Select the month and view key moments in Canadian Aviation History.
Select items from other countries are marked in Red and noted with the country.
January
1 Jan 1944 – RCAF Reaches Peak Wartime Strength of 215,000 Persons
The RCAF reached its peak wartime strength of 215,000 all ranks, including 15,153 in the RCAF Women’s Division (RCAF WD). Of these, there were 104,000 in the British Commonwealth Air Training Plan (BCATP), 64,928 with the Home War Establishment (HWE) and 46,272 serving overseas. There were 78 squadrons in service, with 35 overseas and 43 at home (six of which were ordered overseas). By 1 Apr 1945, the strength of the RCAF had been reduced to 164,846 all ranks. With the end of the war, the proposed RCAF peacetime establishment was set at 16,000 all ranks, with a two-year interim period dedicated to the demobilization of roughly 90% of the wartime force.
1 January 1965 – Trans-Canada Airlines becomes Air Canada
In 1964, an Act of Parliament proposed by Jean Chrétien changed the name of Trans-Canada Air Lines to “Air Canada”, which was already in use as the airline’s French-language name, effective 1 January 1965.
1 January 1968 – SPAR Aerospace is Founded
SPAR Aerospace was a Canadian aerospace company. It produced equipment for the Canadian Space Agency to be used in cooperation with NASA’s Space Shuttle program, most notably the Canadarm, a remote manipulator system. Founded in Brampton, Ontario through a management buyout of de Havilland Canada’s Special Products division and Avro Canada’s Applied Research unit. This provided the name Special Products and Applied Research, or SPAR for short.
2 January 1882 – Birth of Frederick Walker ‘Casey’ Baldwin
Birth of Frederick Walker ‘Casey’ Baldwin (d.7 August 1948). Canadian engineer, hydrofoil and aviation pioneer, first Canadian to pilot a heavier-than-air flying machine.
2 January 1929 – Lengendary Bush Pilot Wop May and Vic Horner complete ‘The Race Against Death’ Flight
WW1 ace Wilfrid Reid “Wop” May and fellow flying club member Vic Horner, flew Avro Avian G-CAVB to deliver diphtheria vaccine to Fort Vermilion, Alberta, 995 miles north. The flight became known across Canada as “the race against death”.
13 January 1960 – First Flight of the Canadair Tutor (CT-114 / CL 41)
First Flight of the CT-114/CL-41the prototype performed its maiden flight, flown by project pilot Ian MacTavish. CT-114/CL-41 (Canadair Tutor)
17 January 1946 – RCAF Roundel with Red Maple Leaf Approved for use.
An RCAF Roundel with a red maple leaf in centre in place of the red circle of the RAF was approved for use on RCAF aircraft. It is authorized for use on all RCAF aircraft.
17 January 1948 – The First DH.100 Vampire in Canada Makes its First Flight
The first DH.100 Vampire Mk. 3 in Canada made its first flight from Downsview, Ontario. It was turned over to the RCAF a few days later
19 Jan 1950 – Avro Canada CF -100 (Clunk) makes its First Flight
19-Jan-1950 – First Flight of the CF-100 (‘Clunk’)
This Canadian two-seater, all-weather, jet fighter and interceptor was designed and built by Avro Canada Limited. First flight of CF-100. The prototype Avro Canada CF-100 was test flown at Malton, Ontario, by S/L W.A. (Bill) Waterton, RAF. The Canuck was the first Canadian designed jet fighter and first straight wing aircraft to exceed Mach 1.
20-Jan-1959 – First Flight Vickers Vanguard (United Kingdom)
First Flight Vickers Vanguard The Vickers Vanguard was a short/medium-range turboprop airliner designed and produced by the British aircraft manufacturer Vickers-Armstrongs. The Vanguard was developed during the mid-to-late 1950’s in response to a specification issued by British European Airways (BEA) for a 100-seat airliner; Vickers decided to design such an airliner as a follow-up to the existing Viscount series, the principal difference from which being an expanded airframe that provided considerably more internal volume. On 20th January 1959, the first Type 950 prototype G-AOYW conducted its maiden flight. The flight, a transfer to Wisley three miles away, had been planned for December but the engines were returned to Rolls-Royce for minor work. Proper flight testing was then carried out from Wisley. While development proceeded relatively smoothly, apart from over 2,000 flights being required to resolve unacceptable stalling characteristics, the last weeks of trials with BEA in early 1960 uncovered some engine-related difficulties, necessitating a brief delay while the compressor rotor was modified. With the issue resolved, the Vanguard entered revenue service with TCA on 1st February 1961, and with BEA one month later.
21 January 1951 – First non-stop unrefuelled transatlantic crossing by a jet was made by an English Electric Canberra. (United Kingdom)
22 January 1970 – Boeing 747 enters commercial service (America)
The Boeing 747 entered commercial service for its launch customer, Pan American Airways, with a maiden voyage of ‘Clipper Constitution’ from John F Kennedy International Airport to London Heathrow Airport.
First Flight Vickers Vanguard
23 Jan 1948 – RCAF Takes Deliver of DH.100 Vampire – First Jet Fighter to enter RCAF service
The RCAF commenced taking delivery of the DH.100 Vampire Mk. 3, the first jet fighter to enter RCAF squadron service.
24 Jan 1946 – First Canadian Aircraft Carrier, HMCS Warrior, is Commissioned
The first Canadian aircraft carrier, HMCS Warrior, is commissioned.
February
04 Feb 1915 – Canada’s First Military Aviation Fatality
Lieutenant William F. Sharpe becomes Canada’s first military aviation fatality when he was killed on his first solo flight during a training flight at Shoreham, England. According to the Globe, “London, Feb. 4. –Lieutenant William F. Sharpe of the Canadian contingent, attached to the Royal Army Flying Corps, was killed this afternoon while making his first flight unaccompanied. The accident happened at Shoreham, where he had been underinstruction for about a fortnight. Piloting a Maurice Farman biplane, he made a flight up the Adur Valley. He was descending, and when he had aboutreached the ground his machine was seen to tip nose downwards abruptly and then fell in a heap. When assistance arrived Sharpe was still breathing, buthe died almost immediately. His machine was smashed to pieces
08 Feb 1948 – CAF Flyers Hockey Team wins Gold Medalduring the Olympic Winter Games in Switzerland.
The RCAF Flyers hockey team won the Olympic gold medal and World’s Amateur Ice Hockey championship during the Olympic Winter Games in Switzerland.
9 February 1963 – First Flight of the Boeing 727 (America)
First flight of the prototype Boeing Model 727 jet airliner, N7001U (s/n 18293) from Renton Municipal Airport, Renton, Washington. Intended for short and medium-length flights. Canadian carrier Wardair would became the first Canadian operator of the Boeing 727 and even flew the aircraft on internation flights from Canada to Europe.
