THUNDER BAY – This weekend you have a rare opportunity to step inside a PBY-5A Canso, a unique aircraft used during the Second World War for coastal patrols, convoy protection and hunting German submarines in the North Atlantic.
This summer, the Canso is being flown across much of Canada, visiting air shows and air force bases as part of the Royal Canadian Air Force’s 100th anniversary.
The Northwestern Ontario Aviation Heritage Centre helped bring it to Thunder Bay.
With a wingspan of 104 feet, the Canso is currently taking up most of the Wasaya Airlines Terminal.
After the Second World War it was converted to a waterbomber and spent several decades fighting forest fires from Newfoundland to Northwest Territories.
In 2001, while picking up water to fight forest fires near Inuvik, it was damaged and sank in 100 feet of water in Sitidgi Lake, Northwest Territories.
Since the plane spent decades saving people, it seems appropriate that a farmer and pilot from Fairview, Alta., persuaded five other farmers from the area that it was worth rescuing and restoring.
That farmer was Gary Wieben’s dad, Don.
“We're very proud of it and proud of the people that put it together,” Gary said on Friday afternoon during a private ceremony held for veterans.
It took nine years to restore the aircraft. Gary said he believes it's one of only three Canso planes that are still around today.
Adorned with Newfoundland’s waterbomber colours, the plane is on display at the Wasaya Airlines Terminal at 201 Kelner Place today and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Admission is by donation only.
On Aug. 10 and 11, the Northwestern Ontario Aviation Heritage Centre will also host Wings of Time, a celebration of Thunder Bay's aircraft manufacturing heritage and a tribute to the 100th anniversary of the Royal Canadian Air Force.
For more information visit noahc.org.
