Canadian Centennial of Powered Flight 1909 - 2009

On this day in Canadian Aviation History: October 3

2009-11-11T13:42:00.000-08:00

03 October

1963

The DH 106 Comet aircraft were retired from RCAF service.

On this day in Canadian Aviation History: October 2

2009-11-11T13:41:00.000-08:00

02 October

1944

No. 435 (Transport) and 436 (Transport) Squadrons were formed in England.

On this day in Canadian Aviation History: October 1

2009-11-11T13:40:00.000-08:00

01 October

1920

Refresher training began at Camp Borden, Ontario.

1924

Pilot E.A. Alton set out on the first recorded aerial mail flight from Estevan, Saskatchewan to Winnipeg, but unfortunately was aborted by a crash.

1938

The newly-formed Trans-Canada Air Lines began regular air mail service between Winnipeg and Vancouver.

1942

No. 149 (TB) Squadron was formed at Dartmouth, Nova Scotia.

1946

RCAF returned to a peacetime footing and many Regular Force personnel were reduced in rank.

1950

No. 411 Squadron (Auxiliary) was formed at Toronto, Ontario.

1953

No. 440 Squadron was reformed at Bagotville, Quebec, and equipped with Avro Canada

CF-100 fighters.

1954

Nos. 425 and 432 Squadrons were formed at St. Hubert and Bagotville, Quebec, and equipped with Avro Canada CF-100 fighters.

On this day in Canadian Aviation History: September 30

2009-11-11T13:38:00.004-08:00

30 September

1941

Maritime Central Airlines was formed at Charlottetown P.E.I. by Carl Burk and

Josiah Anderson.

1945

Squadrons 121, 167, and 170 (Ferry) squadrons were all disbanded.

On this day in Canadian Aviation History: September 29

2009-11-11T13:38:00.003-08:00

29 September

1954

The new Downsview Ontario plant of DeHavilland Aircraft of Canada Ltd was opened by the Right Honourable CD Howe.

On this day in Canadian Aviation History: September 28

2009-11-11T13:38:00.001-08:00

28 September

1952

Nos. 416, 421 and 430 Squadrons flew in stages from Canada to their new base at Grostenquin, Germany, where they formed No. 2 Fighter Wing.

On this day in Canadian Aviation History: September 27

2009-11-11T13:37:00.002-08:00

27 September

1940

S/L Ernie McNab became the first RCAF ace during WWII.

On this day in Canadian Aviation History: September 26

2009-11-11T13:37:00.001-08:00

26 September

1978

DHC3-T Turbo Otter first flew at Namao near Edmonton, Alberta.

2002

Air Canada Douglas DC-9 makes final flight to place of honour at the Canada Aviation Museum.

On this day in Canadian Aviation History: September 25

2009-11-11T13:36:00.002-08:00

25 September

1942

S/L KA Boomer, CO of No. 111 Squadron, destroyed a Japanese Nakajima A6M2-N (Ruff) fighter over Kiska, Alaska. This was the only RCAF air combat in the North American theatre of war.

On this day in Canadian Aviation History: September 24

2009-11-11T13:36:00.001-08:00

24 September

1937

First flight of a Bristol 142M Blenheim Bolingbroke prototype took place in Felton, England.

On this day in Canadian Aviation History: September 23

2009-11-11T13:35:00.004-08:00

23 September

1941

Formation of University Training Squadrons was approved.

1942

Canadian DH 98 Mosquito prototype was test flown at Downsview, Ontario by GR Spradbrow and GH Burrell.

On this day in Canadian Aviation History: September 22

2009-11-11T13:35:00.003-08:00

22 September

1961

DHC-5 Buffalo's first flight was on 22 September 1961 but due to a protracted test and development phase, only a pre-production run of four DHC-5As was delivered in 1965 and designated YAC-2 (later CV-7A and subsequently C-8A).

On this day in Canadian Aviation History: September 21

2009-11-11T13:35:00.001-08:00

21 September

1961

First flight of a Boeing Vertrol YCH-47A Chinook helicopter took place.

On this day in Canadian Aviation History: September 20

2009-11-11T13:34:00.002-08:00

20 September

1929

Western Canada Airways pilot “Punch” Dickins began operations to locate and bring out the missing MacAlpine Survey. The group was ultimately successfully rescued and all members of the expedition and the crews of the rescue aircraft were brought out safely.

1939

The first German aircraft in WWII (Bf 109) was shot down by RAF 88 Squadron over France.

On this day in Canadian Aviation History: September 19

2009-11-11T13:34:00.001-08:00

19 September

1943

F/L RF Fisher and crew in a Consolidated Liberator of No. 10 Squadron sank the German submarine U-341 in the North Atlantic.

On this day in Canadian Aviation History: September 18

2009-11-11T13:33:00.002-08:00

18 September

1939

RCAF Manning Pool (later No. 1 Manning Depot) was formed at Toronto, Ontario.

On this day in Canadian Aviation History: September 17

2009-11-11T13:33:00.001-08:00

17 September

1944

No. 437 Squadron took part in the airborne landings at Eindhoven, Grave and Arnhem, in the Netherlands.

On this day in Canadian Aviation History: September 16

2009-11-11T13:32:00.002-08:00

16 September

1914

Colonel Sam Hughes authorized the formation of the Canadian Aviation Corps composed of two officers and one mechanic.

On this day in Canadian Aviation History: September 15

2009-11-11T13:32:00.001-08:00

15 September

1938

Air Training Command of the RCAF was formed, with headquarters at Toronto, Ontario.

1943

First Avro 683 Lancaster X arrived in England after a transatlantic delivery flight.

1949

No. 421 Squadron was reformed at Chathan, New Brunswick, equipped with DH 100 Vampire fighters.

1988

C-GTRT (Tracker) first flew with Pratt and Whitney Canada.