9 February 1969 – First Flight of the Boeing 747 (America)
First, one hour fifteen-minute test flight of the prototype Boeing 747-121 (FAA Reg. N7470) ‘City of Everett’ from Paine Field, Washington. Wide body commercial airliner/cargo transport. Powered by four Pratt & Whitney JT9D-7A high-bypass ratio turbofan engines. The Boeing 747 would become known as the ‘Queen of the skies’ and would change air travel forever.
11 Feb 1946
Avro Lincoln B. Mk. I (Serial No. RE258), was taken on strength with the RCAF. After trials with Winter Experimental Establishment (WEE), Lincoln RE258. It was struck off strength on 10 June 1947 and then returned to England.
23 February – National Aviation Day in Canada!
On February 23rd, Canadians celebrate Canada’s air transportation safety, strength and success. On National Aviation Day, we commemorate the past, celebrate the present and advance the future of aviation in Canada. It is celebrated on the anniversay of the first powered heavier than air aircraft in Canda. The Silver Dart.
23 Feb 1909 – J.A.D. McCurdy makes the First successful Aircraft Flight in Canada, Piloting the Silver Dart
J.A.D. McCurdy made the first successful aircraft flight in Canada, piloting the Silver Dart for a distance of 3/4 of a kilometre over the ice-covered surface of Baddeck Bay in Nova Scotia. The next day he flew for more than 7 km in a complete circle back to his starting point. Both flights were recognized by the Royal Aero Club of the United Kingdom as the first successful powered, controlled, heavier-than-air flights by a British subject anywhere in the British Empire. The Silver Dart, or Aerodrome # 4, was designed by J.A.D. McCurdy. It used Glenn’s very first water cooled engine, and most of the work was done by Glenn and J.A.D. McCurdy. It first flew at Stony Brook Farm in Hammondsport on December 6, 1908. Later, it was shipped to Nova Scotia, Canada.
March
3 Mar 1948 – Aircraft Carrier HMCS Warrior returned to the Royal Navy
The RCN aircraft carrier HMCS Warrior was paid off and returned to the Royal Navy. HMCS Warrior was replaced by HMCS Magnificent, which arrived with the first batch of Hawker Sea Fury FB.11 fighter aircraft to replace the RCN’s Supermarine Seafire Mk. XVs flown by No. 803 and No. 883 Squadrons. In 1950, the Fairey Firefly aircraft on No. 825 and No. 826 Squadrons proved to be unsuitable for the anti-submarine role that Canada agreed would be the RCN’s specialty after becoming a signatory to the 1949 NATO agreement. Consequently, the Fairey Fireflies were replaced by Grumman Avenger aircraft purchased from the US Navy. In 1955, the acquisition of eight Airborne Early Warning Avengers brought the total number of Avengers to 125, the most numerous type of aircraft in the RCN’s history. (Shearwater Aviation Museum)
3 March 1919 First International Airmail to reach USA delivered from Canada
as part of the Canadian Exposition, William “Bill” Boeing and pilot Eddie Hubbard flew 60 letters from Vancouver, British Columbia, to Seattle in Boeing’s C-700 — the first international airmail to reach the United States. Did you know Bill Boeing was born in Detroit?
11 Mar 11 1959 – NASA Approves Canadian Proposal to build Alouette I Satellite
NASA approves a Canadian proposal, submitted by the Defence Research Board, to build the Alouette I satellite for the study of the ionosphere. NASA agrees to launch this first Canadian satellite.
13 March 2013 – Canadian astronaut Chris Hadfield becomes first Canadian Commander of the ISS
Canadian astronaut Chris Hadfield becomes first Canadian Commander of the ISS. As Commander of Expedition 35 and chief among his new duties, Chris hadfield is responsible for any final decisions required in an emergency event. He also oversees station operations, including over 100 scientific experiments. His role as Commander ends mid-May, when he and the other members of Expedition 35 return to Earth.
17 Mar 1948 – First Canadian Designed Jet Engine Run Successfully by Engine Division of Avro Canada
The first Canadian jet engine was run successfully. The Chinook, designed and built by the Engine Division of Avro Canada Ltd, was tested at Malton, Ontario.
13 Mar 1917 – Headquarter of Royal Flying Corps (RCF – Canada) Stands Up in Toronto
The headquarters for Royal Flying Corps (RFC) Canada, established to train RFC personnel, stands up in Toronto. Three days later the headquarters moved to Camp Borden, Ontario.
17-March-1947 – CAE is Founded
CAE, then known as Canadian Aviation Electronics Ltd., was founded by Mr. Ken Patrick, an ex-Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF) officer. His goal was to “”….create something Canadian and take advantage of a war-trained team that was extremely innovative and very technology-intensive.In its infancy, the company was located in a vacant aircraft hangar at the Saint-Hubert Airport. Counting a workforce of 18, CAE started to repair and overhaul ground communication equipment and install Antenna Farms in the Arctic for the RCAF.
25-March 1957 – First Flight of the CF-105 Avro Arrow
First flight of the Avro Arrow. Flight testing began with RL-201 on 25 March 1958
27 Mar 1918 – Alan A. McLeod wins the Victoria Cross
While flying an Armstrong-Whitworth F.K. 8, 2Lt Alan A. McLeod won the Victoria Cross for an action fought by him and his observer, Lt A.W. Hammond. 2Lt Alan A. McLeod VC grew up in Stonewall, Manitoba. During an air battle at an altitude of 5,000′, 2Lt McLeod and his Observer, Lt A.W. Hammond MC, were attacked by eight German Fokker Dr.1 Triplane fighters. 2Lt McLeod skilfully manoeuvred to enable his observer to engage and shoot down three of the attackers. Wounded five times and with his aircraft on fire, 2Lt McLeod climbed out onto the left bottom-plane of his aircraft and proceeded to control his machine from the side of the fuselage. By steeply side-slipping the aircraft he was able to keep the flames to one side, thus enabling the observer to continue firing until the ground was reached. The observer had by now been wounded six times when the machine crashed in “no man’s land,” and 2Lt McLeod, not withstanding his own wounds, dragged him away from the burning wreckage at great personal risk from heavy machine-gun fire from enemy lines. Wounded again by a bomb while engaged in this rescue, he persevered until he had placed Lt Hammond in comparative safety before falling himself from exhaustion and lack of blood. He later died of influenza on 6 November 1919. He was Canada’s youngest VC winner, and the youngest winner of a VC for an air action.
27 March 1975 – First Flight of the De Havilland Canada (DHC.7) Dash 7
On the 27th March 1975 the 1st flight of DHC. 7 Dash 7 took place. The DHC-7, popularly known as the Dash 7, first flies at Downsview, Ontario, Canada. It is a turboprop-powered regional airliner with short take-off and landing (STOL) performance
29 March 1974 – Boeing 747 Overuns the Runway at Windsor Airport
Wardair Boeing 747 Overruns Runway at Windsor (CYQG) – March 1974 – Canadian Aviation Museum
30 Mar 1917 – Royal Flying Corps (RFC) begins Training at Camp Borden in Ontario
The RFC begins flight training at Camp Borden. In 1917. the American, British, and Canadian Governments agreed to join forces for training. Between April 1917 and January 1919, Camp Borden in Ontario hosted instruction on flying, wireless, air gunnery and photography, training 1,812 RFC Canada pilots and 72 for the United States.
