B-25J Mitchell “HOT GEN!” Medium Bomber

B-25 Hot Gen!
The North American B-25J Mitchell Medium Bomber owned by the Canadian Warplane Heritage Museum (CWHM) is affectionately known as Hot Gen because of its painted Nose Art. It was customary to paint either ”Pin-Ups” or Comic Strip Characters on the noses of W.W. II Warbirds and bombers.

Nose Art
Nose Art is a decorative painting or design on the fuselage of a military aircraft. As the name implies, Nose Art is usually located near the nose of the aircraft, and it is a stylish form of aircraft graffiti.

Nose Art was originally used to help pilots and military personnel to identify friendly aircraft, and help forces to distinguish Allied aircraft from enemy fleets. However, the custom of painting Nose Art on aircraft quickly evolved, and it was later used to express the personality and individuality of the aircraft and the squadron. Crew would have a strong sense of attachment and loyalty to their aircraft and the Nose Art helped to personalize and animate the aircraft.

Hot Gen! Nose Art
(Whistle and Cat Calls go here. Click on the Nose Art Photo for a better view!)

Superstition and Luck!
Aircraft Nose Art was often used to remind the soldiers of home and bring back memories of peacetime life. The Nose Art also offered a form of “Psychological Protection”. Crew would feel a sense of protection, and they believed there would be “good luck” with them because of the iconic emblem on their aircraft.

Psychologically, the Nose Art help relieve the stresses of war and it was believed to protect the pilots and crew from the probability of death. The Hot Gen! Nose Art was added to the CWHM B-25J Bomber back in 1992. Then in 1993, the white D-Day Stripes were added to the medium bomber to give it the look we still see today. The B-25J Mitchell (45-8883) was also known as “Grumpy”.

Hamilton Air Show
It was at the Hamilton Air Show, when the editors of LearnToFly.ca were given an up close and personal tour of Hot Gen. We were invited on the Hot Ramp (Active/Live Ramp) and we were very lucky to get some awesome photos and video of the North American B-25J Mitchell “HOT GEN!” in action.

Twin Engine Bomber
It was absolutely amazing to see the Wright R-2600 Radial Engines roar to life. Each engine generates 1,850 HP, and we were quite close to the Twin Engines as each was started up. The B-25 Bomber then taxied to the runway for some impressive fly-bys with other W.W. II Warbird Bombers.

Watch the Video!
As you watch the video, you can see each of the Radial Engines being started up separately. First the Right Engine, and then about 25 seconds later, you see the propeller on the Left Engine slowly beginning to rotate.

B-25 Video: North American B-25J Mitchell “Hot Gen!” Medium Bomber

Watch the B-25 Mitchell Twin Engines start up, and then Hot Gen takes to the sky!

B-25J Mitchell
The North American B-25 Mitchell in action at the Hamilton Air Show.

B-25 in Flight
You can see how beautiful Hot Gen is, when you see this photo of the CWHM North American B-25J Mitchell Bomber in flight. The B-25 was a medium sized bomber, so it’s not the largest warbird you will see. However, it’s still very impressive and a spectacular aircraft to see in flight.

B-25J
The B-25 Mitchell was produced in many variants (A through J) with the B-25J being the final production version. Nearly 10,000 B-25′s were built, but the ‘J’ Variant was the most popular version, with a total of 4,318 built. The ‘J’ Version of the B-25 typically had a transparent Nose, but many were modified to utilize the more conventional solid nose such as we see here on this B-25J.

Machine Guns
You can see the many machine guns on the B-25 bomber. Most were forward facing for strafing missions, and the B-25J would usually be configured with 14 to 18 machine guns. Typically, these were .50 inch machine guns (12.7 mm), and they would be mounted to have 10 coming, and four going during attacks.

Mitchell III
The B-25 Mitchell was named after General Billy Mitchell, a well known U.S. Military Aviator. The B-25J owned by CWHM was known as a Mitchell III and it was painted using the colour scheme of the Number 98 RAF (Royal Air Force) Squadron which fought over North West Europe during 1944-1945.

NA-108
CWHM’s B-25J Mitchell Bomber (N-Number: NA-108) was manufactured and assembled at North American’s Kansas City Plant in early 1945. This B-25 Mitchell was first sold to civilian operators to be used as a corporate transport aircraft by several companies. It was used exclusively in civilian service, and it never did see military service. In 1975, CWHM found the B-25J aircraft abandoned in Wilmington, Delaware.

Extensive Restoration
After being rescued by CWHM, the abandoned B-25J Mitchell underwent extensive restorations and it is now a flying example of aviation history. Nearly seven decades old, this meticulously restored aircraft is a delight to experience, and it is maintained in wonderful condition to be shared with Canadians.

Noisy Roar
The B-25 Mitchell was well known for the extremely high noise levels produced by the twin engines. (You can hear the rumble of the twin engines from the video above) Many B-25 Pilots eventually suffered from hearing loss. The high noise levels were a by-product of the design of the engine cowling ring and the exhaust “stacks” that directed engine exhaust and accompanying noise directly at the pilot and crew compartments. Later modifications were used to re-direct the exhaust and noise through the bottom of the cowling, but the original B-25 engines would subject the pilots and crew to extremely high noise levels.

Pilots often remarked: “The B-25 is the fastest way to turn aviation fuel directly into noise!”