On this day in Canadian Aviation History: September 14

2009-11-11T13:31:00.004-08:00

14 September

1939

The first two RCAF casualties of WWII were lost in a Northrp Delta in New Brunswick. The wreck was recovered in 1958.

On this day in Canadian Aviation History: September 13

2009-11-11T13:31:00.003-08:00

13 September

1935

American aviator Howard Hughes broke the world speed record in his home-built Hughes Racer airplane.

On this day in Canadian Aviation History: September 12

2009-11-11T13:31:00.001-08:00

12 September

1987

Comox Air Force Museum opens it's doors to the public.

On this day in Canadian Aviation History: September 11

2009-11-11T13:30:00.002-08:00

11 September

1926

First seaplane flight across Canada between Montreal and Vancouver began this date and completed 19 September.

1944

F/O JN Farren and crew in a Short Sunderland of No. 423 Squadron participated in the sinking of the German submarine U-484, with two ships of the RCN, north of Ireland.

1956

Canada's leading fighter pilot of WWI, A/M WA Bishop, died at West Palm Beach, Florida.

On this day in Canadian Aviation History: September 10

2009-11-11T13:30:00.001-08:00

10 September

1939

Canada declared war on Germany.

1939

First RCAF wartime patol was flown from Dartmouth N.S. by F/L DG Price in a No. 5 Squadron Stranraer flying boat.

1944

Nos. 133 and 135 Squadrons were disbanded.

On this day in Canadian Aviation History: September 8

2009-11-11T13:29:00.003-08:00

08 September

1952

The first of 35 Fairchild C-119 Boxcar aircraft were taken on RCAF strength.

On this day in Canadian Aviation History: September 07

2009-11-11T13:29:00.001-08:00

07 September

1943

P/O EM O'Donnell and crew in a Vickers Wellington of No. 407 Squadron, sank the German submarine U-669 to the west of the Bay of Biscay.

On this day in Canadian Aviation History: September 06

2009-11-11T13:28:00.002-08:00

06 September

1943

P/O DF McRae and crew, flying a Vickers Wellington of No. 179 (RAF) Squadron, attacked and badly crippled the German submarine U-760. The submarine was forced to Vega Harbour, Spain, where it was interned.

On this day in Canadian Aviation History: September 05

2009-11-11T13:28:00.001-08:00

05 September

1918

Establishment of Royal Canadian Naval Air Service; authorized to operate two stations in Nova Scotia.

1959

Black Brant 1 rocket, a Canadian designed sounding rocket, was first launched.

On this day in Canadian Aviation History: September 04

2009-11-11T13:27:00.000-08:00

04 September

1944

No. 437 (Transport) Squadron was formed in England.

1953

Nos. 414, 422 and 444 Squadrons, comprising No. 4 Fighter Wing, flew from Canada to their new base at Baden Soellingen, Germany.

On this day in Canadian Aviation History: September 03

2009-11-11T13:26:00.002-08:00

03 September

1915

First Canadian-built twin engined aircraft, the Curtis Canada, was flown at Long Branch.

On this day in Canadian Aviation History: September 02

2009-11-11T13:26:00.001-08:00

02 September

1941

First RCAF night fighter victory was scored by F/O RC Fumerton and Sgt LPS Bing in a Bristol Beaufighter of 406 Squadron, over Bedlington, England.

1947

S/L CN Burridge and crew of the RCAF high speed rescue launch 'Takuli', completed a 7000 mile voyage from Patricia Bay, BC to Dartmouth Nova Scotia, via the Panama Canal.

On this day in Canadian Aviation History: September 01

2009-11-11T13:25:00.000-08:00

01 September

1931

Trenton Air Station was opened by the RCAF.

1934

Formation of Nos. 15 (Figher) and 18 (Bomber) Squadrons on Non-Permanent Active Air Force at Montreal, Quebec, was authorized.

1951

No. 439 Squadron was reformed at Uplands and equipped with North American Sabre fighters.

1951

No. 443 Squadron was reformed at Westminster, BC.

On this day in Canadian Aviation History: August 31

2009-11-11T13:23:00.005-08:00

31 August

1946

Stranraer CF-BYL, operated by Spilsbury & Hepburn Ltd, Vancouver, predecessor of Queen Charlotte Airline, disappeared without a trace with seven on board on a flight from Prince Rupert to Stewart, British Columbia.

On this day in Canadian Aviation History: August 30

2009-11-11T13:23:00.003-08:00

30 August

1974

Maj Wendy Clay, a doctor, qualified as a pilot six years before the pilot classification is opened to all women.

On this day in Canadian Aviation History: August 29

2009-11-11T13:23:00.001-08:00

29 August

1956

RCAF Sabre-5 flew 2740 miles in 5 hours and 30 seconds (Vancouver-Gimli-Halifax) with F/Lt Ralph Annis and F/O Chick Childerhose.

On this day in Canadian Aviation History: August 28

2009-11-11T13:22:00.004-08:00

28 August

1928

Famed bush pilot Clennell (Punch) Dickins leaves on his 12-day survey of the eastern Arctic. He covers 6,336 kilometres in 37 hours of flying; he often navigates by the sun.

1942

No. 129 (fighter) Squadron was formed at Dartmouth, Nova Scotia.

On this day in Canadian Aviation History: August 27

2009-11-11T13:22:00.003-08:00

27 August

1953

Nos. 414, 422 and 444 Squadrons, comprising No. 4 Fighter Wing, flew from Canada to their new base at Baden Soellingen, Germany.

On this day in Canadian Aviation History: August 26

2009-11-11T13:22:00.001-08:00

26 August

1940

No. 1 (Fighter) Squadron engaged the enemy in the Battle of Britain and destroyed three and damaged four enemy aircraft. F/O RL Edwards was the RCAF's first battle casualty.

