First Flight of De Havilland Canada DHC-2 Beaver 16-August-1947

16 Aug 1947 – First Flight of the De Havilland Canada DHC-2 ‘Beaver’
The De Havilland Beaver was designed and built in Canada and first flew on August 16, 1947 at Downsview, Ontario. It is a rugged all-metal aircraft operable on skis, wheels, or floats and was designed specifically for short takeoff and landing (STOL), making it ideal in bush conditions. Powered by a Pratt & Whitney R-985 Wasp Junior radial engine, the Beaver’s durability and adaptability have made it a legendary aircraft, still in use today for utility and recreational purposes. The pilot was Russell Bannock.

Russell Bannock, was a distinguished WWII fighter ace and test pilot. After the war, Bannock joined De Havilland Canada, where he played a key role in flight testing and development. His deep understanding of aviation and operational needs helped shape the Beaver into a reliable and enduring aircraft. Bannock later rose to executive leadership within the company, serving as president and guiding De Havilland through a period of innovation and growth.