In our newsletter’s opening piece, I would like to highlight the contributions that our ten chapters make toward preserving and disseminating Canada’s aviation history across the country. We encourage our readers to browse the Chapters’ webpages to see additional details about in-person and online monthly meetings, which feature historians talking about their research and aviation industry professionals talking about their careers. This month, we would like to highlight the activities that the Medicine Hat Chapter (in Alberta) undertook in 2024 in the words of Medicine Hat Chapter President Wes Krause. I hope you enjoy the following update. (Dr Rachel Lea Heide, CAHS National Treasurer)
In our newsletter’s opening piece, I would like to highlight the contributions that our ten chapters make toward preserving and disseminating Canada’s aviation history across the country. We encourage our readers to browse the Chapters’ webpages to see additional details about in-person and online monthly meetings, which feature historians talking about their research and aviation industry professionals talking about their careers. This month, we would like to highlight the activities that the Medicine Hat Chapter (in Alberta) undertook in 2024 in the words of Medicine Hat Chapter President Wes Krause. I hope you enjoy the following update. (Dr Rachel Lea Heide, CAHS National Treasurer)
The Medicine Hat Chapter held a special event to celebrate the 100th Anniversary of the RCAF and to honor all those who served in Canada’s air force. Through a group effort, the Chapter hosted a major celebratory event, which featured several public domain available video clips, plus a short narration on the history of the RCAF. The event was held at the oldest operating movie theater in Canada where many corporate and private sponsors stepped up to assist the chapter financially. Overall, the event was a resounding success as it was well attended and well-supported by the community from the Municipal Government through the Mayor’s office all the way to local citizens supporting the Chapter through personal donations. The entire cadre of No. 15 Squadron Royal Canadian Air Cadets attended providing usher assistance.
Local aviation events continued to be the Chapter’s focus in 2024. The bi-annual “Family Fun and Flight” was organized to highlight and promote the Dave Rozdeba South Alberta Flight Academy as conducted through the Prairie Rose Public School Division. This program enrolls interested students in a flight academy to gain their Pilot’s License along with their High School Diploma. Fantastic aviation displays were featured including Halo, local Radio-Controlled aircraft group, and invited aeronautics performers. This year was a great success, and we look forward to the next event in 2026.
The work we have done with the City of Medicine Hat’s Heritage Resources Working Group continues. Our Chapter was requested to provide a historical perspective on the RCAF/RAF British Commonwealth Air Training Plan’s No. 34 Service Flying Training School (SFTS) formerly located at the current Municipal Airport site. Inside the airport perimeter is the original No. 34 SFTS Wind Tee (Vane), which is located in a difficult-to- access area of the property. Our goal was to petition the City of Medicine Hat to preserve this important last remaining piece of equipment from the base. Our Chapter succeeded in having the Wind Tee granted Historical Significance Status, which is a huge step forward. Further collaborative work will continue to ensure this artifact is preserved.
All of what has been achieved is only possible through the support of our members, our sponsors, and the community. With this in mind, we will “Keep ‘em Flying” as we put together our 2025 meeting program of speakers, which will include dedicating the Fall portion of our program to hosting local aviation industry leaders as speakers, growing our membership and our generous local corporate sponsors, and continuing to serve our community with our important aviation-related initiatives.
The Medicine Hat Chapter held a special event to celebrate the 100th Anniversary of the RCAF and to honor all those who served in Canada’s air force. Through a group effort, the Chapter hosted a major celebratory event, which featured several public domain available video clips, plus a short narration on the history of the RCAF. The event was held at the oldest operating movie theater in Canada where many corporate and private sponsors stepped up to assist the chapter financially. Overall, the event was a resounding success as it was well attended and well-supported by the community from the Municipal Government through the Mayor’s office all the way to local citizens supporting the Chapter through personal donations. The entire cadre of No. 15 Squadron Royal Canadian Air Cadets attended providing usher assistance.
Local aviation events continued to be the Chapter’s focus in 2024. The bi-annual “Family Fun and Flight” was organized to highlight and promote the Dave Rozdeba South Alberta Flight Academy as conducted through the Prairie Rose Public School Division. This program enrolls interested students in a flight academy to gain their Pilot’s License along with their High School Diploma. Fantastic aviation displays were featured including Halo, local Radio-Controlled aircraft group, and invited aeronautics performers. This year was a great success, and we look forward to the next event in 2026.
