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Neil's Blog (sometimes more than Beavers!) July 2014 - July 2017

Photo: My camera © 22 September 2013

Previous Blog to this one.

31 July 2017

Photo: Ken Hurford © 26 May 2017

Adding the DHC-2.COM August 2017 calendar pages. This month features C-FGYT (182) supplied by Ken Hurford. Many thanks Ken.

29 July 2017

I noticed this in the CAHS Newsletter received this morning. I corresponded with John Hopton many times over the years, he was always helpful, but I did have to adhere to his very specific titling standards! RIP John.

Hopton, John

On Friday 30 June 2017 an era came to a close with the death at age 77, of Aviation Historian extraordinaire John Hopton. John was a foundation member of AHSA and its offshoot the Moorabbin Air Museum being a life member of both. His collection of data and images pertaining to Australian Aviation History was accumulated over a lifetime of photography and diligent archival research making him an expert second to none. He developed his own method of storing and retrieving this data well before computers whose value he recognised and embraced as soon as they were sufficiently developed. John maintained a vast network of fellow historians globally, exchanging information and images, first by mail then via computer. A prolific contributor to our Journal his name can be found in hundreds of aviation books and magazines as a valued author and contributor. John was always available to assist and mentor those persons showing a genuine desire for help in any aviation research or writing. He had a photographic memory for things Aviation and Books, a wicked sense of humour and a more than passing acquaintance with music, the arts and wood work. Those of us privileged to have him as a friend and work with him closely found him to be scathing of less than perfect work but always ready to teach and help us overcome our deficiencies. John, by Government default was the one stop, "Australian Aviation Archive". Sadly we have lost a great historian, tutor and friend but, he will live on in the legacy of his work.

Written by fellow AHSA member, Roland Jahne

28 July 2017

Some more fun with old slides and old friends. Case in point, 56-0011 McDonnell F-101 Voodoo (157) logged by me at RAF Bentwaters on 01 August 1962. The above photograph was taken on 19 September 1964 by Ken Marshall at RAF Leuchars. This Voodoo was later converted to RF-101H standard. After serving it was retired to the storage area of Pima Museum before ending up on display at KFSM - Fort Smith Regional Airport in Arkansas.

Google Earth © 2017

27 July 2017

Another 17 purchased slides arrived (with thanks to recent donations!), as a result I have been busy scanning and working on the images. I have also been scanning and restoring many of my Ken Marshall Collection. Wonderful stuff, but very, very time consuming to get up to website standards! Here are a couple of "teasers". . . . and yes, I did remove ropes and barriers!

Photo: Ken Marshall © 09 September 1967 - RNAS Lossiemouth - HMS Fulmar

Photo: Ken Marshall © 10 July 1971 - RNAS Lossiemouth - HMS Fulmar

23 July 2017

Special thanks goes to my small group of very faithful and generous supporters !

The 2017 campaign - 21 responded in kind, so far. Thank You!

Stan B (CA) thrice! - John O (BC), Klaus M (WA), James D (UK), James K (WA) thrice! - James M (WA), Randy S (MI), Rob M (ON), Rod H (UK/BC), Mark H (IA),

Ross McG (ON), Jim H (AB), Gerald C (NS), Paige & Jim B (ON), Bob W (ID), James A (TN), Herb W (CH), Anthony A (ON), Blake Q (CA), Rich H (ON).

21 July 2017

My own private air show today, well, so it seemed. Got some great shots of our "resident" Flying Fortress. Friday Fly-Bys.

Photos: Neil Aird © 21 July 2017

19 July 2017

We had a grand visit. A small selection of our photos here.

Photo: Neil Aird © 19 July 2017 09:49 EDT

Photos: Neil by Ant - Ant by Neil

17 July 2017

Photos: Anthony Aird © 17 July 2017 13:00 EDT

I lent my camera to my son Anthony Aird yesterday. Well, today a B-17G Fortress flew right over my house three times, it was "Sentimental Journey" N9323Z (32155) ex 44-83514, which has been up in Canada for a while doing rides and displays. No camera! Luckily, Anthony was out and managed to squeeze of some shots, so thanks Ant!! I saw this aircraft at Mesa, Arizona on17 April 1998, also at Geneseo, New York on 17 August 1991, but I've a feeling I saw it back in 1966 or 1968 as Tanker c17. Must do some checking.

Just found out it will be here in Kingston at the Kingston Flying Club until Sunday 23rd. I will go with Anthony tomorrow to have a visit.

15 July 2017

Photo: Neil Aird © 08 September 2004

On July 6th, Gene Zerkel passed away at age 90. An Aviation Icon I had the pleasure of meeting, when he was a jolly 77 year old! I enjoyed my time chatting with him and was made to feel right at home, with kindness extended to me by Joyce and Gene at their Lake Hood office, Anchorage, Alaska. My sympathy to all of his family, many of whom are aviators. He will be missed, and remembered fondly by a huge network of associates and friends.

Photo: Kira Zerkel © July 2017

12 July 2017

Back in mid June I noticed a Beaver made it to the cover of a magazine yet again. Thanks to Kinga Gortel, I find out it was C-GIYV (1488) with the cover image taken by David Gortel. Thanks Kinga.

11 July 2017

I have Calendar images for the next three months. Thanks to the photographers Danny Hoggard, Robbie Shaw and Ken Hurford for your patience! Remember, if you want to print out an image from years gone by, you can. I will eventually link them all (well maybe just the most recent ones) on the Calendars Retrospective page. the PDF's are all on the website "somewhere".

10 July 2017

Photo: Jeff Hueston © 14 May 2017

Today brought some six images of what remains of CF-OCF (29) in the Northern Ontario bush. Thanks for your account Jeff, and the images.

Link.

05 July 2017

Just a heads up to you all. I am now in "Summer Mode" and will be updating DHC-2.COM a bit less than I normally do, same goes for DHC-3archive.com and TwinOtterArchive.com. I might add some other sections when time permits. Happy Summer to everyone.

01 July 2017

• Photo: John W. Olafson © 26 June 2017 •

Here are the July 2017 DHC-2.COM Calendar pages. My thanks once again to John W. Olafson for this especially appropriate image of C-FFHA (39) sporting the Sesquicentennial Livery done by Harbour Air. Oh yes, Happy Birthday Canada.

23 June 2017

Photo: Neil Aird © 31 August 1966

Just thirty days later on October 29th, this Douglas A-26B Invader N4824E (28004) ex 44-347125, shown here at Anchorage - PANC, ran off the end of the runway at Homer - PAHO, Alaska. The abandoned hulk was noted there in 1973. Glad I took the snap.

14 June 2017

Later in the evening, I saw a very distinctive trail approaching. Elderly 57-1493 Boeing KC-135R Stratotanker (17564), which seemed to have originated near Oklahoma City, heading to Europe. To think, it was made the year I started seriously watching airplanes!!

Photos: Neil Aird © 14 June 2017 19:50 edt

There are several distinct aviation sounds I can readily identify. I'm sure you can too. The DC-3, the DHC-2, the Merlin engine, a Huey, and the Chinook. Well RCAF CH-147 Chinook was the sound of the day, and a quick snap. Don't know which one yet, I just have the ADS-B number "C2BB43" - I'll figure them all out someday - part of the "game" I play. . . note: figured it out 147304.

Photo: Neil Aird © 14 June 2017 15:55 edt

12 June 2017

Not much to blog about so far this month, maybe a couple of events. Today seems to be a rotary day. Early on an Aerospatial AS355F1 rattled my windows as it flew overhead. Quick snap showed it was "snooping". Check the starboard skid tip. After a fair bit of tweaking the image, I found the identity. C-FHNB (5174). It circled a few times and left.

Photo: Neil Aird © 12 June 2017 08:49 edt

As I was working up the above image, saw another chopper on my screen, tracking, went to the window and had the camera ready as it cruised along the waterfront to the airport. Bell 429 C-GWRD (57012).

Photo: Neil Aird © 12 June 2017 11:06 edt

04 June 2017

Photo: Neil Aird © 04 June 2017

Since I send live seaway traffic reports, I decided to pop down to the waterfront, five minutes from my home, here in Kingston, and take a snap of "Polar Prince" (MMSI:316006460) which was anchored just off-shore.

