Update on Fort Erie’s “T-bird”

Story and photos by Gord McNulty
July 2025
Fundraising has started to refurbish a Canadair CT-133 mounted for display in Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF) Red Knight colours at Fort Erie 24 years ago.
Canadair CT-133 in Red Knight colours at Sugarbowl Park shortly after its dedication at Fort Erie in 2001.
The Royal Canadian Air Force Association (RCAFA) 484 (Frontier) Wing held a successful pasta supper, silent auction and book sale fundraiser on 31 May 2025 at the Fort Erie Legion Branch 71. My wife Angie and I enjoyed the event as representatives of RCAFA  447 Wing in Hamilton.
Chuck McCrea, Todd Hume and Bill Greenwood at the 484 (Frontier) Wing fundraiser on 31 May 2025.
Attendees included Chuck McCrea of Niagara Falls, who served in the RCAF from 1967 to 1985 in a variety of aircraft.  He had extensive experience flying the “T-bird” in multiple roles.
 
Bill Greenwood, 484 Wing president, said the plan is to complete structural repairs to the aircraft display this summer. It will be repainted in the summer of 2026 if funds permit.
 
Fort Erie’s aircraft had a long history of relocation, repair and previous display before it was eventually dedicated in May 2001 at Sugarbowl Park in the border town. It is one of a number of CT-133s across Canada that were not a genuine Red Knight aircraft but were painted for display in the striking livery of the impressive solo demonstration team.  
 
The uniquely Canadian Red Knight made more than 600 air show appearances in Canada, the U.S. and the Bahamas from 1958 to 1969. In 2020, Canada’s Aviation Hall of Fame honoured the Red Knight team with the Belt of Orion (Award of Excellence).