2007 Gathering of the Classics

4 August 2007

 

The annual Gathering Of The Classics, organized by the Collingwood Classic Aircraft Foundation, was held for the first time at the CCAF's new home at Edenvale Aerodrome north of Barrie, Ontario.  This event boasts in excess of 100 visiting aircraft of all sorts and include antiques, classics, homebuilts and ex-military aircraft and this year's event, with excellent weather and an airfield that can accommodate a large number of aircraft, was the scene of a continuous stream of air traffic all day.  For those with an interest in vintage automobiles, an impressive display was on hand to make for a most interesting day.

   There can be no doubt that the biplane was made to fly from grass airstrips and this De Havilland DH 82C Tiger Moth looks right at home on arrival at Edenvale early in the morning.  A paint scheme reminiscent of those carried by most former military aircraft in the post-Second World War years is worn by CF-CKF.

   A welcome appearance was made by this classic Beech A65 Queen Air from which the very successful Beech King Air/1900 series of turboprop corporate aircraft and regional airliners is descended.  Based at Niagara District Airport, C-FBOY was the largest type in attendance and is seen here on approach.

   One of the great names in general aviation history is that of Stinson.  The company produced a series of remarkable designs the most famous of which are undoubtedly the Model 105 and 108.  This sharp Stinson 108, C-FOIO, is seen floating in for a landing on the grass in the morning.

   With the march of time, aircraft types like Cessna's early Model 150 are now classics in their own right.  Later C-150 aircraft introduced a more modern looking rear window and swept vertical stabilizer in place of the high back fuselage and 'square' fin and rudder carried over from Cessna's earlier designs and displayed by C-150X C-FLEL on departure from Edenvale.

   The unmistakable lines of the Cessna 140 can be seen in the very unique Belwood Classic 140 C-FHJM as she climbs out for home following another successful Gathering of the Classics. 

 

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