July 2024 Newsletter

Date:

July 2, 2024

Dear Members and Friends of the Museum,

As the Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF) marks its 100th anniversary in 2024, the Saskatchewan Aviation Museum offers visitors a poignant opportunity to reflect on its profound legacy. Central to this legacy is the pivotal role played by the British Commonwealth Air Training Plan (BCATP) and the iconic aircraft prominently displayed at our museum, such as the Tiger Moth, Chipmunk, Cornell, and Harvard.

Established in 1939, the BCATP stands as a monumental achievement in military aviation history. It was one of the largest and most successful aircrew training programs ever undertaken, uniting Canada with the United Kingdom, Australia, and New Zealand in a collaborative effort. Throughout World War II, the BCATP trained over 130,000 personnel for service in Allied air forces, including the RCAF.

The Saskatchewan Aviation Museum uniquely focuses on the BCATP’s role during World War II, providing a historically themed lens through which we celebrate the RCAF’s enduring impact. This month, we are particularly proud to showcase the Harvard aircraft, a renowned trainer that was integral to the BCATP’s training curriculum. Our vintage Harvard Mk IV was not used in the BCATP, but it was used in military service through the RCAF. It is great example of the many Harvard aircraft that played a crucial role in preparing pilots for combat duties during the war.

Visitors to our museum will have the opportunity to explore and learn about these historic aircraft firsthand, gaining insights into the rigorous training programs that shaped the RCAF’s contributions to Allied victory. Through interactive exhibits, informative displays, and engaging narratives, we aim to honor the bravery, dedication, and innovation of the men and women who served in the RCAF and the BCATP.

Join us at the Saskatchewan Aviation Museum as we pay tribute to a century of aviation excellence and the enduring legacy of the RCAF. Explore our exhibits, engage with history, and commemorate the sacrifices and achievements that define this remarkable chapter in Canadian and global history.

July is a busy month for us at the museum, and we have some very interesting activities planned. Before we get into that, let’s take a moment to thank our volunteer of the month that flies our Tiger Moth.

Volunteer of the Month: Russ Munro, one of our Tiger Moth captains, has a rich aviation background that began in his youth and continues to shape his life today. His journey into flying started during a memorable trip to Fond-Du-Lac in Northern Saskatchewan with his father, where he had the opportunity to sit up front and co-pilot a King Air, thanks to an invitation from West Wind Pilots. This experience ignited a deep passion for aviation that has persisted throughout his life.

During his time in the Royal Canadian Air Cadet program, Russ honed his flying skills by learning to fly gliders and powered aircraft. His commitment to the program extended into adulthood, where he actively supported it by flying tow planes and taking cadets gliding. Today, Russ pays it forward by instructing new pilots on tow planes, passing on his expertise and enthusiasm for flying.

Russ has a special fondness for smaller aircraft, particularly traditional tailwheel aircraft like the Tiger Moth. He finds the open cockpit experience of these planes unparalleled in terms of both the panoramic view and the authentic flying sensation they offer.

His dedication to aviation history is evident in his role as one of our Tiger Moth captains. The Tiger Moth 8871, which Russ flies, holds significant historical value as it was used as a BCATP training aircraft during World War II. By piloting this aircraft, Russ not only continues his personal passion for flying but also honors the legacy of those who trained on similar planes during a crucial period in history.
We are truly grateful to have Russ Munro as part of our team, contributing his expertise, passion, and commitment to preserving aviation heritage. Thank you, Russ, for your support. See Russ pictured below.

Celebrating the RCAF and the BCATP at the museum in July: As members and visitors explore the Saskatchewan Aviation Museum’s tributes, they will encounter many exhibits that vividly illustrate the BCATP’s impact, the Harvard aircraft’s pivotal role in training a generation of aviators, and the operational significance of the PBY 5A Canso aircraft during WWII. These displays not only honor the bravery and skill of those who served but also inspire a deeper appreciation for Canada’s rich aviation heritage and the pivotal role the RCAF continues to play in national defense.

In commemorating the RCAF’s centennial, the Saskatchewan Aviation Museum not only pays homage to the past but also celebrates a century of innovation, courage, and excellence in Canadian aviation. It is a testament to how the BCATP and the Harvard aircraft shaped the RCAF into a world-class air force, and how the Canso aircraft exemplified Canada’s commitment to defending freedom and peace worldwide.

The Harvard aircraft: Renowned for its robustness and advanced flight capabilities, the Harvard served as the primary advanced trainer. Powered by a Pratt & Whitney R-1340 radial engine, it delivered 600 horsepower, enabling speeds up to 208 mph (335 km/h) and a range of approximately 750 miles (1,207 km). Its dual cockpit configuration allowed instructors to closely mentor trainee pilots in essential skills such as aerobatics, instrument flying, and combat maneuvers.

