontario is 306
families. flying farmers, wives and their
children.
Each member must be a farmer or
involved in a farm related business.
This includes everyone from farm
machinery dealers to cattlemen.
The reason the organization was
started is stated clearly in the objectives
of the flying farmers. They include: -to
promote the practical use of the airplane
in agriculture; -to encourage education
and research in agricultural aviation; -
to urge minimum regulations for
general aviation; -to promote safety; -to
keep members informed of develop-
ments with the Ministry of Transporta-
tion; -to express ideas and opinions of
farmers at national government level;
-to encourage the ladies and teens to
learn to fly (awards are given).
The president of the Ontario Flying
Farmers is Peter Simpson of RR1, St.
BY DONNA THIEL
Marys, a farmer. Charlie Burbank is an
executive for the organization. He flies
for Air Canada and owns a farm. He
helps keep the organization and the
government informed of the others
interests.
Another area member is Bert Knott of
RR2, St. Pauls. His wife, Betty is also a
member and attends most of the fly -ins.
Bert Knott's son Denny and his wife
Barbara and little Julie are also regular
members. Bert Knott has been a farmer
and active in Perth county for several
years.
Once a month, the Flying Farmers
have what they call a fly in. They
usually go to a farm and have a social
time and a potluck meal. The fly ins
usually feature a contest. One such
contest tested women members to see
how many could land a plane if their
husbands were sick and could not fly the
plane and land it. It was very enlighten-
ing to all.
The Flying Farmers of Ontario have
flown to special tours as well. One was
at the South Ridge Air Force Base in
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Michigan, when they were the first
flying farmers to visit the restricted
area. The farmers felt they were royally
treated there.
Another flying trip was to Centralia to
Hughe's Boats where fibre glass boats
are made.
Ontario president Peter Simpson this
summer attended in San Diego,
California, the International Flying
Farmers Convention, from Aug. 3 to 8.
On September 19 to 21, the 60th
anniversary of Women Flyers is to be
held at the Wheels Inn, Chatham. This
special tribute will feature a fashion
show of the original flying costumes
worn by women. Current flying fashions
will also be modeled.
"In Perth County alone there are 17
private landing strips, but not all belong
to members of the flying farmers."
explained Bert Knott.
Besides the social side of this
organization, Ontario's Flying Farmers,
including the Perth members, stress the
importance of remembering safety in
flying.
BERG HYDRO•MAN
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• Pumps liquids, solids and bedding
1
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• Mail the coupon for full details.
r
et—rimii,
M♦ w .HAM
= nr�iw=r�
For more Intormatlon contact:
KEITH SIEMON FARM' SYSTEMS
R.R. 4, WALTON
345-2734
11
1
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THE RURAL VOICE/ SEPTEMBER 1980 PG. 15