Flight Characteristics
The North American B-25J Mitchell is a twin engine medium sized bomber that was very sturdy and reliable. It could withstand terrible punishment and still return safely to base to be repaired before its next military mission. Pilots loved the flight characteristics, and they describe it as a safe and forgiving aircraft to fly.

Even with one engine out, the B-25 could be safely flown and well manoeuvred. With one engine dead, the B-25 could still handle a 60 degree bank into the dead engine with airspeeds as low as 145 mph.

The high cockpit and tricycle landing gear provides for excellent pilot visibility while taxiing.

Crew
The B-25 Mitchell typically had a crew of six with one Pilot, one Co-Pilot, one Navigator/Bombardier, one Turret Gunner/Engineer, one Radio Operator/Waist Gunner, and one Tail Gunner.

B-25J Mitchell Specifications:

• Maximum Speed: 275 mph
• Cruise Speed: 230 mph
• Range: 2,700 mi
• Service Ceiling: 25,000 ft
• Rate of Climb: 790 ft/min
• Length: 52 ft 11 in
• Wingspan: 67 ft 6 in
• Height: 17 ft 7 in
• Max takeoff weight: 41,800 lb

It was awesome to see this North American B-25J Mitchell “HOT GEN!” in action at the Hamilton Air Show. Thanks to the Canadian Warplane Heritage Museum (CWHM) and the Air Show for inviting LearnToFly.ca for a tour.

Related Articles:

1. North American T-28 Trojan
2. Curtiss-Wright SB2C Helldiver
3. Hamilton Air Show June 2011

The World’s Only Flying SB2C Helldiver!

CAF Helldiver
This Commemorative Air Force (CAF) Helldiver is the only Curtiss SB2C Helldiver still flying in the entire world! Approximately 7,200 Helldivers were built, and of these only five are left. Of the five remaining SB2C’s, only this one (Number 32) is currently flying.

The SB2C Navy Dive Bomber is an incredible aircraft. The editors of LearnToFly.ca had the rare and very fortunate opportunity to get close-up with this last remaining flying Curtiss SB2C Helldiver.

70 Years Old
The SB2C Helldiver was manufactured by the Curtiss-Wright Corporation for the US Navy during W.W. II. The first production SB2C Helldiver was flown in 1942, and now almost 70 years later, the last SB2C is still flying.

Last of the Dive Bombers
It was an awesome opportunity to see this last flying example of the SB2C Helldiver. Number 32 is the only flying SB2C Helldiver in the world, and we met up with Lead Pilot Mark Allen of the CAF as he gave us a personal tour of the aircraft. I’ve always loved the Navy Warplanes, but the SB2C Helldiver is a favourite for many.

Hot Ramp
The Learn to Fly Guys (LearnToFly.ca Editors Greg McKay and Geoff McKay) were invited on to the Hot Ramp (Active/Live Ramp) at the Hamilton Air Show for pilot interviews and a firsthand tour of the many warbirds and vintage aircraft. During the coming weeks, we will be sharing many of these exclusive pilot interviews and amazing up close photos of vintage warbirds with our online visitors and email subscribers.

Pilot Interview: CAF Pilot Mark Allen and the Curtiss SB2C Helldiver

Lead Pilot Mark Allen talks about the Curtiss-Wright SB2C Helldiver Navy Bomber

Carrier Based
The Curtiss-Wright SB2C Helldiver was designed for the US Navy to be a Carrier based dive bomber. The CAF Helldiver (Number 32) flown by pilot Mark Allen is the SB2C-5 model. This was the last production version of the SB2C and it was in active service by the Navy from July 5, 1945 through August 31, 1948. The Helldiver’s two tone navy blue and grey colours are commemorative of the aircraft carrier U.S.S. Franklin CV-13.

Folding Wings
As a Carrier based Navy warbird, the SB2C Helldiver was designed with Folding Wings! It’s truly amazing to see this aircraft open and close its wings. By folding the wings up, the footprint required on the aircraft carrier deck would be minimized, allowing for considerably more aircraft to be utilized. At war, it was desirable to have the maximum number of warbirds that could be operated and flown from a single aircraft carrier.

Don’t try this in Flight!
Pilot Mark Allen demonstrates the awesome engineering of this aircraft as he automatically opens or closes the wings. Obviously, he would never do this in flight, but for ground operations it is truly incredible to watch as the wings fold up and the wing tips come to rest nested together above the cockpit. For aviation technology designed and built almost seven decades ago, it is fantastic even to this day!

The folding wings of the SB2C Helldiver are unforgettable. With this being the last flying SB2C Helldiver in the world, it was an honour to see this unique and one-of-a-kind remnant of aviation history in action.

Clipped Wings?
Yes, those are the SB2C Wings neatly folded together above the cockpit as pilot Mark Allen and crew secure the airplane after a great performance at the Hamilton Air Show.

End of an Era
The Curtiss-Wright SB2C Helldiver was the last true Dive Bomber produced for the US Navy. Amazingly, SB2C aircraft were responsible for more ship tonnage sunk during World War II than any other type of aircraft.

Big-Tailed Beast
The Curtiss SB2C Helldiver was often referred to as the “Big-Tailed Beast”, or simply the “Beast” and it was an important asset in the US Navy’s arsenal of weapons and armament. Lead Pilot Mark Allen tells us he started by flying the Harvard, but he is now especially lucky and privileged to be commanding this last flying SB2C in the world.

