Vintage Wings of Canada

An RTHS Field Trip, June 27th, 2009. Report by Lucy Martin

Vintage Wings of Canada isn’t a typical museum. The not-for-profit charitable foundation doesn’t have regular visiting hours. It does host periodic open house events and welcomes group tours by appointment. Vintage Wings also brings their planes right to the public at other venues. The mission statement of Vintage Wings is: “…to acquire, restore, maintain and fly classic aircraft significant to the early history of powered flight. A particular focus is on aircraft of Canadian importance.”

Founder Michael Potter and Vintage Wings have been in the headlines recently. Controversy arose after the air force authorized the diversion of C-17 transport plane to help move a P-40 Kittyhawk from New Zealand to Canada. (The C-17 was returning from Afghanistan.) The WW II relic was rescued from the jungles of Papua New Guinea in the late 90’s. Vintage Wings took over the restoration project in 2006, work that now continues in the Gatineau hanger.

A second controversy involves the purchase of a rare Y2K Spitfire. Initial restoration for that plane was begun by a volunteer group in British Columbia, using a federal grant and donor contributions. To the dismay of some who wanted to keep the plane in B.C., Vintage Wings of Canada will finish the project, after acquiring the plane from the Canadian Forces for $1.

Obviously, the allocation of tax dollars and rare artifacts can provoke disagreement. Seeing how Vintage Wings of Canada uses the planes lends perspective to this issue.

Our small advance delegation was treated to a hanger tour from Potter and Marketing Director Dave O’Malley, on a cold Sunday in early May. The aircraft in residence have been restored, detailed and polished to a truly stunning degree. Potter and O’Malley lead a small army of volunteers and contributors who make the labour of love happen. The visit offered a small glimpse of the considerable expertise underpinning the organization.

Remarkably, these showroom-perfect planes still fly. They are maintained and flown, with gusto that approaches pure joy. Many of the planes make scheduled appearances at Ottawa’s Aviation Museum. Also, Vintage Wings’ Canadair Sabre 5 will be part of a special fly-by with the Snowbirds over Parliament Hill on Canada Day. This cold-war jet was used by an earlier RCAF precision team, the Golden Hawks, back in 1959, to mark the 50th anniversary of powered flight in Canada. The 100th anniversary is being observed with various events across 2009.

Vintage Wings of Canada works to celebrate the past, while keeping passion for flying alive today. Saluting the men and women who served their country and helped advanced aviation is a sub-text of all they do. As Potter put it, “They were absolutely vital in changing the course of history. And, increasingly, young people are not being taught what happened.” Potter’s summary was heartfelt, “We love the airplanes. We love the challenge of flying them. But we love the fact that we can do all that and actually reflect back on some wonderful stories of very courageous people.”

If you like planes, or WW II history, if you have an interest in mechanics or engineering, it doesn’t get better than this. If you appreciate the art of technical restoration and tasteful display, this is a rare opportunity. If you want to see what the fuss in the papers is all about, come along too! Tell your friends and act quickly, as our chartered bus is nearly full. There is also another opportunity to visit at their next open house event, on September 19th.