On this day in Canadian Aviation History: August 25

2009-11-11T13:21:00.004-08:00

25 August

1928

The crash of a B.C. Airways Ford Trimotor in Puget Sound, Washington, during bad weather kills seven people and is called Canada’s first major air disaster.

On this day in Canadian Aviation History: August 24

2009-11-11T13:21:00.003-08:00

24 August

1943

P/O DF McRae and crew, flying a Vickers Wellington of No. 179 (RAF) Squadron, sank the German submarine U-134.

2001

Air Transat Flight 236 runs out of fuel 11,700 metres over the Atlantic Ocean, forcing pilot Robert Piché to fly the plane without thrust or hydraulic power. The pilot glides the aircraft and its 291 passengers to a safe landing on Terceira, a Portuguese island.

On this day in Canadian Aviation History: August 23

2009-11-11T13:21:00.001-08:00

23 August

1954

First flight of the Lockheed YC-130 Hercules prototype took place at Burbank, California.

On this day in Canadian Aviation History: August 22

2009-11-11T13:20:00.003-08:00

22 August

2002

First CH-149 Cormorant was delivered to the Canadian Forces.

On this day in Canadian Aviation History: August 21

2009-11-11T13:20:00.001-08:00

21 August

1927

The first Canadian-built, modern, all metal, low wing monoplane, the Northrup Delta, was flown from the St Lawrence at Longueuil.

On this day in Canadian Aviation History: August 20

2009-11-11T13:19:00.004-08:00

20 August

1941

No. 415 (Coastal) Squadron was formed in England.

On this day in Canadian Aviation History: August 19

2009-11-11T13:19:00.003-08:00

19 August

1942

Six fighter and two army co-operation squadrons of the RCAF supported the Canadian attack on Dieppe, France.

On this day in Canadian Aviation History: August 18

2009-11-11T13:19:00.001-08:00

18 August

1943

RCAF contributed 74 aircraft to the RAF attack on the German rocket experimental facility at Peenemunde.

1951

RCAF aerobatic team flying DH 100 Vampire fighters performed at the National Air Races in Detroit, Michigan.

On this day in Canadian Aviation History: August 17

2009-11-11T13:18:00.003-08:00

17 August

1940

No. 1 (Fighter) Squadron became operational and commenced patrols from its base at Northholt, England.

On this day in Canadian Aviation History: August 16

2009-11-11T13:18:00.001-08:00

16 August

1947

The first flight of the DHC-2 Beaver was in Downsview, Ontario by WWII flying ace Russell Bannock on 16 August 1947. The first production aircraft was delivered to the Ontario Department of Lands and Forests, a design partner, in April 1948.

On this day in Canadian Aviation History: August 15

2009-11-11T13:17:00.002-08:00

15 August

1940

First RCAF victory in the Battle of Britain was scored by S/L EA McNab who destroyed a Dornier Do 215 while with No. 111 Squadron RAF.

On this day in Canadian Aviation History: August 14

2009-11-11T13:17:00.001-08:00

14 August

1945

V-J (Victory in Japan) Day

1959

Canadair was awarded a contract to manufacture the CF 104.

On this day in Canadian Aviation History: August 13

2009-11-11T13:15:00.000-08:00

13 August

1909

Baddeck No. 1, Canada's second aircraft, is wrecked at Petawawa, Ontario. The pilot, JAD McCurdy, survived.

One of the most successful jet trainers of all time

2009-08-12T14:11:00.000-07:00

Lockheed / Canadair T-33 Silver Star

The T-33 is one of the most successful jet trainers of all time. When Canada decided to move to jet trainers Lockheed won the competition and Canadair awarded the contract to build the aircraft under license. The RCAF gave the T-33 the name Silver Star in honour of the first Canadian airplane, the Silver Dart.

As with other aircraft Canadair built under license, there was extensive redeisgn work and new technologies to master. Canada chose the more powerful Rolls Royce Nene engine, which required extensive redesign work. The manufacturing technique for the aircraft was also new to Canadair, as the aircraft was literally split in half and then joined after the engine was installed.

The Silver Star began appearing in squadrons and schools in large numbers in 1953. Among operational RCAF squadrons, both Regular and Auxiliary, as well as some Royal Canadian Navy squadrons, the T-33 was used as a trainer and utility aircraft. Perhaps the best-known use of the T-Bird was the Red Knight – the RCAF’s official solo aerobatics act. RCN had their own solo display under the name Red Herring in an apparent parody of the RCAF.

In the NATO Air Training Plan, which ran from 1950 to 1958, Canadian and NATO pilots received their advanced flying training on the T-33. The T-33 continued in the training role until 20 June 1974. Thereafter, the Silver Star was used as a utility aircraft, towing target drogues for surface to air gunnery for the army and navy, and simulating enemy aircraft for combat training and when equipped with special electronic pods it could simulate an anti-shipping missile. The last T-33 retired on 31 March 2005 having been used by the Aerospace Engineering Test Establishment at 4 Wing Cold Lake as an ejection seat test bed.

Canadair built 656 Silver Stars for the RCAF between 1952 and 1959. Some also appeared in NATO air forces, as aircraft surplus to the RCAF were transferred to France, Greece, Portugal and Turkey under NATO Mutual Assistance in the late 1950s. The fact that the aircraft served for 54 years speaks to the excellence of its design and the quality of its construction and maintenance.

On this Day in Canadian Aviation History: Aug 12

2009-08-12T14:08:00.004-07:00

12 August

1909

The first flight of a Canadian-built, powered, heavier-than-air machine was made at Petawawa, Ontario, by the Canadian Aerodrome Baddeck No. 1

1941

No. 414 (Army Co-Operation) was formed in England

Canadian Centennial of Flight: Celebrating 100 years of powered flight and aviation in Canada

On this Day in Canadian Aviation History: Aug 11

2009-08-12T14:08:00.003-07:00

11 August

1909

The first flight of the Baddeck No. 1, a Canadian-built aircraft, by the Canadian Aeroplane Company, took place at Petawawa, Ontario.

