The Estevan Flying Club paid tribute to one of Saskatchewan’s oldest active pilots on Nov. 1 when about 40 people gathered at the Estevan Municipal Airport to toast Maurice Monteyne, 88, while handing him a plaque commemorating the event.
Earl Kickley, on behalf of club president Neal Linthicum, made the presentation, noting there weren’t many pilots in Saskatchewan who were still active and who had charter memberships in their local flying clubs. Monteyne, who joined the local flying club at its inception, said he got his first flying license in 1948 at a cost of $300. But, he noted, “if you passed the physical/medical examination, the province refunded you $100, so the first few licenses I got for $200.”
Kickley noted that Monteyne’s local flying club card was dated 1951 and he is also a charter member of the Saskatchewan branch of the Flying Farmers, which took root with a charter event in Estevan in 1955.
“This club and our pilots have had some good times and bad times,” said Kickley, noting the recent upsurge in local membership and interest, with an active membership that exceeds 25 pilots.
“The first time I flew with Maurice, we went to look at some Chipmunk aircraft. None of us returned with any, and that was a mistake because they are pretty valuable aircraft, worth a lot now,” said Kickley.
“I also missed a runway light with those guys as passengers,” said Monteyne. “I think it was because the guys in the backseat were too heavy.”
Monteyne was also honoured at the recent Flying Farmers annual gathering in Waskesiu where he was given an award for being a charter member.
“Actually, I have to say my license expired in July of this year, and I haven’t reapplied for my medical clearance,” Monteyne told the Mercury following the presentation.
But nobody is going to quibble over a few months.
Other flying club members recalled a few years ago when Monteyne captured a prize for shortest takeoff and landing.
“Ya, I remember, I powered up, full flap and it just jumped up,” he said with a laugh.
Another veteran pilot who attended the airport gala on Sunday, Bill Maher, said he and Monteyne enjoyed a couple of flying trips up to East Trout Lake in the northern part of the province in the early 1950s.
Linthicum said he was pleased to see a strong turnout for the event that included a supper and social in the airport’s lounge area
