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Neil's Archived Blog (sometimes more than Beavers!) 02 August 2017 - 31 January 2020

Photo: My camera © 22 September 2013

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31 January 2020

Yikes, January is almost gone. Working on the Calendar pages now, should be up later today!

• Photo: Ron Kosys © 20 May 2006 •

Here you go, February 2020 DHC-2.COM Calendar pages, image this month, courtesy of Ron Kosys. C-FUVQ (696) shown departing Campbell River Seaplane area a few years back. Thanks Ron!

30 January 2020

With reference to my recent item on Douglas Bader - Check this out, written just over one year earlier that my photo! This letter was sent to Lindsay, son of a 94 year old neighbour friend of my pal Peter Rerdon in Canberra! Lindsay now lives in Queenstown, Tasmania - I don't know yet if he ever joined the RAAF!

I am now sending images to this great group of lads. AirHistory.net - Impressed me, and I urge you to check it out. About 865 DHC-2 on there! If you are a serious Aviation Photographer, consider sending your work there. Very varied and broad range of content. Accurate and simple to send work! It is my choice for my archive. Only about 265 photos so far, but I try to add some every day . . .

29 January 2020

Photo: Neil Aird © 04 August 1971

I have been scanning some negatives from the 03 and 04 August 1971 period. Here is a snap I took at Glasgow Airport when I noticed Douglas Bader and his wife arriving. He was 61 at that time. Quite the hero from my childhood. (See additional info above!).

Photo: Neil Aird © 03 August 1971

The day before, Danielle and I had been on board USS Intrepid, which was moored in the Clyde Estuary. Here are A-4C Skyhawk 149498 (12823) AU/661 of VA-45 DETII and 148609 (12802) AU/664 of the same unit. When it was with VA-76, it shot down a MiG-17 on 20 May 1967. By 1993 was registered N3E.

We had a great visit. Danie was amused when we were met by a bunch of sailors below decks - they were coming back from the showers and were quite surprised to see a cute 23 year old gal in their quarters!! I saw the USS Intrepid again many years later, from my vantage point at the top of the Empire State building. I had last been up there in 1949!

26 January 2020

Here is a short video from Per Widgren in Northern Sweden . . . he owns c/n 79 - and as you can see - the restoration work is underway.

I hope the video works! I will add still images on a special page for this project.

25 January 2020

Further experimets with "Focus Stacking". Here is the inside of a glass block with a laser engraved Beaver - just to let you know I am not forgetting the DHC-2! Maybe I should read the intructions now?

24 January 2020

Doing a little macro photography today using special software from Germany. Quite happy with the results. I have a lot of work ahead of me documenting gems that I have available to market. I do not build jewellery any more as you probably know! Above are two beautiful Brazilian Tourmaline gemstones.

Photo: Neil Aird © 24 January 2020. 10:33 est

"Noisey-Birds" Three RCAF CH-146 Griffon approaching from the east - I sure heard them long before the came into view! Felt like I should be playing the "MASH" theme.

20 January 2020

Photo: Neil Aird © 20 January 2020. 15:58 est

Timing, it is all about timing. I came up to the studio, checked my screen, N57AL Falcon 2000EX (55) just climbing out of Kingston (CYGK) Airport, maybe he will turn, yes indeed, maybe I will catch it, yes indeed, a quick snap through my fogged, icey skylight, as he passed overhead at 11,800' . . probably heading to Raleigh, NC.

17 February 2020

Jack Frost was doing his graffiti on our widows today.

Photo: Neil Aird © 17 January 2020.

16 February 2020

The resident Cathedral couple are looking for lunch.

Photos: Neil Aird © 15 & 16 January 2020.

14 January 2020

All weather Cormorant, making a racket and overflying the Downtown. . . 149903 (50071) CH-149, RCAF.

Photos: Neil Aird © 14 January 2020 15:53 EST.

12 January 2020

Photo: via historyofpia.com

A very sad day for the people at Plant Protection in Pakistan. By chance I noticed someone on my website this morning from that country. Later in the day I saw images of a crash showing the wreck of AP-AMB (1415). Two people were killed. I immediately sent an e-mail to AME Fawad Butt at the compny sharing my sadness and offering condolences to all. Shortly afterwards, to my shock, I saw that he was onboard the Beaver with pilot Shoaib Malik. A really strange feeling came over me. As you can see from the above image, if something bad happens at that altitude, there is not much time to react! They have been spraying against a locust epidemic since November.

04 January 2020

We say goodbye to Russell Bannock. What a wonderful gentleman. My sypmathies to Micheal and the whole family. It was a great pleasure to know Russ. Blue Skies sir.

31 December 2019

• Photo: Victor Myachim © 20 April 1017 •

Last item of the year. The January 2020 DHC-2.COM Calendar pages, this time featuring RA-67258 (1680TB48) - thanks to Victor Myachim and Bill Alder, and the folks at Sealand Aviation, for supplying the image. I have some other super shots of this Turbine, and will add "next year" . . .

27 December 2019

A special shout out before the year ends, to my 32 generous, regular contrubutors to the website in 2019. Thank you all !

James K (WA) four times! Klaus M (WA), Rob M (ON) twice! Ian Mac (ON), Gerald C (NS) twice ! Steve T (BC), Chris L (IL), Anthony A (ON), Peter R (OZ), Antony R (CH), Randy S (MI), Jim H (AB), Blake Q (CA), Ian Mac (UK), Nicolas F (OZ), Randy S (MI), Allan MacE (ON), Mathieu T (CH), Vincent M (AB), Ian B (BC), Andreas P (AT), Bob W (ID), Jordan S (UT), Paige & Jim B (ON), Mark B (NS), Brian W (ON), John R (BC), Ken S (ON), John N (WA), Kristin McC (OZ), Rod H (UK).

13 December 2019

Photo: Neil Aird © 13 December 2019 11:36 EST

SNP pilots back again??

Photo: Neil Aird © 21 June 2009

10 December 2019

e-DAY

Fly along with Greg! (Video: Harbour Air)

Video frame: Eric Peterson © 10 December 2019

Lots of coverage on YouTube. Awesome day!

09 November 201

Photo: Scott McGeachy / SKIES Magazine © 09 December 2019

A hop and skip - tomorrow the big jump. Congratulations to Harbour Air. Photo credit to Skies Magazine photographer Scott McGeachy (hope you don't mind Scott). This is a very big event. Looking good C-FJOS (1030) . . . ePlane wonder!

Photos: Scott McGeachy / Skies Magazine © 10 December 2019 - DHC © 16 August 1947

Another first flight, recent and also many years ago. Similar pilot reactions. Greg McDougall / Russ Bannock - Mission Accomplished. Now the test flying begins. I wonder if the DHC-2 will be a success - what will the future hold?

06 December 2019

I could not resisit going back out after my walk to capture this cute "snowmaiden" created by the children down the street.

04 December 2019

Photo: Arwen Hunter © 25 May 2007

Over twelve years ago already. Arwen Hunter reminded us on FaceBook. Present in this snap taken by Arwen at Downsview in May 2007: Don Berends, Russ Bannock, Dave Curtis, yours truly and Mike Bannock - and of course "Olivia". Note, all five gents have driven Beavers, some have more hours and experience than others!!

01 December 2019

Photos: Neil Aird © 17 September 1968 17:59 and 18:01 MST

I have been scanning old black and white negatives, as some of you may know. These images are the result of some time working with very "thin" negatives. But the effort was worth it for me. The photographs were taken at Cody, Wyoming. N73106 Convair 580 (7) Frontier Flight 522 (or 523?) was our ride. Landed at Cody 17:51 and wheels up 18:01. Thence to Riverton and on to Laramie where we ran off the runway, blowing some tires. Captain John Leslie taxied us to the gate, (after the flames had gone out) rather bumpily. The Stew, Ruth E. Brent passed out some kind of "incident" form for us to fill. As we deplaned, the Captain asked "Anyone play bridge?" We were obviosly going to be staying here for a while. Tom Baillie and I went back on board into the cockpit while the engines were started again, and the aircraft bumped forward, out of the way. Seems like the aircraft could not engage reverse pitch on one of the two Allisons. A Texan boot seemingly was used as we left the runway to prevent a further excursion off the mesa. The F/O was Findlay Fint. N2870D P-51D Mustang (122-31076) ex 44-63350 Race number 16, was on the ramp. It had dead-sticked in earlier and Dr. Mark R. Foutch of Champaign, Illinois, the physician pilot , was intending to catch our flight to Denver. Quite a day for him.

Below is a snap of N73106 at Riverton, Wyoming, just before our "excursion" at Laramie.

Photo: Thomas A. Baillie © 17 September 1968 18:40 MST

Tom's actual flight log! Thanks Tom (received 21 December 2019)

Replacement Convair 580 N73122 (41), which brought in tires, mechanics etc., had us off Laramie at 22:26 and in Denver at 22:53. I seem to remember getting to bed around 02:30! there is more to this adventure, but I will save that for another day.

29 November 2019

• Photo: John W. Olafson © 23 June 2017 •

The December 2019 DHC-2.COM Calendar pages are ready for you to download. Thanks once again to John W. Olafson for stepping in with this great angle of N241MF (880) plying her trade at Ketchikan. Cheers John!

27 November 2019

Sad to report the crash and loss of seven lives near Kingston Airport - CYGK. N50DK Piper PA-32-260 (32-29) 1965 vintage. Aircraft was almost on final to RWY 19. Weather was not the best, gusty conditions. Accident happened about 17:00 EST.

22 November 2019

Photo: Neil Aird © 09 September 1968

Revisiting my Davis-Monthan MASDC negatives while doing archival work. I think it is worthwhile to redo some of these. Click on the EC-121K to see the two images and compare. The bottom one was scanned back almost seven years ago. Scanners , meanwhile, have been upgraded and my skills sharpened, just like the image!

Here's a great time lapse video of the recovery of C-FCKW (1662TB36) on the "Inlet Raider" vessel. A great job, typical of West Coast operations. Kudos to Coastal Seatrucking Ltd, credit to them for the video too.

16 November 2019

Just to let you know that I have managed to restore all CBC Interviews! These links should work. Goodness knows why they vanished.

15 November 2019

\

Image: David Malyshef / Gamut productions © 2007

On November 1st Russ Bannock clicked over year 100 on his Russ meter. I have met Russ on several occasions, always interesting conversations. Here are two shots taken at Downsview while filming for "The Immortal Beaver" TV documentary (released May 2008).

Great fun, as you can see. Happy Birthday sir.

Image: David Malyshef / Gamut productions © 2007

Today I added the original short 1993 interview I did with Russ at his Toronto home. That was a great day, lots of interesting stories told over lunch and a few hours back in his office. The interview is just a brief memento. I hope to add a longer video done in 2007, in which he tells a similar tale of the original test flight. I just have to figure how to do that .

14 November 2019

Back on 13 August 1997 I was interviewed by Terry MacLeod on CBC Radio. It was close to the 50th Anniversary of the de Havilland DHC-2 Beaver, as you well know. I used to have several interviews on the website, but they almost all have vanished in recent times. Today I decided to re-record this CBC interview - I have had success, (wonders never cease) , you might enjoy the program. It lasts 19:12 and the actual interview starts at 03:41. Sit down sometime and head back twenty-two years in time to that event. . . I hope you enjoy it!

LINK.

A shout out once again to my 26 faithful supporters. Without donations, this site would not be able to expand, or even exist. Thanks so much!

James K (WA) four times! Klaus M (WA), Rob M (ON) twice!, Ian Mac (ON),

Gerald C (NS) twice ! Steve T (BC), Chris L (IL), Anthony A (ON), Peter R (OZ),

Antony R (CH), Randy S (MI), Jim H (AB), Blake Q (CA), Ian Mac (UK),

Nicolas F (OZ), Randy S (MI), Allan MacE (ON), Mathieu T (CH), Vincent M (AB),

Ian B (BC), Andreas P (AT), Bob W (ID), Jordan S (UT), Paige & Jim B (ON), Mark B (NS).

11 November 2019

Kingston 15-25cm / 6"-10"

Lucky us eh?

A shout out to Ross Buckland for producing this evocative print. For those few of you that are not aware of Ross's fine work.

Check him out here.

NEW OPEN EDITION PRINT AVAILABLE !
****Shipping after Dec 5
“Into The High Northwest”
Rust's Flying Service DeHavilland Canada Beaver
paper size: 24 x 20 inches
image size: 20 x 16 inches
Epson Enhanced matte paper
$100.00 USD
Message or email:
contact "at" rossbuckland.com for enquiries

08 November 2019

2009

2019

Congratulations to flighradar24 on your 10th anniversary! Like to think I was there at almost the beginning of your North American coverage.

07 November

Guess what?

Photos: Neil Aird © 07 November 2019

03 November 2019

Photo: Neil Aird © 15 September 1966

Been having fun working with some old prints and sending them to a Face Book Group for Vintage and Classic Light Aircraft. It is fun to get comments and information from people who remember the aircraft, the place, the time . . . and lots of "likes" too. The above aircraft is N1406 Cessna 190 (7963) early one hot, sticky, humid morning at New Orleans Moisant Airport. These scans take a while to clean up, they are from rather small prints I processed in my bedroom back in Scotland!. Photo paper was as expensive as film, so had to cut the sheets in half or a third! hence the letterbox shape.

02 November 2019

Photos: Neil Aird © 16 September 1968

Today I scanned and added a trio of TBM's to my "Missoula Miscellany" page. Always loved thes big birds. The prints surfaced while I was sorting in the basement - yes, I'll be down there for a while!

01 November 2019

Photos: James B. Aird © Late 1949 - Aird Archives

The above may seem like a CCP DF-5B or North Korean ICBM -

- but it is / they are the final Baldwin 4-6-2 WP Class Locomotives for the Indian Government about to leave the Baldwin Locomotive Works at Chester, for the Philadelphia Docks. There is a Kingston connection here. One hundred were built at Chester and eighty at the Canadian Locomotive Company here in Kingston, Ontario. My Dad and one other inspector were sent to Philadelphia and one lad to Kingston. Many years later I brought a railway spike to Scotland for my Dad lifted from the abandoned railway yards (now condos - one building named in honour of the factory). I find it amazing that I am working on these snaps taken seventy years ago - quite a thrill and great pleasure for me.

Having survived a huge windstorm overnight, antennas okay, some mature huge trees, not so much, I thought I'd add something different! This morning I received my usual monthly update from the Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam. One image I grabbed as a screen saver (not always planes btw) and though to myself "Hey, that looks familiar! On our second to third floor stairwell we have three small original watercolour exercises painted by Russian Art Students - low and behold, similar glass, cloth and lemon! The original is by one Willem Claesz, Heda, 1635. 88cm x 113cm oil on board. I don't have the student's info at hand. I really must get back to painting someday . . . . inspiring stuff!

My son Anthony was just out and sent me some storm damage snaps! The cleanup crews will be busy once the wind dies down a bit. Lots of downed Hydro wires to for our Utility Company to attend to also! 12:30 edt Hydro pole and auger truck just went down our street - the work begins!

Photos: Anthony Aird © 01 November 2019 10:10 edt

Photo: Neil Aird © 04 November 2019

30 October 2019

• Photo: Marcel Fluet-Lecerf / Michel Léonard © July 2008 •

Well, another month rolls to a close. The DHC-2.COM November 2019 Calendar pages are ready for you to grab. This month is an old image of C-FODA (112) at an unknown (to me) location, north of the Ottawa River. It is such an evocative scene, I had to use it. Thanks to Michel Léonard and the late Marcel Fluet-Lecerf for the superb image.

29 October 2019

Design rendering: "Delta" - Green tourmaline cabochons and diamonds in 750/1000 yellow and white golds. Neil Aird © 1971

Design rendering: "Aurora" - 750/1000 red, yellow and white golds, set with diamonds. Neil Aird © 1971

Above are a couple of my early brooch renderings from about 1971. They were painted on clear acetate / mylar, which was quite unusual at that time, if not original! I was inspired by Czech naïve paintings on glass to try a similar technique.

Photo: Ruud Leeuw © 10 October 2019

Today I received an e-mail from my good friend Ruud Leeuw, letting me know about the latest update to his "massive" website. "Canada 2019" page. Great images of Seaplanes (as well as many other items) on it. One page that maybe of particular interest to Beaver and Otter watchers is this one. "Vancouver Seaplanes". Great work as always Ruud. I may be "borrowing a few of these snaps!

28 October 2019

Photo: Glenn F. Douglas © October 1962 - Marathon Museum Collection

I do hope you have been enjoying the series of images I recently added to the banner page of CF-GQP (91) on her way up from Lake Superior into the town of Marathon, Ontario - heading, presumably out to the airport some five kilometers away. My sincere thanks, once again, to Stan Johnson for supplying the superb images from the Marathon Museum Collection.

