News Release
GATINEAU, QC. - Second World War trainers and warbirds operated by Vintage Wings of Canada will overfly several Cenotaphs and Remembrance Day parades throughout the National Capital Region on 11 November at an altitude of 1,000 ft.
Taking part in the 2011 ceremonies are a P-51D Mark IV Mustang, a Goodyear FD-1G Corsair, a North American Harvard, a Boeing Stearman, and a Fleet Cornell.
Flying in formation overhead Wellington Street adjacent the War Memorial will be the Mustang piloted by Michael Potter, the founder of Vintage Wings, and the Corsair piloted by Paul Kissmann, a veteran CF-18 pilot who is now a test pilot for the National Research Council. The vintage warbirds will also overfly Navan, Russell, Carleton Place, Pakenham, and Arnprior during their flight route over Ottawa.
The Stearman and the Cornell will overfly Ottawa south for ceremonies in Barrhaven, Nepean, Manotick and Metcalfe and then carry on overhead Aylmer, QC. These two elementary flight trainers were used during the British Commonwealth Air Training Plan (BCATP) here in Canada from 1940 – 1944. Flying the Stearman is Francis Belanger, a veteran CF-18 pilot, and in the Cornell is Ulrich Bollinger who also served as an RCAF pilot.
The Harvard, piloted by Rob Fleck, president of Vintage Wings, will overfly the Gatineau region for ceremonies in Chelsea, Wakefield and Kasabazua. The Vintage Wings’ Harvard pays homage to Lt. John Gillespie McGee who penned the well known poem ‘High Flight,’ a mantra to pilot still to this day.
The fly pasts are to honour of all our fallen comrades who have bravely served this country in conflicts of war. Vintage Wings’ mission is to commemorate Canada’s veterans and to educate and inspire Canadians about its rich aviation heritage through a unique collection of fully restored airworthy aircraft.
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I just seen the vintage trains fly by... What a GREAT site. I live near John McCrae High School where I suspect they were flying over around 11:18
ReplyDeleteNice touch
Thank you Lenny. Yes, Centrepointe was part of the flight path of the Stearman and Cornell. Pleased you witness it !
ReplyDeletePosted on behalf of Manotick Legion
ReplyDeleteOn behalf of The Royal Canadian Legion, Branch 314, Manotick this is to express our sincere thanks for the fly-past at our Remembrance Day Ceremony at the Manotick Cenotaph of two vintage trainer aircraft used during the British Commonwealth Air Training Programme, 1940-1944.
Once again, the double fly-past was a major highlight of our ceremony, perfect in timing, emotionally moving and greatly appreciated by everyone present.
We do understand the time, effort and expense in maintaining Vintage Wings. Please pass our thanks and warm regards to the owners, pilots and volunteers concerned.
With best wishes,
Sincerely,
Dennis Osmond
Dennis G. Osmond, C.M.
Chair, Poppy Trust Fund & Remembrance Committee
The Royal Canadian Legion, Branch 314 Manotick'
Tel/Fax: 613 692-4701
We were thrilled with the fly-past, it was perfect! The fly-past is now an eagerly anticipated element of the Remembrance Ceremony. Please pass our heartfelt thanks to the people of Vintage Wings.
Allan Haan
PRO, Legion Branch 314
Manotick
Posted on behalf of the Aylmer Legion
ReplyDelete11 November 2011 has come and gone, but please allow me to Thank You once again for the wonderful fly past(s) during our ceremony at Aylmer. What I found amazing was that a two email conversation, nothing else, and there it was, it happened. You guys and as much of the "Royal Canadian Air Forces" of the day, surely made our day. Hope to look up to you again next year!
LCol (Ret'd) Alain Couture,MB,CD
Président, President
Légion Royale Canadienne, Filiale #33
Royal Canadian Legion, Branch # 33
Gatineau (Aylmer)
Posted on behalf of the Barrhaven Legion
ReplyDeleteThe fly past was very well received in Barrhaven. We thank you for providing this wonderful addition to our Remembrance Day service.
David St Amand
Br641 Poppy Chair 2011
Posted on behalf of the Chelsea Legion
ReplyDeleteJust want to let you know that the fly pass went perfectly. It happened at the right moment, just as we were about to sing O Canada, and the audience had a pretty good view with the route you flew. We had over 100 military personnel at the Service and many asked me to convey their thanks to Vintage Wings for the fly pass.
We will have some info up on our Website in the next week or two, so I'll let you know when its done. Hope someone got a picture!
Thanks again for adding a very thrilling touch to our Remembrance Day Service
Marc Cockburn
GVHS
Posted on behalf of Kemptville Legion
ReplyDeleteIt was fantastic to have the VWC Mustang and Corsair fly over the Remembrance Day ceremony in Kemptville today. Thanks so much! It was very moving.
... well done Vintage Wings!
Cheers,
Mike