The work we have done with the City of Medicine Hat’s Heritage Resources Working Group continues. Our Chapter was requested to provide a historical perspective on the RCAF/RAF British Commonwealth Air Training Plan’s No. 34 Service Flying Training School (SFTS) formerly located at the current Municipal Airport site. Inside the airport perimeter is the original No. 34 SFTS Wind Tee (Vane), which is located in a difficult-to- access area of the property. Our goal was to petition the City of Medicine Hat to preserve this important last remaining piece of equipment from the base. Our Chapter succeeded in having the Wind Tee granted Historical Significance Status, which is a huge step forward. Further collaborative work will continue to ensure this artifact is preserved.
All of what has been achieved is only possible through the support of our members, our sponsors, and the community. With this in mind, we will “Keep ‘em Flying” as we put together our 2025 meeting program of speakers, which will include dedicating the Fall portion of our program to hosting local aviation industry leaders as speakers, growing our membership and our generous local corporate sponsors, and continuing to serve our community with our important aviation-related initiatives.
Wes Krause,
President,
CAHS Medicine Hat Chapter
Wes Krause,
President,
CAHS Medicine Hat Chapter
CAHS Convention 2025
Save the date for the CAHS National Convention and AGM in Ottawa, Ontario, from Wednesday 18 June to Saturday 21 June. Plan to arrive early on Wednesday to participate in our optional tour on Wednesday afternoon; then meet your fellow conventioneers at the convention hotel for our annual Meet and Greet reception, with a cash bar and entertainment. Our convention gets going with speakers and tours on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday. Tours of the National Research Council's hangar and wind tunnel are confirmed, as well as a tour of No. 412 Squadron's CC-144 Challenger. Our annual awards banquet will take place on Friday evening. Plan to bring your spouse or a guest to join us for an enjoyable evening of dining, a cash bar, an engaging speaker, and recognition of CAHS members who have excelled in research, writing, or volunteerism. More details will follow soon on our convention web page.
We are looking for presentations to help fill our speaker programme. We will consider presentations on all aspects of Canadian aviation history, including personal reminiscences, research on episodes in our history, squadron or company histories, aircraft histories, and many other topics. Presentations relating to the Ottawa region are particularly welcome. If you would like to submit a proposal, please review this page and submit the form by 31 March 2025
CAHS Convention 2025
Save the date for the CAHS National Convention and AGM in Ottawa, Ontario, from Wednesday 18 June to Saturday 21 June. Plan to arrive early on Wednesday to participate in our optional tour on Wednesday afternoon; then meet your fellow conventioneers at the convention hotel for our annual Meet and Greet reception, with a cash bar and entertainment. Our convention gets going with speakers and tours on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday. Tours of the National Research Council's hangar and wind tunnel are confirmed, as well as a tour of No. 412 Squadron's CC-144 Challenger. Our annual awards banquet will take place on Friday evening. Plan to bring your spouse or a guest to join us for an enjoyable evening of dining, a cash bar, an engaging speaker, and recognition of CAHS members who have excelled in research, writing, or volunteerism. More details will follow soon on our convention web page.
We are looking for presentations to help fill our speaker programme. We will consider presentations on all aspects of Canadian aviation history, including personal reminiscences, research on episodes in our history, squadron or company histories, aircraft histories, and many other topics. Presentations relating to the Ottawa region are particularly welcome. If you would like to submit a proposal, please review this page and submit the form by 31 March 2025
Secondly, February also brings Valentine's Day, which is just a few weeks away. Whether you are looking to get a gift for a special someone or for a friend, think about purchasing a book, calendar, or piece of art from the CAHS shop. Also consider giving a CAHS membership as a gift to a youth (a child or grandchild, a student, an air cadet) as a way of inspiring the next generation to fall in love with Canada's aviation history and perhaps even an aviation career. Check out the CAHS main page where we've made our offerings and products more visible and accessible.
Secondly, February also brings Valentine's Day, which is just a few weeks away. Whether you are looking to get a gift for a special someone or for a friend, think about purchasing a book, calendar, or piece of art from the CAHS shop. Also consider giving a CAHS membership as a gift to a youth (a child or grandchild, a student, an air cadet) as a way of inspiring the next generation to fall in love with Canada's aviation history and perhaps even an aviation career. Check out the CAHS main page where we've made our offerings and products more visible and accessible.
