Marking a century of flight, the Canadian Harvard Aircraft Association (CHAA) successfully hosted the RCAF Centennial Fly-In on June 1st. The perfect weather complemented a day filled with activities, vintage RCAF aircraft displays, and free admission, with donations supporting CHAA.

Highlights included two Boeing PT-27 Stearmans, one of which belongs to Dave Hewitt’s collection and was piloted by his son, Dylan Hewitt. A Beech 18, also from Dave Hewitt’s collection, was featured as well. A 1943 RCAF PT-26 Cornell from the Edenvale Classic Aircraft Foundation (ECAF), piloted by Shawn Clish, and a de Havilland Tiger Moth, piloted by Stephen Gray, were also showcased.

Flight experiences were offered in the Harvard aircraft from CHAA and the Cornell from ECAF, with a total of 23 Harvard rides sold by the end of the day. The event was further enlivened by a variety of visiting aircraft.

Attendees indulged in historical RCAF displays, CHAA merchandise, RCAF Centennial items, a kids’ zone, fundraising auctions, a book and aviation art sale, food trucks, and a display by the South-West Oxford Fire & Emergency Services.

Canadian aviation author Larry Milberry was present, autographing his books. The CHAA Aircraft Recovery Team, the Tillsonburg Military History Club, and the No. 6 RCAF Museum from Dunnville significantly contributed to the event’s success.

A heartfelt thank you to the Canadian Harvard Aircraft Association, the dedicated volunteers, and everyone who attended and contributed to this vibrant celebration of Canada’s aviation heritage.

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