The BCATP operated numerous training bases across Canada, where harsh weather conditions and diverse terrains provided an ideal environment for pilot training. Key training schools that used the Harvard included Service Flying Training Schools (SFTS) where pilots received advanced training. Trainees underwent rigorous flight training routines that included aerobatics, instrument flying, cross-country navigation, and combat maneuvers. The Harvard was particularly valued for its ability to simulate the flight characteristics of frontline fighters and bombers.

In Saskatchewan, the heartland of Canada’s BCATP operations, several SFTS underscored the Harvard’s importance. No. 4 SFTS in Saskatoon and No. 32 SFTS in Moose Jaw were pivotal institutions where the Harvard aircraft dominated the skies, training pilots under rigorous conditions that mirrored real-world combat scenarios. Saskatchewan’s vast, open landscapes and favorable weather provided an ideal environment for honing the skills needed to succeed in wartime aviation. Harvard Mk IV pictured below.

Visiting Aircraft Announcement: A rare vintage Canso Aircraft visits us from July 11-22. Adding to the 100^th Anniversary commemoration, the Saskatchewan Aviation Museum welcomes a special guest: the Fairview Canso aircraft. RCAF 11094 was a Canso Patrol Bomber in World War II. It is currently dressed in its civilian colours pictured below. Now, a brief introduction to how this highly specialized aircraft type was used historically.

Derived from the Consolidated PBY Catalina, Cansos were versatile amphibious flying boats extensively used by the RCAF during World War II. Equipped with an early type of radar, and armed with depth charges, it played a crucial role in anti-submarine warfare, patrolling Canada’s coastal waters and protecting Allied shipping lanes in the Atlantic and Pacific oceans. The Canso’s amphibious capability allowed it to operate from both land bases and water, providing flexibility in missions ranging from reconnaissance to search-and-rescue.

Post-war, the Canso found a new mission in defending North America during the Cold War. It contributed significantly to the construction and operation of the Distance Early Warning (DEW) System. This network of radar stations across Canada’s northern wilderness served as an early warning against potential Soviet threats, particularly bombers flying over the Arctic region. The Canso’s reliability and endurance were instrumental in maintaining the security of North America during this tense period.

Beyond its military roles, the Canso became a heroic firefighter. Converted into a water bomber, it battled wildfires across Canada’s vast landscapes. From the rugged forests of Newfoundland to the remote reaches of the Northwest Territories, the Canso delivered water payloads to contain and extinguish fires, thereby protecting lives, communities and natural habitats.

This PBY 5A Canso (see below) is here through collaboration with the Fairview Aircraft Restoration Society while it is on its “Canso Across Canada Tour.” Note the following details for when it is here.

July 11-18: Static display – exterior only.
July 12: Burger Friday lunch with the Canso from 11 AM to 1:00 PM. Static display – exterior only.
July 19: Burger Friday with the Canso. Tours available inside the Canso from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM.
July 20: Open Cockpit Day with the Harvard and the Canso.
July 21: Canso crew on-site and tours available.

The presence of the Canso at the Saskatchewan Aviation Museum offers visitors a tangible link to Canada’s wartime aviation prowess with a bridge to the past. Its operational history highlights the RCAF’s pivotal contributions to Allied victories, showcasing the bravery and skill of Canadian aircrew who flew these missions under demanding conditions. After the war, many of these aircraft were bought for civilian use. This one is currently painted in the civilian colours, orange and green similar to when it was used as a water-bomber aerial fire attack aircraft. See picture below while it is taxiing on water.

Open Cockpit Day Event July 20: Get ready for an exhilarating adventure as we continue to celebrate the RCAF 100^th Anniversary with an unforgettable Open Cockpit Day.

Join us for an unforgettable day of celebration and exploration at our upcoming fundraiser event! On July 20, 2024, from 10am to 2pm, we invite you to commemorate a century of aviation and national defense.

As part of the festivities, your admission ticket includes a delicious meal featuring a hamburger, pop, and chips. In addition to our regular museum tours, this event offers exclusive opportunities to engage with aviation history up close:

Climb into the pilot seat of the Harvard MK IV: Experience firsthand the cockpit of this trainer aircraft that played a crucial role in the British Commonwealth Air Training Plan (BCATP) during World War II. Immerse yourself in the thrill of sitting at the flight controls, capture timeless photos and selfies, and feel the essence of a “mission briefing” as you honor the legacy of the RCAF and the BCATP.
Explore inside a Canso PBY-5A amphibious patrol bomber: Provided by the Fairview Aircraft Restoration Society, this aircraft was used by the Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF) during WWII.
Additionally, don’t miss these other exciting activities:Discover the Top Gun in your family with our Tracker “Submarine Hunter” Simulator.