Stunning Performance
The SB2C Helldiver has a stall speed of about 65 knots, and it can fly as fast as 350 knots in an 80 degree dive with the dive flaps out. Capable of plus 5 G’s and minus 3 G’s, the Helldiver has certainly earned its name!

Rear Gunner
The Curtiss SB2C Helldiver was equipped with a Rear Gunner seat. The aircraft was a two-seat scout and Dive-Bomber. Configured for one pilot and one gunner, the rear seat was for the gunner who faced backwards to defend the Helldiver from attack from behind. The rear gunner had two .30 calibre machine guns to protect the Helldiver from enemy attack.

Mounted in the wings were two (or sometimes four) 20mm cannons for strafing enemy ships and other targets during dive bomb missions. The SB2C also carried a payload of up to 2,000 pounds of bombs. (1,000 pounds could be carried in the bomb bay, and another 1,000 pounds of bombs could be carried under the wings) The SB2C could also carry up to eight 5-inch rockets.

You can see lead pilot Mark Allen preparing for a flight with an aerial photographer seated in the rear gunner seat.

Specifications
The Curtiss-Wright SB2C Helldiver could climb to 10,000 feet in less than 9 minutes, and it had a service ceiling of 26,400 feet. With a range of 1,805 miles, the Helldiver was a formidable force in the skies during W.W. II.

Take-Off
The Curtiss-Wright SB2C-5 Helldiver takes to the air at the Hamilton Air Show. It performed several fly-bys with other Navy warplanes from W.W. II.

The Helldiver was one of the greatest Navy Planes of W.W. II. The demand for the Helldiver by the U.S. Navy was so great, that the British only received 26 SB2C’s from a British order of 450 of these aircraft.

It was a spectacular sight to see, and it’s especially significant considering this is the only flying Curtiss SB2C Helldiver in the world!

Many thanks to the Hamilton Air Show, the Commemorative Air Force (CAF) and lead Pilot Mark Allen for spending some time with the editors of LearnToFly.ca. The Number 32, Curtiss-Wright SB2C-5 Helldiver Navy Dive Bomber is truly an original, and it’s nice to share details about this vintage warplane with our online visitors.

We look forward to sharing many more exclusive aviation videos and photos from our pilot interviews at the Hamilton Air Show.

Related Articles:

1. Hamilton Air Show June 2011
2. North American B-25 Mitchell Bomber
3. North American T-28 Trojan

Canadian Warplane Heritage Museum (CWHM)

Saturday June 18, 2011
Sunday June 19, 2011

Gates open at 9 am
Airshow starts at 2 pm

John C. Munro Hamilton International Airport
The Canadian Warplane Heritage Museum (CWHM) is Canada’s Flying Museum.

CWHM
CWHM proudly presents the Hamilton Air Show being held June 18-19, 2011. CWHM first presented this airshow back in 1975, and now in 2011, the air show is being re-introduced in preparation for the 40th anniversary of the Canadian Warplane Heritage Museum next year.

40 Years
2012 commemorates the 40th anniversary of CWHM. This year’s airshow (2011) will feature many vintage aircraft and warbirds, and the show will expand next year to celebrate the 40th year of CWHM in 2012.

The 2011 Hamilton Airshow will feature over 40 vintage aircraft. These vintage aircraft from past decades will be on display for everyone to enjoy some aviation history.

Vintage Aircraft
You’ll see incredible vintage aircraft from many organizations including:

• Vintage Wings of Canada
• Canadian Warplane Heritage Museum (CWHM)
• Canadian Harvard Aircraft Association
• The Military Aviation Museum
• 1941 Historical Aircraft Group
• The Great War Flying Museum
• Commemorative Air Force
• Canadian Aerobatic Team

Hamilton Airshow
The CWHM Hamilton Air Show will be fun for the entire family. There will be static aircraft displays throughout the entire weekend, and the air show performance will begin at 2:00 pm each day. Everyone will love browsing the aviation exhibits and seeing the many restored, vintage aircraft. Don’t forget to bring your camera. You’ll have many great photo opportunities.

The Hamilton Air Show will feature:

• First time appearance in Canada of a German World War II Focke Wulf FW190 (replica) fighter
• Canadian Harvard Aerobatic Team
• Hamilton Sport Parachute Club Skydivers
• Mock dogfight by World War I replica aircraft
• Bill Carter’s aerobatic act with his Pitts Special S2S (Watch for his inverted knife edge ribbon cut)
• Many rare World War II aircraft including Curtiss SB2C Helldiver, P-40 Warhawk, Firefly, Corsair and P-51 Mustang
• Spectacular Heavy Bomber Formation: Avro Lancaster, two B-17 Flying Fortresses and B-25 Mitchell
• Formation of two rare Canadian Lysanders
• Salute to the British Commonwealth Training Plan: Tiger Moth, Stearman, Cornell, Finch and up to a 10-plane Harvard formation
• Canadian Memorial Flight: Avro Lancaster, Spitfire and Hawker Hurricane
• Victoria Cross Flight: Avro Lancaster, Canso, Corsair
• Static Aircraft ground display (approx. 20 aircraft)
• Aircraft rides
• Flight Simulators
• Aviation Souvenirs

Vintage Warbird Aircraft
LearnToFly.ca Editor, Geoff McKay pictured here with this vintage warbird. Don’t miss a great opportunity to see many vintage aircraft at the Hamilton Air Show. There will be both static and flying vintage warbirds at the show.

