16th August 2007 will mark the 60th anniversary of the maiden flight of the de Havilland Beaver - one of the most famous bush planes in the world.  Ontario is the birthplace of the de Havilland Beaver, and visitors will find exhibitions celebrating the plane and the role it has played in Canadian history throughout the Province.

Constructed completely from metal, the de Havilland Beaver was used for transportation and forest fire suppression. Operational for more than 40 years, it is widely considered the most successful bushplane ever, thanks to its reliability and adaptability - it could be easily be fitted with wheels, skis or floats. Although initially built for the supplying and development of the Canadian North, the plane also enjoyed international success and was sold to over 65 countries worldwide.

To celebrate the 60th Anniversary of what is largely admired as one of Canada’s greatest engineering achievements, there will be a homecoming fly in event held at the Toronto Aerospace Museum and Downsview Park on the 9th and 10th June 2007.

 

Throughout the year, the de Havilland is amongst a series of bushplanes celebrated at the Canadian Bushplane Heritage Centre in Sault Ste. Marie, Northern Ontario.  Here visitors can find out more about the preservation and restoration of bushplanes, floatplanes, waterbombers and other forest fire fighting equipment, in addition to discovering the achievements of Canada’s aviation pioneers. www.bushplane.com

 

The history of the plane is also explored at the Canada Aviation Museum in Ottawa, Canada’s Capital.  The museum houses the prototype de Havilland Beaver, which was still being flown until its acquisition in 1980. The Museum has over 130 military and civilian aircraft from all over the world. The latest addition is the Bristol F.2B Fighter, which took part in the First World War. Visitors to the Museum can enjoy a range of activities, from viewing the planes on the ground, camps for kids and even enjoying a flight in the de Havilland Canada Chipmunk. www.aviation.technomuses.ca
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