27 October 2019

Sketch: Neil Aird © 20 December 1964

Back to the Steam era now - I did this pen and ink wash for my Dad's Christmas gift - something "home made" - Two years later in 1966, I had the pleasure of riding on the footplate and actually, "had a go", at driving Baldwin Locomotive Works (built 1908) 0-6-0, No: 31 on the Strasbourg Railroad in Pennsylvania. I drove it through Paradise - it sure was for me! It's amazing what one finds when sorting out stuff in the basement! No:31 was ex Canadian National No:7312.

Sketch: Neil Aird © 22 May 1964

For his 54th birthday that May, I sketched an E.6 (built 1910-1914 period) 4-4-2 Pacific No:645 of The Pennsylvania - Reading Seashore Line at Cape May, New Jersey.

23 October 2019 ,

Photo: Harbour Air © October 2019

C-FJOS (1030) is going to be the ePlane! Check out Harbour Air's link. I for one wish Harbour Air and partners the very best of luck in this exciting venture. You can sign up online for updates on the progress.

23 October 2019

Today I added a page as a tribute to my Dad - James "Jim" B. Aird (1910 - 1973). As a start, i have added an article written by him in 1967. He was made an Honory Life Member of the NRHS back in 1949 - on the spot, after an impromptu talk at one of their meetings in Philadelphia.

Jim Aird (age 39) at Baldwin Locomotive Works, Chester, Pennsylvania - 1949

Photo: James B. Aird © December 1949

Comment by my Dad on the back of the above snap "Dignity and Impudence". I was 4¾ at the time. The locomotive, Baldwin Class P-3 4-6-2 5124 was built in 1913 and soldiered on until at least 1953 with the Baltimore & Ohio.

22 October 2019

Neil's Map

\

Colin's Map

Have been corresponding with one Colin Mc Keeman who lives near Dublin, Eire. We have found we had similar interests when we both were eighteen. Here is a page from my journal of 18 May 1963, showing the map I had drawn to chart aircraft I heard on Short Wave radio. Today, Colin sent a snap of his Journal with his map. Two lads, each on their own island, listening to the same planes. This map was done in 1964 - ah, the days before computers.

Photo: Danielle Aird © Fall 2019

A memory from Danie's most recent Spanish Adventure - kind of timely image. I think she already has itchy feet . . . .

16 October 2019

Photo: Neil Aird © 16 October 2019 07:29 edt

An early shot looking east, not that early actually, as dawn is getting later and later. It soon changed however, strong winds, rain squalls and snowing leaves now!!

Screen capture: 16 October 2019 14:10 edt

Today Danielle is travelling back from Spain, via Gernary. I am keeping a close eye on Triple-seven C-FIVR "AC877" as it crosses the North Atlantic. She flew over Scotland, but whether she was looking out or zzzz, is anyone's guess! She will stay overnight in Toronto and return by train tomorrow. I'd better get some grocery shopping done!!

15 October 2019

While I was having a coffee break this afternoon, I enjoyed the sunlight on some of (probably) the last flowers from my garden.

Yesterday I had the pleasure of a visit from Professor Pierre Gillard and seven of his Avionics students on a field trip from ÉNA - École National d'Aérotechnique at St. Hubert, (near Montréal) Québec. It was indeed a pleasure to have them here in Kingston. Here is the group up in my "cab" . . A shout out to (left to right) Justin-Karl, Simon, Vicky, Éliand, Pierre "The Teacher", Philippe and Jessi. Today they are being hosted at CFB Trenton - lucky devils. Pierre has an extensive trip planned for them. Bonne voyage a tout!

13 October 2019

Photo: Neil Aird © 13 October 2019 16:25 edt

Another wonderful day. Here is the view east yet again.

10 October 2019

Today Danielle reached her destination in Spain. So some celebrating in Santiago de Compostela tonight. Tomorrow a day off walking, a bus ride to Cape Finistere, just to finish things off. In a few days a train back to Pamplona and fly home via Frankfurt. Well done!! Back again next Spring with our second eldest granddaughter to do it all over again!! What a gal!

Photos: Neil Aird © 10 October 2019 13:25 edt

I had my photo taken today. N27NW a 1987, Reims built Cessna F406 (008) FL11.500' was going back and forth. Came from Ottawa and has returned there. I thought I would take it's photo as well.

09 October 2019

Photos: Neil Aird © 08 October 2019 18:53-55 edt

Always am entertained by the views from our house. Here are a few shots from the other evening. What a difference a few minutes make.

Photo: Neil Aird © 08 October 2019 18::45 edt

08 October 2019

Photos: Neil Aird © May 1983

Here is something a little different for you. Back in 1983 I travelled to Europe with my eldest son Robin (almost aged six at the time) and we climbed until I got the snap I wanted of Neuschwanstein. The sign on the path translated thus: "If you leave the path, there is danger of death" - we spoke to some climbers descending from above us, with proper gear. They kindly advised us; "That's far enough". I had often viewed images of RCAF CF-104 Starfighters passing this beautiful castle, hence the visit.

06 October 2019

It pays to dig through old hard drive archives. Just came across a bunch of zipped files, this very fuzzy new addition was found and added. 51-16825 (361). We did not have an image before. Have to figure out who sent it to me now! Must do some more digging.

03 October 2019

Photo: Danielle Aird © 03 October 2019

Meanwhile, in Spain ,on the Camino trail, Danielle is enjoying beautiful vistas as she hikes.

Photo: Neil Aird © 03 October 2019 07:04 edt

A fleeting moment - literally only like this for five minutes. A wonderful start to my day! For more of my dawn images - LINK.

01 October 2019

Photo: Michel Leonard & Marcel Fluet-Lecerf © 12 July 2009 - Aird Archives

How quickly time passes. In 2009 I received a wonderful CD with images taken by Michel Leonard and our dear friend, the late Marcel Fluet- Lecerf. I'm just revisiting that CD and extracting some images I had not uploaded to the website. What a delight to remember my own adventures in Northern Ontario and Eastern Manitoba. Merci encore Michel.

29 September 2019

• Photo: Lauren Ball © 02 September 2019 •

Added the October 2019 DHC-2.COM Calendar pages just now. Thanks to Lauren Ball for the image of C-FZXD (1336). Now I know where 'ZXD lands when visiting Kingston! I'll head over to the Kingston Rowing Club the next time I see it visit. Thanks Lauren and also thanks to your Dad Brian for sending the image along!

27 September 2019

• Photo: Neil Aird © 27 September 2019 07:43 edt

You can always tell a Boeing 747 by it's contrail. Here, the culprit, was VQ-BHE a 747-4KZF (36784) operating Air Bridge Cargo "ABW502" having just gone by, eastbound at FL350.

September, in all it's glory. Temperatures dropping overnight.

• Photo: Neil Aird © 27 September 2019 10:27 edt

Guess who came back to visit? Noticed C-GMPB Pilatus PC-12 of the RCMP, leaving on a mission over the 1,000 islands. I won't say more, don't want another visit from the boys or girls in blue!

25 September 2019

Photo: Neil Aird © 25 September 2019 06:48 edt

Photo: Neil Aird © 25 September 2019 10:33 edt

A chance encounter on Earl Street. Everyone was happy that happened. Very brief, but very pleasant!

24 September 2019

Photo: Neil Aird © 24 September 2019 09:40 edt

The first day of fall / autumn. My favourite time of year.

Also, today we had the 1,800,000th unique visitor to DHC-2.COM and visitor 92,000nd to DHC-3archive.COM. Meanwhile good old TwinOtterArchive.com is at 243,840.

20 September 2019

Photos: Neil Aird © 20 September 2019 06:45 edt

Pleasant start to the day. It is amazing how quickly the skies change. In a few minutes it was just a normal morning!

17 September 2019

Photo: Neil Aird © 17 September 2019 10:41 edt

Utilizing our quieter skies, little N484BH an Eclipse EA500 (550-1005) shot numerous missed approaches to Kingston - CYGK this morning. Returning to Oshawa - CYOO after completing it's mission. Got to watch one circuit from my studio window, rather than just on my screen.

15 September 2019

Photo: Neil Aird © 29 April 2009

While in the Gulf region, I photographed other birds, this United States Navy Beech T-44C Huron was busy in the NAS Corpus Christi circuit.

Image / graphic: Anthony Aird © 14 September 2019

A bit of light hearted humour from my graphic designer son Anthony Aird. He's enjoying his ne iMac 27" machine, and has been honing his skills! Thanks Ant! We must get that coffee mug done some day.

14 September 2019

Photo: Neil Aird © 14 September 2019 18:51 edt.

More and more Airbus A350 are passing by. Tonight's regular "IBE6274" from Chicago just went over my head. Beautiful in the evening light. EC-MXV an A350-941 (219) of Iberia at FL390.

Photo: Neil Aird © 29 April 2009

Going through some images from years gone by. Here is a B-1RD shot on the Gulf Coast at South Padre Island, Texas, near the Mexican Border. Below we have a very busy Sandpiper beachcomber.

Photo: Neil Aird © 29 April 2009

13 September 2019

Photos: Neil Aird © 13 September 2019 10:40 edt

A couple of "birds" entered my air(d)space, one very noisy, and one very quiet. The CF-188 two seater spent some time up high, I never caught him down low. He was doing "airwork" for quite some time. He later landed at Kingston Airport. "Cougar 40" was the callsign (I think?). The other regular "visitor" did the usual lazy circles over downtown - very magestic. Both chased the pidgeons away!

Photo: Neil Aird © 13 September 2019

12 September 2019

Photo: Peter Keating © September 1958 - digitally restored by yours truly.

Thanks to recent donations to DHC-2.COM I am able to continue adding some of the late Peter Keating's wonderful archival photographs, taken on his world travels. I would like to purchase a few more soon, but they are very expensive. If you can help with some funds, I can push on ahead with those purchases.

Some images require some time to clean up . . but, hey, that's what I am here for! Today's work . . . . begins . . . . two hours later . . . 'tis done!

Photo: Peter Keating © 08 December 1958

07 September 2019

Monarch butterfly migration time, one every five minutes or less today! Headwinds did not seem to bother them at all !

06 September 2019

The first Ozzie Tomato has ripened. Thanks to Lance Higgerson for the seeds he sent a couple of years ago. I'll try and get them started earlier next Spring! We still have another month of growing season, I hope!

02 September 2019

Photo: Neil Aird © 02 September 2019 12:00 edt

Labor Day here in Canada. Nice music overhead, and a couple of circuits by C-FZXD (1336) - I presume it landed in the Kingston inner harbour area, beside the Kingston Rowing Club. By happy chance, the daughter of a DHC-2.COM viewer, Brian Ball, just happened to take a beautiful picture. I hope this will feature as the October DHC-2.COM Calendar!.

31 August 2019

• Photo: John W. Olafson © 15 August 2019 •

Added the September 2019 DHC-2.COM Calendar pages just now. Thanks to John W. Olafson for the image of C-FFHA (39). Nice to see Harbour Air employing both genders!

Photo: Don Fynn © 27 May 1976

Sometimes when I have computer issues, things work out for the better - afterwards. This is the case over the last few days. I have a computer software that archives my e-mails, enabling me to go back many, many years. Alas, when Microsoft screwed up my other computer, I "lost" 108,000 e-mails. Well, after days of "hunting" I have about 55,000 or so, back. After reviewingt some, for an Otter actually, I came across many images sent to me in January 2016 by Don Fynn. Today I will be doing the recovery of CF-ZYE (192) from an accident back in 1976. I'll drop Don a line also to apologise for not adding this set sooner. I did add some of his Otters back then! Thanks Don!!

22 August 2019

Photo: Ben Cogger © 20 August 2019

The other day I posted a banner shot of N1544 (1230) by Fred Wallis at Lake Hood - well Ben Cogger sent an update. I wondered why she was there. Seems like a nose extension is underway! Thanks Ben.

19 August 2019

As I wrestle with my main web building computer, thanks to Microsoft and their wonderful "update" last Monday, I now have that computer back, equipped with a 1TB SSD and 2TB Hard drive - but - as a consequence, I cannot use it anymore for my webwork, without learning a whole new system. It has taken me svereal days to get programs on it, plus transferring files from the two old hard drives. The cost was considerable - it is now a very fast machine. I will use it for working on some images for the website. Fortunately I can do my website work on my No:2 machine - it is fast also.

With that being said - I'd like to give a shout out, and my sincere thanks, to this year's 21 donors. Without their help, I would not be able to run this website.

James K (WA) thrice!, Klaus M (WA), Rob M (ON) twice!, Ian Mac (ON), Gerald C (NS), Steve T (BC), Chris L (IL), Jim and Paige B (ON), Anthony A (ON), Peter R (OZ), Antony R (CH), Randy S (MI), Jim H (AB), Blake Q (CA), Ian Mac (UK), Nicolas F (OZ), Randy S (MI), Allan MacE (ON), Mathieu T (CH), Vincent M (AB).

18 August 2019

Photo: Nic Fabert © 17 August 2019

Un-boxing here and there. Exciting times, two containers - their contents revealed! Above we see N24150 / VH-NTZ (1259) just arrived in Australia. Below we see the future restoration contents, N712F (171) which will be restored with porthole, lower induction and classic DHC red with white coloursheme. Good luck to Nic in OZ and Dan in Alaska. I will post "assembly" images as I receive them.

Photo: Dan Gilbertson © 29 July 2019

15 August 2019

Photo: Kenneth I. Swartz © 12 May 2019

Added another new page to the website. Cape May County Airport / KWWD in New Jersey has had a large number of DHC-4A Caribou aircraft with a company there. They have always been on my bucket list to check out. I figure a web page is the next best thing. Here, as a start, are some images sent to me by Ken Swartz. Thanks Ken. I may develop this page - Cape May Caribou (over time!).

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Photo: Rod Digney © 13 August 2019

Rod Digney went to the YND / Gatineau Mini Airshow on Tuesday and sent me this shot of C-GUPM (336) enjoying the Red Arrows.Thanks Rod.

14 August 2019

Photo: Peter Keating © April 1958 - Aird Archives

Starting today, I am adding some of Peter Keating's magnificent black and white images from Karachi, Pakistan in 1957 and 1958. The were purchased as digital files, using funds that have come from donors to this website. Without these contributions, I would not be able to purchase such magnificent photographs (expensive!). They came from Colin Higgs of aflyinghistory.com. Thank you Colin for taking the time to scan these Beavers. Here is a link to Colin's wonderful page about Peter Keating, quite the life! Link.

Photo: Lance Hill © 15 August 2019 (Oz date)

An update from Blackwattle bay. VH-AAM (1492) is ready to head to Bankstown - at least it is not going into the bin in the foreground. Get well soon! Thanks again to Lance Hill.

12 August 2019

Photo: Ben Dannecker © 1968

Received an image today of VH-SMH (646) from Ben Dannecker, showing it at Kalgoorlie, Western Australia. Ben was navigator on flights back in 1968. Pilot and Systems Operator were the other crew members. The "survey bomb" (magnetometer sensing head) was trailed some fifty feet below the DHC-2. Thanks Ben and also David Carter who scanned the photograph.

Photos: Lance Hill © 12 August 2019

VH-AAM (1492) got flipped in a windstorm at Rose Bay while moored I believe. All recovered now (with care) and on a barge. Thanks to Lance Hill for a series of mobile phone images.

02 August 2019

Don't forget, for a large number of Beaver photos, check out the Calendars Retrospective page. I hope some day to link up all the images. in the meantime, you can probably search via the "Find" box on the main page.

31 July 2019

On this day, fifty-one years ago, I arrived at Toronto - CYYZ as a new immigrant to Canada. By a very strange co-incidence, my wife Danielle is sitting at that same airport awaiting the arrrival of a granddaughter from BC. Also - another granddaughter is at this moment boarding a flight to Prince Edward Island, via Halifax! My friend David Perston arrived 23 years ago from Scotland. It was his FaceBook entry that reminded me of my own anniversary!!

Photo: John W. Olafson © 14 May 2010

As another month comes to a close, yet another Beaver has been lost. This time C-GPZP (722) had to ditch. I believe it remained afloat long enough for the pilot and two passengers to be rescued by a quick acting commercial tug boat crew. The Canadian Coast Guard brought the three to shore by hovercraft. Thanks to John Olafson for his image of c/n 722 in better days. She is now somewhere in "the deep".

30 July 2019

Our 181st DHC-2.COM Calendar image is ready for August 2019. Thanks to Ken Swartz of Aeromedia Communications, for this pleasant shot of C-FSDE (1593) at Parry Sound airport. Thanks again Ken.

29 July 2019

Quite a few firsts recently in my neck of the woods. Here they are.

First Fall Colour - 29 July 2019

First Tomato - 28 July 2019

First Monarch Eggs - 26 July 2019

27 July 2019

Image: Hal Davis Photography © 23 July 2019

The other day photographer Hal Davis spent four hours beside the Oshkosh runway watching and recording landings. After about twelve hours of studio work doing graphic digital manipulation, he came up with this image. Can you spot Doug's N67DN (799)? Head over to Hal's website and check the Aircraft Section for a larger image. Well done Hal - a money shot!!

