Air-to-air, Pt.1 - Canadian Harvard Aerobatic Team
1 September 2006
The North American Harvard, also built under licence by Noorduyn Aviation in Montreal, Quebec, is synonymous with the vast British Commonwealth Air Training Plan that was administered by the Royal Canadian Air Force during the Second World War. A great many examples of the T-6/SNJ/Harvard family were purchased by civilian pilots, including ex-military types, after the war and later as post-war air arms retired them and several hundred around the world remain airworthy today..
The Canadian Harvard Aerobatic Team flies three Harvard Mk.II aircraft and its demonstrations bring back a flood of memories to those associated with the type in military service while, at the same time, introducing this famous aircraft to a new generation of air show spectators and aircraft enthusiasts.
Flown by Pete Spence, Canadian Harvard Aerobatic Team Lead Pilot, Harvard Mk.II
C-FNAH is seen from Dave Hewitt's Harvard getting airborne at Toronto/City Centre Airport. The
aircraft carries the post-Second World War markings of No. 411 (Auxiliary)
Squadron, RCAF.
C-FNAH leads as the Harvards move into a right echelon formation. The team
flies an impressive show and has entertained millions of spectators in Canada
and the United States.
Looking to starboard, the formation is completed by two more Mk.II Harvards.
The nearest with Kent Beckham at the controls is Mk.II C-FMKA, the third of the
three-ship Canadian Harvard Aerobatic Team. Further out is Mk.II C-FRWN,
an aircraft owned by the Tillsonburg, Ontario-based Canadian Harvard Aircraft
Association. The team's pilots are great supporters of the CHAA and its
aim to preserve and display the Harvard and other RCAF types.
Moving into a nice 'finger four', the formation
wheels toward City Centre Airport.
Kent Beckham tucks C-FMKA in tight for the return
to the airport as the Canadian National Exhibition grounds and the waterfront
over which the Canadian International Air Show takes place slide past below.
The Photo Platform
The platform for the Harvard photos was Noorduyn-manufactured Harvard Mk.II
C-FNDB seen here landing at the 2006 Friendly Foes Over The Falls Air Show.
Thanks to Dave Hewitt, No. 2 (Right Wing) with the Canadian Harvard Aerobatic
Team.