On Saturday, October 3, the Canadian Harvard Aircraft Association (CHAA) welcomed guests to its final Open House and Fly Day of the season at the Tillsonburg Regional Airport. The day brought a mix of sun and cloud, with a mild autumn breeze that made the event feel calm and comfortable from start to finish.
The morning began with the ground crew rolling two Harvards out of the hangar and preparing them for flight. Fuel checks, run‑ups and last looks were carried out with the familiar care CHAA is known for. Pilots Allan Paige and Sean Voskamp soon lifted off, heading to London for a meaningful aerial tribute during the unveiling of the Byron Springbank Veterans Monument. Their flyover paid tribute to those who served, those who made it home and the lasting impact they left for future generations.
Back in Tillsonburg, visitors were treated to a special arrival when a vintage Cornell trainer, flown by Steve Gray, touched down from Waterloo. Seeing another classic wartime trainer join CHAA’s bright yellow Harvards added a lovely touch to the day, and many guests paused to admire the aircraft side by side.
Late in the morning, attention shifted to a warm ceremony dedicating three new memorial benches. Led by Charles Thomson, a distinguished piper who once performed for Queen Elizabeth, CHAA members carried the Canadian and RCAF flags in a short procession. A few CHAA members also offered remarks during the ceremony, adding a simple and thoughtful touch to the moment. The benches, donated by the families of founders Bob Hewitt, Norm Beckham and Len Fallowfield, now offer a quiet place for reflection in the developing memorial garden. They stand as a tribute to the pioneers who helped preserve Canada’s aviation heritage.
Once the pilots returned from London, the always‑popular Harvard flight experiences began. Around noon, passengers climbed aboard for unique flights in the mild autumn air. Throughout the afternoon, visitors wandered through the historic hangars, chatted with volunteers, admired the aircraft up close and browsed through the merchandise in the welcome centre. The day eased to a close after the final passenger flight, marking a warm and memorable finish to the season.
Our sincere thanks go to the Canadian Harvard Aircraft Association, its dedicated volunteers who make these events possible and the community members who came out to support this Fly Day.
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