I must say it is nice to see that the original TwinOtterArchive.com is still getting some visitors. Ian Macintosh and yours truly are gradually changing the data format - quite a task. I just have to catch up with Ian's work.

26 July 2019

Photo: Neil Aird © 26 July 2019 13:05edt

N312FR Airbus 320 NEO (7768) operating Frontier "FFT126" from Denver, Colorado, to Burlington, Vermont, cruises overhead at FL370.

23 July 2019

Image: AOPA webcam 12:05 CDT 23 July 2019

Image: AOPA webcam 12:55 CDT 23 July 2019

Well C-FDTD arrived safely at Oshkosh - Airventure 2019. I enjoyed watching her travel from Duluth to OSH on FR24, and managed a few snaps of my screen as she taxied to, eventually, the Warbird Area. Well done! Hope the crew have a wonderful stay!!

22 July 2019

I was interviewd by Zac Goudie of CBC Radio - Saint John's, Newfoundland today. You can listen to the interview here.

16 July 2019

Yet another DHC-2 down, C-FJKI (992) with seven on board. Not much news at this point in time. Hoping for the best outcome, but three fatalities have been reported, with four missing. Happened yesterday at Mistastin Lake, Labrador.

13 July 2019

Very, very sad news again today. Yesterday Jim Duggan lost his life, along with two colleagues, in the crash of his C-GRHF (1123)., near Lac Boulene, Québec. The fourth passenger survived. I will provide details when I learn of them. From the tragic images below, they did not have any options.

I met Jim back on 27 May 2017 when he and Paul Armstrong dropped into a Kingston Marina to say hello.

Photos: Simon Content © c.13 July 2019

11 July 2019

Image: Screen capture © CTV News

Sad to report the accident this morning involving C-FBBG (358) taking the lives of the three on board. More details as they transpire. Sympathies to all affected by this awful event.

01 July 2019

Photos: Neil Aird © 01 July 2019 15:15edt

It always pays to check flyovers. G-VMNK Airbus A330-223 (403) Virgin Atlantic "VIR85" was approaching at FL380, and looked like it would pass almost overhead. I was ready at the skylight. Caught the interesting "rainbow" effect too. Happy with that. As it passed through high clouds, the secondary spectacular "trail" came and went.

Logo: Anthony Aird & Neil Aird © 29 June 2019

Launching on this Canada Day, a new logo for the website. A joint effort with my son Anthony. Very impressed with his abilities to handle complicated vector graphics and accommodate my requests. Hope you like the two "modern" Beavers. Thanks Ant!

27 June 2019

Photos: Paul Stenner © 27 June 2019 09:48 local

NEWS: Just heard from John Racey in Vancouver that another DHC-2 accident has happened at Ketchikan. Paul Stenner took this image from his cruise ship at 09:48 local. I believe it happened just before. I hope everyone got out okay.

Update: This time everyone is okay (one slight injury) five people, all rescued. Pacific Airways aircraft. N94DC (238). Aircraft was being towed to Pacific Airways facilities. More images on N94DC page. I'm sure it can be rebuilt.

Photo: John W. Olafson © 31 May 2019

• Photo: Danny Hoggard © 09 June 2019 •

It is calendar time again - July 2019 DHC-2.COM pages are ready. My thanks to Danny Hoggard for this great image of N5978 (308) on her take-off run, at Ketchikan, Alaska. Many thanks Danny.

Apologies to the kind person whose image I had already selected for July - I forget who thee personis and the image. I usually print it out and mark the details on the back - then place it behind my current calendar - I forgot to do that this time!! Duh! Please contact me if it was you.

22 June 2019

Photo: Bob Kobzey © 21 June 2019

Always evolving. Something new on the front of C-FOED (1591TB9) which has just left the Sealand Aviation facilities at Campbell River. It is an MT four bladed prop. (Possibly an MTV-16?). I will be interested to hear just how it performs. A first installation on the Turbine Beaver.

21 June 2019

Midsummer already!

I've been adding some very intersting DHC-2 / U-6A images, I think you will agree. Alas, they come at a high price, with the exception of the ones supplied by Jay Sherlock. Slides now are fetching US$20.00 on some auction sites, that's $26.42 Canadian or 17.59 Euros. Then there is shipping and a PalPal surcharge of 5%. Thanks to recent donations, I was able to secure these rare slides for us all to enjoy.There are some collectors with deep pockets out there, so it is not always possible to be able to catch some Beavers!!

Your support through donations, make this website possible.

14 June 2019

xx

My good friend Mike Pink sent me a link to a super NFB (National Film Board) short movie, which is now on YouTube. Two gents, George A. Neal and Bob Fowler, whom I knew were featured. I'm sure you will enjoy this. I know I did, I had the great pleasure of creating two coins, back in 1999, featuring these two de Havilland Canada test-pilot icons. Below, George has some fun showing narrator Fred how he could fly the Beaver "Hands Off" . . I think this must have been a great film shoot for everyone! CF-GYR (162) was the demo Beaver.

Screen captures: NFB © circa 1952

12 June 2019

Photo: Neil Aird © 12 June 2019 16:15 edt

Cutting the corner, and flying by my window on the way to CFB Kingston. 146479 Bell / Textron CH-146 Griffon (46479). I don't mind, but some might. Usual course is over the water rather than the heart of Downtown.

06 June 2019

x

C-FDTD - Well done!!

Photos: Jean-Pierre Bonin © 06 June 2019

Incredible achievement by Mikey McBryan and all the "PLANE SAVERS" - Uncle Ronny, Stella, Jay, Trent, Bobby, Pierre, Normand, the ÉNA students, (especially Benjamin, William, Laurie), staff and faculty, and others, too many to list here - every one a star! Let's not forget "Buffalo Joe" and his intrepid co-pilot, Quinn Jones. Then there is Rod back up north. I have watched with interest since Episode E00 and will certainly miss my evening "hit". I hope that Mikey, master videographer and editor rolled into one, will take some time off before Oshkosh to become "normal" . . . somehow I doubt that will happen. My thanks to mon ami Jean-Pierre Bonin for the two images.

A special shout out to Benoit de Mulder, without his foresight, planning, and starting the ball rolling - this would never, ever, have happened.

This is an event I just had to "highlight"!!!

Note: A well written article by my pal Ken Swartz, illustrated with images by Pierre Gillard, has just been published in SKiES.

03 June 2019

Photo: Ken Marshall © 28 July 1990 - Aird Archives

Another side project underway. Scanning F-4 slides. Here is a nice one (after cropping, tweaking, and restoration). 157351 RF-4B Phantom II (3937) of USMC, VMFP-3sq coded RF/36. Shot by "Kilo-Mike" at Westover AFB.

31 May 2019

• Photo: Gary Gentle © 24 May 2018

The June 2019 DHC-2.COM Calendar pages are up. Thanks to Gary Gentle for the fine image of C-FDTY (26) departing Lake Simcoe Regional Airport last year.

22 May 2019

Photo: Danielle Aird © 22 May 2019

Playing Tic-Tac-Toe west of Burgos, Spain. My wife Danielle is hiking again, and she sent this to me - can't think why?

Photo: Neil Aird © 22 May 2019 12:57 edt

Locally, I had a visit from our first RCAF Lockheed CP-140 Aurora 140101 (285B-5682) just two quick low level passes of the Royal Miltary College then off eastbound.

21 May 2019

X

Photos: Kelsie Hayward © 20 May 2019 (Taken from CBC website)

Yesterday another tragic accident happened involving a Beaver near Ketchikan. My sympathies to all, families, operators and community. N67667 (1309) was the accident aircraft. Location was Metlakatla, Alaska about 16:00 local. The two on board did not survive, the pilot and a Canadian passenger. As you can see, the aircraft was salvaged. Investigation begins.

19 May 2019

Photos: Neil Aird © 25 August 1966

The "new" Hotel at JFK has opened. I watched a YouTube video today. I thought it might be an appropriate time to dust of some images I took in September 1966. I actually slept on one of the red sunken area couches overnight!! Might not get away with that today. No Connie outside when I slept there. I did board my Vertol from one of the gates! More images here.

17 May 2019

Recently installed a new antenna and received a radar unit fro FleetMon to increase my range. Now cover shipping for them with distances between 25nm and 44nm in eastern Lake Ontraio at St. Lawrence Seaway! Their antenna is the longest one on the left - it receives VHF signals

14 May 2019

XX

Photos: Dirk Septer © 10 May 2019 - just three days before the accident.

Yesterday saw another tragic even near Ketchikan, Alaska. N952DB DHC-2 Beaver and N959PA DHC-3 Otter had a mid-air. We await clarification of events. Heartfelt sympathy to families of those killed and injured, also to the Aviation community of Ketchikan. A GoFundMe page has been set up to help the young family of the Beaver pilot/owner Randy Sullivan.

A note I saw from one of our photographers Todd Boettcher on the GoFundMe page 'd like to share with you here on the website:

We flew with Randy in May 2016. We got a late start to the day, and after visiting around 5 tour operators that afternoon, he was the only one who would take us up for a tour around the island. He took us up for only a 30 minute flight as he really wanted to go home and spend time with his family, that really stood out to us. We were heart broken to have learned of Randy’s passing. He was a very safe and professional aviator. Grateful for his generosity of sharing his precious time and showing us the sites around Ketchikan and the mountain sheep nearby.

Our sincerest deepest sympathies, Todd and Tia.

10 May 2010

Photo: Nicolas Fabert Collection ©

Some news for you all. N24150 (1259) will be leaving Renton shortly to start a new life "Downunder" as VH-NTZ. She will be flying with Penelope Air Services, initially on wheels, but eventually on floats. I wish her a safe voyage to her new home.

07 May 2019

XX

Photos: Danielle Aird © 06 May 2019

Danielle is currently hiking in North Eastern Spain. Two of her iPod Touch snaps just arrived and I already have them printed and ready to frame - wonderful images! Danie's comment: "Like an enchanted forest - from St Jean Pied de Port to Roncesvalles".

06 May 2019.

Photo: Neil Aird © 10 September 2004

A little higher up in a DHC-2, what a great ride. Still think about it. I feel very fortuanate to have flown from Talkeetna to Denali. I must do a section with a selection of images. Two experiences that stick with me were both achieved by riding in a Beaver!! The above and to the Great Barrier Reef to snorkel!

Photo: Neil Aird © 04 May 2019

I liked this image I took the other day. I call it "Eyebrows".

05 May 2019

Photo: Neil Aird © 05 May 2019 18:45 edt

Just happened to look up, there was 05-5145 Boeing C-17A Globemaster III (P-145) "Spirit of Ronald Reagan" USAF "RCH238" FL340 heading west from Bangor, Maine. Second one I've "caught" on that route recently.

Photo: Neil Aird © 05 May 2019

Not sure if my garden companion and I will be so chummy in the months to come. But I enjoyed the company while i was preparing my strawberry patch. 20C today.

29 April 2019

• Photo: Kenneth I. Swartz © 18 October 1977 •

Calendar time again. May 2019 DHC-2.COM pages are ready. My thanks to our regular, Kenneth I. Swartz for this vintage image of C-FZKV (775) at Kamloops, British Columbia. Thanks Ken.

27 April 2019

Video screen capture: Neil Aird © 27 April 2019 09:10 edt

Two Otters in Kingston Harbour this morning - I was "spyhopped" by one, until they decided tasty fish were more interesting.

25 April 2019

Photo: Anthony Aird © 25 April 2019

Here's an unusual shot I liked, taken by my son Anthony along the Kingston waterfront. I imagine some were gobbled up by my diving Ducks I see every morning, they are Long Tailed Ducks btw. Thanks to my colleague Ian MacIntosh for identifying them for me. I gave my bird book to my other son Robin I think?

Photo: Neil Aird © 24 April 2019 09:10 edt

Photo: Neil Aird © 25 April 2019 16:15 edt

"CLU408" a smart looking B744 G-CLAA (33749) just cruised by FL350.

22 April 2019

Yesterday - just by chance I looked up from my desk - yup, another Falcon!! This one had just got content for his "Pigeon Pie". I know the term "Carrier pigeon" . . . . grabbed the camera before the raptor headed up to the top of the cathedral spire!! This is one of two resident birds that have been up there for many a year.

20 April 2019

I'm still working away on sorting, rescanning, and adding labels to Ken Swartz's massive slide collection of Beavers. This is why you are seeing many of his images as banner shots! I missed lots of fine photos on the first go around, many years ago.

I was "shadowed" by a Sparrow Hawk on the waterfront this morning, it was almost stationary in the strong breeze. First one I have ever seen at that location. I wonder if it knew about the image below?

19 April 2019

The other day I came across a very dead bird, by the Rideau River. All that remained were some feathers really. I folded up the tail and after some surgery to remove "smelly bits" - I washed and dried, and separated the tail feathers. Today, I put them back together. I think the bird was a Falco Sparverius aka Sparrow Hawk / American Kestral, of the Accipiter family. This was a female , going by the rufous markings. I was amazed with how light and effective the tail feathers are!

Today, the 13th, I added the 13,000th DHC-2 Beaver image to the website.

16 April 2019

Grand foggy start to the day here in Kingston. Met a few regulars on my walk. Not sure if they had had a "falling out" . . . I was under the watchful eye of something larger, after the fog burned off!

Photo: Neil Aird © 17 April 2019 11:54 edt

In the afternoon I walked to the Inner Harbour to take a few shots of a new ship that was built locally. The "AMWAAL" will be heading to Prince Rupert, British Columbia, after her trials here in Kingston. Probably on a trailer! The images were for Ship Tracking outfits.

Photo: Neil Aird © 17 April 2019 14:42 edt

15 April 2019

Maybe as a sign of sympathy or solidarity for our Parisian friends - my neigbourhood cathedral had a wash of red sunset rays. Just for a brief moment or two.

Photo: Neil Aird © 15 April 2019 19:47 edt

A very sad day for Paris. Here is a small etching / aquatint, that hangs in our kitchen. It was saved from an old house we once owned.

Photo: Neil Aird © 05 April 1995

14 April 2019

Life imitating Art eh? This was my "Toonie" for this morning. Done about 08:00 edt. I then went for my usual long walk along the lakeshore. Guess what I came across? Had a giggle! (I only added a bit of colour! - Honest). Obviously too much time on my hands . . . .

xx

Photos: Neil Aird © 14 April 2019 08:31 edt

06 April 2019

March 1987 - 06 April 2019

Was on my walk this foggy morning when I had a "flashback" - 31 years ago in March 1987 I photographed this scene, which eventually became the watercolour painting shown here on the left, later that year. I snapped this morning's shot from memory. The original visit was made late afternoon with my 10 year old son Robin. If things work out today, I will try to recreate the scene with my 9 year old Granson Callum . . . stay tuned.

Well, we went down at about 16:00 and did our photo shoot. The scene had changed considerably, and the sun was out! On 23 March 2019, there was no ice in this area!!

This is how close we came to the snap snaps! we had a lots of fun and got some puzzled looks from passers by!

Callum 9 Robin 10

Photos: "GandPaNeil " © 06 April 2019 and "Dad" March 1987

04 April 2019

What a difference a day makes. Here are three snaps of the Kingston waterfront taken on Tuesday 02 April 2019 (top), Wednesday 03 (middle), and today Thursday 04 April 2019 (bottom). Needless to say, we had very strong winds on the middle day!

31 March 2018

• Photo:Todd Boettcher © 25 May 2016 •

The DHC-2.COM April 2019 Calendar pages are now ready for you. Thanks to Todd Boettcher for the use of his image of N5142G (481) at Lake Hood. I almost gave it the title "Bouy and Beaver" - those of you who know my paintings would "get that" . . .

29 March 2019

Quick on the draw! This RCAF Augusta Westland CH-149 Cormorant 149912 (50124) got my attention. I thought it was just "Bandage 3" leaving the Hospital Pad - grabbed the camera and took quick shots though my windows, achieved a neat image or three as this "hotshot" twisted and turned past my cab!! I wonder what was going on in town today? Found out a lot was happening at CFB Trenton. The very noisy two seat CF-188 Hornet 188927 "Alouette 26" cetainly shook up Kingston at 12:10.

Photos: Neil Aird © 29 March 2019 16:34 edt

Photos: Neil Aird © 29 March 2019 12:17 edt

It's been a chopper day here. The second Sikorsky CH-148 Cyclone that I have seen 148823 (92-5023) RCAF. Last one I noted was back on 01 September 2017. As you can see, I managed a few snaps.

The Canadian Coast Guard have been by a few times with two of their Bell 429 helos today, getting the St. Lawrence Seaway in shape, as the first ships have been through. "Bandage 3" flew over me as I was out for my hike by the lake. The Ornge / orange paint sure is fading!

Photo: Neil Aird © 29 March 2019 14:23 edt

24 March 2019

Forty-five years ago, our first born came into this world, a similar day to this one weatherwise. Going to join Katie and her family for a BBQ tonight. The snap is from my morning stroll today along Kingston's waterfront. Meanwhile Danielle , the lady who brought her into the world, is having a well earned break in Costa Rica. She just sent this "tease" from her Hostel. . . .

Photo: Danielle Aird © 23 March 2019

Photo: Anthony Aird © 23 March 2019

Just to prove that I do leave the cab - here I am enjoying a sunset with my youngest son Anthony. The ice will not be here much longer. So we decided to have some "ice time" . .

20 March 2018

Here's another great website to bookmark - AirHistory.net - The Aviation History Image Archive. I hope to be represented there soon, just have to decide what to submit. Thanks for the kind invitation Mick and Aad.

19 March 2019

Photo: Neil Aird © 02 September 1966

Another of my C-46 Commando prints from years gone by, found, scanned and placed in the appropriate section of the website. This image says it all - in my opinion. Hope you agree.

This morning US NAVY U-6A 150191 popped up on my screen this morning. It had just returned to base. As you well know - I do try to keep an eye on "things" . . .

17 March 2019

Happy 75th Birthday "Buffalo Joe" aka Joe McBryan - I bumped into this gent at Red Lake back in 1995. I took a snap of C-GWCB (TD-369) the Beech B95 Travel Air he operated at that time. His fine Noorduyn Norseman MK.V CF-SAN (N2929) was at Howey Lake partaking in the Jubilee Celebrations of the Norseman at Red Lake, Ontario.

Photos: Neil Aird © 17 July 1995

Funny coincidence - after I watched Mikey's most recent episode of "Plane Savers" (Episode 74) - I checked to see if I happened to have any snaps of DC-3 C-FDTD. Well . . . here she is on 05 December 1986 at Montréal - Dorval, captured by my pal Ken Marshall. I have black and white shots I took of her in back in 1972 at the same location! Here's a link to all of the episodes!

Photo: Ken Marshall © 05 December 1986 - Aird Archives

Photos: Neil Aird © 1972

15 March 2019

Had a great visit from my Swiss Beaver buddy Jvan Aeberli and his wife Anna. Here he is in the cab hollding the business card of our mutual friend Cyrus Brantenberg of Norway, another Beaver owner. Jvan noticed it on my desk. We had a truly great visit, and many yarns were told! Today he and Anna are in Ottawa visiting Beaver c/n 1 and perhaps the stored Pakistani one as well - AP-AKB (1034). It depends if they can gain entry to The Annex at the Museum. (Note: Jvan is back in Switzerland and he e-mailed me 20 March to say they enjoyed the museum visit and managed the Annex as well!!)

13 March 2019

Photo: Peter Reardon © 05 November 2010

Got this fun Birthday Card snap today from my pal Pete Reardon in OZ. Yours truly in the Aéronaval Lockheed P-2E Neptune 147566 / VH-LRR back in 2010 at the HARS Museum. Thanks Pete!! One of my favourite aircraft. You made my day Pete - today and back then mate! "Clear!"

Photo: Neil Aird © 05 November 2010

Photo: Peter Reardon © 2009

Bit of a coincidence, I just watched a video of the other HARS Neptune A89-273 flying today at their airfield! Here's a screen capture.

Screen capture from video: HARS © 13 March 2019

05 March 2018

Photo: Robert A. Edwards © 20 August 1966

Although light aircraft are not really my thing - I confess to enjoy adding my pal Eddy's images to various Face Book Groups. The reactions are favourable always! I've been foucusing on his quick trip to Northern France in August 1966. Scroll down to the portion called "The French Connection" or click the above image of F-BLCH SNCAN Stampe SV-4C (No:308) at Mitry-Moyen (site of present day CDG!!) is typical. Just love the waiting deck chair!

01 March 2018

Photo: Lenn Bayliss © 27 August 2015

Another Beaver lands on water with wheels down, this time in Auckland Harbour (yesterday our time - 01 March 2019 NZ time). Pilot okay. Presume ZK-WKA (1585) will be salvaged. Glad no passengers aboard and rescuers nearby!

28 February 2019

• Photo: Danny Hoggard © 16 March 2018 •

Well that was a short month. The March 2019 DHC-2.COM calendar pages are ready for you. This month another Danny Hoggard shot. N5595M (1571) dockside at Ketchikan, Alaska. Thanks Danny!

23 February 2019

Photo: Unknown photographer © May 1991 - Aird Archives

"Rescans and Reruns". I'm always scanning slides it seems. The main reason is to get improved quality on the website. Above is a case in point. A delightful image that is already on the website. Perhaps it has been a banner before? Many folk who visit the site are newcomers, and will have missed it - so for our collective "viewing pleasure", I have it as a banner today - just because!

20 February 2019

Photo: HB-IXT Avro RJ100 (E3259) - Neil Aird © 06 July 2011

I've been adding a few more images to my Zurich Tower visit page. A great vantage point!!

16 February 2019

Photos: Neil Aird © 16 February 2019 15:45 est

Almost, but not quite. A 1977 vintage Cessna 337 C-GTAV (337-01812 ) was approaching from the east at 7,800' - I noticed the moon, something glistened. Camera into action, and there was the "Mixmaster". It came directly overhead, en route Burlington, Vermont to Oshawa, Ontario. Perfect day for a flight.

Photo: Neil Aird © 03 July 2011

The vista from LN-NCC (1167) as we turn over Brienzersee and head back towards Bönigen, Switzerland. Pilot Cyrus Brantenberg.

15 February 2019

Thanks to donations, I have the website running for another year, plus something in our "war chest" for slide purchases. Special thanks to Jim & Page (ON), Steve T (BC), Chris L (IL), and Peter R (OZ).

Photo: N59314 DC-3 - Neil Aird © 10 September 1995

Well folks, I now have 100 images on my "Fairbanks Friends" page. I hope you enjoy the delights I have there. I still have a few more snaps to add, but need a wee break first.

14 February 2019

I'd just like to give a shout out to Geoff Goodall in Australia for all his recent (vintage) scans of Ozzie Beaver aircraft. Thanks Geoff, much appreciated. I urge DHC-2.COM visitors to check out his super website.Truly something for everyone!

12 February 2019

Just had unique visitor 1,750,000 have a look at DHC-2.COM. Must be doing something right?

10 February 2019

Photos: Neil Aird © 10 February 2019 14:47 - 15:14est

Not a PC-12 but RCAF 130332 CC-130 Hercules (382-4568) "TIGR332" conducting a much publicised exercise this Sunday afternoon. Dropped two SARTECH jumpers towards RMC moments ago.

07 February 2019

I have some good news to report. Erik is back in his second floor apartment after having to evacuate last Sunday morning at 04:00 due to the downstairs being engulfed in flames. He has been staying in a hotel in Gananoque since that time. He speaks very highly of his small community of Seeley's Bay. It has been a very difficult time recently for Erik, as many of you will know. He certainly did not need this tragic event. If anyone can help him out financially, please visit his GoFundMe page, which he had just updated only a day before the fire!! My thanks to those who have helped out already.

05 February 2019

Photos: Neil Aird © 06 September 1995

Photo: Neil Aird © 11 September 2004

Got Alaska Fever again - that means I've started another page of nostalgia. "Fairbanks Friends" - some images from a favourite haunt of mine.

02 February 2019

I'm not sure if I have posted this image before. It was taken at Nome, Alaska by my pal Tom Baillie. We were exploring the airfield and came across NC7791 Wien's Hamilton H-47. Purchased on 20 October 1928. My picture in it was taken on 15 September 1968. It now rests in the Museum at Anchorage! We just knew it logged it as a "Ford Thingy".

01 February 2019

130613 Lockheed CC-130J Hercules (5667) RCAF "CFC2526" trailed by today, climbing up to FL270, eastbound, doing 336 kts. Managed a quick snap. Temperatures were quite chilly again today. Yesterday no contrails when it was even colder.

Yet another story in the Canadian Press. Time to unplug the phone again. Link.

31 January 2019

Just got my bill for another year of website hosting for DHC-2.COM - US$143.40 - $188.26 Canadian! If any of you would like to chip in somthing towards that, I would appreciate the help. Every donation goes into the war chest for purchasing slides/prints and some of the costs associated with running this website. Thanks much.

30 January 2019

• Photo: Danny Hoggard © 13 September 2018 •

The February 2019 DHC-2.COM Calendar pages are ready. Thanks to Danny Hoggard for this fine action shot of N7336 (1229). Cheers Danny. Hope you are enjoying your Florida time off.

Photo: GoPro selfie by Mikey © 29 January 2019

I don't know about you folk, but I am thoroughly enjoying Mikey McBryan's fund raising YouTube video blogs every single day from Yellowknife. If you are into C-47, C-46 and Electra aircraft, and have enjoyed the antics of recent years of this fine young fellar (and his Dad, brother, Stella, Uncle Ronnie and engineer Chuck et al!) - join the club, you will not regret it. Way to go Mikey!!

This is art Mikey, this is art! Keep it up!!

Go back to Episode #1 if you have not viewed any of the episodes (now at #103!)

Graphic: Mikey © 30 December 2018

28 January 2019

Just remembered the "Toonie" I did for January 6th. Those of you who follow the adventures of "Flame", might see the significance of it now. All quiet here once again. Only one interview . . . on the hobby this time. "What got you started . . . . ?"

26 January 2019

Maybe it will be quieter around here today? Yesterday and the day before, the phone never stopped. TV crews up here in the cab. Enough already. An article in the Kingston Whig Standard on 22 January opened the flood gates, then a short video on CKWS/Global later.

Today some of my chums saw this in The Toronto Star. I've been getting e-mails from all over. So far, the swat team has not been by!!

Article: The Toronto Star - Bruce Campion-Smith © 26 January 2019

20 January 2019

Guess what? Winter has arrived . . .

Photos: Jack Frost © 20 January 2019

13 January 2019

JA784A B77W "ANA10" FL350 - C-GMPB PC12/47E FL89

Photos: Neil Aird © 13 January 2019 13:45 est

Enough already! This constant droning PC-12/47E C-GMPB (1304) RCMP has been keeping me up at night, probably many other good citizens of Kingston, Ontario. It all started Friday evening 04 January 2019. It continued, and continued. Again this weekend. Today, I finally saw it for the first time. At night it has no lights, not on commercial tracking radars. However I see it on my system! Height varies from FL6,600 to FL9,700 - stays at same altitude throughout the "loiter". It was joined by NRC Convair 580 the other day. Must be boring as hell for the pilots. I thought people got arrested for loitering!! I've about had it with this farce. It feels more like Syria, Palestine or Afghanistan than peaceful Eastern Ontario.

The fuel supplier at CYGK must be happy. I walk everywhere to do my bit help the environment - I just wonder how much crap that PC-12 has fumed over the area. I know I am fuming - can you tell? I suppose there will be a black Suburban outside soon . . . . .

08 January 2019

Photo: Glen Etchells © March 1985 - Aird Archives

Some slides have a long trip before they reach my studio. The above one of C-GWPF (1309) is a case in point. Taken by my friend in Vancouver, Glen Etchells. I purchased it at auction recently. Today it arrived from Petr Popelar in Prague, Czech Republic. A somewhat terrible transition colour scheme for Harbour Air at that time. many years ago, Glen used to send me a small batch of slides by mail, I would scan, and return ASAP. We did this for almost all of his Beaver slide collection, this one "we" missed.

Today I completed the addition of all of our expanded data to aircraft 1950TB28 to 1692TB60 - some 41 pages!

07 January 2019

I must archive some of this blog - can't believe how fast the years tick by! Working behind the scene again today. Ian has sent me fifteen more pages of information to change/update on individual web pages Gradually getting this done. We change the type face and add data that Ian has compiled over the years. I'm just playing catchup!!

31 December 2018

• Photo: Rich Hulina © 11 October 2018 •

Last entry for the year. Just to mention that the January 2019 DHC-2.COM Calendar pages are ready. Thanks to Rich Hulina for the sundown image of C-GBZH (1518) which he was in the process of ferrying. Thanks Rich.

All the best to everyone for 2019!!

23 December 2018

Photo: Robert A. Edwards © 06 June 1994 - Aird Archives

Added a few more images to "Weekend Warriors" page. The above 59+25 Dornier Do-28D-2(OU) Skyservant of the Kriegsmarine, later became civil as D-IDOZ.

21 December 2018

On 19th December 2018 the Falkland Islands released four stamps to commemorate the 70th Anniversary of FIGAS. Beaver VP-FAH (1129) was on one. My thanks to my old chum Douglas Rough for sending the info along. He was also involved in the research for this issue.

15 December 2018

Photo: Neil Aird © 10 September 2004

Up high in a Beaver. Trust that 985 eh? I did - exhilerating - one of my favourite "bucket list" items!!

12 December 2018

Photo: N5527A Lockheed 18 Lodestar - Jim Cain © 01 June 1961

As a slight selfish diversion from Beavers, Otters and Twin Otters, I am adding a section showcasing the historic work of Jim Cain of Prestwick, Scotland. Scanned by his son David, I have been granted permission to use some in my section dedicated to Jim. I have titled it "Up the back" - many enthusiasts who used to frequent Prestwick Airport in the 60's and 70's, will be familiar with that phrase. More on that later. Here's the title page and one "teaser". I will have actually seen these airframes myself, hence my interest in Jim's work. Many thanks gents!

09 December 2018

I certainly try to get maximum use out of my coloured pencils!

29 November 2018

• Photo: Bob Kobzey © 14 August 2018 •

The December 2018 DHC-2.COM calendar pages are now ready. Another month taken care of!! Thanks to Bob Kobzey for this pleasant image of his DHC-2 C-FEBE (792). Thanks Bob.

28 November 2018

Time to thank "My 2018 - 25 Champions" - supporters of DHC-2.COM.

James K (WA) four times! Klaus M (WA), Rick N (YT), Bill L (AB), Stan B (CA), Randy S (MI), John R (BC), Ken H (ON), Gerald C (ON), Steve T (BC), Marshall C (MA), Peter R (OZ) twice!, Rob M (ON), Ian Mac (ON), Fred W (AK), Ken T (ON), Ken S (ON), Paige & Jim B (ON), Blake Q (CA), Vince M (BC), Kenmore Air (WA), Mark B (NS), Jon K (AK), Kristin McC (OZ).

Thank you , each and every one.

17 November 2018

Just been thumbing through an old log book from 1964. Here are the outside and inside cover. Typical of a plane spotter I think? The travel was done by bicycle, staying in youth hostels. I also spent several weeks working on a small Danish pig farm, near Ørslev, on Zealand!!

16 November 2018.

Photo: Neil Aird © 16 November 2018 16:35 est

Radar shot from 20:00 est last night. I'm the yellow dot!!

First real snowfall this winter! Overnight and most of today. Bought new winter boots yesterday - timing eh?

Updated new owners for c/n 775 and 1183. Data and picture etc., for 1670TB40.

15 November 2018

Doing the final push to complete the web pages for the remaining items not linked on the Master Index. Today adding c/n 1526; 1527; 1608; 1619; 1630; 1631; 1633; 1634TB19 (large data update);1635; 1660; 1670TB40 and "617 - 6617". The next project will be going through the whole website changing type and format, adding all the data we have. Now that is going to take a wee while!!

14 November 2018

Added pages for c/n 1470; 1475; 1504; 1505, and 1524.

08 November 2018

Been working away behind the scenes, added pages for c/n 1424; 1426; 1435; 1436 and 1443. Also changed text on a few other pages. I can see the end, maybe in a few days.

31 October 2018

• Photo: Butch Weaver © 20 August 2018 •

The November 2018 DHC-2.COM calendar pages are now ready. Another month taken care of!! Thanks to Butch Weaver for this pleasant image of his DHC-2 N985DH (1595). Thanks Butch.

Photo: Neil Aird © 31 October 2018

"The Red Green Show" continues at our house. My garden produce, picked before the frost, is gradually ripening.

30 October 2018

Received my new box from FR24 in Sweden today. F-CYGK2 is back to capturing mostly civil aircraft in the skies within about 200/250+ nm. There had been a hiatus, now my antennas are back up and I must say I'm impressed with this newer box! Well done Flight Radar 24. Great folk to deal with.

Photo: Neil Aird © 30 October 2018 15:50 edt

Inspired by the posting from a few days ago, I created a Birthday Card for our youngest. Anthony had a birthday yesterday. The "Pencil Pooch" was a cartoon character he created when he was about ten years old. The other day he sent me this. It was an exercise showing his mastery of Photoshop "layers". Incredible work Ant!

Design: Anthony Aird © 26 October 2018

28 October 2018

The other morning (26th) was quite spectacular. Here are a few snaps taken from my studio. A few minutes later, the sun was behind a band of clouds!! This morning we had some snow.

Photos: Neil Aird © 26 October 2018 07:50 edt

27 October 2018

I don't know if I ever posted this image on the blog. I thought it was worth showing it off anyway. It was drawn by my son Anthony a long time ago, just after Canada Post issued a new series of definitive, high value stamps. He thought we should have a Beaver on one, since they were all animals! !Thanks Ant. Still looks good today!!

24 October 2018

Photo: Neil Aird © 24 October 2018 11:11 edt

Unusual sound and shape. C-FFHW Quest Kodiak 100 (100-0249) based at Ottawa went by this morning. So a quick snap!

Ploughing away here, adding five more pages - c/n 1351; 1370; 1375; 1390 and 1397 on the slate for today. There will only be 26 left to do after today.

14 October 2018

Delightful early morning sky here in Kingston.

Photo: Neil Aird © 14 October 2018 06:43 edt

Photo: Neil Aird © 14 October 2018

Can't leave things alone - looked at my recent antenna set up - hmm. Put the other one up to join the first - Two Up! Maybe I can leave things alone now. A look at my results for part of the day on Flightaware.com ;-)

12 October 2018

Photo: Neil Aird © 12 October 2018

Worked on two of my antennas today, restoring them to perform like they used to befor the storm a while back. Great reception now. 205 nautical miles, not too shabby. Ready for winter now.

I was just looking at the current banners. I have had the pleasure of driving two of these Beavers! C-GODH (979) and ZK-SBV (763) in it's previous life as VH-SYS.

11 October 2018

Photo: Anthony Aird © 11 October 2018

A pleasant sunset this evening, captured by my son Anthony, on the Kingston waterfront. Nice capture Ant.

08 October 2018

Photo: Neil Aird © 08 October 2018

Happy Thanksgiving to my fellow Canadians!

03 October 2018

IMPORTANT ITEM: Those of you who know me well will have had an e-mail about this subject already.Thank you for helping Erik. Here is his story. We have worked together for many a year. He has been a great help with my DHC-2, DHC-3 and DHC-6 websites during that time. We need to help him in his hour of great need. He will have to re-locate, probably away from the very expensive Toronto are. I will let Erik explain in his own words.

Please click on his photo - thank you.

Photo taken in my studio in 2012

Another excellent video produced by Michael Hays for Kenmore Air. Featured in this production is Mike Allcorn's N898AF (562). Erik Ellison, Director of Maintenance, gives us an intimate view of this aircraft. Another fine Kenmore Air creation. Well done everyone! Here's my screen capture from the video aerial footage.

30 September 2018

Noticed my Otter website crossed another level 76,000 unique visits. Karl and Ian keep me busy with updates about once a week. I'd better get next month's calendar done. Always something! For the October 2018 DHC-2.COM Calendar I have to thank Kenneth I. Swartz for the atmospheric shot of C-GHPG (718) taken in the smoke, at Nanaimo, British Columbia. Thanks Ken!

• Photo: Kenneth I. Swartz © 20 August 2018 •

21 September 2018 -

The benefits of trawling through old external hard drives. I came across two images by Rod Millie taken on 20 November 2006 of the recovery of C-GPVB. I have added to the page for c/n 871. I believ the latest remains reside with Sealand Aviation at Campbell River.

Photo: Metalworks © November 2017

While doing some behind the scenes work, checking links etc., on my various websites, I noticed this nice blog article "Echo" by Vicki Westgate on the Metalworks website. My thanks to Vicki and current owner Steve Luckwaldt!

19 September 2018

Doing extensive, essential, time consuming back-ups over the last 24 hours - 74% complete . . . .so nothing hapening on the websites until that is completed.

18 September 2018

Photo: Ken Marshall © 14 September 1968 - Aird Archives

Photo: Ken Marshall © 20 September 1969 - Aird Archives

Still having way too much fun with old slides. Worked on four Gloster Meteor aircraft yesterday, taken at RAF Leuchars. Worth the effort I think? Today been working on the Otter website, now about to get back to Beavers!!

15 September 2018

Photo: Anthony Aird © 15 September 2018

Kingston's waterfront, looking west towards Lake Ontario. As you can see, another very pleasant day. Anthony's image.

Photo: Neil Aird © 24 August 2018 - 05:57 edt

Not this morning, but sunrise on 24 August 2018.

Some website stats for the month so far!

14 September 2018

Photo: Neil Aird © 14 September 2018 - 19:35 edt

Nice evening sky - looking eastwards.

Some more pages and format changes - c/n 1308; 1320; 1327 and 1334, plus some adjacent pages. They all have to link up - that's what takes the time. Enough for today!

Noticed I now have 16,000 images on the website and the Otter website DHC-3archive.com has had over 75,000 unique visitors!!

13 September 2018t

Photo: Neil Aird © 13 September 2018 - 12:30 edt

I know it's cold up there at FL399, but this Boeing 787-9, G-CKWD (38789) of Norwegian Air UK "NRS7181" certainly is showing that it is! Gatwick to Austin, TX.

11 September 2018

Photo: Neil Aird © 24 September 1968

Still trawling through my old images. Above is N7821M Fairchild FH-227B (c/n 500) of Mohawk, my ride, on the ramp at Binghampton, New York. Below is N743J Douglas DC-3 (c/n 01963) on a very dirty ramp at Atlanta, Georgia. This aircraft was destroyed 23 years later by Hurricane Hugo 18 September 1989 at San Juan / Luis Munoz Marin International Airport - TJSJ, Puerto Rico. I hope Hurricane Florence is kinder to the US coastal residents.

Photo: Neil Aird © 15 September 1966

10 September 2018

Continuing with my final "push" - Additional updated data/format added today for c/n 1287; 1296; 1297; 1298 and 1305. Just noticed that this website now has 4,220 pages!!! Good grief, that would be a very thick book!

My son Robin is sitting in C-GANJ a twenty five year old Boeing 737-500 (ex Aer Lingus EI-COS, and many other idents!) about ten minutes out from Calgary on his Air North flight "ANT517" from Whitehorse. In the hold is his adopted Huskie. They will still have a long drive to Golden to comlete the trip from Dawson City, Yukon.

09 September 2018

Additional updated data/format added today for c/n 1265; 1266; 1271; 1279 and 1280.

08 September 2018

Photo: Neil Aird © 08 September 2018 15:28 edt

Today I was entertained by two Aero-Vodochody L-29. I managed to get a reasonable snap of one Delfin (Dolphin) C-GDLG "77" (094146). I've actually seen this airframe before, but certainly not in this striking colour scheme. I saw it at Montréal /Mirabel back on 13 March 2002! Earlier I think it was sister ship C-GGRY (294685) that was barreling around, it had slipper tanks. Presume they were in town giving rides. I did not go to the airport. Both operated by the ACM Warbirds of Canada flight from Carp, Ontario.

Moving along with my adding of new pages to the website. Only 46 more to do. Should manage these within the next few weeks. I'll also be working on my TwinOtterArchive.com website, changing some of the format there, and adding some photos.

05 September 2018

Another picking - more Ozzie Toms and Canadian beans from my patch. The garden enjoys the heat more than I do. Been the hottest summer I can remember here in Kingston. I came here fifty years ago!!

Additional updated data/format added today for c/n 1231; 1234; 1253; 1258 and 1259.

28 August 2018

Photo: Ken Hurford © 23 June 2018

I have just completed the September 2018 DHC-2.COM calendar pages. Cheers to Ken Hurford for his image of C-FAOP (1249) at

the Seal Cove base at Prince Rupert, British Columbia. Thanks Ken!

Today I have added a few data pages to aircraft on the master index which do not yet have a "page". New additions today so far, include c/n 1274; 1437, and 1494. Additional updated data/format for c/n 1496.

24 August 2018

One the squirrels did not get, this one from our third floor balcony. Another Ozzie Tom!

21 August 2018

Photo: Ken Marshall © 09 September 1981 - Aird Archives

Change of pace today, for a few hours anyway. Scanned and cleaned up several old slides by my pal Ken Marshall. I post them to the "Memories of Prestwick Airport" Face Book Group. Always get rave reviews! Above is XA-LUT Convair 440 (405) ex Iberia EC-AMW, which I had logged many years before at London Air Port - EGLL (Heathrow).

20 August 2018

The last autumn my DHC-2 friend Lance Higgerson of Adelaide, Australia sent some tomato seeds. Too late to plant then, but this year I got them started early. First fruit on the large plants now. Had half one for lunch! Thanks Lance!! Danielle is enjoying the other half!

07 August 2018

Photo: NPS © 06 August 2018

By now I'm sure you are aware of the sad events in Denali region on Thunder Mountain. Five people have perished on the mountain. N323KT (1022) remains there. Weather did not cooperate with rescue attempts alas. Thoughts are with the folks at KT, the families of the four Polish passengers and American pilot, also the community of Talkeetna. The risks are not yet over as rescuers and recovery attempts take place.

05 August 2018

Photo: Neil Aird © 05 August 2018 10:54 edt

Just one more image!!

04 August 2018

Photo: Neil Aird © 04 August 2018 10:54 edt

I'm still the target of N125AZ these days as she takes folk for rides around the area. Manged to catch a few nice images. Still have my red roof . . .

Photo: Neil Aird © 03 August 2018 11:08 edt

31 July 2018

I'm still working away steadily on "fleshing out" data for each Beaver. I have all this data (compiled by Ian Macintosh) waiting in the wings. It just takes time to edit individual pages, remove existing data, change type / format and after editing and cross checking Ian's Data, I paste it in. I did N1544 (1230) this morning. As I go through my slide collection, I pull out ones I have not scanned or wish to rescan. I also change the type face on pages that still have the old format. This all takes a lot of time. If I mention each update I do, that takes time away from the editing and scanning work. As I add new photos aI also update that page, so it is quite random. Not adding a Beaver today, will just do the month change over later, and then we are off into August!!

30 July 2018

Photo: Neil Aird © 30 July 2018 11:08 edt

Another quick snap from the window. I should have been looking at my screen as N125AZ North American TB-25N Mitchell (108-35262) "Maid in the Shade" was tracking live. I presume it is here to do some revenue flights, as it arrived from Peterborough, where it has been for a few days.

• Photo: John W. Olafson © 16 September 2016 •

I have just completed the August 2018 DHC-2.COM calendar pages. Thanks to John W. Olafson for his image of C-FAXI (1514) arriving at

Vancouver's Coal Harbour base. Thanks for sharing your work once again John.

26 July 2018

Photo: Neil Aird © 26 July 2018 11:41 edt

I usually don't look out when I hear a Bell/Textron CH-146 Griffon go by to the base. This time, for some reason I did, and took a quick snap. Lo and behold it was 146430 (46430) just back from her UK visit!!

23 July 2018

Photo: Neil Aird © 23 July 2018 12:05 edt

Happened to notice twenty-three year old N14115 Boeing 757-224 (27557) operating the BOS-SFO "UAL477". It was cloudy outside, but you know me, fond of B757's, I went to the window and noticed the sky was clear above my house. Nice trail, and yes, "that" strange effect again. So, grabbed camera, off with screen and opened skylight and managed an image. Aircraft was at 34,000, sun at right angles to the flight path which was due west. Last time it was noted passing by was on 16 August 2017.

21 July 2018

Added pages/updates - this time for c/n 1206; 1212; 1213; 1218; 1224; 1225 and 1228.

16 July 2018

Photo: Neil Aird © 16 July 2018 10:50 edt

Heatwave continues here. Through the haze just now, N936MP Gulfstream GIV-X/G450 (4173) arriving over Kingston - CYGK on a short hop from Watertown - KART, New York.

05 July 2018

Today I received in the mail, 88 x DHC-2 slides from my friend John Kimberley in Girvan, Scotland. (Where my folks retired to!) Thank you JK for your very generous donation to the Archives. Needless to say, it will take a wee while for me to digest / scan / process these!! What a treat.

03 July 2018

Added pages/updates for c/n 1194; 1195, and 1198. 58 left.

01 July 201

Added pages/updates for c/n 1186; 1189; 1190, and1191.

30 June 2018

• Photo: Paul J. Draine © 21 June 2018 •

The DHC-2.COM Calendar pages for July 2018 are ready. My thanks to proud owner Mark Stevens and photographer Paul J. Draine for supplying great images of N591DB (1310). Look for this beautiful aircraft at Oshkosh in July! More great work by Kenmore Air. Don't forget to say hello.

Added pages/updates for c/n 1157; 1166; 1170; 1173; 1174; 1176 and 1182 today.

29 June 2018

Sad to report that Danielle's Mom Gäetane Lévesque (née Chaput) passed away yesterday at age 93. Danie is now in Ottawa taking care of "things" - not an easy task.

Photo: Neil Aird © 28 June 2018 19:54 edt

Last night A6-EFO Boeing 777- F1H1 freighter (42233) "UAE9374" passed directly over the studio at FL320. Routing from Brussels to Columbus. Amazing how the logo on belly stands out.

Photo: Neil Aird © 29June 2018 15:344 edt

More advertising today as A6-EUJ Airbus A380-861 (222) "UAE242" cruises by at FL290.

Another month drawing to a close. I'd better get the July DHC-2.COM Calendar image chosen.

26 June 2018

Added pages/updates for c/n 1112; 1113; 1115; 1118; 1120 and 1121 today.

21 June 2018

Photo: Neil Aird © 21 June 2018 15:48 edt

The sound of summer - well, to my ears. C-GRHF (1123) heading eastbound over Kingston waterfront. Heard him again on Sunday 24th at 09:10 edt returning to Montréal area. Aaaah.

20 June 2018

Today I have restarted adding known data to aircraft on the master index which do not yet have a "page". 97 more to go!! New additions so far include c/n 1069; 1071; 1077; 1078; 1082; 1085; 1088; 1091; 1102; 1105; 1107, and 1110. So only 86 to go now!

16 June 2018

Late last night in Glasgow. What can I say - I'm deeply saddened. I graduated from this fine building fifty years ago, almost to the day. So sad.

13 June 2018

Here is the first cleaned up image from a collection of photographs (21) taken when JA-3146 (1511) emerged from her shipping container. The remaing images will be added gradually!

11 June 2018

Screen capture of Banner Archives #41

Just a reminder that if you don't manage by that often, you can always catch up on recent banners in the Banner Archives section. Now at #42. each page has approximately 35 banner images. Always a pleasant few minutes can be spent looking there!

05 June 2018

I was adding a few names to our "Credits" page and it's about time I show you all who have helped in one way or another, over the years. So - are you on this list? ;-) My sincere thanks to everyone.

Jon Abuhl, Danny Acton, David Adam, Colin Adams, Jesse Adams, Jvan Aeberli, Etyan Aidelbaum, Marty Aidelbaum, Anthony Aird, Danielle Aird, Katie Aird, Neil Aird, Robin Aird, Josh Akbar, Torleif Åkesson, Bill Alder, Abbas Ali, Stephen C. Allsep, Paul Altenhofen, Ron Altenhofen, Michael Andersen, Jonny Anderson, William Anderson, Jim Andie, Tammy Andie, Alexis Antonakis, Tony Arbon, Kurt Ariano, Melissa Arntz, Glen Arsenault, Tom Arthur, Farrukh Athar, James Atwater, Sadie Audette, Mike Aune, Pekka Autere, Marnie Ayers, Neil Ayers, Ross Baadsvik, Han Backner, Tim Badham, Bob Baglow, Harold Bailey, Steve Bailey, Peter Bakema, Francois Bakkes, Jan Bakkus, Mick Bajcar, Chad Banfield, Greg Banfield, Russ Bannock, Fred Barnes, Joe Barr, Craig Barratt, Doug Barry, Mike Barth, Bob Bates, Dave Bates, Ross Baadsvik, Lenn Bayliss, Ian Beatty, Jon Beekman, Sheldon D. Benner, John Bennett, Ole Johan Berg, Oscar Bernadi, Ronnie Berning, Trevor Bartlett, Roger Besecker, Michael Besenthal, Rene Biber, Andreas Bischel, Mick Bajcar, Francois Bakkes, Adrian Balch, Dave Bates, Eric Banworth, Jon Beekman, Sandy Benzies, Peter Berganini, Pierre Berube, John Bessette, Warwick Bigsworth, Scott Black, Bill Blanchard, Steve Blanchette, B. Blatherwick, John Blatherwick, R. Blaxland, Mark Blok, Keith J. Bollands, Bob Bolivar, Jean-Pierre Bonin, Mark Booth, Simon Boothroyd, Warren Bork, Nathan Bonyun, Todd Bottcher, Marc Bourdon, R. Bourges, Eric Brady, Cyrus Brantenberg, Andrew Brattkus, Alain Brecqueville, David Bridgen, Bill Brophy, Chris Brown, Darcy Brown, David Brown, Wes Brown, Jean-Marc Braun, Gorden Bulger, Jim Burton, John Burford, Pat Burns, Keith Burton, Joe Bush, Mark Butcher, Ian Burnett, Brian Byl, John W. Calderwood, Ian Callier, Bob Cameron, J. Neil Cameron, Kyle Cameron, Bill Campbell, Kennedy Canarr, George Canciani, Mark Carino, Tammy Carmack, A. H. Carter, David Carter, Ron Carton, Raynold P. Camilleri, Peter Caslick, Caz Caswell, John Caswell, David Chadwick, Terry Challice, Gary Chambers, Paul Chamois, Kent Chaput, Chris Charland, George Charity, Ron Charity, Chris Charland, Glenn E. Chatfield, Bowen Chau, Bob Childerhose, Al Christensen, Terje Christensen, Bill Christopher, Rick Church, George Clark, Harold Clark, Keith Clark, Daniel Clarke, Frank Clautier, Mike Clayton, Garry Cline, Chris Coates, Eddie Coates, Simon Codd, Bill Coffman, Jenny Coffey, Ben Cogger, Barry J. Collman, Keith Connors, Peter Conquerwood, Gerry Conrad, Blake Cook, Peter J. Cooper, Bob Coppinger, Les Corness, Mike Costello, Jim Court, Terry Coxall, David J. Cocks, Robin Cooper, Matthew Cosier, Steve Cos, Ryan Cossette, Jim Court, James Craik, Barrie Crampton, B. Cranston, Darren Crick, Mike Croker, Richard J. Currie, Dave Curtis, Gary Cutsforth, Pierre d'Andre, Andres Dallimonti, Ernest M. Dalton, Ken Dalton, Peter A. Danby, Ben Dannecker, Steve Darke, Levi Darnell, Brian Dary, Doug Davidge, John M. Davis, John R. Davies, Trevor Davies, Carl Davison, Barney Deatrick, Spencer Decorby, Ray J. Deerness, Manuel J. Delgato, Normand Denis, Jeff Denny, Jonathan Derden, Michel Despres, Thierry Deutsch, Jeff S. DeVore, Archie Difante (AFHRA), Rod Digney, Marco Dijkshoorn, Christian Donig, Carl Dore, Jin Dorst, Glenn F. Douglas, Ian Douglas, David A. Dozenroth, Henry E. Dreher, Lindsi Driesbach, Matthew Donica, Bruce Drum, Eric Dumigan, Richard Dumigan, Gary Dumond, Troy Dunn, Andreas Durr, Doug Dzus, Syl Dzus, Martin Eadie, Kyle Eaton, Robert A. Edwards, Verity Edwards, Brandon Elliot, Ben Ellison, Eric Ellison, Kevin Elwood, Chris England, Art Englund, Paul Englund, Jaime Escobar-Corradine, Norman Eastaff, Glen Etchells, Glynn Evans, Oliver Evans, Bill Ewing, Dave F., Bill Fairchild, Kevin Fairley, Adrian Falconer, Joe Fanazick, George Faulder, Robert W. Faulder, Mike Feeney, Pat Feenstra, Rick Feldmann, Martin Fenner, Michael Fenwick, Scott Ferguson, Tom Fex, Bernard Filiatrault, Emin Findikli, Glen Firman, Brian Fisher, Josh Fitz, Peter Fitzmaurice, Lorence R. Fizia, Barry Flahey, Tee Flemming, Terry Fletcher, Dale Floyd, Marcel Fluet-Lecerf, David Fogwill, Harry Follas, Gerald Fontaine, Chas Ford, Harrison Ford, Paul Forsythe, Michel Fortin, Alberto Paulo Fortner, Carlos R. Fortner, Charles Fournet, Bob Fowler, John L. Francis, Chuck Franzin, Dr. W.G. Franzin, David M. Frederikson, Pam Freese, Brienna Friday, Jack M. Friell, Erik Frikke, James "Jim" Neil Wallace Frogley, Dion Fuchs, John Fuller, Mike Fussell, Don Fynn, Robert Gagne, Paddy Gardiner, Bob Garrard, Steve Garlick, Wilber Gates Jr., L. Gautschi, David Gee, Gary Gentle, Ted Gerow, Tom B. Gibbons, Bruce Gignac, K. J. Gilchrist, Don Gilbertson, Pierre Gillard, Michel Giroux, Darrel "Luke" Gisbrecht, Adam Glowaski, Benno Goethals, Geoff Goodall, Fergal Goodman, Michael Goodwin, Daniel Gorun, Pat Gould, Jennifer Gradidge, Bill Grady, Andy Graham, David Graham, Rory Grammer, Wayne Grant, Tom Grant, Joe Green, Brian Greenhalgh, John Greenhill, Michael Greenhill, E. H. Greenman, Gary Gentle, John Goring, Richard Grevatte-Ball, Hallett Griffin, Peter Grimm, Gunter Grondstein, Gert Groenenberg, Brad Greaves, Kim Grist, Bob Groop, Joop de Groot, Jacques Guillem, Dave Guilliams, Andres Restrepo Guitierrez, Peter Gun, Bernie Haberl, Usman Habib, Scott Habberstad, Dan Hagedorn, Bo Haggkvist, William Haines, Jim Hall, Rod Hall, Bill Hann, Ian Haskell, Jim Hansel, John Hansen, Phil Hanson, Christian Hanuise, Nick Harris, Alan Harrison, Ken Hartford, Steve Hartl, Vernon Harvey, Nathan Havercraft, Paul Hawkins, I. B. Hayes, Jack B. Hayes, Michael Hays, Gary J. Hebbard, Dave Hedge, Brad Hegland, Magne Egil Heitmann, Derek Heley, Jeff Henderson, Oliver Herting, Markus Herzig, John Hevesi, Peter Hews, Jos Heyman, Barry Heyton, Rolf Hicker, Jack Hickson, Lance Higgerson, Dave Hilchie, Tom Hildreth, Conor Hildebrandt, Chris Hiles, Steve Hill, Holly Hipwell, Rowly Hipwell, Nigel Hitchman, Jim Hodgson, Danny Hoggard, Mark Holt, Robert P. Hom, Ben Hopkins, John Hopton, Dan Hornseth, Fred Hovestad, M. D. Howley, Frank Hudson, King F. Hui, Sergio Hulaczuk, Rich Hulina, W. G. Humphrey, Andrew Hunt, Arwen Hunter, Colin Hunter, Ken Hurford, Harry T. Hyvonen, Justin Iyres, Rodrigo Santa-Maria Izquierdo, Bill Jackson, Jim Jackson, Nick Jackson, Anthony T. Jarvis, Arno Jannson, Gord Jenkins, David Jaremy, David A. Jarratt, Greg Jensen, William Jesse, "Alaska John", Erik Johannesson, Alan Johnson, Daniel Johnson, Garth Johnson, Jamye Johnson, Mel Johnstone, Clark Jones, John F. Jordan, Dick Josaitis, Mogens Juhl, Christian Hansen Kamhaug, Andreas Kanonenberg, Dwayne Kasulka, Yoshihiro Kawada, Toni Kazakoff, J. D. Kean, Peter Keating, Colin Keith, Mike Kell, Johan Kellerman, Peter Kelly, Ryan Kennelly, George Kent, John Kerr, Jim Kershaw, R. F. Killick, Peter Killin, Tom Kim, John Kimberley, Carrie King, Mike Kincaid, Paul Kip, Peter A. Kirkup, Kihei Kitagawa, Axel Klegian, Marco Klostermann, Kevin Knox, Martin Koetsier, Leo J. Kohn, Bill Kolarik, Karl Kramer, Loet Kuipers, Ken Kula, Jan Kulhavey, Andre Labine, Patrick C. Lace, Vern Lace, Tim Lachenmaker, Franz Lackner, Oliver Lacombe, Bill Laidman, Colin Laker, Dirk Lamarque, Michele Lambert, Bruce Lamond, Jack Lamont, Pierre Langlois, Tim Langton, John Land, Ted Larkin, William T. Larkins, Simon Lawrence, David Lednicer, Barry Leeming, Luc Levevre, Johnny Letto, Valerie Levasseur, Peter Lewis, Dave Lawrence, Peter Liander, Peter Liedtke, Jacques Lienard, Björn Lindström, Lief Lindström, Dick Lohuis, Richard London, Fabrice Loubette, Russ Lougheed, Osborne Love, Mike Lunenschloss, Roland R. Lussier, Greg Lynn, Marathon Museum, Ian M. Macdonald, Ian MacFarlane, Ian S. Macintosh, Barrie MacLeod, Mike Madden, Karsten Madrian, Michelle Madsen, Scott Magie, Chris J. Mak, Ron Mak, Norm Malayney, Daniel Marks, Travis Marsh, Brian Marshall, Chris Marshall, Ken Marshall, Patrick Martin, Richard Martin, Tim Martin, Stuart Martindale, Marcel Martineau, Klaus Marx, Laura Marxen, John Mastro, Ken Mattocks, John Mazepa, Dennis McCallum, Ian McConnell, Dudley McDermott, Geoff McDonnel, Bill McFarland, Scott McGeachy, Ben McGilvray, Stephen McGinn, Joe McGoldrick, Tim McGraw, Len McHale, Michael McKendry, Keith McKenzie, Tom McKibbon, Rod McLean, Gary McLeod, Ken McTavish, Scott McTavish, Trevor McTavish, Jean-Marie Magendie, Charles Mali, Ernest Martin, Laura Marxen, Kai Mecklin, Ken Meegan, Tobias Meier, Martin Meijers, Tom Meikle, Vince Meneely, Mark Merry, Shawn Miller, Stephen Miller, Todd Miller, Graeme Mills, Jason Milot, Joseph J. Miner, Yu Ming, Mike Minty, Wesley Minuano, Mike Mirkovic, Rob Mitchell, Vern Mitchinson, Heath Moffatt, R. Moneta, Jim Moore, Robin Moore, J. A. Morrow, Derek Morton, Jack & Nancy Most, Xavier Mouraux, Harald Mueller, Hugh Mullen, Coert Munk, Eric Munk, Dave Munro, Mark Murphy, Neville Murphy, Terry Murphy, Nicolai Musante, Wayne Mutza, George Neal, Rick Neilsen, Sippo Nevalainen, Dennis Newell, Franklin L. Newton, Nick Nicholas, Air Nikon, Larry Nix, Don Noble, Russell Noble, Gerry Norberg, John N. Nordstrom, Lindsay Nothrop, Bob O'Brien, Michael O'Farrell, Errol O'Hara, Philip O'Regan, John W. Olafson, Harald Olsen, Ron Olsen, David Orberg, Bob Ostrom, Paul den Ouden, Jesse Ouellette, Glyn Owen, Stefano Pagiola, Radek Palika, Robert K. Parmerter, Dave Paull, Ryan Park, Den Pascoe, Ted Paskowski, Craig Paul, Anthony L. Payne, Chris Payne, Stephen R. Peck, Marcel Peerlkamp, Alain Pelletier, Fernando Peña, Alex Penrose, Jay Perrycook, David Perston, Antti Pesonen, Eric Petersen, Dick Petit, Charles Phaneuf, Jules Pilon, Mike Pink, Darren Pitcher, Daniel Piotrowski, Robert Poirier, Jean-Luc Poliquin, Daryl Poncelet, Paul Poppenhager, Patrick Vinot Prefontaine, Anders Presterud, Breck Bresnell, Mervyn W. Prime, Martin Prince JR., Nathan Pritchard, Ted Prodzinski, Michael Prophet, Greg Putz, Marion Pyles, Heiko Quandor, Bob Quinn, Tristan Raab, John Racey, Gary Racicot, Sherrie Radatzke, Tom Radatzke, Don Ratcliff, Peter Reardon, R. Reaville, Gary L. Redhead, Melvin Reed, Chris Reeves, Eugene Reid, Gordon Reid, Verne Reid, Fred Remmler, Steve Rice, Jean-Philippe Richard, Mario Richard, Antony Richardson, Dave Richardson, Rob Richey, Robin Ridley, Martin Riehl, Alain Rioux, Juha Ritaranta, Stephen Ritland, Paul D. Roach, Brian Robbins, Frank Roberts, Dave Robertson, Greg Robertson, Es Robinson, John Rodriguez, Robert Roggeman, Chris Roughan, Willem Rongé, Chuck Ross, Kurt Roth, Rob Rowe, Wayne Rudd, Christian Ruppert, Paul Rushton, David Russell, Davis Rutherford, Dev Salkeld, Daniel Sallée, Mathew Salmon, Kalevi Savola, Paul V. Savora, Bill Sawchuk, Frank Schaefer, Juergen Scherbarth, Peter Schinkelshoek, Walt Schlotfeldt, Jim Schoeggl, Rene Schrijver, Matt Schroeder, Derek Scott, Wally Scott, Bill Scrivens, Colin Sedgwick, Dirk Septer, Dennis J. Seath, Jay Selman, Howard Setzer, Matthias Sieber, Rick Sigurdson, Wallace Shackleton, Bob Shane, Robbie Shaw, Noel Shennan, Terry Shepherd, Frank Shipway, R. A. Scholefield, Charles Shorter, Beth Shrieves, Bill Shull, William W. Sierra, Jose E. Silveira, Tii-Maria Siitonen, Keith M. Simpson, Tom Singfield, Sky Wrench Aviation, Simon Slater, Doug Slowiak, Davis Smart, Jim Smith, Jesse Smith, Malcolm Smith, Mike Smith, Stan Smith, Keith Sowter, Jeff Sparks, "Sparkman", Stuart Spicer, Paul B. Spychalski, Ted Stallings, Erick Stamm, Scott Stamp, Bill Stadnyk, Mark Stedman, Raimund Stehmann, Peter Steinemann - Skyline APA, Ragnar Stenarson, Paul Stenner, Dave Stern, Philip Stevens, Charles R. Stewart, John P. Stewart, Robert M. Stitt, Brian Stockall, Ken Stoltzfus, G. Strathdee, Jim Sullivan, John F. Sumrall, Mike Sutton, N. Suzuki, Baldur Sveinsson, Fred Swartz, Kenneth I. Swartz, Kevin Swash, Terry Sykes, Roger Syratt, Babak Taghvee, E. Tailliet, Ernie Tait, Daniel "Danny" Tanner, David Tanner, Norm Taylor, Henry Tenby, Nico Terlouw, Martin Third, Jochen Thoma, Simon Thomas, Rick Timms, Steve Todd, Walt Torgersen, Phil Treweek, Ellis Trautman, George Trussell, Philip Tsherische, Pekka Tumme, Joan Turner, Harry Tyrpak, Ben Ullings, Gerben Van Beek, Kristof Vandermoere, Steven Vanseggelen, Jessica Veal, Ben Veldman, Gary Vincent, Aad van der Voet, Marcel van Leeuwen, Peter Vine, Ugo Vizenci, Jeff Voigt, Michael Volk, George Volsky, Robin A. Walker, George D. Wallace, Fred Wallis, David Walker, Robin A. Walker, Sally Walsh, Marcel Walther, Trevor Warne, George Warren, Bernard Watson, Peter Watson, W. Watson, Marg Watson-Hyland, Randy Webber, Dave Welch, Cable Wells, Erik J. Wennen, Roger Wensley, Charles Wesley, Robert Wheeler, Brick Wellman, John Wester, Elwood White, Ian White, Shannon White-Zahar, Ian Whyte, R. W. Whitlock Jr., Evan Wick, John Wielickzo, Michael Wiens, Michael Wigen, Kevin Wiggins, Wally Wiggins, Stephen Wilcox, Terrance L. Wilds, Bob Williams, Kevin Williams, Robert G. Williams, Stuart Williams, Chris Wilson, Robert D. Wilson, Robert Wiseman, Shaun vanBergen, Raymond van der Wilk, Steve Van Seggelen, Rick Wilbee, Brad Wilson, Ian Wilson, Jeremy Wilson, Simon Wilson, Warren Wilson, Mark Windridge, Wup Winn, Robert "Bob" Wiseman, Mark Witteveen, Jack Wolbrink, Jim Woolnough, Colin K. Work, Jon Wornham, Neville Worsley, James Wood, Robert Wood, Tim Woodland, Sid Woods, Frank Wright, Kevin Wyatt, Larry Ziminisky, Paul Zogg, Raik Zühlke, J. Zwart, Wim Zwakhals, Crystal Zwicker, " Project DHC-2 ", 656 Association and the Harbour Air Archives.

*

And of course "Unknown photographer" whoever you are?

31 May 2018

• Photo: Silas Smith © 29 May 2018 •

Last day of the month- DHC-2.COM Calendar time again! This one comes from a former student of mine!! Silas Smith, originally from Kingston, is a good friend of my son Robin. Strange how a Jewellery student should end up managing an airport in the Yukon!! Way to go Silas. He happened to be in Watson Lake this week and snapped C-GNPO (773), thought I might be interested. Well Silas - you made the Callendar! What a great image, a lot of history there! Many thanks.