Canadian Centennial of Flight: Celebrating 100 years of powered flight and aviation in Canada

On this Day in Canadian Aviation History: Aug 10

2009-08-12T14:08:00.001-07:00

10 August

1990

Prime Minister Mulroney announced that Navy ships, HMCS Athabaskan, HMCS Terra Nova, and HMCS Protecteur accompanied by five Sea King helicopters from 423 Squadron, would deploy to the Persian Gulf.

On this Day in Canadian Aviation History: Aug 09

2009-08-12T14:07:00.002-07:00

09 August

1949

The first Canadian passenger jet (second in the world after the British), the Avro Canada Jetliner, is flown at Malton. Despite its advanced design, it never saw production and was later sold for scrap.

1950

The first Canadian built Sabre Mark 1 flew.

1950

Al Lily became the first Canadian to break the Sound Barrier.

1974

A Buffalo of 116 ATU was shot down by a Syrian Missle while on a routine flight between Beirut and Damascus. The flight was commanded by Capt. Gary Foster of Comox. Nine Canadians lost their lives.

Canadian Centennial of Flight: Celebrating 100 years of powered flight and aviation in Canada

On this Day in Canadian Aviation History: Aug 08

2009-08-12T14:07:00.001-07:00

08 August

1948

FW 'Casey' Baldwin, the first Canadian to pilot an heavier-than-air flying machine, died at Neareagh, Nova Scotia.

Canadian Centennial of Flight: Celebrating 100 years of powered flight and aviation in Canada

On this Day in Canadian Aviation History: Aug 07

2009-08-12T14:06:00.000-07:00

07 August

1919

Ernest Hoy is the first to fly over the Canadian Rockies, in a Curtiss JN-4, travelling from Vancouver to Calgary. Unable to climb above 7,000 feet, he has to fly between mountain peaks, with vicious updrafts and downdrafts pulling at his plane and only 150 feet between him and the craggy peaks of Crawford Pass. On his return flight, he cartwheels shortly after takeoff and, badly shaken, never flies again.

Canadian Centennial of Flight: Celebrating 100 years of powered flight and aviation in Canada

This aircraft was to set new standards for bushplanes in size and range

2009-08-06T12:38:00.000-07:00

De Havilland Canada DHC-3 Otter

In 1950, with their DHC-2 Beaver starting to sell very well and with customers and the Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF) looking for a larger version of the Beaver, de Havilland began design work on the DHC-3, eventually to be named the Otter. This aircraft was to set new standards for bushplanes in size and range, while keeping the de Havilland reputation for ease of maintenance and utility.

The prototype Otter flew in December 1951, with certification coming in November 1952. It could carry a 4’ x 8’ sheet of plywood in its cabin. The RCAF bought 69, and the United States Army (390) and Navy (4). Over 20 air forces bought the Otter.

Among commercial users the short take-off and landing capabilities of the Otter, along with its high cargo-carrying capacity, soon won it customers and admiration. By 1960, 12 small airlines and charter services and 6 oil and mining companies were using the Otter in Canada. The aircraft also won favour among civil operators in other countries, especially Norway where Wideroe Flyveselskap was the first foreign civil customer.

The versatility of the Otter was demonstrated by the diverse climates and uses to which it was put. The RCAF used Otters on United Nations peacekeeping missions in the Congo, Indonesia, the Sinai and Yemen. The RCAF used the Otter for search and rescue work, and general transportation and training. Several nations used the type during the Antarctic exploration of 1957-58, with the Otter becoming the first single-engine aircraft to cross Antarctica.

Between 1951 and 1967 de Havilland built 466 Otters. Equally adaptable on wheels, skis or floats, the Otter remains as popular as ever, over 40 years after the last one made. Many sold abroad are making their way back to Canada to enter civilian operations here.

The pre-eminent dog-fighter in NATO through the 1950s

2009-08-06T11:39:00.000-07:00

North American F-86 Sabre

North American Aviation began designing the F-86 near the end of the Second World War. When the RCAF began searching for an aircraft with which to equip the planned Air Division in Europe, the F-86 was selected. While there was opposition from those in Canada who supported a “buy British” approach, the purchase of the Sabre proved to be enlightened.

Canadair received the license to build the Sabre in Canada, initially to equip the 12 squadrons of the Air Division. Sixty Sabre 2s were sent to the USAF in the first half of 1952 to serve in the Korean War. Against the MiG-15 in Korea, the F-86 could out-turn and -dive the MiG-15; however, the MiG-15 was superior in acceleration, ceiling, and rate of climb. Still, the superiority of western pilots provided a critical advantage, even over the Soviet pilots flying in that theatre.

The Sabre 5 was the first mass-produced with the Avro Orenda engine; however, it was the introduction of the Sabre 6, featuring leading edge slats greatly increasing maneuverability, that produced what is considered the ultimate aircraft of the Sabre family. With 655 built, this was the largest produced mark of the Canadair Sabre and the pre-eminent dog-fighter in NATO through the 1950s. The combination of quality Canadian pilots and a fast maneuverable Canadair Sabre 5 or 6 made a potent combination in the practice dogfights staged in Europe. The RCAF walked away with various trophies including the Guynemer Trophy, NATO’s trophy for aerial gunnery, the first three years of the competition.

Of the versions, there was one Sabre 1 and only one Sabre 3 - a Mark 2 with an Avro Orenda engine installed. American aviatrix Jacqueline Cochran subsequently used this aircraft to set a speed record.

Canadair built 1815 Sabres. At least 35 have appeared on Canadian and American civil registers after retiring from the RCAF service. Vintage Wings of Canada is flying a Sabre in support of the 100th Anniversary of powered flight in Canada.