When I got back, I noticed hundreds of black dots all over the digital photo. I mean, all over. Thought my sensor had dirt etc."Oh No!" Well, figured it out - not the sensor, but clouds of insects between me and the ship!!!! I'm surprised I managed to get this image "tweaked" after seeing my original . . oh, yes, camera sensor is just fine!!! Phew!

29 May 2017

• Photo: Neil Aird © 27 May 2017 •

Just added the June DHC-2.COM Calendar pages. I don't get to see many Beavers around here, so forgive me for adding a shot this month!

28 May 2017

Yesterday turned out to be a great day. I finally had a quick flying visit from "Pengo Pally". DHC-2 Beaver 1123 made time to drop into a nearby Marina to enable me to meet Jim Duggan and Paul Armstrong. When I got there, just in time to hear them talk to the airport (CYGK), approach and land, where I was supposed to meet them was flooded by our high water levels. After they docked, I took of my shoes and socks, rolled up my jeans to above my knees and waded through a parking lot (The Marina gates were all locked!!), two feet of murky water.

Photos: Neil Aird © 27 May 2017 16:50 - 17:15edt

Google Earth - June 2014 - Normal conditions!

It was the first time I've seen fish swimming on a parking area!! Paul came over the floating docks to say hello, and then Jim came over. We shook hands over the security fence, and then they had to leave. A busy day for them with stalls, and later water landings north of Kingston.

At 18:45 in the evening when Jim was heading back to St-Matthias, I heard his radio call west of Kingston. I left my studio, and walked quickly to the waterfront, just in time to be directly under Jim as he headed home, enjoying the brilliant flying weather. (and take a few more snaps of course!)

15 May 2017

Some sort of milestone, I guess? Just added the 12,000th Beaver image!!

10 May 2017

Photo: Neil Aird © 10 May 2017 17:05 edt

"Beaver . . Beaver . . " there is that sound once again. Mad rush, blinds up, check one window, other window, grab camera, look up, right over my house at 12:18 edt inbound to CYGK. Radio on, eventually joining in the busy traffic pattern is C-FDTY (26). Unable to drive out to the field to say hello.

At 17:03 edt, there is that sound again, more distant this time. Blinds up, camera ready, but far off over the river eastbound is DTY. I manged a few blurry shots. First time I think I have seen this elderly Beaver. Same vintage as my dear wife Danie, who celebrates her birthday in one week !! Both still seem to be in fine shape!

03 May 2017

Well May is off to a great start, six Beavers added already. I received 20 slides that I have purchased from our donations, so gradually adding these. My thanks to those folk who have kindly chipped in.

29 April 2017

• Photo: Jon Beekman © 15 April 2017 •

Just added the May DHC-2.COM Calendar pages. My thanks to Jon Beekman for the image of C-GTBQ (1316) .I see I have now over 15,000 images on the website. Not too shabby. Beavers approaching the 12,000 mark soon!

22 April 2017

Photo: Neil Aird © 16 September 1968

Taking another break from my regular web tasks today, adding a special section on a 1968 visit to Missoula, Montana. Might be completed today, should my arm last with all the digital restoration work required. An amazing selection of aircraft were noted there during my visit back on 16 September 1968. This is the first time I see these images in print, only took 49 years to get a good look at them. Many of the airframes have been carefully restored and are still active in 2017! Click on the Avenger to go to the new page. More images shortly.

I've also been reworking many of my Alaska images from 1966 and 1968. Stay tuned for news on that front.

14 April 2017

Photo: Neil Aird © 14 April 2017 14:43EDT

Interesting flyby today, a venerable 1964 Sikorsky CH-124 Sea King - 12404 (61-202) , arrived inbound to CYGK at 11:23 and left westbound at 14:43. I wonder how much longer they will be around?

Photos: Brietling © 2017

My friend, and owner of LN-NCC (1167), Cyrus Brantenberg, has been featured flying in a Brietling Advertisement for their Superocean Héritage II chronograph. Some beautiful air-to-air sequences, and definately an ad worth watching.