Canadian Aviation History
Many of these vintage aircraft are historically significant and are a part of Canadian Aviation history. The Canadian Warplane Heritage Museum is home to many vintage aircraft, and many will be featured at the air show.

Free Parking!
Public parking for the air show will be off-site located about 3 km away. Free shuttle transportation will be provided for air show visitors.

Advance Discount Tickets
Save money by purchasing your tickets in advance. Advance discount tickets are available until May 31, 2011. The advance discount tickets may be purchased at the Admission Desk at the Canadian Warplane Heritage Museum or by phone.

Call for Advance Tickets
Telephone: (905) 679-4183 ext. 229.

Admission Prices
Adult (18 – 64): $25 at the gate ($23 Advance)
Senior (65+): $20 at the gate ($18 Advance)
Student (13 – 17): $20 at the gate ($18 Advance)
Youth (6 – 12): $15 at the gate ($14 Advance)
Child (5 & under): Free
Member Price: Free

2011 Air Show Lineup
The 2011 Hamilton Air Show already had a great lineup of aircraft and performances. The Aircraft appearing are subject to change due to weather, serviceability and operational commitments, but many incredible aircraft are expected.

• Boeing B-17G Flying Fortress (Chuckie)
• Focke Wulf Fw190 A8/N (replica)
• Grumman TBM-3E Avenger
• Douglas AD-4 Skyraider
• Curtiss-Wright SB2C Helldiver
• Pitts Special S2S (Bill Carter Aerobatics)
• Royal Aircraft Factory S.E.5a
• Fokker DR.I (x2)
• Sopwith 1 1/2 Strutter
• Boeing B-17F Flying Fortress (Memphis Belle) (See photo below)
• North American P-51D Mustang
• Curtiss P-40N Warhawk
• Supermarine Spitfire Mk. XVI
• Goodyear FG-1D Corsair
• Hawker Hurricane Mk. IV
• Westland Lysander Mk. IIIA
• Avro Lancaster Mk. X
• Westland Lysander Mk. III
• Fairey Firefly Mk. V
• North American Harvard Mk. IV (x2)
• North American B-25J Mitchell
• Beech D18S Expeditor
• Douglas DC-3 Dakota
• Boeing Stearman
• de Havilland Canada Chipmunk
• de Havilland Tiger Moth
• Fleet 21
• Consolidated PBY-5A Canso
• Fairchild Cornell (x2)
• Nanchang CJ-6A (x2)
• North American Harvard (x7)
• Fleet Finch Mk. I
• Fleet Finch Mk. II

Memphis Belle
This famous Boeing B-17F Flying Fortress is very well known, and you don’t want to miss this incredible opportunity. The Hamilton Air Show will be featuring many spectacular aircraft, but the Boeing B-17 Flying Fortress is always a crowd favourite.

In addition to this crowd favourite, you will see some of the heaviest and largest warplanes ever made.

Heavy Bomber Formation
Watch for the Heavy Bomber Formation featuring the Avro Lancaster, two B-17 Flying Fortresses and the B-25 Mitchell. This impressive formation of heavy bombers will be another highlight of the air show.

Static Aircraft
There will also be many Static Aircraft on display at the Hamilton Air Show. These static aircraft are located on the grounds of the show, and you can come early during the day to enjoy many of these static displays.

Static Airshow Display:

• Bristol Bolingbroke Mk. IV (restoration)
• Fleet Fort
• Grumman CS2F-2 Tracker
• Sikorsky H-5 Dragonfly
• Canadair CT-114 Tutor
• de Havilland Vampire FB Mk. 6
• Lockheed T-33 Silver Star
• Lockheed CF-104 Starfighter
• McDonnell CF-101B Voodoo
• Canadair F-86 Sabre Mk. 6
• Northrop CF-5A Freedom Fighter
• Avro Anson Mk. V
• Cessna Crane Mk. I
• Fleet Finch Mk. II
• North American Yale (x2)
• de Havilland Canada DHC-5 Buffalo
• Auster AOP-VI
• Grumman TBM-3E Avenger (restoration)
• Avro Canada CF-100 Canuck Mk. 5

Consolidated PBY-5A Canso
The Consolidated PBY-5A Canso is a flying boat that performed it’s maiden flight back in 1933. More Consolidated PBY’s were manufactured than any other type of flying boat or amphibian. This PBY belongs to the Canadian Warplane Heritage Museum. Don’t miss this aircraft, and many more at the Hamilton Air Show.

Hamilton Air Show 2011
Don’t miss the Hamilton Air Show!

June 18-19, 2011 (Saturday and Sunday)

John C. Munro International Airport
Gates open at 9 am
Air Show begins at 2 pm

Canadian Warplane Heritage Museum
9280 Airport Road
Mount Hope
Ontario, Canada
L0R 1W0

Tel. (905) 679-4183
airshow.warplane.com

See you at the Hamilton Air Show!

Related Articles:

1. Canadian Aviation Expo 2011 Hamilton Air Show
2. Canadian Aviation Expo 2010 Hamilton
3. Canadian Aviation Expo 2010

Canada’s Largest Indoor Aviation Event!

