Montreal Aviation Museum acquires historic Norseman aircraft
Montreal, QC - August 26, 2017 - The Montreal Aviation Museum (MAM), announces the acquisition of an historic Noorduyn Norseman aircraft from Kuby's Aircraft of Kenora, ON.
The Norseman, a high-winged cabin monoplane designed by Robert Noorduyn of Montreal in the mid 1930’s specifically for the northern climate, played a significant role in bush aviation operations beginning in the late 1930's. Due to its historical importance in Montreal’s early aviation production industry, the Montreal Aviation Museum has been searching for this type of aircraft to add to its growing collection of historical aircraft. Jim Killin, the Executive Director of the museum, commented, “We are extremely excited about this wonderful opportunity, and once restored, the Norseman will be a welcome addition to our collection of Montreal related aircraft.”
The Norseman, a rugged and versatile single engine aircraft, remained in production for almost 25 years with over 900 produced at the Noorduyn plant in Cartierville, QC (now Ville St-Laurent), and the Canadian Car & Foundry plant in Fort William, ON. Norseman aircraft are known to have been registered and/or operated in 68 countries throughout the world. The aircraft also served in the Royal Canadian Air Force and the United States Army Air Force.
The MAM’s intention is to restore the aircraft for static display in the colours and markings of the first production Norseman, registered as CF-AYO. This aircraft served with Dominion Skyways, an early commercial airline company whose President was Hartland de Montarville Molson. Jim Killin stated, “Our volunteers have a lot of work ahead of them as the aircraft will require significant restoration due to its condition and the condition of the parts we have acquired. Fundraising will also be an important aspect of this project, if we are to do the restoration justice.”