British Columbia Aviation Museum
The British Columbia Aviation Museum (BCAM) is a nonprofit aviation museum dedicated to preserving and showcasing British Columbia's aviation heritage. Founded in 1985, it is situated on the grounds of Victoria International Airport in Sidney, British Columbia[1][2][5]. The museum operates under the business registration number 131789398RR0001 and features civilian, military, and experimental aircraft alongside historical artifacts such as uniforms, medals, and models[1][2].

Exhibits and collections

The museum occupies two hangars, a restoration workshop, and educational spaces. Key exhibits include:

• Replicas of early aircraft: A Chanute-Type Glider, Gibson Twin Plane (Canada’s first domestically designed aircraft), and Hoffar H-1 (British Columbia’s first locally built aeroplane)[5].
• WWI-era reproductions: 7/8-scale Nieuport 17 and Royal Aircraft Factory SE5A replicas, honoring Canadians who served in British air services[5].
• Historic aircraft: Avro Lancaster FM104 (one of 17 surviving Lancasters globally, undergoing restoration for search-and-rescue configuration), Grumman S2F Tracker, and CF-104 Starfighter[2][5].
• Notable acquisitions: Piasecki H-21 helicopters (2023) and the Hawaii Mars flying boat (August 2024), one of two remaining Martin Mars waterbombers[2].

Operations

BCAM emphasizes restoration and education, with volunteers actively preserving aircraft and artifacts. The Hawaii Mars is slated for public display starting September 28, 2024, following preparation[2]. The museum regularly updates its collection through donations and acquisitions, reflecting Canada’s aviation milestones from early flight experiments to modern military contributions[5][2].

Historical significance

BCAM highlights British Columbia’s role in aviation innovation, including early 20th-century design breakthroughs and postwar advancements. Its focus on narrative-driven displays, such as pilot stories and technological evolution, positions it as a key institution for aviation history in Western Canada[5][2].