Remembering Wings & Wheels 2, June 20 & 21, 2009!
Dedicated to the Memory of Kaitlin Vanderhoek!
2009 is the Centennial of Powered Flight in Canada!
On February 23, 1909, J.A. Douglas McCurdy flew the Silver Dart from the ice of Baddeck Bay. Near Cape Breton, Nova Scotia he and the rest of Alexander Graham Bell's team began Canada's history of powered flight. Throughout 2009 there will be many events and organizations celebrating that historic leap into the air.
- Canadian Centennial of Flight
- Canadian Centennial of Flight Facebook Group
- Canadian Centennial of Flight Timeline
- Airforce - Canadian Centennial of Flight
- Flight of the Silver Dart - Baddeck, Nova Scotia
- CBC Interview with J.A.D. McCurdy
February will be a busy month as many will be celebrating the flight of the Silver Dart. Although Celebrations in Nova Scotia will be taking place throughout 2009, Anniversary celebrations from February 20th to 24th, 2009 will feature a recreation of the flight if weather permits.
Regional Group Building Silver Dart Replica!
The Aerial Experiment Association 2005 in the Niagara region have dedicated themselves to building and flying a replica of the Silver Dart in February 2009. They are celebrating the efforts of the original Aerial Experiment Association which included among others, McCurdy and Alexander Graham Bell.
Jet Powered 100th Anniversary Tribute!
Hawk One Heritage Flight is just one example of Vintage Wings' celebration of the 100th Anniversary of powered flight in Canada. It is an F-86 Sabre jet fighter painted in the colours of the RCAF Golden Hawks aerobatic team which flew from 1959 to 1964.
2007 Wings & Wheels "a Huge Triumph"!
"Overall, the Wings and Wheels St. Thomas airshow was a huge triumph! With great displays and large crowds, this little town has effectively made its mark as one of Canada's leading air shows"
Adrian Lang, World Airshow News, www.airshowmag.com
2007 Performers, 2007 Sponsors
2006 Snowbirds "Resounding Success"
On May 24th, 2006 the Canadian Forces Snowbirds made an appearance at the St. Thomas Municipal Airport for the St. Thomas Air Show. With the support of Dale Arndt and many dedicated volunteers the show was a great success!
Thank You to St. Thomas Energy Services Incorporated for their support to the air show as the main sponsor.
We would like to thank the Snowbird Team and look forward to seeing them again.
For many years this region has been known for air shows such as the London International Air Show, Airfest and Balloon Festival but the area has a longer history involving the air force...
The Second World War had a profound impact on the South Western Ontario Region. The British Commonwealth Air Training Plan led to the establishment of the St. Thomas Municipal Airport in 1941 originally as a relief field for the Royal Canadian Air Force Training Stations in Aylmer and Fingal. The airport has since been expanded to serve the needs of the surrounding region.
The BCATP has also created facilities and touched lives in many other communities in this region. Included is a list of some of those RCAF facilities and information from the Spooner Memorial at the 427 Wing of the Air Force Association of Canada.
If you are interested in learning more about the military history of this region please visit the following museum and association links:
