Air Race “fever” rises at Canadian Historical Aircraft Association
WINDSOR ONTARIO, Canada - Excitement is building at the Canadian Historical Aircraft Association (CH2A) for the Red Bull Air Race scheduled for June 13-14 in Windsor, Ontario.
Ghosts? Maybe. The hangar is the last remaining building from #7 Elementary Flying Training School constructed in 1940 at Windsor Airport at one of the first British Commonwealth Air Training Program bases in Canada. Primary training was given there to fledgling airmen from all over the Commonwealth in Fleet Finches and deHavilland Tiger Moths during the Second World War. Windsor Airport is steeped in even more history than that, having been established in 1928 by two sons of Hiram Walker on the Walker Farm. You know – Hiram Walker of Canadian Club Whisky fame?
It wasn’t quite possible to completely empty the hangar, however. Work is ongoing on two world-class aircraft restorations that can’t be moved easily. One is a deHavilland Mosquito Bomber, constructed of Sitka spruce and fine plywood as the originals were. The other is Windsor’s own Lancaster Bomber FM212, recently removed from its plinth in Jackson Park due to serious deterioration from being outside in the elements continuously since 1965. Both are being lovingly restored by the “Mossie guys” led by Guy Moore and the Blue CREW (Citizens Restoring an Exceptional Warbird) led by Mike Kohuch. They are rightly very proud of the important work they are doing in honouring all veterans and breathing life into the mission of the CH2A. “The Blue CREW is excited because the Red Bull Air Race will allow us to showcase the work done on our Lancaster, and perhaps bring it to the attention of people who may not normally have been interested before. Even the race pilots themselves are anxious to get a look inside and take a turn in the pilot's seat. It is a wonderful opportunity for all to become involved,” says Mike. Both restorations will be available for viewing during the Red Bull Air Race airport public hours. Of course, donations will be gratefully accepted by the CH2A from those who enjoy and appreciate the work of the Association.
The Yellowbird formation team
Excitement is also building for the Association’s Yellowbird formation team, scheduled to fly down the Detroit River as one of the side act displays for the Red Bull Air Race. The lead for the team flies a 1941 Boeing Stearman open cockpit biplane, with numbers two and three flying two deHavilland Chipmunks built in the early 50’s. Chipmunks were also flown post-war at Windsor as trainers. The pilots have been diligently practicing to prepare for a busy air show season this year. After all, 2009 marks the centennial of the first powered flight in Canada, so a big celebration is in order. Pilot Denis Schryer is excited to show off the Association's Yellowbirds to such a large audience. "The view from the cockpit during our flight will undoubtedly provide a spectacular perspective of the crowds lining both shores of the Detroit River as well as the race track itself. I’m definitely excited to participate with the Yellowbirds," says Denis. The Red Bull Air Race is by far the biggest event the Yellowbird team has ever flown in, and they are looking forward to it with great anticipation.
“In the year of Canada’s 100th anniversary of powered flight, how wonderful it is to have the Red Bull Air Race at Windsor Airport. It’s a pleasure for the Canadian Historical Aircraft Association to have been asked to participate, allowing our membership to display our CH2A tribute aircraft, celebrate our passion and joy of flight and importantly, to convey the message of our volunteers in their work to honour those who have gone before. SMOKE ON and thank you Red Bull Air Race!” says CH2A President Mike Beale.
And the ghosts? The ghosts are smiling. The Red Bull Air Race World Championship is aviation at its finest, and the ghosts have the best seats in the house.
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