April
01-Apr-1918 – Royal Flying Corps Amalgamated with the Royal Naval Airforce to Form Royal Air Force
The War Office’s Royal Flying Corps (RFC), the air arm of the British Army before and during the First World War was amalgamated with the Admiralty’s Royal Naval Air Service (RNAS) to form the independent Royal Air Force (RAF). During the early part of the war, the RFC supported the British Army by artillery co-operation and photographic reconnaissance. This work gradually led RFC pilots into aerial battles with German pilots and later in the war included the strafing of enemy infantry and emplacements, the bombing of German military airfields and later the strategic bombing of German industrial and transport facilities.
01 Apr 1947 – No. 406 (Tactical Bomber) Squadron (Auxiliary) was formed at Saskatoon, Saskatchewan.
No. 406 (Tactical Bomber) Squadron (Auxiliary) was formed at Saskatoon, Saskatchewan. On 1 Apr 1949 the unit was redesignated No. 406 (Light Bomber) Squadron (Auxiliary). On 3 Sep 1953 it was titled No. 406 “City of Saskatoon” (Light Bomber) Squadron (Auxiliary). On 1 Apr 1958 it was redesignated No. 406 “City of Saskatoon” Squadron (Auxiliary). The squadron flew North American Harvard Mk. II, North American Mitchell Mk. III, in a light bomber role, and the Canadair CT-133 Silver Star Mk. III. In Mar 1958 the squadron was reassigned to a light transport and emergencey rescue role flying the Beechcraft CT-128 Expeditor Mk. 3 and de Havilland CSR-123 Otter. The squadron was disbanded on 1 Apr 1964.
01 Apr 1947 – No. 103 (Search and Rescue) Flight was formed at Dartmouth, Nova Scotia
No. 103 (Search and Rescue) Flight was formed at Dartmouth, Nova Scotia, a section of 101 KU. Later that year, the unit moved to Greenwood, Nova Scotia. In 1950, the unit was renamed No. 103 Rescue Unit and moved to Summerside, Prince Edward Island, where it remained until unification of the Canadian Forces (CF) in 1968, when it was disbanded. The remnants of the unit formed No. 413 (Transport and Rescue) Squadron at CFB Summerside. As No. 103 RU it flew a variety of aircraft: the Consolidated Canso A (until 1962), Avro Lancaster Mk. X (until 1965), Douglas CC-129 Dakota (until 1968), Noorduyn Norseman (until 1957), Sikorsky H-5 helicopter (until 1965). No. 103 RU also had detachments in Torbay, Newfoundland (which was then RCAF Station Torbay re-opened in 1953 on the former RCAF Aerodrome – Torbay, Newfoundland) and Goose Bay with the latter closed and becoming No. 107 Rescue Unit in 1954. The RCN provided High Speed Launch vessels (ex-RCMP) support at select locations.
01 Apr 1948 – Air Transport Command was formed.
05 Apr 1947 – The RCAF acquired its first helicopter, a Sikorsky H-5, RCAF (Serial No. 9601).
07 Apr 1948 – The RCN carrier HMCS Magnificent was commissioned.
9 April 1964 – First Flight of the de Havilland DHC-5 ‘Buffalo’
The DHC-5 Buffalo, was chosen as the winner of the United States Army competition in early 1963, with four DHC-5s, designated YAC-2 (later CV-7A and subsequently C-8A) ordered.[2] The first of these aircraft made its maiden flight on 9 April 1964.[3] All four aircraft were delivered in 1965, the Buffalo carrying nearly twice the payload as the Caribou while having better STOL performance.
14-April 1929 – Edwin Link Launches the Link Trainer
Link Trainer Launched 4/14/1929, a 25-year-old man from NY introduced his latest invention to the world. Ed Link worked for his family’s organ and piano company, and had wanted to pursue flying, but due to the high cost, he could not afford to do so. After dropping out of school, he started working on an invention to fuel his aviation passion and 18 months later, he’d built a flight simulator that used air pumps from organs to create pitch, roll, and vibration for stall buffeting for his weird looking stubby wing plywood “airplane”. It was first sold to amusement parks, but after the US Army Air Corps took over the US Mail flying routes and lost 12 pilots in the span of 78 days due to not being able to flying “IFR”, or instrument flight rules, they purchased 5 Link Trainers in 1934 at the cost of $3,400 each. Link would go on to produce over 10,000 Link Trainers and it’s estimated that over half a million pilots in WWII were trained to fly on instruments. Another invention of Link was creating the first aerial advertising plane by using a player piano roll to light up lights on the underside of a fuselage to spell words as well as he installed organ pipes to attract more attention with the loud music. The Link Trainer is on the list of USA Historic Mechanical Engineering Landmarks.
Before and during WWII, Britain had restrictions on buying war goods from non-Commonwealth countries. Link realized that business would only increase if he had a plant in Canada. He owned an island east of Gananoque (pronounced “Gan-an-ock-way”), Perch Island, and frequently flew from Binghamton in his amphibious plane to his cottageBefore and during WWII, Britain had restrictions on buying war goods from non-Commonwealth countries. Over 5,000 Link Trainers were built in Gananoque and with over 200 employees it was one of the town’s most-important businesses
15 Apr 1946 No. 401 (Fighter) Squadron (Auxiliary) was reactivated at St. Hubert, Montreal, Quebec.
On 4 Sep 1952 it was titled No. 401 “City of Westmount” (Fighter) Squadron (Auxiliary. The squadron flew the North American Harvard Mk. II, de Havilland DH.100 Vampire Mk. III, Canadair Sabre Mk. 5 and Canadair CT-133 Silver Star.
15 Apr 1946 – No. 402 (Fighter Bomber) Squadron was reformed at Winnipeg, Manitoba
No. 402 (Fighter Bomber) Squadron was reformed at Winnipeg, Manitoba, initially flying North American Harvard Mk. II trainers in preparation for a transition to a new role. On 1 Mar 1947 the unit was converted to a fighter role and was renamed No. 402 Squadron. It was equipped with de Havilland DH.100 Vampire Mk. 3 fighters. On 18 Sep 1950, the squadron was titled No. 402 “City of Winnipeg” (Fighter) Squadron. In 1951, it was re-equipped with the North American Mustang Mk. IV and renamed No. 402 “City of Winnipeg” (Fighter Bomber) Squadron. During the early postwar years, a large part of No. 402 Squadron’s training was conducted in the form of summer camps held throughout western Canada. In Nov 1964, the first Canadair CT-133 Silver Star Mk. III was delivered to the squadron, although the Mustang was retained until its retirement in 1957.