Canadian Centennial of Flight

On this Day in Canadian Aviation History: Aug 06

2009-08-06T11:37:00.001-07:00

06 August

1957

F/L WJ Marsh was awarded the George Medal when he rescued the pilot of a crashed North American Sabre at Chatham, NB. Four assisting airmen Cpl Onarheim, LAC Henderson, LAC Gommer and LAC Meier, were awarded the Queen's Commendation for Brave Conduct.

1969

A sonic boom from an air show smashes windows in eight blocks of downtown Kelowna.

Canadian Centennial of Flight: Celebrating 100 years of powered flight and aviation in Canada

On this Day in Canadian Aviation History: Aug 05

2009-08-06T11:36:00.002-07:00

05 August

1940

No. 2 SFTS was officially opened at Uplands Airport, Ontario, by the Governor-General.

Canadian Centennial of Flight: Celebrating 100 years of powered flight and aviation in Canada

On this Day in Canadian Aviation History: Aug 04

2009-08-06T11:36:00.001-07:00

04 August

1914

The First World War thrusts the fledgling aviation technology into prominence. Canada has neither pilots nor aircraft in its armed forces, but about 22,000 Canadians bravely fly with British squadrons, in planes like the SPAD VII.

1943

F/L AA Bishop and crew in a Short Sunderland of No. 423 Squadron sank the German submarine U-489. The Sunderland was shot down; five crew were lost and six saved.

Canadian Centennial of Flight: Celebrating 100 years of powered flight and aviation in Canada

On this Day in Canadian Aviation History: Aug 03

2009-08-06T11:35:00.002-07:00

03 August

1909

The Silver Dart, Canada's first aircraft, crash landed at Petawawa, Ontario.

1926

The Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF) began operations with Canadian Vickers Vedette flying boats, with a base at Lac du Bonnet, Manitoba.

Canadian Centennial of Flight: Celebrating 100 years of powered flight and aviation in Canada

On this Day in Canadian Aviation History: Aug 02

2009-08-06T11:35:00.001-07:00

02 August

1925

The only Viking IV stationed at Ottawa was the British-built G-CYES and it was written off.

Canadian Centennial of Flight: Celebrating 100 years of powered flight and aviation in Canada

On this Day in Canadian Aviation History: Aug 01

2009-08-06T11:34:00.000-07:00

01 August

1943

The first Canadian-built four-engined aircraft, the Avro 683 Lancaster X, was flown at Malton, Onatrio.

1952

No. 427 Squadron was reformed at St. Hubert, Quebec and equipped with North American Sabre fighters.

1958

The North American Air Defence Agreement (NORAD) came into effect.

1964

A/M CR Slemon, the last original RCAF officer, retired after serving as Deputy Commander of NORAD.

Canadian Centennial of Flight: Celebrating 100 years of powered flight and aviation in Canada

On this Day in Canadian Aviation History: July 31

2009-08-06T11:31:00.001-07:00

31 July

1913

Alys McKey Bryant becomes the first woman pilot to fly in Canada, over Vancouver, in a Curtiss-type pusher biplane.

1951

A Canadian Pacific Airlines Douglas DC-4 crashed on a flight from Vancouver BC to Anchorage Alaska. Thirty-six were killed.

1964

A/M CR Dunlap retired as Chief of the Air Staff and became Deputy Commander of NORAD.

Canadian Centennial of Flight: Celebrating 100 years of powered flight and aviation in Canada

On this Day in Canadian Aviation History: July 30

2009-08-06T11:30:00.002-07:00

30 July

1958

DHC-4 Caribou prototype flew for the first time.

Canadian Centennial of Flight: Celebrating 100 years of powered flight and aviation in Canada

On this Day in Canadian Aviation History: July 29

2009-08-06T11:30:00.001-07:00

29 July

1982

The first flight of the CF-18B Hornet, reaching a speed of Mach 1.6, took place at St. Louis, Missouri.

Canadian Centennial of Flight: Celebrating 100 years of powered flight and aviation in Canada

On this Day in Canadian Aviation History: July 28

2009-08-06T11:29:00.002-07:00

28 July

1943

No. 6 (RCAF) Group despatched over 200 bombers on an attack on Hamburg Germany; 22 bombers did not return.

Canadian Centennial of Flight: Celebrating 100 years of powered flight and aviation in Canada

On this Day in Canadian Aviation History: July 27

2009-08-06T11:29:00.001-07:00

27 July

1929

Western Canada Airways pilot W.L. Brintnell flew a Fokker F.VII/3M from Vancouver to Winnipeg in 10 hours, 30 min.

1950

RCAF moved in support of United Nations action in Korea. No. 426 (Transport) Squadron began airlift of supplies to Tokyo, Japan.

1961

During Arctic ASW reconnaissance, Bill Misener and crew of 415 Squadron flew Argus 20722 for 30 hours and 20 minutes.

Canadian Centennial of Flight: Celebrating 100 years of powered flight and aviation in Canada

On this Day in Canadian Aviation History: July 26

2009-08-06T11:28:00.002-07:00

26 July

1909

Louis Bleriot, a French inventor and engineer, made the first flight across the English Channel in the Bleriot XI, an aircraft of his own design.

Canadian Centennial of Flight: Celebrating 100 years of powered flight and aviation in Canada

On this Day in Canadian Aviation History: July 25

2009-08-06T11:28:00.001-07:00

25 July

1923

The first Canadian built amphibian, the Vickers Viking IV, was flown from the St. Lawrence at Montreal.

1945

No. 7 Squadron was disbanded.

Canadian Centennial of Flight: Celebrating 100 years of powered flight and aviation in Canada

On this Day in Canadian Aviation History: July 24

2009-08-06T11:26:00.000-07:00

24 July

1946

The first manned ejection seat experiment was conducted by B. Lynch at 320 mph.

