FQX Back in Canada
“Buffalo Joe” McBryan recently purchased Norseman serial number 625, a Mark VI and moved it to his maintenance/storage facility in Red Deer, Alberta. This aircraft last flew from Pickle Lake, Ontario about 17 years ago and was in Minnesota for many years as a potential restoration project.
Joe’s plan for FQX is unclear, but over the years he has collected many Norseman airframes and has a ready source of spares to keep his personal Norseman, CF-SAN flying. Certain parts, like teleflex flap cables, propeller blades and hubs are getting hard to find and expensive. Also, the future of avgas in the present form is questionable with lead free alternatives likely to be mandated. As more turbines come online burning jet fuel, it’s evident the commercial radial piston era is flying into the sunset.