On Sunday, August 27th, the RAA Oshawa District Recreational Aircraft Association, in collaboration with COPA Flight 70, proudly presented their annual fly-in event at the charming Hawkefield Aerodrome.

This warm and welcoming gathering united pilots, aviation enthusiasts, and an impressive array of aircraft, ranging from historic warbirds and certified planes to nimble ultralights and skillfully crafted amateur builds. This occasion stands as a highlight, drawing together the largest congregation of pilots and aviation aficionados in the Oshawa region.

Among the distinguished attendees was a special guest from the renowned Canadian Warplane Heritage Museum in Hamilton: the de Havilland Canada DHC-1B-2-S5 Chipmunk, accompanied by the impressive Antonov AN-2 from Lee Barker. Also gracing the event were familiar faces like Manfred Harder with his Bell OH-58A and COPA Director for Southern Ontario and Eastern Vice-Chair, Ashlynne Dale, joined by Doug Ronan, taking to the skies in the Airbus Helicopters H125.

Hannu Halminen, the owner and operator of Hawkefield, brightened the day by granting the raffle ticket winners an opportunity for flying time in the iconic North American P-51 Mustang. Hannu himself took to the skies in this Mustang on three occasions, accompanied by his Waco aircraft and an old friend, the DHC-1B-2-S5 Chipmunk.

The weather couldn’t have been more ideal, providing a picturesque backdrop for visitors to indulge in a day of aircraft marvels, engaging conversations, and the delightful addition of complimentary sweet corn.

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