Canadian Warplane Heritage

The Canadian Warplane Heritage is a nonprofit organization dedicated to preserving Canada's military aviation history.

Overview

Founded in 1972, the organization aims to acquire, document, preserve, and maintain a comprehensive collection of aircraft flown by Canadians and the Canadian military from the beginning of World War II to the present. It is primarily focused on maintaining these aircraft in flying condition whenever possible.

Mission and Activities

The mission of the Canadian Warplane Heritage involves:

• Acquisition and Preservation: Collecting and maintaining aircraft and related aviation artifacts of historical significance.
• Education and Promotion: Educating the public through flight demonstrations, special events, and exhibits to promote awareness and appreciation of Canada's aviation history.
• Restoration and Display: Restoring aircraft for both static and flying displays, ensuring safety and adherence to legal standards.

Collection and Exhibits

The organization houses nearly 50 aircraft, including notable military jets and propeller-driven planes, many of which are restored to flying condition. Some of the notable aircraft include:

• Avro Lancaster: One of only two airworthy Lancasters in the world, named the Mynarski Memorial Lancaster.
• TBM Avenger, De Havilland Canada S-2 Tracker, and Bristol Bolingbroke: Examples of aircraft undergoing restoration.

Notable Features

• The museum is recognized for its vintage flying program, attracting international attention.
• A significant portion of the aircraft are flown regularly, participating in air shows and local flights.

Legal Status

The organization is registered as a nonprofit entity in Canada with Business Registration Number 106868599RR0001.

Public Engagement

By engaging visitors in the preservation of these historic aircraft, the Canadian Warplane Heritage fosters a sense of community and shared history among Canadians. The museum also honors those who contributed to Canada's aviation history, including those who did not return from service.