Archive for July, 2009

In my daily commute to the office, I’ve had to pass the various steel factories here in Hamilton, Ontario. I’ve always thought the factories looked their best at night. Not because they are considered by many as an eye sore. But I would consider them more of a point of splendor. Especially how the lights sparkle off the waters of Lake Ontario. On some nights, a fog rolls in and amplifies their beauty.

To celebrate the world of manufacturing I’ve posted some wonderful images for your enjoyment. Since I can’t say enough great things of the Prague-based photographer, Branislav Kropilak. I’ll let his photography speak for itself.

Hey folks,

While I was channel surfing the other day. I momentarily stopped on the TSN channel and heard the broadcaster mention the name of this rookie who hails from Red Lake, Ontario. Hold the phone!! Wait a second!! Red Lake??? I had to find out more. Turns out he was speaking of the 2009 Red Bull Air Race Rookie – Pete McLeod. As some of you may or may not know, I was born in Red Lake, Ontario and found it fascinating that someone from this small town in Northern Ontario climbed the ranks to become one of the world’s best Aerobatic racing pilots. It was also funny to hear that he was also a bush pilot at such a young age.

Below are just some of his amazing accomplishments and statistics. Courtesy of Pete McLeod Aerosports.

STATS

Born: February 23, 1984
Hometown: Red Lake, Ontario
Height: 6 feet
Weight: 180 lbs
Occupation: Aerobatic/Race Pilot

ACHIEVEMENTS

2009 Red Bull Air Race Rookie
Red Bull Air Race Super License Holder
12th Place European Aerobatic Championship 2008
2nd Place Advanced – 2006 US National Championships
2006 BF Goodrich Award Recipient
2004 North American Collegiate Aerobatics Champion
2004 Mid-America Series Champion
Undefeated in 2004 with Five 1st Place finishes
5x Winner of the Aviat Highest Scoring Pitts Award
Posted Highest % Average in North America: 90.67%

BIO

As a Competition and Air Show Demonstration pilot, Pete’s Rock n’ Roll style of aerobatics highlights his exacting flight precision with an array of complex and visually dynamic maneuvers.  Flying a Giles G-200 composite monoplane, this world class aerobatic mount offers a fiery, unbridled performance envelope that delights an air show audience while pleasing the competition judges.  One of the youngest rising stars in the industry, look for big things from Pete in the near future!

Raised in northwest Ontario, Canadian Pete McLeod excelled when he transitioned from the rigors of a bush pilot to create his own aerobatic juggernaut. Pete was virtually born in the cockpit, taking his first flight while only a few weeks old.  He earned his Private license at 17 years of age and his Commercial at 18.  As a hardworking seaplane and bush pilot, Pete quickly logged nearly 1400 hours over Canada’s rugged interior.  With a passion for speed and performance, he later became hooked on aerobatics, winning the first contest he entered and remaining undefeated for the entire following season.

Pete’s energetic flying style reflects a disciplined combination of preparation, precision, and raw power.  As a rising star in a new generation of aerobatic pilots, Pete recently received the coveted award of North American Collegiate Aerobatic Champion before graduating from the University of Western Ontario with an Economics degree.  His sights are now set on making his mark in today’s thrilling world of aerosports while continuing to thrill crowds with unique and original air show performances.