Canadian Centennial of Flight: Celebrating 100 years of powered flight and aviation in Canada

On this Day in Canadian Aviation History: July 23

2009-07-23T15:22:00.000-07:00

23 July

1913

With his biplane fitted with electric lights on the wings and his landing area outlined with small blazes, H. W. Blakeley makes the first night flight in Canada at the Dominion Livestock Show and Fair at Brandon, Manitoba.

Canadian Centennial of Flight: Celebrating 100 years of powered flight and aviation in Canada

The only Canadian-designed fighter to go into production

2009-07-23T15:19:00.000-07:00

AVRO Canada CF-100 Canuck

In October 1945, the Canadian Government signed an agreement to build two single seat jet aircraft with the company that became AVRO Canada. After design changes the aircraft would become the CF-100 Canuck, the only Canadian-designed fighter to go into production. The RCAF named the aircraft “Canuck” after the First World War trainer; however, the crews generally referred to it as the “Clunk,” although other fighter pilots referred to it derisively as the “Lead Sled,” among other names.

The CF-100 prototype first flew on 19 January 1950. Production began in September and operational use commenced in July 1953. With a good rate of climb, an excellent fire control and radar system, and heavy armament the Canuck soon proved itself to be the best all-weather fighter in the world at the time. The Canuck was also the first straight wing aircraft to exceed the speed of sound without rocket assistance when Jan Zurakowski of AVRO took a Canuck through the sound barrier on 18 December 1952.

For most of the 1950s, the Canuck was the only all-weather fighter in NATO’s inventory. As a result, at NATO’s request the RCAF deployed four squadrons to France and Germany in 1956, replacing four Sabre squadrons. In Canada, five squadrons were deployed to defend North America. Belgium also bought 53 Canucks, with the Canuck winning a competition against American aircraft.

By the early 1960s, the Canuck was obsolete as a fighter, replaced by CF-101 Voodoo in Canada while German-based squadrons were disbanded. The aircraft continued to serve in the RCAF and the Canadian Armed Forces as an electronic warfare, reconnaissance and training aircraft until 1981. AVRO Canada built 692 Canucks between 1950 and 1958. The aircraft was a major Canadian engineering achievement.

Canadian Centennial of Flight: Celebrating 100 years of powered aviation in Canada

The first jet passenger aircraft to fly in North America

2009-07-23T15:16:00.000-07:00

Avro Canada C-102 Jetliner

When Avro Canada began talks with Trans-Canada Air Lines in December 1945, the concept of a jet-engine, 36 passenger aircraft took shape. The Avro Canada C-102 Jetliner flew on 10 August 1949, the first jet passenger aircraft to fly in North America and only the second in the world, 13 days after the de Havilland D.H. 106 Comet.

Testing of the aircraft was conducted through 1950, with demonstration flights in the United States and Canada in January 1951 to assist in marketing the Jetliner. Air Canada, had previously decided not to purchase the aircraft when Avro could not obtain the Rolls Royce AJ. 65 (Avon) engines, two of which would have powered the Jetliner. Instead, Avro was forced to install four lower-power Rolls Royce Derwent jet engines, which added to the maintenance costs and fuel consumption.

The Jetliner was roomy, quiet and vibration-free, a big contrast to propeller-driven aircraft of the time and the 1950s. The aircraft was not without its problems as fuel consumption was too high, and the jet nacelle and wing configuration produced high drag. Avro was addressing these problems when work was halted on the Jetliner.

In December 1951, C.D. Howe, Minister of Trade and Commerce ordered Avro to halt work on the jetliner, as he wanted Avro to concentrate on the CF-100 Canuck for the Royal Canadian Air Force, which was falling behind schedule. There was some hope that the Jetliner could be revived, as American millionaire Howard Hughes was interested in producing it for his Trans World Airlines; National Airlines of the United States wished to purchase some and the United States Air Force was interested also; however, these possibilities fell through.

The Jetliner flew its last flight on 23 November 1956, being donated to the National Research Council (NRC). As the NRC had no room for the aircraft, it was chopped up starting 13 December 1956, with only the nose being preserved.

Canadian Centennial of Flight: Celebrating 100 years of powered flight in Canada

On this Day in Canadian Aviation History: July 22

2009-07-23T15:15:00.000-07:00

22 July

1926

Viking EY was being landed at Kashabowie Lake, Ontario by F/O AL Morfee when a tip float dug in and the hull broke in two.

1940

First BCATP pupils reported to No. 1 SFTS at Camp Borden for service flying training.

1943

The first of three modified Lancasters in Trans Canada Airlines markings began Trans-Atlantic Service. By the end of 1944 they were making three round trips per week between Canada and the UK and had carried over 1,000,000 pounds of mail and 2000 passengers.

Canadian Centennial of Flight: Celebrating 100 years of powered flight in Canada

On this Day in Canadian Aviation History: July 21

2009-07-23T15:14:00.000-07:00

21 July

1946

Aircraft North Star named.

1976

Canadian government announced that the Lockheed Aurora CP-140 maritime patrol aircraft would replace the Argus long-range patrol aircraft.

Canadian Centennial of Flight: Celebrating 100 years of powered flight in Canada

2009-07-23T15:13:00.000-07:00

20 July

1939

Canada's first North American Harvards No.'s 1321 & 1322 were delivered to RCAF Sea IsIand.

Canadian Centennial of Flight: Celebrating 100 years of powered flight in Canada

On this Day in Canadian Aviation History: July 19

2009-07-19T06:25:00.002-07:00

19 July

1912

Winnipeg Manitoba was the sight of the first mile-high altitude flight in Canada, 6000 ft.