Saturday April 30, 2011
Sunday May 1, 2011
(9am – 5pm both days)
Don’t miss the Canadian Aviation Expo 2011 this spring. The CAE (Canadian Aviation Expo) is Canada’s Largest Indoor Aviation Event with over 100,000 square feet of indoor exhibits.

The CAE includes exhibits from virtually every aspect of aviation. Everything from ultra-lights to jets are on display including parasails, kit-planes, warbirds and general aviation aircraft. Find the latest in avionics, instruments, pilot gear and aircraft. Many flight schools, maintenance shops, government agencies and flying clubs will be exhibiting.

The CAE is held at the Canadian Warplane Heritage Museum (CWHM) located at the John C. Munro Hamilton International Airport in Mt. Hope, Ontario, Canada.

The editors of LearnToFly.ca had a great time at CAE 2010, and we’re really looking forward to another great aviation show for 2011.

Canadian Warplane Heritage Museum
Your paid admission to the Canadian Aviation Expo (CAE) includes free access to the Canadian Warplane Heritage Museum. This will be a great day for the entire family.

The Canadian Warplane Heritage (CWH) Museum is a living and interactive museum of aviation. It features actual aircraft used by Canadian aviators and the Canadian Military. Aircraft are featured from the beginning of World War II and up to the present.

The CWH Museum has a large collection of restored aircraft including warbirds that still fly. Many aircraft are also on static display and they are exhibited in an interactive format allowing visitors to truly experience Canadian Aviation history.

Expo and Fly-In
The Canadian Aviation Expo is Canada’s largest aviation trade show and Fly-In. You’ll experience Canada’s largest collection of Canadian wartime aircraft and see everything from Ultra Lights to Very Light Jets, Vintage Warbirds and Classic Trainers. If it flies, it’s at the Expo!

No Landing Fees
Beat the Traffic and Fly-in to the Expo. Landing Fees will be waived for the entire weekend of the show for all aircraft flying to the Canadian Aviation Expo. You will need to fill out a Flight Line Pass and submit it at the Fly-In Entrance. Show staff will assist you to ensure your are not billed for your landing when attending the show.

Rain or Shine
As you can see from this Aerial View of the CWH Museum, the indoor portion of the show takes advantage of the huge indoor venue for hosting exhibits. Rain or shine, come out regardless of the weather. Even if it pours rain, you’ll still have a great time inside the show area with the many indoor aviation exhibits and aircraft on display.

Airplane Rides
While at the Canadian Aviation Expo you can book airplane rides for you and your family. Various exhibitors will be offering Airplane Rides, and the cost for the experience is well worth the adventure.

Imagine an exciting ride in a Helicopter, Cessna 172, or even an authentic Warbird aircraft such as a famous Yellow Harvard from the Canadian Harvard Aircraft Association (CHAA).

Canadian Aviation Expo 2011 – Air Show Map

Air Show Exhibits
On the right side of the Indoor Hall, you will see the many vintage warplanes that make up the Canadian Warplane Heritage (CWH)  collection.

The left side of the indoor hall will contain the many aviation exhibitor booths displaying everything from aircrafts to flight training clubs to pilot gear and pilot accessories.

Bring your Camera!
Remember to bring your camera. The Canadian Aviation Expo is a fantastic opportunity for you to take great pictures of the many famous Canadian Warbirds and newer aircraft.

Don’t miss the Lockheed Canadair CF-104 Starfighter, Boeing PT-27 Stearman, Vickers Supermarine Spitfire L.F. Mark XVIe and the Avro Lancaster MK X Bomber.

2011 Flight Schedule
The 2011 Flight Schedule already promises many incredible demonstrations. These flying demonstrations are scheduled for both the Saturday and Sunday of the show. You and your family will love the flying portions of the show, and it will be a great way to spend your weekend.

Flying Displays

• Canadian Forces SkyHawks Parachute Team
• Canadair T-33 Silver Star – Jet (T-bird)
• North American Harvard IV – WW2 Trainer
• Beech D18S Twin – Light Transport
• North American B-25J Mitchell – Bomber

2011 Warbird Ground School and Flight Program
New this year, the Canadian Aviation Expo offers a Warbird Ground School. This is an incredible opportunity for all the pilots out there! You can enroll in an authentic Warbird Ground School held during the show, and then have the chance to fly one of the great Canadian Warbirds!

Fly a Canadian Warbird!
Ever dreamed of flying an authentic Canadian Warbird? We’re not talking about just being a passenger, but actually being the pilot in the cockpit and actually flying the warbird!

Enroll Early
The Ground School for these legendary warbirds will certainly be popular. Enroll early to avoid disappointment. You will study the aircraft training manual, and take the ground school provided by experienced instructor pilots. After passing the written test for the type of warbird aircraft you have studied, you may be chosen to fly the aircraft. A lucky student will be selected from the ground school graduates to experience first hand the thrill of a lifetime.

Warbird Ground School Program
Register for the Warbird Ground School, and you will be provided with the training materials specific to the aircraft type you have chosen.

Warbirds to choose from:

• T-33 Jet Ground School (provided by Jet Aircraft Museum - JAM)
• Harvard Trainer Ground School (provided by Canadian Warplane Heritage – CWH)
• Beech 18 Transport Ground School (provided by Canadian Warplane Heritage – CWH)
• B-25 Mitchell Bomber Ground School (provided by Canadian Warplane Heritage – CWH)

Incredible Low Price
The Ground School Prices are only $35, $55 or $95 per student depending upon the type of Warbird you choose. This is a great low price, and the ground school is certain to fill up quickly. Only 30 students will be enrolled for each class, so you must enroll early.

