The Canadian Harvard Aircraft Association, located in Tillsonburg, Ont., is excited to mark its 40th anniversary in 2025.
This organization was founded in 1985 by three aviation fans who wanted to honor the Harvard aircraft and those who flew and maintained them, helping to keep our freedoms intact.
Today, the Canadian Harvard Aircraft Association operates as a registered charity entirely run by volunteers dedicated to maintaining North America’s largest fleet of Harvards. Eight Harvards and one Yale are housed at the Tillsonburg Regional Airport.
“Keeping these warbirds in flying condition is a colossal task,” said Walther Irie, president of the Canadian Harvard Aircraft Association. “Yet our volunteers are dedicated to keeping the legacy of the Harvard alive, and preserving its historical significance.”
The Harvard aircraft, now over 80 years old, served as a key training aircraft for Canada during World War II.
It played an important role in the Royal Canadian Air Force as the main advanced single-engine aircraft used to train more than 130,000 Canadian and Allied aircrew under the British Commonwealth Air Training Plan in Canada.
Canadian Harvard Aircraft Association Image
“The Plan” was a large-scale international military training program that trained over 130,000 pilots, navigators, gunners and engineers from across the globe. With its unique sound, the Harvard became a familiar sight at more than 150 air bases throughout Canada.
The organization has received limited government funding over time and raises money through various campaigns, events and initiatives-including offering flight experiences for passengers. Almost anyone can fly like young men did many years ago.
Irie added, “We’ve had Second World War veterans visit us with their flight logbooks, and when they climb into the cockpit again their faces can either light up or fill with tears. It’s difficult to comprehend what is going through their minds, but for us, it makes all our efforts worthwhile to give them this opportunity.”
A variety of special events are planned for 2025 to celebrate the 40th anniversary-including a free admission Open House Fly Day on Saturday, July 5, 2025 (Flights additional cost) (Rain date: Sunday, July 6). More events will be posted on CHAA’s upcoming new website.
This press release was prepared and distributed by the Canadian Harvard Aircraft Association.
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Canadian Harvard Aircraft Association Image
“The Plan” was a large-scale international military training program that trained over 130,000 pilots, navigators, gunners and engineers from across the globe. With its unique sound, the Harvard became a familiar sight at more than 150 air bases throughout Canada.
The organization has received limited government funding over time and raises money through various campaigns, events and initiatives-including offering flight experiences for passengers. Almost anyone can fly like young men did many years ago.
Irie added, “We’ve had Second World War veterans visit us with their flight logbooks, and when they climb into the cockpit again their faces can either light up or fill with tears. It’s difficult to comprehend what is going through their minds, but for us, it makes all our efforts worthwhile to give them this opportunity.”
A variety of special events are planned for 2025 to celebrate the 40th anniversary-including a free admission Open House Fly Day on Saturday, July 5, 2025 (Flights additional cost) (Rain date: Sunday, July 6). More events will be posted on CHAA’s upcoming new website.
This press release was prepared and distributed by the Canadian Harvard Aircraft Association.
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