Cordially, Dr. Rachel Lea Heide,
National Treasurer,
Canadian Aviation Historical Society
Cordially, Dr. Rachel Lea Heide,
National Treasurer,
Canadian Aviation Historical Society
CAHS 2025 Aviation Art Calendar
CAHS 2025 Aviation Art Calendar
The annual aviation art calendar is available ($15 a copy plus $5 shipping in Canada). This bilingual calendar includes 13 full-colour images featuring a collection of civilian and military aviation aircraft.
The annual aviation art calendar is available ($15 a copy plus $5 shipping in Canada). This bilingual calendar includes 13 full-colour images featuring a collection of civilian and military aviation aircraft.
Jericho Beach and Pacific Airways - Flat Rate Box Set
Jericho Beach and Pacific Airways - Flat Rate Box Set
Author Chris Weicht is offering a special where buyers can get one copy of Jericho Beach and the West Coast Flying Stations and one copy of Pacific Airway: An Aviation History in a Canada Post FLAT RATE BOX for $100.00 ($80 for the books and $20 for shipping). Both 300-page books are part of the author's extensive Air Pilot Navigator series about narratives on aviation in Western Canada and are illustrated with rare photographs.
Jericho Beach and the West Coast Flying Stations:
Jericho Beach and the West Coast Flying Stations is also part of Chris Weicht's extensive Air Pilot Navigator series about narratives on aviation in western Canada. Illustrated with rare photographs, this ca.300-page book has a forward by LtGen A.M. DeQuetteville.
Pacific Airway: An Aviation History:
Pacific Airway is the second volume in Chris Weicht's Air Pilot Navigator series about narratives on aviation in western Canada. Illustrated with rare photographs, this ca.300-page book has a forward by Harbour Air Seaplanes President Greg McDougall.
Author Chris Weicht is offering a special where buyers can get one copy of Jericho Beach and the West Coast Flying Stations and one copy of Pacific Airway: An Aviation History in a Canada Post FLAT RATE BOX for $100.00 ($80 for the books and $20 for shipping). Both 300-page books are part of the author's extensive Air Pilot Navigator series about narratives on aviation in Western Canada and are illustrated with rare photographs.
Jericho Beach and the West Coast Flying Stations:
Jericho Beach and the West Coast Flying Stations is also part of Chris Weicht's extensive Air Pilot Navigator series about narratives on aviation in western Canada. Illustrated with rare photographs, this ca.300-page book has a forward by LtGen A.M. DeQuetteville.
Pacific Airway: An Aviation History:
Pacific Airway is the second volume in Chris Weicht's Air Pilot Navigator series about narratives on aviation in western Canada. Illustrated with rare photographs, this ca.300-page book has a forward by Harbour Air Seaplanes President Greg McDougall.
Crash Harrison: Tales of a Bomber Pilot Who Defied Death
Crash Harrison: Tales of a Bomber Pilot Who Defied Death
Written by Deana J. Driver.
Reginald Harrison grew up on a farm near the hamlet of Finnie, Saskatchewan during the Dirty Thirties. His interest in flying was heightened as he watched fighter pilots do loops in the sky above his family’s farm, training for the Second World War. Seeking adventure, Reg became an RCAF bomber pilot in England. During his service, he survived four crashes – none of which were his fault – and several close calls.
Reginald Harrison became one of the few Canadians in the famed wartime “Guinea Pig Club” after receiving reconstructive skin graft surgery. He was named an “Honorary Snowbird” by the renowned Canadian Forces’ aerobatics display team. He is a celebrated war veteran whose stories will captivate and educate readers from teens to seniors.
This book retails from the publisher for $25.95 + tax. We are selling it as a CAHS fund-raiser at a discounted rate of $21 (plus $7 shipping) in Canada.
Did you know that a Regina-based seed company has named a new variety of yellow pea field seed after Mr Harrison as part of a campaign to honour veterans? Read more about this here.
Written by Deana J. Driver.
Reginald Harrison grew up on a farm near the hamlet of Finnie, Saskatchewan during the Dirty Thirties. His interest in flying was heightened as he watched fighter pilots do loops in the sky above his family’s farm, training for the Second World War. Seeking adventure, Reg became an RCAF bomber pilot in England. During his service, he survived four crashes – none of which were his fault – and several close calls.
