Canadian Harvard Aircraft Association celebrates 40 years

A aerial view of Harvards flying in formation over Southwestern Ontario. The association is celebrating its 40th anniversary in 2005. (Sean Voscamp Photo)

Jeff Helsdon, Editor

From humble beginnings on a grass airstrip outside Woodstock to more than 400 members and its own hangars in Tillsonburg, the Canadian Harvard Aircraft Association has come a long way.

The group was formed on Feb. 12, 1985. Former Royal Canadian Air Force pilot Bob Hewitt, pilot Norm Beckham, pilot Len Fallowfield, and some friends established a grass airfield in Woodstock that year. Before year’s end, they received charitable status.

While the original three aircraft were privately owned, the association acquired its first aircraft in April 1986. A second aircraft – a Yale – was added the following year, and a hangar was purchased in Tillsonburg to use for restoration work. Flying operations moved to Tillsonburg a short time later.

The Harvard was the primary aircraft used by the British Commonwealth Air Training Plan during the Second World War. This program trained hundreds of aviators from Canada, England, and other Commonwealth countries. Numerous bases were scattered across Southwestern Ontario.

The association’s mission is to acquire, preserve, restore, maintain, display, and demonstrate the Harvard and other aircraft used by the British Commonwealth Air Training Plan.

Over the past four decades, the group has added more Harvards to its fleet. Today, the association has nine aircraft, of which eight could be capable of flying.

Diana Spremo, PR Manager, for the association, said if the group had unlimited funds, all but one of the planes could be in air. She explained the planes are expensive to maintain, and each season there are three or four in flying condition.

“This summer we have one plane we hope to return to the skies, which has not flown in 40 years,” she said. “It’s going to be a very exciting day when it takes off for the first time.”

Outside of its fly days, the group’s pilots fly the planes at Remembrance Day ceremonies, special events, and air shows. Some exciting events have occurred over the years, including having a CF-18 fly beside a Harvard squadron in North Bay.

The group has grown to more than 400 members, who span the country and even to Britain. Some are pilots, while others just have an interest in planes or support the association’s mission. Spremo is in the latter category, having worked in the air show industry.

“I saw Harvards perform in an air show and I loved what they stood for, preserving history and honouring veterans,” the Oakville resident said.

As part of its 40th anniversary celebrations, the group will be in the Tillsonburg Town Centre this weekend with an information display about its history, the anniversary and fly days.

Spremo said there is excitement about the anniversary.

“It’s more than just passion that keeps it alive, it’s blood sweat and tears,” she said. “To keep an organization like this alive for 40 years is quite a feat everyone is very proud of.”

The 40th anniversary open house and fly day is scheduled for July 5. Although fly days are held once per month from May to October, July 5 will feature more displays, entertainment, cake, and balloons.

September will be the annual Wings and Wheels, which has become the group’s largest fundraiser of the year. It attracts more than 500 cars and a large crowd.

The group is hoping to raise awareness of its activities during the anniversary year, and get more donations and volunteers.

According to Transport Canada law, those who want to take part in one of the fly days must become members. The minimum $240 price for flying includes a membership.

“Sometimes people let their membership lapse after a year, but we hope they will continue to support us by renewing their annual dues because this funding is critical to keeping the operations of the Harvard Association going,” Spremo said.

More information on the Canadian Harvard Aircraft Association can be found on its web site at www.harvards.com