26 May 2018

In the pleasant situation of having lots of Beaver images to add to the website. If you have sent some in recently, please be patient, they wil be added gradually. I do appreciate the contributions!! I can't be at this computer 24/7 - need a break every now and then ;-)

23 May 2018

Photo: Danielle Aird © 23 May 2018

This was the view from Danielle's window at dawn today, as she started her day hiking on "El Camino" in Spain. A delight to enjoy her photos - and she claims not to be any good. I beg to differ on that claim! Keep snappin' Danie!

Photo: Ben Cogger © 21 May 2018

"Beaver Crossing" - it's wise to look both ways when crossing an active taxiway at Lake Hood! here. N720 (247) trundles off to the strip on this facility adjacent to PANC.

21 May 2018

Photo: Neil Aird © 21 May 2018 20:16edt

"AAL70" at FL370, heads east, as the sun sinks in the west. N793AN Boeing 777- () operating the service tonight.

20 May 2018

Photos: Neil Aird © 20 May 2018 10:03edt

Korean "KAL081" just went by. HL7614 Airbus A380-861 (msn 68) overhead today at FL370. I presume the apu runs during flight? I see a small trail from that area.

18 May 2018

Photo: Neil Aird © 18 May 2018 15:15edt

Not to be outdone RCAF "CNUK10" came by twice today. I was home and ready for it the second time. 130610 Lockheed CC-130J-30 Hercules (msn 5664) was tracking live on my screen, so had the camera ready and the skylight open! They had the rear ramp open for this run.

17 May 2018

Photo: Neil Aird © 17 May 2018 10:53edt

This DHC-6 "Twotter" N70EA (139) has been circling for a while this morning. Has now landed at CYGK. It has been playing around CFB Trenton / CFB Mountainview snce Monday.

Photo: Neil Aird © 17 May 2018 14:40edt

Later in the day the colourful CH-146 cruised by. I must say the Rescue colour scheme I have always liked.

Photo: Danielle Aird © 16 May 2018

My wife Danielle and grand daughter Chloë are enjoying their hike on El Camino in northern Spain. Here is a sample of the scenery they are enjoying! Happy Birthday Danie!!

15 May 2018

Continuing my efforts to catch up with the massive amount of data from my colleague Ian Macintosh. He faithfully sends his "Diary" of updates made during the previous month. I am, as you know, happier playing with images than crunching numbers. This is just some of the intensive "under the cowling" work that goes on here at DHC-2.com, DHC-3archive.com and TwinOtterArchive.com - Thanks Ian for your patience!! I'd better get back to it . . . . . phew, finished that little lot. Now to add Beaver C-GJAK (904).

14 May 2018

Photo: Neil Aird © 14 May 2018 18:30edt

Just playing with this snap of N235BH Gulfstream GVI / G650 (6222) s it cruised by FL410. A "noir" effect! Not suggesting there is anything sinister about this ship from Oregon! Note: 15 May 2018 just returning home, passing me at 16:02 edt FL430 434.7kts. (cloudy)

13 May 2018

Photos: Neil Aird © 13 May 2018 11:34edt

130611 Lockheed CC-130J-30 Hercules (msn 5665) "CNUK11"came by to say "hello" - I was surprised just how quiet this machine was, had to grab a quick couple of shots as he buzzed RMC and headed back to CFB Trenton, just 99km away.

12 May 2018

Photos: Bob Kobzey © 11 May 2018

Yesterday another Beaver took to the sky! C-GZDH (1171) after a beautiful rebuild by Sealand Aviation at Campbell River - CYBL, British Columbia.

6 May 2018

Starting work on the Master Index while I have some free time (Danielle off travelling again!). Also continuing with labelling the Aird Archives Beaver slide collection. It's quite amazing how many slides I have missed scanning. Currently passing c/n 1000, slow and steady. Sometimes , when able, I have to remove the slides from their mounts so that the scanner does not clip off part of the nose or tail. Often I have to create , using Photoshop digital effects, some space around these areas!! It is handy being an artist!!

30 April 2018

• Photo: Wayne Wohler © 27 July 2017 •

The DHC-2.COM May 2018 Calendar pages are ready for you. This month a shot by Wayne Wohler of N791PW (791) Thanks Wayne, and a special thanks to Steve Burak for sending the great image along!

28 April 2018

I was working on two images today when I noticed something of a coincidence. N444DF and N444EF were my subjects, just purely by chance. As you all know, I'm keen on numbers! The CDF Grumman / Marsh Aviation S-2T Turbo Tracker was shot at their Hemet - Ryan, California air attack base, and the DHC-2 at Lake Hood.

Photo: Neil Aird © 20 April 2009

Photo: Ruben Husberg © 20 May 1992 -Aird Archives

25 April 2018

Photo: Neil Aird © 10 June 1972

Found another old print of mine, so popped it through the scanner and added to my CAF/RCAF page. This was taken at CFB Trenton when a sight like that was not to be viewed much longer.

22 April 2018

For those of you who may not know about these other ventures. Here is a "head's up" from my colleague Erik Johannesson.

Dash7World.com and Dash8World.com are now both live. Dash7World is an Archive site with individual histories for each DHC-7, along with a great selection of photos. Dash8World has current and archived news, as well as production histories. As of Apr-2018 500+ histories have been uploaded, along with hundreds of photographs, many being published for the first time. The new sites increases our DHC coverage to five types, DHC-2, DHC-3, DHC-6 and now the DHC-7 and DHC-8.

https://www.dash8world.com

20 April 2018

Been a while since I posted anything in the blog. Looked at my screen a short while ago and I noticed this old soldier somewhere over Vermont / New York. Figured it might be coming this way. Well, it did! 59-1486 Boeing KC-135R Stratotanker (17974) USAF "RCH430".

Photos: Neil Aird © 20 April 2018 11:44 edt

I received another fifteen DHC-2 slides from Denmark to add to Aird Archives for addition DHC-2.COM. Alas my PayPal account is now drained!! If any of you want to help top it up again? Slides are getting very expensive.Thanks in advance.

05 April 2018

Before

After

Photo: Neil Aird © 04 April 2018

The wind doth blow - causing antenna woes. Lashed down at the height of the wind storm, hauled in today with the help of my daughter! Never missed a beat in sending ADS-B however. Range somewhat depleted for a while, but plenty of folk nearby sending in feeds. Not like the old days when we were few and far between. Did get the chance to trouble shoot one antenna, it is now fixed! Main antennas on roof top survived, although they swayed about a lot!!

An apartment building about 1km away lost its roof. Kingston Fire & Rescue attended and then the City bussed residents and pets to safe locations for the night!! Danielle informed me about this from Rome! I mentioned the severe wind here, but not the above event. Flame helped me with my rat's nest!

31 March 2018

• Photo: Gary Cutsforth © mid March 2018 •

The DHC-2.COM April 2018 Calendar pages, they are ready for you. This month a shot by Gary Cutsforth of "Wild 1" N8820 (406) at work in the Alaska Range. Thanks once again Gary. Both images you sent were super, hard call for me to choose.

Photo: John W. Olafson © March 2018

Every now and then I receive a photograph that I think is a "winner" - captures an artistic element of aviation that "says it all". Here is a fine example by John W. Olafson showing two huge Siller Sikorsky S-64 Skycrane aircraft at the Hemet Cal-Fire Base, in Californa. The scale is shown perfectly by the crewman approaching. Well done John! The immaculate aircraft are based at Yuba City.

Yesterday Ken Tilley sent me a link to the National Film Board (of Canada) website, and suggested I check out some of the films listed there, in particular one entitled "Test Pilot". I did, and was pleased to fine the pilots featured in this circa 1954 short film were non other than George A. Neal and Robert H. Fowler. Some great archival footage with great sound too!

I had the pleasure of knowing George and Bob as they featured on the two coins I designed for the Royal Canadian Mint in 1999.

This morning when I was out walking early, I thought I saw a Beaver. Oh, not a Beaver, but Rattus Norveticus, recenly deceased. Big fellar. First one I've seen in town. So removed him from road to grassy area. RIP RAT.

Photo: Neil Aird © 31 March 2018

22 March 2018

Photo: Neil Aird © 18 March 2018

Back on my birthday I received a grand set of coloured pencils from my son Anthony. Me happy! So thought I'd take a snap.

21 March 2018

Photo: Neil Aird © 21 March 2018 11:30 edt

A quick flyby and 146432 CH-146 heads back west to CFB Trenton. Oh yes - Danielle safely asleep in Florence!

20 March 2018

Photos: Neil Aird © 20 March 2018 07:13 edt

Lovely Kingston Sydenham Ward Sunrise today. Danielle off to Rome, Italy tonight from Montréal on sixteen year old C-GHKR Airbus A330-343 (400) Air Canada "AC892". Many projects pencilled in while I have "free" time. Underway already - I'm letting things "slide" - okay, sorting Aird Archives DHC-2 collection, and labeling each slide in c/n order. I'm certain many have escaped being scanned. They have been removed from slide pages and are now in very expensive archive boxes!

12 March 2018

It's tme for a quick look at our DHC-2.COM Global audience. Can you spot yourself? Thanks for visiting.

01 March 2018

• Photo: Danny Hoggard © 03 May 2017 •

The DHC-2.COM March 2018 Calendar pages, they are ready for you. This month a shot by Danny Hoggard of N5160G (236) at work. Thanks once again Danny.

27 February 2018

A very short month, but I can do no more updates until March 1st. Used up my quota of upload/downloads! Gets very expensive if I go over!! I'll still be working away, don't worry . . . .

07 February 2018

"Where do they all come from?" I'm talking about the images that I add each day to DHC-2.COM. 75% are purchased slides, funded by donations to the website. The remainder are sent by correspondents from around the world, as digital files. Every cent I receive goes into these purchases and expenses incurred in running the website. Without the generous support of "viewers like you" the selection would dry up I'm sure. My thanks to all who have helped out recently, and through the years.

30 January 2018

• Photo: Lenn Bayliss © 18 January 2018 •

Managed to keep up the pace of a Beaver-a-Day in January. Now, I've just completed the DHC-2.COM February 2018 Calendar pages, they are ready for you. This month features VH-CXS (1360) photographed by Lenn Bayliss, from his high perch, on a blistering hot day at Liskintyre, New South Wales. Thanks Lenn, great angle. By the way, the registration is painted in black on the blue stripe near the tailplane!!

23 January 2018

Well, started set No:39 of Banner Images. Remember, there are many in the Banner Images that never made it into the individual page for that aircraft. If I ever run out of images, I will try to add them. It is quite interesting to go back to Set No:01! Same story with the Calendar Pages.

18 January 2018

I've had numerous computer problems over the last few days, hence my absence! I think (unless Microsoft has any more stupid updates) I am all ready to continue my "real" work. After three hours of "waiting" last night, I finally got my computer functioning again!! <sigh>

13 January 2018

A shout out to my 2018 patrons! Please join them if you can.

My special thanks goes to my small group of very generous supporters !

PayPal.Me/DHC2COM

The 2018 campaign is now underway - 14 have responded in kind so far.

Thank You! Especially my faithful regulars! We are still adding Beavers . . .

James K (WA), Klaus M (WA), Rick N (YT), Bill L (AB), Stan B (CA), Randy S (MI), John R (BC), Ken H (ON), Gerald C (ON), Steve T (BC), Marshall C (MA), Peter R (OZ), Rob M (ON), Ian Mac (ON).

11 January 2018

As some of you know, each day starts for me with a cartoon in the series - "The Adventures of Flame". I set myself a ten minute deadline usually, from the time I climb the three flights of stairs to my studio, until I complete the sketch. Makes a respite from Beavers, Otters and Twin Otters! You can enjoy the recent ones here daily.

07 January 2018

Photo: Neil Aird © 05 January 2018

Now this would be a fun engraving project. This "Art by Nature" icey item has been on my studio window for a good week or two. It is the size of a business card. Quite amazing to look at. Currently "wallpaper screen" on my computer, makes a change from aeroplanes!

04 January 2018

Photo: Anthony Aird © 04 January 2018

First image of the year is one by my youngest Anthony. Shows that we are now really in "Winter" mode, here in Kingston, Ontario. Thanks Ant, stunning image.

31 December 2017

A very sad day in Australia. VH-NOO (1535) crashed into Hawkesbury River, near Cowan, NSW. Six lives lost. My sympathy to all affected by this tragic event.

30 December 2017

• Photo: Peter Gloor © Fall 2017 •

Added the January 2018 DHC-2.COM Calendar pages. This month featuring the "DHC-2.COM picture of the year" C-GOGZ (800) by Peter Gloor, thanks Peter, superb image.

28 December 2017

Photo: Neil Aird © 27 December 2017 14:34 edt

I keep trying to catch an airliner passing in front of the moon. Almost happened yesterday . . but not quite. Here is D-ABYJ Boeing 747-830 (37834) operating "DLH418". One of these days it will happen.

22 December 2017

In the midst of a snow day here. I hope to spend more time on the DHC-2.COM site now I have scanned all 347 DHC-3 Otter slides in the Michael J. Ody Collection that I just received. At one a day, I should be finished in just under a year. Between snow shovelling sessions today, I should have some time to add one to DHC-3Archive.com at least!

Season's Greetings to you all!

Photo: Neil Aird © 22 December 2017

13 December 2017

I noticed a strange "ice bird" formation on my skylight. As you can imagine, a bit chilly here today.

08 December 2017

Dramatic, dare I say "stellar", image of N791PW (791) on the cover of Plane & Pilot for February 2018!! Deon Mitton took the stunning shot. Thanks to Steve Burak for sending it along.

07 December 2017

Hoping you are all enjoying the Australian additions. Still lots to add!

30 November 2017

Photo: Neil Aird © 30 November 2017 - 09:51 edt

Last interesting flyover for this month.

29 November 2017

• Photo: Lamar Bevil © August 2010 •

Added the December 2017 DHC-2.COM Calendar pages. This month featuring N82SF (839) by Lamar Bevil, thanks Lamar.

28 November 2017

As the month draws to a close, I'm making steady progress. Just added a few new pages with data for airframes c/n 1009; 1013 and 1017.

27 November 2017

A cloudy afternoon here.

Photos: Neil Aird © 27 November 2017 - 15:15 edt

19 November 2017

"Sunday Surprise" - and just when Danielle is due back in Kingston from Mexico! She arrived safely in Toronto - CYYZ on XA-AMB "AMX616" from MMMX late last night. Today Airport bus to Kingston leaving as I type this, unless a delay.

I noticed that my DHC-3Archive.COM website on the Otter just crossed the 50,000 unique visitor threshold.

Recently I received some images from Ketchikan, Alaska, that suggest N930TG (1041) will fly again after being dried out and some repair work.

15 November 2017

I'm still making headway with current project. Filling in Ian Macintosh's detailed updates as far as c/n 1000 this week if I can. Thanks for these updates Ian - Slave driver!

11 November 2017

Working away behind the scenes on DHC-2.COM adding full data that we have on file and adding new pages of aircraft we don't have linked already. Also trying to reduce website costs, so hope this website does not suddenly vanish as sites are re propagated!

06 November 2017

Almost gone after a couple of days of wind and rain - I know what is coming soon!

04 November 2017

A couple of random shots testing out my Canon 77D. Distant image of A6-EGF Boeing B77W (38987) "UAE231" showing a "rainbow contrail" - this was a rush shot almost into the sun. Did not see the colours until I downloaded the image.

Photo: Neil Aird © 04 November 2017 - 08:32 edt

Last of the tomatoes from our balcony, and a dropped blossom while I was bringing in some of the plants for the winter. Still some tomatoes in the garden, but Jack Frost will be visiting soon. 2C this morning. Yet another moon shot, this time from last night - I'm sure I could do better with a tripod!

03 November 2017

Received my masterful book by Rich Hulina the other day. Bush Flying Captured - Volume 2. Quite magnificent - if you have not ordered one or dropped hints to those who might, please do so. Well done Rich - now enjoy the kudos for a while. The black page backgrounds really set the spectacular images off.

31 October 2017

• Photo: Neil Aird © 23 September 2017 •

Another month is almost history. I pulled rank this month for the November 2017 DHC-2.COM Calendar pages. One of my own snaps. C-FZXD (1336) shot through my skylight window. I'm hoping to upgrade my camera equipment shortly to improve on the quality of my images!

27 October 2017

Photo: Neil Aird © 30 April 2009.

In November I am planning on finally starting my "Air Tankers" project. Looking forward to digging out some of my images, and supplementing those with some from friends. Should be fun. The photo above of N445NA Lockheed SP-2H Neptune (726-7102) ex 140443 at Midland - KMAF, Texas is the first image!

21 October 2017

Photo: Neil Aird © 21 October 2017 11:08 edt

Just how much longer I will be able to enjoy KLM's B744's? Here is seventeen year old PH-BFW Boeing 747-406(M) (30454) almost overhead at FL340 this morning, operating "KLM25" from AMS (Amsterdam) to IAH (Houston).