15 Apr 1946 – No. 418 (Fighter Bomber) Squadron (Auxiliary) was formed at Edmonton, Alberta
No. 418 (Fighter Bomber) Squadron (Auxiliary) was formed at Edmonton, Alberta. The squadron flew the North American Harvard Mk. II. On 1 Jan 1947 it was redesignated No. 418 (Light Bomber) Squadron (Auxiliary) and flew the North American Mitchell Mk. II and Mk. III in a light bomber role. On 1 Apr 1947 it was redesignated No. 418 (Tactical Bomber) Squadron (Auxiliary). On 1 Apr 1949 it was titled No. 418 (Light Bomber) Squadron (Auxiliary). On 3 Sep 1949 it was redesignated No. 418 “City of Edmonton” (Light Bomber) Squadron (Auxiliary). On 31 Mar 1958 it was redesignated No. 418 “City of Edmonton” Squadron (Auxiliary). On 1 Feb 1968 it was integrated into the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) as No. 418 “City of Edmonton” Air Reseve Squadron.
15 Apr 1946 – No. 438 (Fghter Bomber) Squadron (Auxiliary) was reformed at St. Hubert, Montreal, Quebec
No. 438 (Fghter Bomber) Squadron (Auxiliary) was reformed at St. Hubert, Montreal, Quebec. It was equipped with North American Harvard trainers. Its main task was the retention of flying qualifications for newly repatriated aircrew and the training of new personnel. On 1 Apr 1947 the unit was redesignated No. 438 (Fighter) Squadron (Auxiliary) and in April 1948 it was re-equipped with the de Havilland DH.100 Vampire Mk. III. In 1949, The Wildcats of No. 438 Squadron, alongside their colleagues with No. 401 Squadron also on Vampires, participated in OP METROPOLIS, a large scale joint RCAF/USAF air exercise where the two RCAF jet fighter squadrons, with the assistance of No. 1 RCAF mobile radar unit were to defend the greater New York area from bomber formations composed of American B-26 bomber squadrons.
15 Apr 1946. No. 442 (Fighter) Squadron (Auxiliary) was formed at Sea Island, Vancouver, British Columbia
Equipped with the North American Harvard Mk. II, de Havilland DH. 100 Vampire Mk. III and the North American Mustang Mk. IV. In 1956 the squadron was augmented with the Canadair CL-13 Sabre Mk. 5.
21 Apr 1918 – ‘The Red Baron’ is brought down
Capt Roy Brown and Australian soldiers bring down Baron Manfred von Richthofen. von Richthofen was nicknamed the “Red Baron” for his custom-painted all-red Fokker Dr. I triplane. He had been the First World War’s deadliest flying ace, setting a record of 80 kills. He he was flying his famous red triplane when he engaged in a dogfight with RAF fighters. Roy Brown got him to disengage from an attack on fellow Canadian Wop May and chased the Baron down to ground level in his Sopwith Camel. The Baron was flying low over the Allied lines, trying to escape from Brown, when he was killed by a single bullet to the heart, likely fired by an Australian rifleman. The Baron managed to crash-land his triplane under control before he died.
22 Apr 1946 – First Flight of National Research Council Tailless Glider
The first flight of a tailless glider developed at National Research Council, Ottawa, from a design by Professor G.T.R. Hill. The first flight was made at RCAFV Station Namao, Alberta, piloted by S/L R. Kronfeld (RAF) in towed flight by an RCAF Douglas Dakota piloted by F/O Robertson.
23- Apr 1923 – New RCAF Motto adopted ‘Per ardua ad astra ‘.
The CAF motto, Sic itur ad astra (Such is the pathway to the stars), is replaced by the new RCAF motto, Per ardua ad astra (Through adversity to the stars), which is borrowed from the RAF. The CAF does not make formal application to use the motto, however, until the summer of 1928.
30 Apr 1918 Canadian High Commissioner recommens formation of Canadian Air Force in England
The Canadian High Commissioner in London sends a memorandum to the government recommending the formation of a Canadian Air Force in England. A study in July found some 13,000 Canadians were in the RAF, of whom 850 were on secondment from the Overseas Military Forces of Canada.
May
May 1946. – Facilities and personnel of Turbo Research Ltd were taken over by Avro Canada Ltd.
This became the Engine Division of Avro Canada Ltd.
British Airways (BA) Concorde at CYQG
British Airways (BA) Concorde at CYQG (Windsor Ontario) – Canadian Aviation Museum
01 May 1948 – Montreal-Toronto-Bermuda service was inaugurated by Trans-Canada Air Lines.
06-28 May 1947 – First ICAO General Assembly held in Montreal, Quebec
First General Assembly of the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) was held at Montreal, Quebec.
20-May 1915 – First Flight from Canada’s First Designated Airfield
The first flight took place at Long Branch, Toronto, Ontario, Canada’s first designated airfield.
18 May 1917 – First flight of Canadian fighter pilot Raymond Collishaw’s “B” Flight of Naval 10
First flight of Canadian fighter pilot Raymond Collishaw’s “B” Flight of Naval 10 would initially be composed entirely of Canadians, and would later be nicknamed the “Black Flight”, owing to the flight’s black (front) engine cowling and wheel covers (to contrast with the red and blue of Naval 10’s “A” and “B” Flights, respectively). In addition, the flight decided to give their machines names in large (3-inch) white letters on either side near the cockpit. Ellis Vair Reid, of Toronto, Ontario flew Black Roger; John Edward Sharman, of Winnipeg, Manitoba flew Black Death; Gerald “Gerry” Ewart Nash, of Stoney Creek, Ontario flew Black Sheep; Marcus Alexander, of Toronto, flew Black Prince; and Collishaw chose Black Maria (a reference to a police van). During their first two months they claimed a record 84 German aircraft destroyed or driven down.
22 May 1946 – First Flight of the De Havilland Canada (DHC-1) Chipmunk
The DHC-1 Chipmunk prototype was test flown at Downsview, Ontario, by WIP Fillingham. First flight of DeHavilland Chipmunk. The Chipmunk was the first postwar aviation project conducted by de Havilland Canada. It performed its maiden flight on 22 May 1946 and was introduced to operational service that same year.The first true postwar aviation project was the DHC-1 Chipmunk, designed as a primary trainer, a replacement for the venerable Tiger Moth. The Chipmunk was an all-metal, low-wing, tandem two-place, single-engined airplane with a conventional landing gear, powered by a de Havilland Gipsy Major engine. The Chipmunk prototype first flew on 22 May 1946 in Toronto. DHC built 217 in Canada, and it was also produced under licence by de Havilland in the UK, which produced 1,000, and by OGMA in Portugal, which built an additional 66. The Chipmunk served with the RCAF, the Royal Air Force (RAF), and at least twelve other air forces. After being largely phased out by the RAF and RCAF in the 1950s and 1960s, surplus Chipmunks achieved widespread popularity for civil sport flying, competition aerobatics, aerial application, and glider towing.
