Harvards Take to the Skies for Homecoming Celebration

As Canada ramped up its contributions to the Allied forces during the Second World War, a growing number of young pilots began flying in Harvard training planes. 

This weekend, those iconic yellow Harvards will be soaring over Thunder Bay. At the airport, the Northwestern Ontario Aviation Heritage Centre (NOAHC) is hosting a special event to mark the 100th anniversary of the Royal Canadian Air Force. 

The festivities are set for both Saturday and Sunday. 

Superior Morning8:43John Hill and Denise Lyzun: Wings of Time

John Hill, lead co-ordinator of the Wings of Time and Denise Lyzun from NOAHC’s executive team join us to share details about the Wings of Time event.

“I’m a lover of history,” Denise Lyzun of NOAHC said. “I’m always amazed how many people are just so enthused about aircraft.”

The single engine aircraft was a training ground for effective aviation, its dual controls allowing a trainee pilot to fly alongside an experienced instructor. 

Harvard l Vs being built for the Royal Canadian Air Force as trainers in 1952 at the Canadian Car Foundry in Fort William. (Supplied by Denise Lyzun)

However, Harvards aren’t the only planes that NOAHC will showcase. 

The event also features a Harvard 2 provided by the RCAF – a modern iteration currently used for advanced training purposes. 

An artist’s impression of Canadian Harvard Aircraft Association’s FIN number 242. (Supplied by John Hill)

Traveling in from Tillsonburg will be the Canadian Harvard Aircraft Association’s FIN number 242. John Hill, also representing NOAHC, plans to take a ride on that aircraft with his daughter and hopes to keep a unique family connection alive. 

“My father flew that particular aircraft when he was part of the Royal Canadian Air Force,” he said. “So we will have a third generation of Hills flying in that one airplane.”

A look inside the cockpit of one of the Canadian Harvard Aircraft Association’s planes. (Andrew Lupton/ )

Thunder Bay Connection

Even though Harvards were primarily used for training during World War II, this weekend’s display features models built in the 1950s meant for use during the Korean War.

A major production center for these Harvards was right here in Thunder Bay.

The Canadian Car and Foundry (“Can Car”), situated on Montreal Street, was Canada’s leading aircraft manufacturer throughout World War II and continued producing airplanes long after.

This 101-year-old veteran flew in a Harvard II training plane

A very special flight took place Wednesday at Tillsonburg Regional Airport as Ken Raven celebrated his 101st birthday earlier this November by riding in a Harvard II trainer-an aircraft he hadn’t been aboard since his youth.

“There are still many people who have family members who worked at Can Car during World War II and after World War II on aircraft,” Lyzun says.

After WWII ended, Can Car continued producing Harvards for pilot training all across North America.

“North American Aviation Corporation did not have their own production line,” Hill explains. “So they contracted out mainly to Thunder Bay, to Canadian Car and Foundry, resulting in an additional 555 airplanes built for both the Royal Canadian Air Force and United States Air Force.”

Dress Up Like It’s The ’50s

Alongside watching these historic aircraft perform , NOAHC’s weekend event will embrace some nostalgic history too.

There will be ’50s music playing , with guests encouraged to dress up according to that era.

“We’re trying to maintain that ’50s vibe.. but also it’s so educational too , learning about our history this way ,” Lyzun shares.

For her personally , there’s an added significance.

“My late husband wrote a book called Aviation in Thunder Bay which has been very well received within our community ,” she mentioned.

She emphasized that this gathering is open to all Thunder Bay residents who “love history and this city.”
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