150 and 25 Years!
CF-DRD coming in for “landing” over Norseman Heritage Park in Red Lake, Ontario.
This July of 2017 is a doubly big month to celebrate Canada and its achievements. On the first of the month Canada turns 150 since Confederation in 1867. Then the Norseman festival will commemorate 25 years since inauguration of this summertime family friendly event.
In 1990 some old time pilots, mechanics and Norseman aficionados got together in Red Lake resulting in the seed being planted for the Norseman Heritage Park. It all came together with the official opening on July 25, 1992 along with the dedication of CF-DRD (serial 831) and the start of the Norseman festival.
A highlight this year at the festival will be a demonstration by the Canadian Harvard Aerobatic Team. As the name implies, this four plane group flies the Harvard advanced trainer that was used to train thousands of pilots during World War II. When looking skyward and feeling that ear splitting roar consider the Harvard uses the same direct drive, 600 HP Pratt & Whitney R-1340 engine as the Norseman! Even more intriguing is C-FNDB with the number 039 on the fuselage. This Harvard was built by Noorduyn Aviation in Montreal in 1941 !! Yes, Noorduyn manufactured Harvard’s (a licence built version of the North American T-6 Texan) and the Norseman at the same time during WW II in Montreal area plants so this group is a natural fit for the festival.