June
01 June 1947 – No. 417 (Fighter Reconnaissance) Squadron was formed at Rivers, Manitoba.
No. 417 (Fighter Reconnaissance) Squadron was formed at Rivers, Manitoba. It flew North American Harvard Mk. II and North American Mustng Mk. IV aircraft in close support training with army units until the squadron was disbanded on 1 Aug 1948.
2-June British Airways (BA) Concorde at CYQG
British Airways (BA) Concorde at CYQG (Windsor Ontario) – Canadian Aviation Museum
04 Jun 1950 – Frank Brame sets New Canadian Glider Record of 190 km
Frank H. Brame set a new Canadian glider record by flying a Loudon glider from Oshawa, Ontario to Kingston, Ontario, a distance of 118 miles (190 km) in 5 hrs 42 mins.
14 Jun 1946 – First Flight of the Fairchild F-11 Husky
The Fairchild F-11 Husky prototype was test flown on floats at Longueuil, Quebec, by AM Mackenzie.
16 Jun 1948 – First RCAF Jet Fatality
S/L Stan Broadbent crashed his de Havilland DH.100 Vampire Mk. 3 (Serial No. 17009) into Lake Ontario, becoming the first RCAF jet casualty.
20-June 1983 – First Flight of the De Havilland Canada DHC Dash 8-100
The very first DHC Dash 8-100, registered C-GDNK, first took off on June 20th, 1983. Powered by two Pratt & Whitney engines designed for turboprops, the Dash 8 promised to offer efficiency gains over the Dash 7 by switching from four engines to two and still carrying a similar 37-39 passengers
22 Jun 1960 – First Canadian Hardware in Space
Launch of U.S. navigation satellite Transit 2A with a cosmic noise receiver, the first Canadian hardware in space.
26 Jun 1946 – Peacetime Air Cadet Program Started
A peacetime program for air cadets, based on a combination of aviation and citizenship training, is put into effect by the Air Cadet League of Canada and the RCAF
July
3 July 1906
Balloon flights were followed by dirigibles, powered by makeshift engines, while other would-be aeronauts experimentedwith gliders. C.K. Hamilton completed the first powered flight under control in Canada, in a Knabenshue dirigible at Montreal, Quebec.
09 Jul 1947 First Flight of the Candian Designed Helicopter (Sznycer-Gottlieb) SG-VI
The first Canadian-designed helicopter, the Sznycer SG-VI (aka Sznycer-Gottlieb SG-VI), was successfully flown at Dorval, Quebec, by H.J. Eagle, Jr. The Sznycer SG-VI was a single-engined three-seat utility helicopter designed and built in the United States and Canada to the design of Bernard Sznycer, assisted by Selma Gottlieb and Engineering Products of Canada Ltd. It featured tricycle undercarriage with an enclosed cabin, and was nick-named the “Grey Gull”.
13 Jul 1949 – Canadian Pacific Airlines’ first scheduled trans-Pacific flight
Canadian Pacific Airlines’ first scheduled trans-Pacific flight left Vancouver, British Columbia, bound for Sydney, Australia, via San Francisco, Honolulu, Fiji, and Auckland, in a Canadair DC-4M North Star.
13 Jul 1950 – First Canadian Jet Engine Air Tested on a modified Lancaster
The first Canadian jet engine was air tested. A modified Avro Lancaster Mk. X was flown at Malton, Ontario, which incorporated two Orenda engines.
19 Jul 1947 – F/L J.F. Drake and crew left Rockcliffe Air Station in an RCAF Consolidated Canso to re-establish the location of the North Magnetic Pole.
20 Jul 1946 – First Flight of the Douglas DC-4M North Star at Cartierville, Quebec
The prototype Douglas DC-4M North Star was test flown at Cartierville, Quebec, by R. Brush and A.J. Lilly. The DC-4M variant North Star was developed and manufactured by Canadair. The main difference between the DC-4 and the North Star was the fact that the latter was re-engined with Rolls-Royce Merlin 626 V-12s. These enabled higher speeds than those achieved with the original DC-4’s Pratt & Whitney R-2000-2SD13-G Twin Wasp radial piston engines.
20-July 1969 – Apollo 11 Lunar Module ‘Eagle’ touches down on Lunar Surface on Canadian Built Landing Gear
At 10:56 p.m. (EDT) on this historic Sunday, U.S. astronaut Neil A. Armstrong, commander of mission Apollo 11, becomes the first person to set foot on the Moon. Fifteen minutes later, Buzz Aldrin climbs down the ladder of the lunar module to join his commander. Using a landing gear built by Héroux Aerospace of Longueuil, Quebec, the Eagle had touched down more than six hours earlier (4:17 p.m.) in the Sea of Tranquility. Apollo 11, is launched July 16, and splashes down on the Pacific Ocean on July 24
26 Jul 1947 – RCAF’s First Trans-Pacific VIP Flight
Start of the RCAF’s first trans-Pacific VIP flight, carrying General H.D.G. Crerar and his party on a Far Eastern Mission. They were flown by No. 412 (Composite) Squadron in Consolidated Liberator C Mk. VI, RCAF (Serial No. 574). They flew from Ottawa to Cheyenne (refueling stop), San Francisco, and Hawaii (they lost No. 4 engine as they approached Hickam Field as they were running out of gas). On 30 July they continued on to Guam and then to Tokyo, Japan, where the Crerar mission spent 2-20 Aug. On 2o Aug they flew to Nanking, China, departed 25 Aug for Guam, then on to Kwajalein, Johnson Island and then Honolulu. A long range ferry tank was installed in the bomb bay for the return home. The tour was completed with the return of 574 to Rockcliffe on 1 Sep 1947. This was a pioneer trip for the RCAF, but within three years it would be routine with North Star transport flights to Korea.
27 Jul 1950 – RCAF Begins Support of United Nations action in Korea
The RCAF moved in support of United Nations action in Korea. No. 426 (Transport) Squadron began to airlift supplies to Tokyo, Japan.
31 Jul 1950 – An RCAF Avro Lancaster Crashes at Alert Station in the Arctic
An RCAF Avro Lancaster Mk. X crashed at the newly established Alert Station in the arctic while making a supply drop, killing all nine on board.
August
01 Aug 1946 – No. 426 (Transport) Squadron was reformed at Dartmouth, Nova Scotia
No. 426 (Transport) Squadron was reformed at Dartmouth, Nova Scotia. In Mar 1947 the unit moved to Lachine, Quebec, where it began flying the Canadair North Star. During the Korean War the squadron transported supplies and troops to Japan in support of United Nations (UN) between 1950 and 1952. On July 1950, a few days after the start of the war, No. 426 (Transport) Squadron was detached to McChord Air Force Base in the state of Washington, where it came under the operational control of the Military Air Transport Service (MATS) of the USAF. On 1 Sep 1959, the squadron was moved to Trenton, Ontario. In Jan 1962 the squadron moved to St. Hubert, Montreal, Quebec, where it was disbanded on 1 Sep 1962. On 3 May 1971 the unit was reformed as No. 426 (Transport Training) Squadron at Uplands, Ottawa, Ontario. In Aug 1971 the squadron moved to Trenton, Ontario, where it remains today, conducting training on the Lockheed CC-130 Hercules.