12 April 2017

Just a reminder of one of my other sections on the website. This is a personal favourite. I'm always adding the odd snap here.

30 March 2017

• Photo: John Evans © 03 March 2017 •

Time to add the April DHC-2.COM Calendar pages. My thanks to John Evans for the super image of ZK-CKH (25) having a picnic.

Just renewed the fees for another year of DHC-2.COM hosting. Not cheap with our poor Canadian dollar. Close to two hundred this year. Thanks for recent donation by regular contributer James Kean of Washington State for helping the cause. Remember the Beaver Hat Campaign is there throughout the year to help purchase slides and photographs that benefit us all.

Sad to report the death of a regular contributer, Paul Howard of Cairns, Queensland, while travelling to an airshow in Malaysia. He was from Ireland originally. Paul sent many wonderful images from his regular travels in the Southern Hemisphere. Condolences to his family and wide network of enthusiast friends.

24 March 2017

Photo: Neil Aird © 24 March 2017 14:53 EDT

Not sure if this was to celebrate the birthday today of my eldest - born 43 years ago in a snowstorm (we had one today too!). Nice formation. Three single seaters and one two seater. Thanks RCAF!!

23 March 2017

Received a copy of EAA's Sport Aviation yesterday from Mark A. Miller. Thanks Mark. A good article on N450DM (577), well written by Jim Busha.

12 March 2017

Photo: Neil Aird © 08 September 1966

Back in 1966, jets produced quite a bit of smoke! Here is a shot taken of the queue following my aircraft at KLAX - Los Angeles.

08 March 2017

Well, I make no apologies for all the super black and white Leo J. Kohn U-6A shots that I promised. I hope you are enjoying them as much as I am! My thanks again to Ian M. Macdonald for sharing them with us. There must be more shots like these out there, let me know if you find any.

28 February 201

• Photo: Anton Heumann © July 2016 •

Last day of a short month. The February 2017 DHC-2.COM Calendar pages are up. Thanks this month to Anton Heumann of www.swissandmore.de for his super image of N9279Z (345).

22 February 2017

My colleague Ian M. Macdonald kindly sent 29 black and white images of US military U-6A for me to scan. He purchased these many years ago from Collect Air Photos of Milwaukee. They seem to all be images taken by Leo J. Kohn. They certainly help in our documenting that period of their service. Many thanks Ian.

16 February 2017

During the Second World War, a Royal Navy gentleman, a certain H. Hunt, who was billeted at our home in Dumbarton, Scotland, left a package of photographs. He never returned to collect them. I have had them carefully stored since I got them from my Dad about 1955 when I showed my first interest in aircraft. The aviation period is not of great interest to me, but out of respect for the 1,218 souls that were lost when H.M.S. Glorious was sunk on 08 June 1940, (only 39 survived the sinking). I would like to add a section of the website in their honour, and to preserve the photographs for all to see. This may take some time, but I have scanned the 69 images at least,so that is a start. I also had a faded brown copy of The Scottish Sunday Express, of August 10, 1941, it too has been scanned and explains in detail about the tradgedy.

13 February 2017

Adding yet another page to the website. In my Aird Aviation Archives section. I have received close to two hundred images from the Ralph Burnett Collection, sent to me by Scottish colleague Ricky Clarkson. Thanks also to Stuart Sim for scanning. The images are too good to leave unshared. They are photographs taken at Prestwick, Renfrew, Abbotsinch (Glasgow) and Aberdeen. Many taken by Ralph, but alas, we don't really know anything about which ones are his. dates are a mystery too, so if you recognise the plane and place, let me know. It is no problem for me to update the page. I may also add the images in other sections of my website where appropriate.

Here's a sample and the link.

Photo: Ralph Burnett Collection © Date unknown

Above is a map of the visitors to DHC-2.COM over the last 26 months. Quite a Global reach eh?

05 February 2017

Photo: Gordon Macadie © 13 August 1963

I was adding some images to the Gordon Macadie Collection just now, this image brought back some memories for me. Sad Sabres!