Reginald Harrison became one of the few Canadians in the famed wartime “Guinea Pig Club” after receiving reconstructive skin graft surgery. He was named an “Honorary Snowbird” by the renowned Canadian Forces’ aerobatics display team. He is a celebrated war veteran whose stories will captivate and educate readers from teens to seniors.
This book retails from the publisher for $25.95 + tax. We are selling it as a CAHS fund-raiser at a discounted rate of $21 (plus $7 shipping) in Canada.
Did you know that a Regina-based seed company has named a new variety of yellow pea field seed after Mr Harrison as part of a campaign to honour veterans? Read more about this here.
The book 'Whispering’ Duke Schiller: The Forgotten Hero of Early Aviation by Tom Douglas is a compelling tribute to Clarence Alvin “Duke” Schiller, an under-celebrated pioneer in the field of aviation. It spans Schiller’s early life in Canada, detailing his journey from his birth in Iowa to his family’s resettlement in Cooksville, Ontario, and outlines his significant contributions to early aviation, including his time as a bush pilot and his service in multiple air forces. The narrative also delves into his adventurous career, marked by harrowing missions, daring rescues, and notable achievements in aviation that captured the public’s imagination during the 1920s, ’30s, and early ’40s.
This book retails from the publisher for $29.95 (plus tax and shipping). We are selling it as a CAHS fund-raiser at a discounted rate of $29.50 (shipping and taxes included) in Canada; you will receive both a hard copy and a PDF copy.
The book 'Whispering’ Duke Schiller: The Forgotten Hero of Early Aviation by Tom Douglas is a compelling tribute to Clarence Alvin “Duke” Schiller, an under-celebrated pioneer in the field of aviation. It spans Schiller’s early life in Canada, detailing his journey from his birth in Iowa to his family’s resettlement in Cooksville, Ontario, and outlines his significant contributions to early aviation, including his time as a bush pilot and his service in multiple air forces. The narrative also delves into his adventurous career, marked by harrowing missions, daring rescues, and notable achievements in aviation that captured the public’s imagination during the 1920s, ’30s, and early ’40s.
This book retails from the publisher for $29.95 (plus tax and shipping). We are selling it as a CAHS fund-raiser at a discounted rate of $29.50 (shipping and taxes included) in Canada; you will receive both a hard copy and a PDF copy.
Commemorating the 100th Anniversary of the Royal Canadian Air Force, featured in this special edition of the Journal of the Canadian Aviation Historical Society are: A Documentary History of the Badges of the RCAF and CAF Air Command – by Brittany Dunn A History of the RCAF in 100 Objects (a sampling) – by Mike Bechthold RCAF Historiography: Some Highlights From a Survey of the Field – by Lieutenant-Colonel Paul Johnston, CD, PhD A Snapshot of RCAF Air Transport During the Early Cold War: Bill Carr’s Command of No 412 Squadron – by Richard Goette The Para-Belles: A More In-Depth Look at the RCAF’s Para-Rescue Nursing Sisters – by Major Mathias Joost (retired) Historical Snapshot: Para-Rescue Nursing Sisters Mini-Bios – by Major Mathias Joost (retired)
Commemorating the 100th Anniversary of the Royal Canadian Air Force, featured in this special edition of the Journal of the Canadian Aviation Historical Society are: A Documentary History of the Badges of the RCAF and CAF Air Command – by Brittany Dunn A History of the RCAF in 100 Objects (a sampling) – by Mike Bechthold RCAF Historiography: Some Highlights From a Survey of the Field – by Lieutenant-Colonel Paul Johnston, CD, PhD A Snapshot of RCAF Air Transport During the Early Cold War: Bill Carr’s Command of No 412 Squadron – by Richard Goette The Para-Belles: A More In-Depth Look at the RCAF’s Para-Rescue Nursing Sisters – by Major Mathias Joost (retired) Historical Snapshot: Para-Rescue Nursing Sisters Mini-Bios – by Major Mathias Joost (retired)
Correction: Re the obituary for Robert J. (Bob) Spence in the In Memoriam of the January 2025 e-newsletter, I originally stated that Bob’s Fairey Swordfish C-GEVS/HS 554 was painted in Royal Navy colours. In fact, it displayed Royal Canadian Navy markings.