01 Aug 1946. No, 435 (Transport) Squadron was re-activated at Edmonton, Alberta and in 1955 was relocated a few miles north to Namao. The squadron flew the Douglas Dakota Mk. IV and the Fairchild C-119 Flying Boxcar on western Canada transport duty and parachute training at Rivers, Manitoba. From Nov 1956 to Jan 1957 the squadron airlifted members of the United Nations Emergency Force (UNEF) from Italy to Egypt.
05 Aug 1918 – The Air Ministry authorized the formation of two Canadian squadrons in England
The Air Ministry authorized the formation of two Canadian squadrons in England, one fighter and one bomber.
Aug. 7, 1955 – Test Pilot Tex Johnston rolls a Boeing 707 at Gold Cup Hydro Races (USA)
Boeing’s chief of flight testing, the legendary Alvin “Tex” Johnston, pulled an impressive stunt in the prototype of the Boeing 707. This was the company’s entry into the commercial jet age. But that afternoon, over Lake Washington, with a crowd of 250,000 attending the Gold Cup hydro races and airline executives from around the world (who were in Seattle for an annual meeting) in attendance, Johnston didn’t just do a flyover. No. At a speed of 490 miles an hour, Johnston executed a barrel roll. That is, he flew the 248,000-pound aircraft upside down. And then, as an exclamation point, he did another barrel roll, and the stunt became Seattle lore.
09 Aug 1950 – First Flight of a Canadian built F-86 Sabre
The Canadian prototype of the North American F-86 Sabre, which was assembled from US-made parts, was test flown at Dorval, Quebec, by A.J. Lilly.
10 Aug 1840 – First Manned Flight in Canada (Ballon)
Professor of Chemistry and Aerostatic Exhibitions” Louis Anslem Lauriat inflated his massive balloon “Star of the East” with hydrogen gas in Saint John, New Brunswick and ascended in its basket. As he drifted out over the countryside, he was observed by thousands of local residents and visitors. This was reportedly the first manned flight in Canada.
10 Aug 1949 – First Flight of the Avro Jetliner
The first Canadian jet aircraft and the world’s second jet transport, the Avro Canada C-102 Jetliner was test flown at Malton, Ontario, by J.H. Orrell and crew.
11 Aug 1917 – Billy Bishop receives the Victoria Cross
King George V presents the Victoria Cross to Captain Billy Bishop; he is the first Canadian airman to receive the decoration.
16 Aug 1947 – First Flight of the deHavilland Canada DHC-2 ‘Beaver’
THE DE HAVILLAND BEAVER was designed and built in Canada and first flew on August 16, 1947. It is an all-metal bush plane operable on skis, wheels, or floats and was the world’s first aircraft designed specifically for short takeoff and landing (STOL), making it ideal in bush conditions. The Pilot was Russell Bannock.
September
Sept 1947 – The first RCAF cadets began training at RCN-RCAF College at Royal Roads, British Columbia.
01 Sep 1948 – No. 410 Squadron Formed at St. Hubert, Quebec
Formation of a Fighter Operational Training Unit at St. Hubert, Quebec, was authorized. No. 410 Squadron, the first RCAF jet fighter squadron, began training on 1 Dec.
04 Sep 1888 – First Human Parachute descent in Canada
The first parachute descents in Canada, when Edward D. Hogan jumped from a hot air balloon took place at Sherbrooke, Quebec.
4 September 1971 – First Transatlantic crossing of the Aérospatiale-BAC Concorde (UK Item)
First transatlantic crossing of the Aérospatiale-BAC Concorde.
04-06 Sep 1949 -The first Canadian aircraft Appears in the National Air Races, Cleveland, Ohio
The first Canadian aircraft appeared in the National Air Races, Cleveland, Ohio. F/L J.H.G. McArthur, RCAF, flying a Rolls-Royce Griffin-powered Supermarine Spitfire Mk. XIV, CF-GMZ, placed third in the Tinnerman Race.
5 Sep 1959 – Canadian Sounding Rocket Black Brant 1 is Launched
The Black Brant 1, the first all-Canadian sounding rocket, built by Bristol Aerospace of Winnipeg, Manitoba, is launched at the Churchill Range. Over 3,500 suborbital sounding rockets would be launched from the site to probe the upper atmosphere
05 Sep 1918 – Royal Canadian Naval Air Service (RCNAS) is Establised
The Royal Canadian Naval Air Service (RCNAS), Canada’s 3rd air force formation, was established in response to the RCN’s recommendation that defensive air patrols be established off Canada’s Atlantic coast to protect shipping from German U-boats. The war ended on 11 Nov, and the RCNAS was disbanded on 5 Dec 1918.
08 Sep 1856 First Canadian passenger flight in a balloon.
Eugene Godard made the first successful Canadian passenger flight in a balloon, travelling from took off from Montreal to Pointe-Olivier, Quebec, with his balloon “Canada” and two local men, A.E. Kierzowski and A.X. Rambau for a balloon flight across the St. Lawrence River. These men thereby became Canada’s first aerial passengers. The balloon “Canada” was the first aircraft ever constructed in Canada. (Marus Wydera, History of Ballooning, Wikipedia.)
10-13 Sep 1948. The NRC tailless glider made a 2,300 mile towed flight from Namao, Alberta to Arnprior, Ontario via Winnipeg, Chicago and Toronto, piloted by F/L C.F. Phripp and F/L G.A. Lee and towed by an RCAF Douglas Dakota.
15 Sep 1948 – No. 420 (Fighter) Squadron (Auxiliary) was formed at London, Ontario.
No. 420 (Fighter) Squadron (Auxiliary) was formed at London, Ontario. On 4 Sep 1952 it was titles No. 420 “City of London” (Fighter) Squadron (Auxiliary). The squadron flew the North American Harvard Mk. II, North American Mustang Mk. IV and Canadair CT-133 Silver Star in a fighter role until it was disbanded on 1 Sep 1956
15 Sep 1949 – ohn Dure established a new Canadian soaring endurance record of 8 hours
John Dure established a new Canadian soaring endurance record of 8 hours, taking off from Carp, Ontario in a Grunau sailplane and landed at Breckinridge, Quebec.
17 September 1908 – First Powered aircraft fatality. (USA Item)
The first person to die in a crash of a powered aeroplane was American Thomas Etholen Selfridge, a passenger on an aircraft piloted by Orville Wright which crashed at Fort Myer on 17 September 1908. Wright was badly injured, and was hospitalised for seven weeks.