Hop into various aircraft including a Grumman Tracker simulator, DeHavilland Tracker Fire Fighter, and Bell 204 Helicopter for epic photo opportunities.
Dive into different exhibits, aircraft, artifacts, and restoration projects that are part of our museum’s rich history.

Admission details:

Per Person Admission + Meal: $17
Children: 2 and under Free (no meal provided)

This event marks the third of four Open Cockpit Days this year, providing a unique chance to engage with aviation history in a hands-on and memorable way. Mark your calendar, bring your family and friends, and join us on July 20th to celebrate bravery, innovation, and the enduring legacy of aviation. We look forward to seeing you there!

July 18 – Tentative Rare Aircraft Visit: We have been anticipating the possibility of a Lancaster Bomber visiting briefly July 18^th on its way to the Cold Lake Airshow. Further notification will be provided on our website, social media, and a bulletin if we get the final details of its arrival.

Hatchet Lake Lodge Trophy Fishing Trip for Two Draw: Help support the Saskatchewan Aviation Museum with a raffle purchase, and get a chance to win a dream fishing adventure. Ticket Price: $20 each or 3 for $50.

Enter our exclusive raffle for a chance to win an all-expenses-paid* 4-day & 4-night fly-in fishing trip to the serene Hatchet Lake Lodge, starting from Saskatoon. Enjoy pristine waters and luxury in nature. Prize valued at $16,960.00. No cash equivalent. Buy Your Tickets Now! Check it out.
https://saskaviation.ca/hatchet-lake-lodge-raffle/

Volunteer Opportunities at the Aviation Museum: The Saskatchewan Aviation Museum is powered by volunteers. In this year of expansion at the museum, we are also celebrating the 100th anniversary of the Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF) and the British Commonwealth Air Training Plan (BCATP). With increased activities and special events planned throughout 2024, we are seeking many enthusiastic and dedicated volunteers to join our team.

Volunteering at the museum offers a unique opportunity to engage with aviation history, educate the public, and support the museum’s mission to preserve and celebrate aviation achievements. Check out our Volunteer Roles below. As we increase our museum activities, we have a variety of volunteer positions available, including:

Event Support

Help organize and run special events.
Assist with logistics, registration, and visitor engagement.
Upcoming Event: Aviation Weekend on August 24 and 25^th – Volunteers needed.
Assist with event setup and breakdown.
Help manage crowd control and visitor inquiries.
Support various activities and ensure the event runs smoothly.

Tour Guides

Lead tours and provide information about exhibits.
Engage visitors with stories and facts about aviation history.

Exhibit Maintenance

Assist in the upkeep and preservation of aircraft and exhibits.
Help with the setup and takedown of special exhibits.

Educational Programs

Support educational activities and workshops.
Assist with school group visits and special events.

Visitor Services

Greet visitors and provide information at the front desk.
Assist with gift shop operations and membership services.

Aircraft Restoration

Work alongside people who are skilled in restoration of vintage aircraft.
Participate in hands-on projects to preserve aviation heritage.
Ensure historical accuracy and maintain high restoration standards.

Requirements

Training: All volunteers will receive comprehensive training.
Passion: A love for aviation and history is a plus.
Age: Volunteers must be at least 18 years old. (Youth volunteer opportunities may be available.)

Benefits of Volunteering

Gain valuable experience and skills.
Meet new people and become part of a passionate community.
Enjoy special access to museum events and exhibits.
Receive recognition and awards for your service.

How to Apply: If you are interested in volunteering, please fill out the volunteer application form available on our website at www.saskaviation.ca, email [email protected] or call 306-651-7247. Join us in preserving and sharing the incredible stories of aviation.

Thank You to Our Generous Donors: Without your help we would not exist. On behalf of the entire team at the Saskatchewan Aviation Museum, I want to extend our heartfelt thanks for your generous support. Your donation plays a crucial role in helping us preserve and celebrate the rich history of aviation.

Thanks to your contribution, we can continue to offer public education through our engaging exhibits, school programs, and special events that inspire and educate visitors of all ages. This year, as we celebrate the 100th anniversary of the Royal Canadian Air Force and the British Commonwealth Air Training Plan, your support is more important than ever.

We are incredibly grateful for your commitment to our mission and for being a valued member of our community. Your generosity helps us keep the spirit of aviation alive for future generations.

Thank you once again for your support.