Canadian Military Tribute Day

Special aircraft visiting this weekend: The Canadian CF-18, specially painted for the 150th anniversary of Canada. It will arrive Friday at approximately 4:30 and depart on Sunday time TBD. It will not fly on Saturday but will sit static and the pilot (Maj. Erick O’Connor) will be on hand to discuss.

11:00 AM: Pride of the Bush Pilots: the de Havilland Beaver

Officially known as the de Havilland Canada DHC-2 Mk.I Beaver, it\’s listed as one of the 10 greatest Canadian inventions. More significantly, almost all backcountry pilots who\’ve flown the aircraft have a soft spot for the reliable workhorse. With a stout nine cylinder Pratt & Whitney radial engine, Beavers fly over emitting a roar evocative of steep mountains, unruly bears and true wilderness. The Beaver can be fitted with floats or skis. Learn about this hero of the Alaskan and Canadian backcountry.

Presenter: Dan Gilbertson, Palm Springs Air Museum’s Chairman of the Board

1:00 PM: Western Air Command and the Aleutian Campaign

Western Air Command was the part of the Royal Canadian Air Force\’s Home War Establishment responsible for air operations on the Pacific coast of Canada during the Second World War. With the Japanese threat after Pearl Harbor it grew rapidly and played a critical role in fighter and anti-submarine operations in Canadian and American waters during the Aleutian Islands Campaign. Don’t miss this fascinating look at the Joint U.S. / Canada response to the defence of the West Coast of North America, the Japanese invasion of the Aleutians 1942 / 43 and the Royal Canadian Air Force’s role therein.

Presenters Maj. Bill March, RCAF