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The Bell P-39 Airacobra in the RCAF By Bill Zuk
In 1939, as war clouds brewed over Europe and the Far East, Canada was ill-prepared for war. The RCAF, in particular, relied on a handful of obsolete Grumman Goblin 1 two-seat biplanes as front line fighters, although Canada Car and Foundry in Fort William (where the Chief Engineer Elsie MacGill became known as the “Queen of the Hurricanes”) had already started the production of a small run of Hawker Hurricanes. Eventually 1,300 Hurricane Mk X series were manufactured, but the orders were intended for RAF use.   Read the Full Story
When Ladder Lake Freezes Over By Mathias Joost

One of the risks of operating flying boats into the autumn months, was the risk of having the boats caught in the ice if the weather suddenly turned very cold.  This had happened before to RCAF detachments and in October 1930, that’s exactly what happened in northern Manitoba and Saskatchewan when these areas were subject to a rapid and unexpected deep freeze.  The RCAF detachments at Cormorant Lake, Lac du Bonnet and Ladder Lake were caught flat-footed and their flying boats were caught in the ice. Read the Full Story
The Short Life of RCAF Station Shirleys Bay Lost in time and history is a small but significant RCAF Station in the Ottawa, Ont. area - Shirleys Bay, which was only operational for four years, from 1925 to 1928. Read the Full Story

Preserving Canada's Flying Heritage


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Welcome to the new online home of the Canadian Aviation Historical Society, the world's premier organization dedicated to preserving Canada's flying heritage.

The CAHS recently underwent significant changes: there are many new faces in the executive, at the helm of the Journal, and in the day-to-day management of the Society. These dynamic times have unfortunately resulted in a delay in Journal publication, but new editor Bill March and graphics manager Terry Higgins have put together several exciting editions that will reach member mailboxes soon, and be available in select museums and newsstands.

We've recently spearheaded a number of new projects - including this website - which will increase membership options and benefits; create new partnerships with other heritage organizations; and further our reputation as Canada's oldest and largest aviation history society. 2011 promises to be exciting!

 

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