Story and images by Gord McNulty
Correction: Re the obituary for Robert J. (Bob) Spence in the In Memoriam of the January 2025 e-newsletter, I originally stated that Bob’s Fairey Swordfish C-GEVS/HS 554 was painted in Royal Navy colours. In fact, it displayed Royal Canadian Navy markings.
I received this message from Ms. Silva the other day and offered to have her inquiry included in our e-newsletter. She was in full agreement, so please contact her if you have, or know someone who would have the information or materials for which she is looking. Our CAHS e-newsletter is a great venue for connecting people together to share aviation historical events and respond to requests for assistance.
I received this message from Ms. Silva the other day and offered to have her inquiry included in our e-newsletter. She was in full agreement, so please contact her if you have, or know someone who would have the information or materials for which she is looking. Our CAHS e-newsletter is a great venue for connecting people together to share aviation historical events and respond to requests for assistance.
Gary Williams,
National President,
Canadian Aviation Historical Society
Gary Williams,
National President,
Canadian Aviation Historical Society
Dear Mr. Williams,
My name is Elizabeth Pepin Silva, and I'm an archival researcher for a documentary on the 12/26/1971 hijacking of an Air Canada flight by Patrick Critton. The flight left Thunder Bay Airport and after dropping off passengers then was flown to Cuba, where Mr. Critton departed the plane and it, was allowed to return to Canada.
Mr. Critton was arrested for the hijacking on September 8, 2001, at his home in Mt. Vernon, NY, stood trial from May 2 until June 4, 2002, and was sentenced on June 12th, 2002.
I am trying to find any archival materials relating to the hijacking, arrest, and sentencing, including footage, photos, newspaper and magazine articles (I've found a handful of articles at newspaper.com but am hoping to find more) and interviews with the pilots, stewardesses, and passengers. I'm also seeking footage and/ or photos of an Air Canada DC-9 from 1971 which is the type of aircraft that Mr. Critton hijacked and footage or photos of the Thunder Bay Airport - especially in winter circa 1968-1972.
If you do not have any of the above items in your archive, any help and/or suggestions of other archives and institutions to contact is greatly appreciated. Or perhaps you know of an aviation historian who has researched this hijacking? Thank you for considering my request and I look forward to hearing from you soon. I have a San Francisco phone number but am currently living in southwest France, so given the time difference, email is the best way to reach me.
My name is Elizabeth Pepin Silva, and I'm an archival researcher for a documentary on the 12/26/1971 hijacking of an Air Canada flight by Patrick Critton. The flight left Thunder Bay Airport and after dropping off passengers then was flown to Cuba, where Mr. Critton departed the plane and it, was allowed to return to Canada.
Mr. Critton was arrested for the hijacking on September 8, 2001, at his home in Mt. Vernon, NY, stood trial from May 2 until June 4, 2002, and was sentenced on June 12th, 2002.
I am trying to find any archival materials relating to the hijacking, arrest, and sentencing, including footage, photos, newspaper and magazine articles (I've found a handful of articles at newspaper.com but am hoping to find more) and interviews with the pilots, stewardesses, and passengers. I'm also seeking footage and/ or photos of an Air Canada DC-9 from 1971 which is the type of aircraft that Mr. Critton hijacked and footage or photos of the Thunder Bay Airport - especially in winter circa 1968-1972.
If you do not have any of the above items in your archive, any help and/or suggestions of other archives and institutions to contact is greatly appreciated. Or perhaps you know of an aviation historian who has researched this hijacking? Thank you for considering my request and I look forward to hearing from you soon. I have a San Francisco phone number but am currently living in southwest France, so given the time difference, email is the best way to reach me.
Photography Night at the Museum: 1 February, 6-9pm
Photography Night at the Museum: 1 February, 6-9pm
Visitors will save 50% on admission to the museum and receive free parking for tickets purchased in person. After the event, attendees are invited to enter the photo contest.
Visitors will save 50% on admission to the museum and receive free parking for tickets purchased in person. After the event, attendees are invited to enter the photo contest.
Multiple Events in February at the Hanger Flight Museum
Multiple Events in February at the Hanger Flight Museum
The Hanger Flight Museum has numerous events in February including Simulator Days, Sensory Hours, Fly Babies, Silver Darts, Homeschool Day, Family Day and National Aviation Weekend.
The Hanger Flight Museum has numerous events in February including Simulator Days, Sensory Hours, Fly Babies, Silver Darts, Homeschool Day, Family Day and National Aviation Weekend.