19 Sep 1918 – Canadian Privy Council approved the formation of the Canadian Air Force (CAF)
The Canadian Privy Council approved the formation of the Canadian Air Force (CAF) with two squadrons. A Canadian Air Force Section, which later became the CAF Directorate of Air Services, was formed as a branch of the General Staff of the Overseas Military Forces of Canada. LCol W.A. Bishop, VC, was the first commander of the CAF in England.
26 Sep 1888 – First Aerial Fatality in Canada
Tom Wensley was accidentally carried into the air while holding the rope from at balloon at Ottawa, Ontario. He let go too late andfell to his death – the first aerial fatality in Canada.
30 Sep 1947 – Canadian armed forces are “stood down” after being on active service since Sep 1939.
October
01 Oct 1914 Canada’s First Military Aicraft arrives in Canada
The Burgess-Dunne biplane, Canada’s first military aircraft arrived in Quebec City and was immediately loaded on the S.S. Athenia, one of 30 ships preparing to transport the CEF to Britain the following day. The convoy docked at Plymouth on 17 Oct 1914 and the biplane, which had been heavily damaged in transit, was unloaded and trucked to the Canadian troop camp at Salisbury Plain. Because none of the three CAC members was a qualified pilot, the Burgess-Dunne never flew. The aircraft deteriorated in the wet English weather until it was written off.
01 Oct 1946 – Reversion Day
Reversion Day: almost all wartime personnel have been released and ranks are adjusted to peacetime establishments, with many taking a reduction in rank.
01 Oct 1947 – No. 444 (Air Observation Post) Squadron was formed at Rivers, Manitoba,
No. 444 (Air Observation Post) Squadron was formed at the Canadian Joint Air Training Centre (CJATC) at Rivers, Manitoba, flying de Havilland Chipmunk and Auster AOP Mk. VI aircraft. These aircraft were used to train army pilots in ranging and directing artillery fire. The squadron was disbanded on 1 Apr 1949.
4 October 1957 First Avro Arrow is Rolled out
The first Arrow Mk. 1, RL-201, was rolled out to the public on 4 October 1957, the same day as the launch of Sputnik I.
5-13 Oct 1984 – Astronaut Marc Garneau becomes the first Canadian in space
Astronaut Marc Garneau becomes the first Canadian in space on mission STS-41G aboard Challenger. As a Payload Specialist, he is responsible for CANEX-1, a set of Canadian experiments. On this mission, Canadarm is operated for the ninth time on a space shuttle flight.
15 Oct 1948 – No. 403 (Fighter Bomber) Squadron (Auxiliary) was formed at Calgary Alberta
No. 403 (Fighter Bomber) Squadron (Auxiliary) was formed at Calgary Alberta. On 3 Sep 1952 it was titled No. 403 “City of Calgary” (Fighter Bomber) Squadron (Auxiliary). On 16 Nov 1953 it was redesignated No. 403 “City of Calgary” (Fighter) Squadron (Auxiliary). The squadron flew North American Harvard Mk. II, North American Mustang Mk. IV fighters, and the Canadair Silver Star Mk. 3.
14 October 1947 – USAF Pilot Chuck Yeager becomes the First Man to Fly Faster Than Sound. (USA Item)
Captain Charles “Chuck” Yeager became the first man to fly faster than sound in the Bell X-1 ‘Glamorous Glennis.’ He reached 670 mph (Mach 1.015) at an altitude of 45,000 ft at Muroc Dry Lake, California.
22 Oct 1918 – William George “”Billy”” Barker was awarded the Victoria Cross
William George “”Billy”” Barker was awarded the Victoria Cross for his actions on this day. While returning his Sopwith Snipe to an aircraft depot, he crossed enemy lines at 21,000 feet above the Forêt de Mormal, France. He attacked an enemy Rumpler two-seater which broke up, its crew escaping by parachute (the aircraft was of FAA 227, Observer Lt. Oskar Wattenburg killed). By his own admission, he was careless and was bounced by a formation of Fokker D.VIIs of Jagdgruppe 12, consisting of Jasta 24 and Jasta 44. In a descending battle against 15 or more enemy fighters. The dogfight took place immediately above the lines of the Canadian Corps. Severely wounded and bleeding profusely, Barker force-landed inside Allied lines, his life being saved by the men of an RAF Kite Balloon Section who transported him to a field dressing station. The fuselage of his Snipe aircraft was recovered from the battlefield and is preserved at the Canadian War Museum, Ottawa, Ontario. At a hospital in Rouen, France, Barker clung to life until mid-Jan 1919, and then was transported back to England. He was not fit enough to walk the necessary few paces for the VC investiture at Buckingham Palace until 1 Mar 1919. Barker is officially credited with one captured, two (and seven shared) balloons destroyed, 33 (and two shared) aircraft destroyed, and five aircraft “”out of control””, the highest “”destroyed”” ratio for any RAF, RFC or RNAS pilot during the conflict. The Overseas Military Forces of Canada recognized Barker as “”holding the record for fighting decorations”” awarded in the First World War.
In 1922 he rejoined the fledgling Canadian Air Force in the rank of Wing Commander, serving as the Station Commander of Camp Borden, Ontario from 1922 to 1924. Barker was appointed acting director of the RCAF in early 1924 and he graduated from RAF Staff College, Andover, England in 1926. While waiting to start RAF Staff College Course No. 4, Barker spent two weeks in Iraq with the RAF to learn more about the uses of airpower. He formally reported on his findings to the Minister of National Defence, and informally to Brigadier General Billy Mitchell, of the US Air Service. One of his achievements in the RCAF was the introduction of parachutes.”
24 October 2003 – Last Commercial Flight of the Aérospatiale-BAC Concorde
Last commercial flight of the Aérospatiale-BAC Concorde . At 4:05 p.m. BST British Airways Concorde G-BOAG landed at Heathrow Airport, third in sequence with G-BOAE and G-BOAF after all
30-Oct 1941 – American Airlines Flagship Erie crashes near Lawrence Station Ontario
November
01 Nov 1946 First Airmail flight in Canada
A Sikorsky S-51 helicopter made the first airmail flight in Canada from Ottawa on this date.
11 Nov 1918 – The Armistice ends the First World War.
11-Nov 1944 – Canadair is Formally Created
Canadair was formally created on 11 November 1944 as a separate entity by the government of Canada.
Having absorbed the operations of the Canadian Vickers company, it initially operated as a manufacturer of Consolidated PBY “Canso”flying boats on behalf of the Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF). Benjamin W. Franklin became its first president. In addition to the PBY contract, a development contract to produce a new variant of the Douglas DC-4 transport was also underway. The resulting aircraft, the Canadair DC-4M, which was powered by an arrangement of four British-sourced Rolls-Royce Merlin engines, began production during 1946; it was marketed under the “Northstar” name.