1958

The NATO Training Plan ended this date after having trained 5575 pilot and navigators from Euopean partners to wing standard

Canadian Centennial of Flight 1909 - 2009

On this Day in Canadian Aviation History: July 18

2009-07-19T06:25:00.001-07:00

18 July

1960

RCAF Douglas DC-4Ms started the airlift of 22 tons to assist in UN operations in the Republic of the Congo.

Canadian Centennial of Flight 1909 - 2009

On this Day in Canadian Aviation History: July 17

2009-07-19T06:24:00.000-07:00

17 July

1912

The first flight by a seaplane in Canada was at Port Stanley Ontario this date. It was also the occassion of the first passenger ride in a seaplane in Canada.

1927

The Hudson Strait Expedition, using RCAF pilots, set out to gather information prior to establishing the port of Churchill.

Canadian Centennial of Flight 1909 - 2009

On this Day in Canadian Aviation History: July 16

2009-07-17T10:28:00.001-07:00

16 July

1948

The first flight of a Vickers Viscount took place on this date.

Canadian Centennial of Flight 1909 - 2009

On this Day in Canadian Aviation History: July 15

2009-07-17T10:27:00.000-07:00

15 July

1946

The first flight for the North Star prototype was at Cartierville. This was a 25 minute flight.

Canadian Centennial of Flight 1909 - 2009

On this Day in Canadian Aviation History: July 14

2009-07-17T10:26:00.000-07:00

14 July

1948

The first jet crossing of the Atlantic Ocean was performed by six Vampires from Stornway, England to Goose Bay, Labrador.

Canadian Centennial of Flight 1909 - 2009

On this Day in Canadian Aviation History: July 12

2009-07-17T10:25:00.002-07:00

12 July

1944

The first allied jet fighter, the Gloster Metero Mk 1, entered service with RAF 161 Squadron.

Canadian Centennial of Flight 1909 - 2009

On this Day in Canadian Aviation History: July 11

2009-07-17T10:25:00.001-07:00

11 July

1914

Lincoln Beachy was the first pilot in Canada to Loop-the-loop and accomplish inverted flight. This was done at Winnipeg, Manitoba.

1915

The first two flying pupils, H. Strachan Ince and F. Homer Smith graduated from the Curtis Aviation School Toronto Ont.

On this Day in Canadian Aviation History: July 10

2009-07-17T10:24:00.000-07:00

10 Jul

1956

Sgt DE Stevenson twice entered an aviation fuel fire at Montmedy, France, and brought it under control. He was awarded the George Medal.

Canadian Centennial of Flight 1909 - 2009

On this Day in Canadian Aviation History: July 09

2009-07-17T10:23:00.000-07:00

09 July

1945

An RCAF Supermarine Spitfire from Rivers, Manitoba, photographed the eclipse of the sun for the first time in history, from 34,000 feet.

Canadian Centennial of Flight 1909 - 2009

2009-07-17T10:22:00.002-07:00

08 July

1965

A Canadian Pacific Airlines Douglas DC-6B flight from Vancouver to Prince George, crashed after three "mayday" calls. All 58 passengers and crew were killed.

Canadian Centennial of Flight 1909 - 2009

On this Day in Canadian Aviation History: July 07

2009-07-17T10:22:00.001-07:00

07 July

1927

T.B Tull & J.V.Medcalf were the first Canadians to attempt a transatlantic flight. They departed Habour Grace Nfld. and were lost at sea.

1929

Pilot D.S. Zimmerley in a Barling NB-3 bomber set a long-distance record, flying from Brownsville, Texas to Winnipeg, in 16 hrs.

The aircraft that set Canadair on the road to building aircraft under license

2009-07-06T10:43:00.001-07:00

Canadair DC-4M North Star

The North Star was Canadair’s first effort at modifying other company’s aircraft, in the process setting the stage for some major Canadair successes. The Canadian Government gave Canadair the contract to build the Douglas DC-4 and DC-6 in Canada under license. The first aircraft built, for Trans-Canada Air Lines (TCA – later Air Canada) was christened “North Star;” however, the name stuck to the entire class.

The Canadair-built DC-4s came in several variants; however, all were departures from the standard Douglas aircraft. The North Star used the DC-6 nose and landing gear, the latter allowing increased gross weight, plus the Rolls Royce Merlins in all but the last North Star. Depending upon the variant, the passengers carried ranged from 36 and up to 62 in later years of service.

There were four purchasers of the North Star: the RCAF (25); British Overseas Airways Corporation (22); TCA (20) and Canadian Pacific Airlines (4). In service the aircraft set new standards for speed on trans-oceanic and trans-continental flights. The RCAF North Stars flew 599 rounds trips to Japan in support of the Canadian Korea War effort and later supported peacekeeping missions and humanitarian relief flights. After their services with the airlines, the North Stars served with many smaller airlines and charter services.

Two North Stars became known for their VIP roles. BOAC’s “Atalanta” carried Princess Elizabeth and the Duke of Edinburgh on their African tour February 1952, and the RCAF’s lone C-5 variant, which was configured as a VIP aircraft for its entire service.

By the time that production of the North Star ended in 1950, a total of 71 aircraft had been produced. Although noisy, the North Star gave reliable performance and set Canadair on the road to building aircraft under license, successfully modifying them to suit its customers’ needs and later to design its own aircraft.

Canadian Centennial of Flight 1909 - 2009

On this Day in Canadian Aviation History: July 05

2009-07-06T10:42:00.001-07:00

05 July

1919

The first parachute jump by a Canadian from an airplane flying in Canada occurred at Crystal Beach ,Ontario on this date.

1920

Camp Borden Ontario was taken over by the CAF from Department of Militia and Defence, to serve as a training centre.

Canadian Centennial of Flight 1909 - 2009

On this Day in Canadian Aviation History: July 04

2009-07-06T10:41:00.000-07:00

04 July

1910

Hubbard failed one attempted flight at the Montreal Air Meet. The Hubbard monoplane was the first aircraft ever sold in Canada and the first to be exported.