CAHS Toronto Chapter Annual General Meeting - February 1, 2025 1:00 PM EST
CAHS Toronto will hold its Annual General Meetings (AGM) on February 1, 2025 at 1:00 PM prior to Frederick Larkin's presentation "Plucky, Not Lucky - a Review of Porter Airlines.”
During the AGM, Directors for the upcoming year will be elected or acclaimed to manage the Chapter's activities. CAHS Toronto members are requested to forward their name for nomination if they are interested in running for election prior to the presentation. Send your info to Eric Roscoe or Geoff Pyne.
CAHS Toronto Chapter Annual General Meeting - February 1, 2025 1:00 PM EST
CAHS Toronto will hold its Annual General Meetings (AGM) on February 1, 2025 at 1:00 PM prior to Frederick Larkin's presentation "Plucky, Not Lucky - a Review of Porter Airlines.”
During the AGM, Directors for the upcoming year will be elected or acclaimed to manage the Chapter's activities. CAHS Toronto members are requested to forward their name for nomination if they are interested in running for election prior to the presentation. Send your info to Eric Roscoe or Geoff Pyne.
Here are the questions and answers to this month's Canadian Aviation Moments:
Here are the questions and answers to this month's Canadian Aviation Moments:
Question 1: What were the functions of the Mach/Airspeed Indicator on the Avro Arrow, and what was the altitude range of the instrument?
Source:
Arrow Countdown,
pg. 01 (Peter Zuuring)
Question 1: What were the functions of the Mach/Airspeed Indicator on the Avro Arrow, and what was the altitude range of the instrument?
Source:
Arrow Countdown,
pg. 01 (Peter Zuuring)
Question 2:What was the Link used for in the Initial Training Schools (ITS) of the BCATP?
Source:
Wings For Victory,
pg. 78-79 (Dunmore)
Question 2:What was the Link used for in the Initial Training Schools (ITS) of the BCATP?
Source:
Wings For Victory,
pg. 78-79 (Dunmore)
Question 3:What was the name of the German twin engine jet bomber that made its operational debut in July 1944, and what was it’s purpose?
Source:
No Prouder Place,
pg. 400 (Bashow)
Question 3:What was the name of the German twin engine jet bomber that made its operational debut in July 1944, and what was it’s purpose?
Source:
No Prouder Place,
pg. 400 (Bashow)
Spoiler alert - the answers to this month's questions follow. Skip the rest of this section and come back later if you wish to guess/research the answers first. Good luck and have fun!
Spoiler alert - the answers to this month's questions follow. Skip the rest of this section and come back later if you wish to guess/research the answers first. Good luck and have fun!
ANSWER 1: “The Mach/Airspeed Indicator located on the main instrument panel in the front cockpit displays indicated airspeed and mach number on a single dial, and the maximum allowable indicated airspeed for all altitudes. A control is provided to adjust an airspeed index, which can be set to indicate landing or take-off speed.” “The altitude range of the instrument is from minus 1000 to plus 80,000 feet."
Source:
Arrow Countdown,
pg. 01 (Peter Zuuring)
ANSWER 1: “The Mach/Airspeed Indicator located on the main instrument panel in the front cockpit displays indicated airspeed and mach number on a single dial, and the maximum allowable indicated airspeed for all altitudes. A control is provided to adjust an airspeed index, which can be set to indicate landing or take-off speed.” “The altitude range of the instrument is from minus 1000 to plus 80,000 feet."
Source:
Arrow Countdown,
pg. 01 (Peter Zuuring)
ANSWER 2: “At ITS, budding pilots finally got to sit in a cockpit, although not in a real aircraft but in a claustrophobic little torture chamber known as a Link trainer. The forerunner of today’s flight simulators, the Link became as feared and loathed among many of the trainees as algebra and trigonometry, and for the same reason. The merciless thing could end your career as a pilot before it had started. If you failed to co-ordinate its tetchy controls within a minute or two, you were out, with little hope of another change. Curiously, some trainees did well on the Link, only to fail when they took the controls of a real aircraft. The idea behind the Link was sound enough: the authorities could obtain a reasonably accurate appreciation of a student’s potential without having to go to the trouble and expense of taking him flying. What made countless students loathe the Link was its extreme sensitivity. Wilfully unstable, it seemed to be balanced on a pinpoint; its stick and rudder had to be worked ceaselessly to keep the machine on anything approaching an even keel.”