12-20 Nov 1995 – Air Force Maj. Chris A. Hadfield goes into Space aboard Space Shuttle STS-74
The fourth Canadian in space, Air Force Maj. Chris A. Hadfield, is not only the first Canadian Mission Specialist, he is also the first Canadian aboard space station Mir when he joins four crewmates on mission STS-74, the second Atlantis-Mir Docking Mission. Hadfield operates Canadarm to install the five-ton Russian Docking Module on the Orbiter Docking System.
13 Nov 1981 – Canadarm was deployed in space for the first time aboard Space Shuttle Mission STS-2
18 May 1953 Cochran became the first woman to break the sound barrier flying a Canadair Sabre
May 18, 1953, at Rogers Dry Lake, California, American Jacqueline Cochran flew the Sabre 3 at an average speed of 652.337 mph. During the course of this run the Sabre went supersonic, and Cochran became the first woman to break the sound barrier. She had tried to borrow an F-86 from the U.S. Air Force, but was refused. She was introduced to an Air Vice-Marshal of the Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF) who, with the permission of the Canadian Minister of Defence, arranged for her to borrow 19200, the sole Canadair Sabre 3. Canadair sent a 16-man support team to California for the attempt.
19 Nov 1948 – Fairey Aviation Co. of Canada is Established
Fairey Aviation Co of Canada was established and took over the facilities of the Clark-Ruse Aircraft Company at Dartmouth, Nova Scotia.
20 Nov 1918 RFC Becomes the RAF
The RFC Canada becomes the RAF Canada.
20 Nov 1918 – No. 1 Squadron (No. 81 Squadron (Canadian), RAF) is Formed
No. 1 Squadron (No. 81 Squadron (Canadian), RAF) was formed as a scout (fighter) unit at Upper Heyford, Oxfordshire, England. The squadron flew Sopwith Dolphin and S.E.5a aircraft on training until it was disbanded at Shoreham-by-Sea, Sussex, on 28 Jan 1920
25 Nov 1940 The first Flight of the De Havilland DH98 Mosquito (UK Item)
The first prototype DH98 Mosquito (W4050 – E0234) first flew at Hatfield on 25th November 1940, with Geoffrey R de Havilland (Geoffrey Junior) at the controls, accompanied by John E. Walker, the chief engine installation designer. Painted in ‘prototype yellow’, take-off was reported as ‘straightforward and easy’ and the flight was relatively problem free, despite the undercarriage doors remaining slightly open.
December
Dec 1947 – First engine was tested at Cold Weather Test Station for jet engines set up at Fort Churchill, Manitoba, by the National Research Council
Dec – 2000 Antonov AN124 Overruns the Runway at Windsor Airport (CYQG)
Antonov AN124 Overruns the Runway at Windsor Airport (CYQG) Dec-2000. – Canadian Aviation Museum
6 December 1908 – First flight of the Aerial Experiment Association (AEA) Aerodrome No.4 Silver Dart
First flight of the Aerial Experiment Association (AEA) Aerodrome No.4 Silver Dart aeroplane (in Hammondsport New York). Pilot John A. D. McCurdy. (Note that this is not the first flight of the Silver Dart in Canada, but the first flight of where the aircraft was manufactured!)
6-December 1907 – First Heavier than Air Flight in Canada – Cygnet 1
First flight of the Cygnet 1 (or Aerodrome 5). Canadian aeroplane with a wall-like wing consisting of 3,393 tetrahedral cells. Flown by Thomas Selfridge and towed into the air behind a motorboat. The first recorded heavier-than-air flight in Canada.
6 December 1921 – Birth of George Frederick “Buzz” Beurling -most successful Canadian WWII fighter pilot
Birth of George Frederick “Buzz” Beurling, DSO, DFC, DFM & Bar (d. 20 May 1948). The most successful Canadian WWII fighter pilot, he was credited with shooting down 27 Axis aircraft in 14 days over the besieged island of Malta.
6 December 1973 – First flight of the production version of the Concorde (Concorde 201 / F-WTSB) from Touloose (UK+France Item)
12 Dec 1951 – First Flight of the de Havilland Canada DHC-3 ‘Otter’
one of the most rugged and enduring bush planes made its first flight, the de Havilland Canada DHC-3 Otter. Whether on floats, wheels, or skis or powered a radial engine or a turboprop, the Otter has been everywhere from the Alaskan and Canadian tundra to the sunbaked plains of Ethiopia and the jungles of Nicaragua, and over 70 years later, it remains a popular aircraft to deliver people and supplies in and out of some of the world’s most remote and hard-to-reach places.
14-December, 1903 – The Wright brothers make their first attempt to fly with the Wright Flyer at Kitty Hawk, North Carolina.
On Dec 14, 1903 – The Wright brothers make their first attempt to fly with the Wright Flyer at Kitty Hawk, North Carolina.
15 Dec 1916 – Canadian Aeroplanes Ltd. located in Toronto, Ontario was formed
Canadian Aeroplanes Ltd. an aircraft manufacturing company located in Toronto, Ontario was formed/ The company built aircraft for the Royal Flying Corps Canada during the First World War. The company was created when the Imperial Munitions Board bought the Curtiss (Canada) aircraft operation in Toronto (opened in 1916 as Toronto Curtiss Aeroplanes) at a 6-acre facility at 1244 Dufferin Street south of Dupont Avenue in April 1917 (Galleria Shopping Centre since 1972 and Wallace Emerson Community Centre). Canadian Aeroplanes Ltd. manufactured the JN-4 (Can) Canuck (1200), the Felixstowe F5L flying boat (30), and the Avro 504. The plant remained opened until after the Armistice and was sold to the Columbia Graphophone Company Ltd., in 1919. After 1924 it was sold to Dodge Brothers Canada Limited as a car assembly plant till 1928.
18 Dec 18, 1952 – CF-100 achieves Supersonic Flight with Jan Zurakowski
Janusz Żurakowski, Avro’s experimental test pilot, took the CF-100 Mk 4 prototype to Mach 1.10 in a dive from 14,000 meters (45,000 feet), making it the first straight-winged jet aircraft to achieve controlled supersonic flight
19 Dec 2012 Canadian astronaut Chris Hadfield lifts off For Expedition 34/35
Astronaut Chris Hadfield returns to space for a third time during Expedition 34/35 and becomes the first Canadian Commander of the ISS during the second half of his six-month mission.
17 Dec 1903 – First Successful Powered Heavier than Air Takes Flight (USA)
After building and testing three full-sized gliders, Wilbur and Orville Wrights’ successful powered heavier than air flight took place at Kitty Hawk, North Carolina. Orville flew a 12-second flight, traveling 36m (120 ft). The best flight of the day, with Wilbur at the controls, covered 255.6 m (852 ft) in 59 seconds. They were not the only group working to place men in the air.
26 Dec.1946 – The RCAF Women’s Division is dissolved.