After enrolling in the Warbird Ground School of your choice, you will receive the training materials. Prior to the classroom training, you will be required to study the material and complete an open book test. This ensures you are well prepared for the live classroom session.

Ground School – Flight Program
Ground School Students will participate in the class and be taught about the warbird aircraft. This is actual ground school for a legendary warbird. On the day of the ground school training, one of the trainees will be selected at random. This lucky student will move on to the flight training portion of the program. The chosen student will begin their awesome Flight Training experience immediately following the ground school. Each warbird ground school class is limited to thirty students. Don’t miss the chance of a lifetime. You must hold a valid Private Pilot’s License (or higher) and have a valid current aviation medical to participate in the Warbird Ground School Program.

2011 Canadian Aviation Expo
Don’t miss the Canadian Aviation Expo.

Dates
Saturday April 30, 2011
Sunday May 1, 2011

Times
9 am – 5 pm daily

Location
Canadian Warplane Heritage (CWH) Museum
Canada’s Flying Museum
Hamilton Munro International Airport

9280 Airport Road
Mount Hope, Ontario, Canada
L0R 1W0

Telephone: (905) 679-4183
Fax: (905) 679-4186

Email: info@canadianaviationexpo.com
Website: www.CanadianAviationExpo.com

Hope to see you at the 2011 Canadian Aviation Expo! The editors of LearnToFly.ca will be there!

Related Articles:

1. Canadian Aviation Expo 2010
2. Canadian Aviation Expo 2010 Hamilton
3. Hamilton Air Show June 2011

Midland Huronia Air Show Preview

Don’t Miss this Exciting Air Show!
The Battle of Britain 2010 Air Show is at the Midland Huronia Airport this weekend.

Saturday and Sunday
July 17, and July 18, 2010

Gates Open to the Public at 9:00 am

Air Show begins at 12:00 Noon

See you at the Show!
The editors of LearnToFly.ca will see you at this exciting Air Show. And it will be a great weekend filled with Aviation History. We were fortunate enough to be invited to the Media Day Preview today (Friday), and the Air Show Preview was AWESOME!

Third Strike Wingwalking
Carol Pilon of Thrid Strike Wingwalking is pictured above with LearnToFly.ca Editor, Geoff McKay. Carol had just finished practicing her incredible Wing Walking Air Show Routine when she took a few minutes to meet with us.

Don’t Try This at Home!
Carol is an incredibly talented, daring and exciting aviation acrobat. During her dangerous and death defying wing walking routine, she was defying gravity, and at times even hanging upside down from the top of  her fantastic Biplane.

Pictured here, Carol thrills the media guests as she practices her wing walking routine. Her complete routine included a Full speed dive, Eight point loop over the top, Nose up- Hammer head, Cuban eight around the circuit, and Climbing wing over.

Thrid Strike Wingwalking will be one of the highlights of the Midland Huronia Air Show, and her breathtaking performance will both terrify and astonish the entire crowd.

The Media Day was a particularly windy day, and you could see the biplane bumping around in the air, as Carol walked around the wings. The inverted flying and loops are especially awesome to see as Carol maintains perfect balance and poise.

Yak-52 Soviet Trainer
Here’s Geoff in front of Martin Mattes’ Yakovlev Yak-52 Soviet Trainer. What an incredible aircraft!

Geoff had the pleasure to meet the Yak-52 Pilot and owner, Martin Mattes, just after Martin finished practicing his entire Air Show routine at the Midland Huronia Airport.

Bandit Airshows
Martin Mattes operates Bandit Airshows from Brantford, Ontario. And Martin’s Air Show Performance in his Yak-52 is spectacular!

Martin’s routine is one of the best. His High-G Aerobatics and High Energy Performance will be one of the favourite exhibitions at the Air Show.

Russian Built Yak-52 Aircraft
The all-metal Yak-52 is powered by a 268 kW (360 hp) Vedeneyev M14P 9-cylinder radial engine. For sustained, inverted flight, the Yak-52 has inverted fuel and oil systems. This permits the aircraft to fly inverted for as long as two minutes. And Martin will certainly make full use of the Yak-52′s extreme flight capabilities during his exciting Air Show performance.

The Yak-52 has an empty weight of 2,200 pounds, and it is extremely responsive and well built and designed for to withstand the G’s and stresses of full aerobatic flight. The aircraft can sustain stresses to +7 and –5 Gs, and it has a roll rate of 180 degrees per second!

Talking with Martin after his performance, I congratulated him on having one of the best performances of the day.

Biplanes, Biplanes, Biplanes
Air Show visitors will love the older Biplanes from decades ago.

From the de Havilland Tiger Moth to the Meyer’s Out To Win (OTW), you will see these 1930′s Biplanes up close and personal. These primary trainers and early flight machines are a memorable piece of Canadian Aviation History.

Contrasting the high performance aircraft of today, these slow flight Biplanes are amazing to watch. On a windy day, you can see these airplanes almost stand still in flight.

The Air Show promises to cover a broad range of important and integral aircraft types on exhibit and performing before the crowds.

Bring the Entire Family
Your entire family will love this Air Show. There are exhibits, displays, workshops and performances for all ages. Come early, and enjoy seeing these amazing pilots and owners as they share their enthusiasm for aviation.

