Founded by Ottawa entrepreneur and pilot Michael Potter, Vintage Wings was created, “to use the aircraft in the collection to communicate the stories — particularly Canadian stories — of the history of aviation and to stimulate interest in our aviation heritage and Canadian history overall.”
The purpose of the foundation is to expose the aircraft to the public, through fly days. The first Saturday of each month from June to September, visitors can go to the airport to see the planes fly, weather permitting.
Among the planes is a Hawker Hurricane MK IV. The plane, which arrived in Gatineau several weeks ago from Hawker Restorations Ltd. in Britain, is one of 13 flyable in the world.
Yet to arrive is a Fairey Swordfish torpedo bomber, the only flying example of this type in existence.
The single-engined biplane is probably best remembered for having damaged the German battleship Bismarck, resulting in its destruction days later by British warships.
The collection also includes a WACO Taperwing, a Beech Staggerwing, a De Havilland DHC-2 Beaver, a North American Harvard MK 4, a De Havilland Tiger Moth, a Hawker Hurricane MK IV, a Supermarine Spitfire MK XVI, and a North American Mustang MK IV.
Vintage Wings is in the process of acquiring Mr. Harry Whereatt’s Mark
XII Hurricane that is presently located in his barn in Saskatchewan.
It is Vintage Wings hopes to have two airworthy Hurricanes in formation
off of a Spitfire flying in Canadian skies — something that has likely
not occurred for at least 60 years.
By: mrhenniger - 4th July 2006 at 22:46
As some of you may, or may not be aware, there was some confusion created resulting from a recent statement by Vintage Wings of Canada who are in the process of acquiring Mr. Whereatt’s Hurricane MK XII. Comments received by some were a little dissappointing, but that sometimes happens. I vouch for Tim and the other staff of VWoC when I say they are people of the highest character and professionals all around. If that was not the case I wouldn’t be spending much of my spare time with them in a volunteer capacity.
To clarify the issue Tim Leslie released a statement today, I have included it below.
If anyone has any questions please feel free to send them my way and I will do my best to get an answer.
Mike
Unfortunately, through some miscommunication there was some concern raised. However, any misunderstanding between the two parties has been resolved the old fashioned way…talking plainly, honestly, and directly with one another. I suggest any speculation on what Vintage Wings intends to do with Mr. Whereatt’s Hurricane is purely that… speculation. We consider Mr. Whereatt’s workmanship to be of the
highest order. That being said, we are obliged to thoroughly inspect
the aircraft when it comes to our hangar – any operator would do the
same. As well, both parties agree the engine requires an overhaul.It is most regrettable that in an attempt to clarify a few aspects to those who take an interest in these matters regarding the status of this aircraft some missteps occurred. I take complete responsibility, neither Mr. Potter or Mr. Whereatt were party to any remarks made about the condition of Mr. Whereatt’s Hurricane or Vintage Wings intentions…those were mine. I will know better next time. Sometimes the best of intentions can be derailed by an innocent attempt to get the facts out.
Tim Leslie
Chief of Flying Operations
Vintage Wings of Canada
By: mrhenniger - 30th May 2006 at 18:04
More News From VWoC
I received this statement from VWoc yesterday…
> Vintage Wings is in the process of acquiring Mr. Harry Whereatt’s Mark
> XII Hurricane that is presently located in his barn in Saskatchewan. We
> expect to ‘recover’ this aircraft to the Vintage Wings facilities in
> Gatineau sometime in early July. Though this Hurricane recently flew
> (within the last ten years), we intend a complete restoration to make it
> authentic…inclusive of not only an engine and prop overhaul, but a
> complete stripping of the fabric…replacing any pieces of the structure
> not considered original or in airworthy condition. We expect this
> restoration project will take two years, but are planning on three
> (coincident with the 100th Anniversary of Powered Flight in Canada).
>
> It is Vintage Wings hopes to have two airworthy Hurricanes in formation
> off of a Spitfire flying in Canadian skies – something that has likely
> not occurred for at least 60 years. This initiative is very much the
> idea of Mr. Michael Potter. Mr. Potter is committed to affording all
> Canadians an opportunity to rekindle interest in our aviation heritage.
> The 100th Anniversary of Powered Flight in Canada will happen in 2009
> and it is Vintage Wings desire to ensure this event is properly
> recognized.
I have also had the opportunity to visit VWoC a few times in the last few weeks, and have photographed the activities. I’ll start with the visitors to VWoC. A few visitors flew in for the grand opening of the hanger including the B-25 from the Canadian Warplane Heritage and Sandy Thompson in his Sea Fury. As well I have added a few photos of Ed Russell’s Hurricane taken during it’s annual. The Hurricane is back in Niagra now. You can find the picutres in this album…
http://community.webshots.com/album/550224472CQmEXS
You can always find pictures of the VWoC aircraft in this album…
http://community.webshots.com/album/549742440sWoaHR
If you would prefer to jump straight to the Hurricane arrival start with this picture…
http://community.webshots.com/photo/549742440/2914456980043471775mgpcTy
…the wings have been attached to the fuselage so keep skipping along to see a full shot of it.
I got a few shots of the Citabria parked outside starting with this one…
http://community.webshots.com/photo/549742440/2020860840043471775HXdvnO
The engine of the Tiger Moth was torn apart, and you can view the pictures of it starting with this one…
http://community.webshots.com/photo/549742440/2926687550043471775pdGQLG
I also managed to get a picture of the Beaver outside. You can find it here…
http://community.webshots.com/photo/549742440/2356370180043471775doUGnA
If you want to find out what is new in my photo albums or my website visit…
www.aerialvisuals.ca/News.html
Let me know if you have any questions.
Enjoy!
Mike
By: ramprat - 30th May 2006 at 17:51
The Spence swordfish is on the aircraft list for Thunder over Michigan 2006. This year the show has a British theme with many spitfires and a few hurricanes listed as well.
By: markstringer - 30th May 2006 at 16:59
what is happening with the 2 swordfish? i know the one which is expected to fly this year has had all of it wings replaced, but the what is happening with the other airframe which was displayed at the london airshow in earls court?
By: paulmcmillan - 30th May 2006 at 16:44
Actually.. How airworthy is the Spence machine.. When was it last displayed?
By: JDK - 30th May 2006 at 16:01
“Fairey Swordfish torpedo bomber, the only flying example of this type in existence” … ????
Sadly currently correct, although we should see one of the RNHF examples back in the air before too long.
By: happymeal - 30th May 2006 at 15:49
“Fairey Swordfish torpedo bomber, the only flying example of this type in existence” … ????
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May 30, 2006 at 2:04 pm