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This years flypast was a local affair with Red Lake’s Chimo Air providing five aircraft, Viking Outposts and Green’s Trout Lake Lodge each providing one for a total of seven bush planes flying over Howey bay.

Here was the line-up;

Green’s Norseman CF-ZMX leading the way,

followed by Chimo Air Norseman CF-KAO

Chimo Air Cessna 180 CF-SMS

Viking Outposts’ De Havilland DHC-2 piston Beaver C-GGMB

Then a trio of Chimo Air De Havilland DHC-3 Otters;

R-1340 powered C-GYYS and turbine Otters, C-GRRJ and C-FODQ

The 25th anniversary Norseman festival was a great success in many ways, although the committee worked hard to attract more Norseman to the flypast, there is a slow realization that even the most Canadian of Canadian bush planes (DHC-2 lovers relax!) is fading from the scene. Most of the last generation that were expert at woodwork, fabric and radial engines are now gone and new pilots today often skip the bush and are more attuned to iPads, flight management systems and standard operating procedures.

As noted in the last blog, commercial Norseman flying is almost rare now, but the type will continue to fly with private enthusiasts, museums and associations.  For the foreseeable future it should still be possible to hear, feel and ride in a Norseman, you just may have to travel farther to do so!

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.

Just southwest of the Ignace airport on Osaquan lake in Ontario sits Northland Aircraft Service owned by Gord and Eleanor Hughes.

With a passion for “rag and tube” bush planes, Gord has restored many of the Norseman that survive in the 21st century. He believes it is still the best choice out there for most utility transport applications in its class.  Around the yard and in the shop are skis, fuselage airframes, wing spars, parts and drawings to help operators or museums keep these stalwart workhorses alive.  Being a knowledgable expert on the type, Gord also takes questions about all things Norseman from fans worldwide who occasionally stop by to meet him in person.

So what airplane does Gord use when the need arises to take his business farther afield?  Well, you guessed it, a Norseman of course!  For over three decades, Mark IV CF-DTL (serial 57) has served Northland well and incorporates modifications that he has developed and used on many rebuild projects.

In the fall of 2016, during a quick visit by the author, no less than 10 distinct Norseman were noted and Gord jokes that Ignace, Ontario deserves the claim to being “The Norseman Capital of the World”!

In the hangar:  CF-DTL and the fuselage airframe of serial 809.  (Not in picture)

Outside:

1.                 C-FFUU/serial 74 in for winter maintenance.
2.                 CF-GJN/serial 797 available for sale.
3.                 CF-JEC/serial 469 pending sale.
4.                 CF-FOX/serial 340 available for sale or lease.
5.                 CF-HAU/serial 398 fuselage airframe.
6.                 CF-FCU/serial 837 fuselage airframe.
7.                 C-FBHZ/serial N29-13 (Mark V) wing only.
8.                 N1121B/serial 241 fuselage only on wheels.

Flight instrument panel of CF-GJN.

Note fuselage of N1121B and tail of CF-FOX in background.

Mark IV C-FFUU

The afternoon of Sunday, July 24 brought very changeable weather to Red Lake that was literally sunny one minute then raining the next.  There was some doubt if the flypast would go ahead as the aircraft taxied out around 5 PM and another downpour occurred just as they were organizing for take-off.  Fortunately it cleared enough for the group to depart southwest bound over Howey bay in windy conditions.  A large right circuit followed as they flew over Centennial park then low and fast going north over the bay to the delight of the crowd.  A second pass followed, then landing back at the take-off area.  This was the line-up;

Chimo Air Norseman CF-JIN in the lead.

Trout Lake Lodge Norseman CF-ZMX.

Chimo Air Norseman CF-KAO.

Chimo Air Cessna 180 CF-SMS.

Viking Outposts De Havilland DHC-2 Beaver C-GGMB.  (piston)

Excellent Adventures De Havilland DHC-3 Otter C-FBEO with ‘original’ 600 HP Pratt & Whitney R-1340.

Amik Outposts De Havilland DHC-3 Otter C-FHXY with 1,000 HP PZL engine.

Chimo Air De Havilland DHC-3 Turbine Otter C-FODQ.

Superior Airways Cessna 208 Caravan C-FYMT on amphibious floats.

A Beech 18 was also planned to participate but had to cancel due to the inclement weather in the greater area.

A big thank you to the pilots and all involved who faced the challenge and put on an exciting flypast to cap off the fun for this edition of the Norseman festival!