By Diana Spremo/Sandra Sparkes

The Canadian Harvard Aircraft Association (CHAA) salutes the Royal Canadian Air Force which is celebrating its 100th anniversary in 2024, and more specifically, its actual date of creation, today, April 1. The significance of this occasion is widely felt by CHAA members because the Harvard aircraft played a significant role in the RCAF’s history during World War II.

In 1939, the Canadian government created the British Commonwealth Air Training Plan (BCATP), a program that saw 151 military flying schools across Canada train more than 130,000 air crew from Canadian and Allied Forces to become pilots, gunners, navigators and more. Before they could earn their wings and go on to fly fighters and bombers, pilots trained on a variety of aircraft including the Harvard, the most advanced, single-engine trainer at the time.

Dubbed “the pilot maker”, the Harvard was a familiar sight and sound at air bases across Canada.

Today, the Canadian Harvard Aircraft Association is a registered charitable organization located at the Tillsonburg Regional Airport. Its volunteers work passionately and tirelessly to preserve, restore, maintain, display and demonstrate their fleet of trainers: eight Harvard warbirds and one Yale. They are not all in flying condition, but they all have the potential to be. Replacement parts and maintenance are expensive on these “yellow birds”. An engine overhaul costs $75,000 in U.S. funds and one hour of flying time costs about $500 including fuel, oil, insurance, maintenance and other costs. As a point of reference, for every hour an aircraft is in the air, CHAA volunteers put in approximately 15 hours of ground maintenance time. It is truly a labour of love. And if you ask anyone if it’s worth it, they will all respond with an unequivocal, YES.

Anticipation is currently running high as the restoration team is almost finished a painstaking rebuild of Harvard 20304 C-FBZT which has not flown since 1963. Its return to the skies will be emotional for sure.

CHAA was created in 1985 from a passion to keep the legacy of these aircraft alive and honour those who trained in them and served their country; that passion still runs high today.

With no government assistance, the organization raises funds through offering flights in their aircraft and creating events throughout its April to November flying season. Its marquee events are monthly Open House Fly Days and its popular Wings & Wheels each September. Volunteers also keep the doors open year-round every Tuesday and Saturday for anyone who wishes to drop by for a tour of their hangars, view the progress on aircraft restorations and maintenance or take a flight.

The Harvard Association also participates in air shows throughout Ontario and neighbouring U.S. states.

This coming season will be busy with the 100th anniversary of the Royal Canadian Air Force. The association’s volunteers want to spread the word about the Harvard’s role in serving our country, which lasted until their retirement from service in 1965. A special Open House event to commemorate the anniversary is taking place June 1 at their home base in Tillsonburg. All are welcome.

Donations are paramount to sustaining the Canadian Harvard Aircraft Association. For anyone who wishes to make a donation to this registered, non-profit, charitable organization, book a flight, become a member or attend an event, please visit our website at www.harvards.com for more information.

#KeepThemFlying