Source:
Wings For Victory,
pg. 78-79 (Dunmore)
ANSWER 2: “At ITS, budding pilots finally got to sit in a cockpit, although not in a real aircraft but in a claustrophobic little torture chamber known as a Link trainer. The forerunner of today’s flight simulators, the Link became as feared and loathed among many of the trainees as algebra and trigonometry, and for the same reason. The merciless thing could end your career as a pilot before it had started. If you failed to co-ordinate its tetchy controls within a minute or two, you were out, with little hope of another change. Curiously, some trainees did well on the Link, only to fail when they took the controls of a real aircraft. The idea behind the Link was sound enough: the authorities could obtain a reasonably accurate appreciation of a student’s potential without having to go to the trouble and expense of taking him flying. What made countless students loathe the Link was its extreme sensitivity. Wilfully unstable, it seemed to be balanced on a pinpoint; its stick and rudder had to be worked ceaselessly to keep the machine on anything approaching an even keel.”
Source:
Wings For Victory,
pg. 78-79 (Dunmore)
ANSWER 3: “The Arado Ar 234 Blitz twin-engine jet bomber made its operational debut in July 1944. In all 274 airframes were produced. But this aircraft was never designed as a fighter—it mirrored the Meteor’s activities in attacking ground targets during late 1944 and early 1945—it never constituted a threat to the Allied bomber streams.”
Source:
No Prouder Place,
pg. 400 (Bashow)
ANSWER 3: “The Arado Ar 234 Blitz twin-engine jet bomber made its operational debut in July 1944. In all 274 airframes were produced. But this aircraft was never designed as a fighter—it mirrored the Meteor’s activities in attacking ground targets during late 1944 and early 1945—it never constituted a threat to the Allied bomber streams.”
Source:
No Prouder Place,
pg. 400 (Bashow)
Chapter News
Chapter News
Select a chapter to discover what they have been up to since the last newsletter.
Many of our Chapters remain very active on Zoom with presentations every bit as good as they would be if we did not have pandemic restrictions to deal with!
Select a chapter to discover what they have been up to since the last newsletter.
Many of our Chapters remain very active on Zoom with presentations every bit as good as they would be if we did not have pandemic restrictions to deal with!
Special Thanks To Our Supporters
Special Thanks To Our Supporters
In addition to its members, contributors, and newsletter subscribers, the CAHS is thankful for the ongoing support of its Corporate Members, Museum Members, and Partner Organizations, as well as the many individuals and organizations whose financial donations are so generously given.
If you would like to become a Corporate Member or Museum Member - or if you know an organization that might like to join - we are always happy to receive new applications. Please use the hyperlinks above to learn more about our corporate members and partner organizations.
Corporate Members:
In addition to its members, contributors, and newsletter subscribers, the CAHS is thankful for the ongoing support of its Corporate Members, Museum Members, and Partner Organizations, as well as the many individuals and organizations whose financial donations are so generously given.
If you would like to become a Corporate Member or Museum Member - or if you know an organization that might like to join - we are always happy to receive new applications. Please use the hyperlinks above to learn more about our corporate members and partner organizations.
If you have changed your mailing or e-mail address, please get in touch to keep us up to date. Contact the Membership Administrator here. To enquire about membership payment records, contact the Treasurer here.
If you have any aviation history-related news or events to share, please contact our newsletter editor here.
Please feel free to forward to friends and family members, or encourage them to sign up on our website to receive the newsletter directly for FREE.
We hope that you enjoy receiving this monthly newsletter and find the contents informative and enjoyable. If you no longer wish to receive it for any reason, please use the unsubscribe option below to have your email address removed immediately from the mailing list.
If you have changed your mailing or e-mail address, please get in touch to keep us up to date. Contact the Membership Administrator here. To enquire about membership payment records, contact the Treasurer here.
If you have any aviation history-related news or events to share, please contact our newsletter editor here.
Please feel free to forward to friends and family members, or encourage them to sign up on our website to receive the newsletter directly for FREE.
We hope that you enjoy receiving this monthly newsletter and find the contents informative and enjoyable. If you no longer wish to receive it for any reason, please use the unsubscribe option below to have your email address removed immediately from the mailing list.
The Canadian Aviation Historical Society (CAHS)
P.O. Box 2700 • Station D • Ottawa • Ontario • K1P 5W7