1955

An Anti-Submarine Helicopter Squadron was formed at HMCS Shearwater, Dartmouth, NS.

Canadian Centennial of Flight 1909 - 2009

On this Day in Canadian Aviation History: July 03

2009-07-03T17:00:00.003-07:00

03 July

1962

No. 425 Squadron, the first RCAF Squadron to be equipped with McDonnell CF-101 Voodoo fighters, was moved to its permanent station at Bagotville, after re-equipping at Namao, AB.

Canadian Centennial of Flight 1909 - 2009

On this Day in Canadian Aviation History: July 02

2009-07-03T17:00:00.001-07:00

02 July

1909

The first Canadian-built powered heavier-than-air craft, the Baddeck No. 1, nearing completion, in Canada's first aircraft factory.

1941

The formation of the Canadian Women's Auxiliary Air Force was authorized by Order-in-Council.

Canadian Centennial of Flight 1909 - 2009

On this Day in Canadian Aviation History: July 01

2009-07-03T16:59:00.001-07:00

01 July

1929

C.H.("Punch") Dickens was the first airman to reach any point on the western Canadian

Arctic shore by air when when he arrived at Aklavick, NWT 01 july 1929.

1941

No. 413 (Coastal) Squadron was formed in England.

1952

No. 434 Squadron was reformed at Uplands, Ottawa and equipped with North American Sabre fighters.

1952

No. 407 Squadron was reformed at Comox and equipped with Avro 683 Lancaster 10 MR aircraft.

Canadian Centennial of Flight 1909 - 2009

Tim Hortons Celebrates Centennial of Flight

2009-07-03T16:46:00.000-07:00

Air Force Articles

Tim Hortons Celebrates Centennial of Flight

June 26, 2009

Major Andy “Cookie” Cook, aircraft commander of the Canadian CC-130 Hercules, enjoys a Tim Hortons iced cappuccino minutes before take-off from Kandahar Airfield, Afghanistan, in 2006. Credit: MCpl Robert Bottrill.

By Mary Lee

The next time you venture into a Tim Hortons to grab a cup of your favourite brew, look up and take a glimpse of the Air Force in action.

From 29 June until 9 August, all 2,800 Tim Hortons locations across Canada will be showcasing six different Centennial of Flight vignettes on each of the store display boards. The Air Force will be featured three times throughout the summer with a message to promote its role in celebrating 100 years of powered flight in Canada.

The Air Force vignettes will feature Search and Rescue (SAR), Humanitarian Assistance and Maritime Patrol. Canada Aviation Museum, Canadian Aeronautical Preservation Association (CAPA) and NAV Canada share the other three Centennial of Flight vignettes with one segment apiece.

Tim Hortons' involvement in helping celebrate the Centennial of Flight will be a huge benefit to Canada's aerospace sector," said Brig.-Gen. Gaston Cloutier, Centennial of Flight Project Manager. "And the visibility that the Air Force will gain in promoting some of its roles to Canadians in one of the country's most popular and frequently-visited locations is a tremendous compliment."

The Centennial of Flight vignettes will be on display at every Tim Hortons location that features a display board as follows:

- June 29 to July 5: Search and Rescue;

- July 6 - 12: Humanitarian Assistance;

- July 13 - 19: Aviation - Transforming Canada;

- July 20 -26: "Back to Baddeck" Cross-Canada Flight;

- July 27 to August 2: Maritime Patrols; and

- August 3 - 9: "Safety of the Skies" from an air navigation service perspective.

Canadian troops celebrated Canada Day 2006 in Kandahar with the opening of Tim Hortons. Doug Anthony Director of Business Development speaks with BGen David Fraser Regional Command South Commander over a fresh cup of Tim Hortons coffee. Credit: Cpl Robin Mugridge.

Canadian Centennial of Flight 1909 - 2009

The start of a long success story for the de Havilland Canada design team

2009-06-29T17:44:00.000-07:00

De Havilland Canada DHC-1 Chipmunk

In 1945 de Havilland executive Francis St. Barbe, on one of his trips to Canada noted a model of a training aircraft on the desk of Wsiewolod Jakimiuk, the chief designed at de Havilland Canada. With his knowledge of the aircraft market, St. Barbe was aware of the potential of a good trainer. Accordingly, de Havilland Canada began design work on what would become the DHC-1 Chipmunk, and the start of a long success story for the de Havilland Canada design team.

Work on the Chipmunk progressed through early 1946, creating an all-metal stressed skin fuselage, as well as the tail and fin and wing leading edges. Only the skin on the wings and one the ailerons and flaps was fabric. The first flight was on 22 May 1946, for one hour. The aircraft was later sent to de Havilland in England.

The success of the aircraft was not immediate, as the many surplus Second World War aircraft held a firm grip among flying clubs; however, these aircraft would soon retire. The Royal Canadian Air Force bought 113 - 79 for its own use and 34 assigned to flying clubs for use in refresher training for RCAF Reserve pilots. Major Chipmunk purchasers included the India, Egypt and Thailand air forces. In the United Kingdom, de Havilland built 1,014 under license, most for use as the primary trainer of the Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve. The Portuguese government also built 60 under license. The Chipmunk was thus the first Canadian designed aircraft to be license-built abroad.

As Chipmunks were retired from military or flying training service, they found a ready market among private pilots. Easy to fly, with good aerobatic capabilities and readily accepting different engines, the Chipmunk remains popular today with over 500 still flying, over 50 years after the last one was built.

Photo and text courtesy of CAPA

Canadian Centennial of Flight 1909 - 2009

Canadian Centennial of Powered Flight 1909 - 2009

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One of the most successful jet trainers of all time

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The pre-eminent dog-fighter in NATO through the 1950s

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The only Canadian-designed fighter to go into production