CF-AYO Replica
Restoration work appears to be moving along at a greater pace in the Montreal Aviation Museum with their Norseman C-FGYY. This Mark VI, serial 427 was originally USAAF number 43-35353. The museum acquired the aircraft in derelict condition during 2017 and decided to depict it in the colours of AYO’s first commercial operator, Dominion Skyways who named it Arcturus.
For authenticity, this new static display has replaced GYY’s Pratt & Whitney R-1340 with the Wright Whirlwind R-975 that first powered AYO. When viewing this completed project, the observer will be seeing a replica of the Norseman serial 1, CF-AYO as it looked in early 1936. If one wishes to see the wreckage of the actual AYO you will need to travel almost 1,000 km’s to the west where it is located at the Canadian Bushplane Heritage Centre in Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario. https://bushplane.com/exhibits/bushplane-collection/norseman-mki/
Note how the rear door hinges upward. This is not a feature of AYO and is unique to GYY. Normally this door would hinge forward.
The wings are the last major airframe structure getting restored.
This is an exciting addition to the museum that also has a large aviation art gallery. If you are visiting Montreal, the city where the Norseman was created in 1935, check out the fantastic job the dedicated volunteers are doing with this Norseman display. https://www.mam.quebec/discover-our-museum-2/