The Okanagan Ultralight Association started in the early 90's with a lot of hanger talk at Harry Winterhalder's field about where to fly, how many people in the area fly Ultralights, and where we could land. With Harry's experience going back to the early 80's it was soon learned there were many places and people loosely connected in the Okanagan who enjoyed Ultralight flying. The topic soon became, "Why don't we start a club?" With thought's of 'safety in numbers', 'more places to fly and land', 'unity of the small loose groups', 'a larger group having a bigger voice in the ultralight world', the "Okanagan Ultralight Association" was born.
What started out as a small group, 5 or 6 members, soon swelled to 70 + membership. With members as far away as Vancouver Island the camaraderie of Ultralight pilots spawned many memorable bigger and better fly ins and social gatherings. Yearly group cross country trips became the anticipated event of the summer.
Because we are a large group now, Transport Canada takes notice of what we have to say, and although we are not directly connected with UPAC back east, we have a voice in what they present to the government regarding Ultralight issues.
Many thanks to the few and many members who have made this association a success and joy to belong to. May we always land as softly as we fly.