70th Anniversary
The Air Show commemorates the 70th Anniversary of the Battle of Britain, and the Battle of Norway. This is a rare opportunity for you and your family to experience a day of Aviation History.    

The Lieutenant Governor of Ontario
LearnToFly.ca Editors, Greg McKay and Geoff McKay, spend a few minutes with David Onley, The Lieutenant Governor of Ontario.

The Honourable David Onley was also enjoying the Media Day at the Battle of Britain Air Show. The Midland Huronia Airport is host to the many Aviation performers and exhibits expected to dazzle the large crowds expected this weekend.

Don’t Miss the Battle of Britain Midland Huronia Air Show!
For more details, prices, maps and contact information, visit the following links:

Email: info@BattleOfBritain2010.com
Website: www.BattleOfBritain2010.com

Tel: (705) 487-0213
Fax: (888) 611-1959

Location
Midland Huronia Airport

Don’t miss this exciting and rare opportunity to experience Aviation History!

See you at the Battle of Britain Air Show.

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Canadian Warplane Heritage Museum

I had a Great Time at the Canadian Aviation Expo!
It was another great aviation expo, and a wonderful way to spend a Saturday in May.

There were many exciting and informative displays, and the location was great. It was a nice touch when I arrived to find there was free parking for show visitors.

The expo was held at the Canadian Warplane Heritage Museum at the Hamilton Munro International Airport in Mount Hope, Ontario.

There was plenty to see at the show, and it was a great family day for everyone. Show visitors could visit the Warplane Heritage Museum, as well as browse the many static displays and booths inside the building, and then go outside on the tarmac to view even more displays and aircraft.

Lockheed Canadair CF-104 Starfighter
Arriving at the Canadian Warplane Heritage Museum, you can’t miss the famous CF-104 Starfigher Landmark serving as a beacon to aviation enthusiasts. A retired Lockheed Canadair CF-104 Starfighter is vertically mounted to welcome all visitors. The Canadian built CF-104 was one of the most successful jet fighter aircraft to serve with Canada’s Air Force. The CF-104 Starfighter is a CF-104D model, and it was used as a trainer. It is a two-seat fighter jet.

In 1959, the Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF) ordered 200 of the CF-104′s, and the first was built in Canada in 1961. In total, Canadair built 340 of these fighter aircraft in Canada. The CF-104 was in active service from 1961 until 1986 when it was eventually retired. The CF-104 was used by the RCAF for various roles including fighter, strikes, and photo reconnaissance.

Airplane Rides
At the Aviation Expo, show visitors could experience aviation first hand. Visitors could arrange an airplane ride. The Brampton Flight Centre offered airplane rides in Cessna 172′s. The Canadian Harvard Aircraft Association (CHAA) was promoting rides in an authentic war bird!

Experience the thrill of flying in a World War II training aircraft. Imagine a ride in the backseat of an authentic HARVARD, or a front seat of a Tiger Moth. In addition, CHAA now offers backseat rides in the recently restored YALE.

Helicopter Rides

Helicopter Rides at the Canadian Aviation Expo

National Helicopters provided show visitors with the chance to fly in a Helicopter. It was enjoyable to just watch the Helicopters take-off and land. Imagine the excitement of being a passenger as the Helicopter took flight and gave an aerial tour of the Hamilton Munro International Airport and surrounding area.

Hang Glider Simulator
Instinct Windsports provided a truly interactive display. They had a full-scale Hang Glider Simulator setup, and they were providing free simulator rides for show visitors. Young and old could experience the feel, fun, and excitement of hang gliding. This was a great display, and it was very popular. The Hang Glider Simulator was a show favourite for many. It was great to see the expression on the faces of hang glider riders as they experience hang gliding for their first time.

I spoke with Mark Dowsett of Instinct Windsports and he explained the many benefits of Hang Gliding. The price is certainly attractive, as complete hang gliding training can be completed for under $1,000. Mark explained this is the least expensive form of aviation and a great way to Learn to Fly!

There were many other great exhibits at the Canadian Aviation Expo. On hand were many flight training schools with complete flight training information and brochures. I spoke with most exhibitors at the show, and there were many products and information available for aviation enthusiasts. If you are learning to fly, or if you are already an experienced pilot, you were certain to enjoy the show.

The show included many historical aircraft that are a major part of Canada’s Aviation History.

Boeing PT-27 Stearman
There were many classic airplanes at the show, including some fantastic and memorable bi-planes. Boeing PT-27 Stearmans were manufactured during the 1930′s and 40′s, and were designed as a primary flight trainer aircraft.

In total, 8,500 Stearmans were built. No other bi-plane was ever built in this large a quantity.

A special modified model of the Stearman with enclosed cockpit was designed for Canadian aviation. The cold winter temperatures of Canada required the enclosed cockpit to allow flight training year round. An open cockpit would not be suitable during the freezing Canadian winters. Even with the enclosed cockpit, the Stearman was still not ideally suited for the harsh Canadian weather, and the Stearman was quickly replaced with other aircraft better suited for the winter.

The Boeing PT-27 Stearman has a 220 hp engine with a top speed of 124 m.p.h. The Stearman was used as part of the Elementary Flying Training School (EFTS).

