On a beautiful sunny Saturday, July 20th, the Canadian Harvard Aircraft Association (CHAA) hosted their Open House Fly Day at Tillsonburg Regional Airport. This event was more than just an open house-it was also a celebration of 85 years since the Harvard first joined the Royal Canadian Air Force on July 20, 1939.

Visitors came in large numbers, eager for their Harvard rides and to spend the day watching these magnificent WWII trainers soar through the sky. Among the attendees was David Ellerby, who took his very first ride, creating a memorable flight experience with pilot Allan Paige. It was also a day of firsts for CHAA’s pilot, Jamie MacDonald, who flew passengers for the first time since joining CHAA. Adding a special touch, her first passenger of the day was her mother.

The atmosphere was filled with excitement and joy throughout the day as visitors and enthusiasts alike marveled at the beauty and history of the Harvard Aircraft. The event was a perfect tribute to the 85-year legacy of the Harvard in Canada, capturing the spirit of aviation and the passion for preserving this piece of history.

A special thank you goes out to all the volunteers who worked tirelessly to ensure the Fly Day ran smoothly. Their dedication and hard work made the event a huge success, creating wonderful memories for all who attended. Here’s to many more years of celebrating the Harvard in Canada!