18 October 2017

Photo: Neil Aird © 18 October 2017 11:18 edt

Some days are more "FUN" than others. Let me explain. I enjoy looking at registration marks, they tell a lot. Today, the above Bell 222B (47146) C-FFUN cruised by. It is the third C-FFUN I have seen. The first was CF-FUN Boeing 727-100 (19242) of Wardair, which was a regular visitor to the UK. Next up was C-FFUN Boeing 747-1D1 (20305) again a Wardair aircraft and regular on the Trans-Atlantic run. Now the third iteration, the snappy little Bell. So now you know how I get some of my fun!

17 October 2017

While digging in some old external hard drives I came across this image of work from my distant past. Still like it. It's a brooch/pin called "Signal" - made of 925 silver, 750 (18K) green, yellow and white golds, aluminium and anodised niobium.

16 October 2017

I received a huge number of images, ninety-six in fact, from Ian Mcdonell in Australia, so lots to add over the coming months. Thanks Ian. These come under the auspices of Australian Air Data Collection. Many collectors and just a few photographers, some of whom are represented on the website already. Including Ben Dannecker, Geoff Goodall, Lindsay Nothrop, Mike Madden, Danny Tanner and David Carter. Thank you all.

Photo: Frederick K. Larkin © 28 September 2017

Ted Larkin was recently at Downsview - CYZD to capture a sleek new Biz Jet on the scene. C-GLBR a Bombardier Global 7000 BD-700-2A12 (70004) , just back from another test flight. More like an airliner that an Executive Jet!

13 October 2017

Photo: Neil Aird © Friday 13 October 2017 07:10 edt

Another stunning dawn here in Kingston.

12 October 2017

Photo: Neil Aird © 19 July 1990

Added three more images to my Convair Corner page on my website. Including C-FPWY Convair 640 (108) at Saskatoon - CYXE, Saskatchewan back in 1990.

10 October 2017

Photo: Neil Aird © 10 October 2017 11:55 edt

An unusual condenstion trail eminating from N78009 Boeing 777- 224 (29479) of United Airlines operating "UAL79" from Newark - EWR to Narita - NRT / Tokyo this morning, caught my eye. Ted Larkin sent me this shot (awesome!) showing similar atmospheric attributes, but with a twist. Certainly more spectacular! Thanks Ted.

Photo: Frederick K. Larkin © 13 June 2015

This time the aircraft was JA791A Boeing 777-381ER (60137) of All Nippon operating "ANA9" at FL300 to Narita - NRT from New York's JFK.

Pleasant autumn morning here in Kingston.

Photos: Neil Aird © 10 October 2017

09 October 2017

Sad news today from my colleague Ian Macintosh in the UK. His wife Pam passed away early Sunday morning in her sleep. My sympathy of course to Ian and his family. Ian has been primary care giver to Pam for as long as I have known him. She recently had been in and out of hostpitals and was being looked after in a Nursing Home facilty nearer to their home.

08 October 2017

Photo: Neil Aird © 08 October 2017 09:53 edt

Heard a sound this morning, thought it might be a high flying Hercules. Looked up and there was 161593 Lockheed P3-C-BMUP+ Orion (285A-5767) US Navy "GK-28", of VP-46 squadron, heading westbound at FL240, after a long flight from the UK, via Bangor - KBGR, Maine. So, of course, I took a few snaps! Perhaps heading to the boneyard at Davis-Monthan, will keep an eye on that!

Some of you will have noticed a new name amongst our photographers. Todd Boettcher of Los Angeles sent me two thumb drives with great, high resolution images of DHC-2 and DHC-3 he has shot over the recent years. Thanks Todd, great work, especially easy for me to add. Most generous of you!

05 October 2017

Photo: Neil Aird © 23 June 1963

Going even further back in time, this time, to a visit to EGBE Baginton / Coventry where amongst other delights, I found this little crop spraying Piper PA-18A Super Cub, 5B-CAB (18-7764), which is actually still around, flying with Lasham Gliding Club, as G-ATRG.

04 October 2017

Going back in time to 2005. Here is a beautiful large scale flying model of a Douglas AD-5 Skyraider I shot for my friend Ken "Doc" Lawson in the north of Tasmania. It appeared on a magazine cover in Australia sometime later.

Photos: Neil Aird © 12 May 2005

01 October 2017

Another interesting overflight. G-SHUI Cessna 680A (680A-0102) heading from Wichita - ICT, I presume eventually to Glasgow - EGPF, for Air Charter Scotland Ltd. Looks like a new airframe. Here it is at FL410 over the studio. Note: I just happened to check on it at 16:03 edt and I see it about to turn off the runway at Bangor - BGR, Maine. A fuel stop before the crossing.

Photo: Neil Aird © 01 October 2017 15:16 edt

Photo: Neil Aird © 01 October 2017 11:00 edt

A little Honda Jet HA-450 N575DN (42000031) appeared on my screen this morning climbing up from Saranac Lake - SLK, in upstate New York. I decided to wait for it as I could see it was coming my way. My first sighting (I think?) and here's the result, at 38,000' directly over my studio. I see it reached Waukesha County - UES, Wisconsin after just 1:50 en route flight time.

30 September 2017

NEWS: Rich Hulina's latest edition "Bush Flying Captured - Volume 2" - his website should be up soon. Book should be available mid October - a "Must" for us all. More details here.

28 September 2017

Photo: Kyle G. Cameron © 23 September 2017

The October 2017 DHC-2.COM Calendar pages are up! Thanks this month to my friend Kyle G. Cameron for the grand image of C-FIDG (718) at the very picturesque Atlin, British Columbia. Many thanks Kyle.

23 September 2017

Photo: Neil Aird © 23 September 2017 11:53 edt

Had a nice buzz job from DHC-2 C-FZXD (1336) - he did say "landing on the water". So, on to my bike (hot day here) pedalled down to the marina, no Beaver, on across to another marina, no Beaver. Ah well. I did spend some quality time watching a heron, cormorant and some Canada geese. So all was not lost. Note, all have aircraft named after them!! I now have a grand screensaver!

Photo: Neil Aird © 23 September 2017 12:19 edt

I did get to capture the Beaver later as it left my area, right by my window, I waved!

Photos: Neil Aird © 23 September 2017 16:31 edt

21 September 2017

Photo: Neil Aird © 21 September 2017 09:55 edt

Had N416AH MBB-BK 117 D-2 (20098) buzzing around for a while today. Up and over CFB Kingston. Hmmm, wonder if Airbus Helicopters were on a sales pitch to our military?

15 September 2017

Video: Selfie of "Glib" RCAF © 10 September 2017 14:59:44 edt (my guess!)

My pal Lenn Bayliss in Oz sent me this link of RCAF CF-188 Hornet 188734 doing the flight demo over Kingston. So, did a screen capture and added three views of the same few seconds from my ground position. If you look closely (yellow dot) - I'm in the picture, nah, don't even try.

Photos: Neil Aird © 10 September 2017 14:59:44 edt

14 September 2017

Photo: Neil Aird © 13 September 2017

Pear time again, buy those years zip by! Tree is loaded this year, last year, hardly any. Must have been resting!

12 September 2017

Photo: Neil Aird © 25 April 1998

Revisiting my "Greybull Walkabout" page and adding some Lockheed SP-2 Neptune aircraft taken in the H & P storage / boneyard. I must confess the Neptune is another favourite of mine!

10 September 2017

Spent time by the waterfront enjoying the airshow yesterday. Took lots of snaps and was happy. Nice dawn today, a taste of colours to come.

Today, well, they did it all over again in CAVOK conditions. So I headed back down to the waterfront at a closer location. Got the shots I really wanted. I will do a section on the events, but that might take a little time!! Here is a taste of today's noisey guest.

Photos: Neil Aird © 10 September 2017 15:12 edt

08 September 2017

Enjoyed running from window, to window, to window. Got some reasonable shots. Tomorrow, if weather is nice, I'll go sit by the waterfront and get some decent images.

Photos: Neil Aird © 08 September 2017 15:22 edt

07 September 2017

Photos: Neil Aird © 07 September 2017 14:20 - 14:23 edt

The RCAF 431 Squadron Snowbirds are in town. Here's 114051 CT-114 (1051) "Snowbird 1" - the leader, Major Patrick Gobeil, buzzing my place. They all came by having fun and checking out the area. I believe they are performing twice this weekend over CFB Kingston. I'll watch from here. The special Sesquicentennial CF188 Hornet 188734 (249) Captain Mathew "Glib" Kutryk, will be performing also.

Photo: RCAF © 2017

Well, "Glib" arrived and scared a few pidgeons! I managed a couple of distant, blurry shots, and I hope for better luck on the weekend. Note that aircraft is standard colours underneath. All aircraft are parked out at the local Airfield.

Photos: Neil Aird © 07 September 2017 17:15 edt

06 September 2017

Seeing the Canadian Sea King the other day reminded of some Australian Navy ones I saw on a visit to HMAS Albatross / NAS Nowra - YSNW, back in 2010. N16-118 (WA793) shown below wasknown as "Shark 07" and was presented to the fine Museum at Nowra after her final flight on 15 December 2011. Some 60,000hrs on the clock.

Photo: Neil Aird © 05 November 2010

Photos: Neil Aird © 06 September 2017

One the squirrels did not get! Seeds came from a tomato we got at the store, cut into slices and threw in a pot in the spring! Tomato sandwich tomorrow. Lots of smaller ones grown from my own saved seeds. Enough to share with family and friends.

04 September 2017

Photo: Neil Aird © 20 July 1964

Going back a bit to my days at RAF Chivenor. XF896/05 Percival Provost T.1 (20PAC/56/339) of the CFS., popped in on Monday 20 July 1964. I had the oily pleasure of opening up the engine covers! Seeing this imaged reminded me of A85-435/VH-EAD CAC CA-25 Winjeel (CA25-35) aircraft I saw in Australia.This one at HARS facility at Albion Park, near Wollongong.

Photo: Neil Aird © 05 November 2010

01 September 2017

Photos: Neil Aird © 01 September 2017 16:04 edt

"Gotcha" . . RCAF 148813 Sikorsky CH-148 Cyclone (925013) did a quick transit through my zone, a new sound for me, so a few quick shots of it in the distance, as it headed back east, low level. Nice to know it shows up on ADS-B.

31 August 2017

Image FR24 screen capture © 31 August 2017 17:40 edt

I noticed NOAA's N48RF de Havilland DHC-6 Twin Otter (740) helping out in Houston.

30 August 2017

Photo: Neil Aird © 30 August 2017 16:45 edt

Just goes to show, when you hear a racket, don't be complacent, raise the shades. I presumed the noise was being made by one of our Air Ambulance choppers, eventually I looked up and there was a elderly Sea King coming right over the house, by the time I got my camera, raised the two shades, this was all I "caught" of 1963 vintage 12405 Sikorsky CH-124 Sea King (61-207). It did not take me too long to figure out it would be heading to Toronto eventually for the RCAF flyby on Thursday and Friday. What really bugged me is that some of the noise was probably caused by the new Sikorsky CH-148 Cyclone chopper that we finally have online. Maybe I can catch them when they return, perhaps on Monday? I did see a picture of them sitting at CFB Trenton last night. "Grandad and Grandson" - funny but very true!! Here is a line up taken at CFB Shearwater in 1993, which I just restored the other day - maybe I knew what was coming my way?

Photo: Ken Marshall © 19 September 1993 - Aird Archives

29 August 2017

• Photo: Robbie Shaw © 26 May 2017 •

Added the DHC-2.COM September 2017 calendar pages. This month features N62LC (1086) supplied by Robbie Shaw. Many thanks Robbie, sorry it took so long to get it a month!

27 August 2017

Announcing my colleague Erik Johannesson's New ! incredible website:

Check it out! It is now fully functional. Congratulations Erik!

21 August 2017

Photo: Ken Marshall © 10 March 1968 - Aird Archives

Spent some time on old slides of "Lifters" taken at Prestwick in 1968 by my old pal Ken Marshall. The Lockheed C-141 Stratolifter never really was a favourite of mine. Difficult to photograph on the ground. Ken had some good results. I remember being at Davis-Monthan AFB / AMARG in 2009, when many were being scrapped. A sad sight.

Photos: Neil Aird © 18 April 2009

19 August 2017

Photo: Neil Aird © 19 August 2017 18:25 edt

I had just come back from gardening detail, picking tomatoes etc., and was in our back kitchen. Heard it take off from the water . .  ran down the lane, saw it heading west. Ran back in, upstairs, three flights of stairs to my studio, grabbed camera - opened skylights, removed screens, then he did three passes!  Last shots were the best, even as it headed into the sun. On 06 August 2004 my wife Danielle and I visited Harley Lang to see this Beaver, C-FZXD (1336) , he sold it to someone two lakes away from his home near North Bay.

18 August 2017

Photo: Neil Aird © 18 September 1968

A few more from Denver. Here N847TW Boeing 727-31 (18752) TWA makes a smokey arrival while little "wannabe" N901TC Hawker-Siddeley HS.125-731 (25108) passes by.

17 August 2017

Photo: Neil Aird © 20 September 1968

Adding a few images to my Stateside 1968 page. I've never seen these images in print, so this is fun for me. The above shot, taken at Denver's Stapleton Field, shows N37567 Douglas DC-6B (43004) United Airlines, as a flight crew member arrives, while N119 Douglas DC-9 (45732) FAA leaves, newly acquired ex Swissair HB-IFB, later became N29 and finally N813TL.

16 August 2017

It has come to my attention today that we have lost another aviation icon, on August 6th, 2017, Viking Air founder Nils Christensen passed away. Born August 15, 1921. I had the great pleasure of meeting Nils twice. Once in 20066 at Ottawa and once on the dock at Salt Spring Island in 2007. What a fine gentleman. My sympathy goes out to his family and friends. What a great legacy he has left us.

While out walking this morning, at 09:09 edt RF-85655 Tupolev TU-154M (cruised by, very low, going overhead Royal Miltary College and CFB Kingston. The flight plan said it departed CYGK - Kingston, which would make it the largest jet ever at the airfield (longest runway 19/01 is only 5,000'). The aircraft is no stranger to my computer as it often is at CFB Trenton doing the spy work it is tasked! I did not get a snap (the one below from the www), but I did watch it on my screen, cruise to Ottawa (three passes, one over parliament, last over the airport). Next it headed east to Mirabel, but it flew south at the last moment, and then east over Montréal. I stopped monitoring it when it was heading north-east toward Québec City.

Image: FR24 from my radar feed. - green track starts at my house!! 15 August 2017 - 09:09 EDT

Photo: DHC © 16 August 1947 (Print 59)

A jubilant Russ Bannock emerges after the test flight of CF-FHB-X - an anxious group awaits.

Photo: de Havilland Canada © 16 August 1947 (Print 71)

04 August 2017

Photo: Rich Hulina © 04 August 2017

An e-mail with an early morning flightplan mentioned that C-FETN (1668TB38) was heading west. I figured that my pal Rich Hulina would be interested in that. He managed to catch "The Raven" at Sioux Lookout - CYXL, with the father/son combo crew. Non other than Russ and Mike Bannock. They were heading to Yellowknife and onward to see their good friend Max Ward.

Photo: Neil Aird © 04 August 2017 15:18 edt

A moose just cruised by, well 177704 Boeing CC-177 Globemaster III (F-187) RCAF with fancy tail celebrating "75 Years Bisons" 429 Squadron. Mind you, I'd prefer seeing this kind of Globemaster! This one was 51-5177 Douglas C-124C Globemaster (43587) USAF MATS - note the "177" coincidence ;-)

Photo: Ken Marshall © May 1965

Photo: Tom Baillie © 15 September 1968

Last week I received the September 2017 Issue of Airways Magazine. I had three images in it and one more by my pal Tom Baillie. They were used in Part Three of a series by David H. Stringer, on 'The Airlines of Alaska'. You can see the original images on my website , just click on the above images.

03 August 2017

Photo: "The Norwegians" Ken Marshall © 19 September 1964

Photo: "The Canadians" Ken Marshall © 20 September 1969

Continuing down yet another road. Working on images from Ken Marshall Collection adding images to Battle of Britain Displays at RAF Leuchars, in Fife. This is an annual event that most of us lads on the west coast of Scoland managed to attend. usually by train to Leuchars Junction. The only opportunity to go on base and see more exotic aircraft from Europe and beyond. It takes considerable time to scan and digitally "restore" these slides, so another long, very pleasant project.

02 August 2017

Photo: Ken Marshall © 05 August 1970

Here's a pleasant shot of an earlier time. RAF Kinloss, in the north of Scotland. A popular spot on the public road outside the base. Avro Shackleton MR.3 WR974 / K arrives back. Another fine image taken 47 years ago by Ken Marshall.