Vickers Supermarine Spitfire L.F. Mark XVIe
The Spitfire is always a favourite at any air show or aviation event. The Spitfire is well known as a Fighter and Fighter Bomber. It had an incredible top speed of 405 m.p.h., and could carry a bomb weighing up to 1,000 lbs.

Spitfires were relied on by the RCAF during World War II. This model of Spitfire was built in 1945 in England by Vickers-Armstrong. It’s a clipped-wing design that was ideal for low altitude combat as a fighter or fighter bomber.

RCAF Spitfire Squadrons were used to provide air cover for the D-Day Landings in Normandy in June 1944, and they supported the advance of allied troops across Northwest Europe, and into Germany during 1944 and 1945.

One of the busiest indoor exhibits was one of the largest aircraft on display. It was the Avro Lancaster Heavy Bomber. Show visitors were amazed by the history of this massive aircraft and there were knowledgeable staff on hand to explain and discuss this massive war plane.

Avro Lancaster MK X Bomber
This aircraft was built in Malton, Ontario, in 1945 by Victory Aircraft. This heavy bomber is powered by four Packard Merlin 224s engines and has a wingspan of 102 feet!

The Avro Lancaster has a top speed of 275 m.p.h. and includes eight Browning 0.303 inch machine guns within three powered turrets.

The CWH Lancaster was an RCAF Maritime Patrol Aircraft. Thousands of Canadians worked at the Victory Aircraft factory in Malton (Toronto), and this local factory produced 400 Lancaster Aircraft.

In total, more than 7,300 Lancasters were built in Canada and Britain.

Sadly, there are only two Lancaster Aircraft still flying today!

The Canadian Aviation Expo 2010 was great. There were many more exciting exhibits with everything for the aviation enthusiast. I look forward to the Canadian Aviation Expo in 2011.

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Canadian Warplane Heritage Museum

Canada’s Largest Aviation Trade Show
And, Canada’s Largest Fly-In!

Ultra Lights to Very Light Jets, Vintage Warbirds and Classic Trainers. Fly-ins, Warbird Rides, Helicopter Rides, Airplane Rides and Demo Flights!

With hundreds of Aircraft, and thousands of Products, the Canadian Aviation Expo is Canada’s largest Aviation Tradeshow for Pilots, Aircraft Owners and Aviation Enthusiasts.

Free on-site parking for cars and planes, and NO Landing Fees!

Show Dates
Friday April 30, 2010 VIP ONLY! (6pm – 8pm)
Saturday May 1, 2010 (9am – 5pm)
Sunday May 2, 2010 (9am – 5pm)

Show Location
Canadian Warplane Heritage Museum
Canada’s Flying Museum
Hamilton Munro International Airport
Mount Hope, Ontario, Canada

Aircraft Rides
$40 per person!
Enjoy a 15 minute scenic flight in a four seat Cessna airplane. Invite your date, or take your family on an aerial tour. Rides will be flown by experienced pilots of the Brampton Flight Centre. Aviation Enthusiasts will love the experience of flight. Both young and old can share the dream of flight at the Canadian Aviation Expo.

Helicopter Rides
$60 per person!
$210 per family of four.
It’s always exciting to fly. But, to fly in a Helicopter is amazing. Don’t miss this incredible opportunity to take to the air in a Helicopter at the Canadian Aviation Expo. You will have a great view from above, and Helicopter rides are unique and memorable. Share the experience with your friends, family or date.

For the really daring, why not fly in a piece of Aviation History…

Fly in a Warbird!
Where else can you actually fly in an Historic Airplane?

Imagine flying in an Avro Lancaster Bomber.

Thanks to the Canadian Aviation Expo, and the Canadian Warplane Heritage Museum, you now have the chance to fly in an authentic Warbird! Canadian Warplane Heritage Memberships include an upgrade option to receive a flight in one of several fully restored vintage aircraft. Member Rides will be offered on Saturday (May 1)  and Sunday (May 2) at the 2010 Canadian Aviation Expo.

Canadian Warplane Heritage Museum
The CWHM acquires, documents, preserves and maintains a complete collection of authentic, vintage aircraft flown by Canadians and the Canadian military since the beginning of World War II and up to the present. Visitors to the CWHM experience and interact with aviation history. Climb into the cockpit of a vintage WWII trainer, a real jet fighter, or the Avro CF-100. Visit the Canadian Warplane Heritage Museum website for more details.
CWHM Website: www.WarPlane.com

Hang Gliding Simulator
Experience the excitement and fun of Hang Gliding at the Canadian Aviation Expo. Hang Glider Simulator rides will be available to show visitors. The hang glider simulator will be very realistic and have the look and feel of actual hang gliding. The simulation will include complete head tracking technology. This is a safe and fun venue for aviation enthusiasts to experience the excitement of hang gliding in a simulator.

The Hang Gliding simulator will be provided by Instinct Windsports.

Don’t miss the 2010 Canadian Aviation Expo. Bring the entire family, and experience aviation up close. Plan to spend the entire day at Canada’s largest Aviation Trade Show and Fly-in.

Canadian Aviation Expo 2010
Canadian Warplane Heritage Museum
Canada’s Flying Museum
Hamilton Munro International Airport

9280 Airport Road
Mount Hope, Ontario, Canada
L0R 1W0

Telephone: (905) 679-4183
Fax: (905) 679-4186

Email: info@canadianaviationexpo.com
Website: www.CanadianAviationExpo.com

See You at The Expo!

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