31 January 2017

• Photo: Rich Hulina © 05 January 2017 •

Time for the February DHC-2.COM Calendar pages. My thanks to Rich Hulina / Bush Flying Captured of Sioux Lookout for the image of C-FOPA (1688TB56) on Pelican Lake without floats!! Cheers Rich!

30 January 2017

This is a 3D Polar diagram of aircraft that my Planefinder receiver has picked up today from my station. The screen capture was made at 17:20 EDT.

21 January 2017

Photo: Neil Aird © 10 June 1972

A favourite image of mine . Canadair CP-107 Argus 10737 (28) of VP-415sq at CFB Trenton, Ontario. I remember actually getting paid for this image which was included in an aircraft identification book, I remember being very happy with that cheque!!

13 January 2017

Adding more data pages over the next little while - e.g. c/n 894. Some will have just a little info - some a lot!

12 January 2017

Photo: Gordon Macadie © June 1981

Adding a few more gems to Gordon Macadie album pages. One such is this beauty. 128427 Douglas VC-118B Liftmaster (43210) of the United States Marines.

04 January 2017

Happy New Year everyone. A special shout out to the seven generous gents ( Stan B (CA), John O (BC), Klaus M (WA), James D (UK), James K (WA), James M (WA), Randy S (MI). ) who kindly sent in donations for the website. Nice to know we have reserve gas in the tanks! Many thanks.

30 December 2016

• Photo: Ben Cogger © 12 December 2016 •

Time for the January 2017 DHC-2.COM Calendar pages. My thanks to Ben Cogger of Anchorage for the chilly image of N987SP (83) at Lake Hood. Cheers Ben. Remember, they look best printed on Matte Photo Paper.

Nice end to the year. Here's the tally on the three websites - unique visitors.

DHC-2   1,565,000

DHC-3        30,000

DHC-6      171,000

24 December 2016

Season's Greetings from DHC-2.COM to you all!!

13 December 2016

Photo: Neil Aird © 13 December 2016 09:56 EST

Got my picture taken this morning by this snap happy Navajo. Whatever happened to nice big registration markings under the wing? Gray skies and snow squalls did not seem to deter the low level survey flight.

Photo: © KASI Aviation

Well, thanks to my colleague Ian M. Macdonald, I have the identity of the snap-happy Navajo. It was the much tavelled C-GKSX (31-8012066) of KASI Aviation Services.

30 November 2016

Sometimes I have to use marginal images, old cuttings and the like, to capture a particular airframe for the website. Well, today I get to replace a photo copy of a small magazine snap of HZ-ZAB (1518) with a scan of an original black and white negative, the image having been taken at the same time. My thanks to Wim Zwakhals for passing that along!! Here they are side by side for comparison. A case of "everthing comes to those who wait . . . "

28 November 2016

Photo: Lenn Bayliss © 05 October 2016

DHC-2.COM Calendar pages for December 2016 are ready for you. This month's image is of VH-AAM (1492) by Lenn Bayliss. Superb as always Lenn, many thanks!

Credit where credit is due. Thanks again to everyone.

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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, 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, 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, Stephen R. Peck, Marcel Peerlkamp, Alain Pelletier, Fernando Peña, Alex Penrose, 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, 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, Mathew Salmon, Kalevi Savola, Paul V. Savora, Bill Sawchuk, Frank Schaefer, Juergen Scherbarth, Peter Schinkelshoek, Walt Schlotfeldt, Jim Schoeggl, Rene Schrijver, Derek 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, Simon Slater, Doug Slowiak, Davis Smart, Jim 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 Tanner, David Tanner, Norm Taylor, Henry Tenby, Nico Terlouw, 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, 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, Wim Zwakhals, J. Zwart, Crystal Zwicker, " Project DHC-2 ", 656 Association and the Harbour Air Archives.

26 November 2016

Another serious attempt by my colleague Ian Macintosh and myself to work on correcting / adding / reformatting tasks on this website. Gradually adding new pages (135 to go!) and making sure all links on the master index page actually link to the correct, or new updated pages. A major task, but it must be tackled.

17 November 2016

Photo: Dr. Richard S. Clover © 22 August 1967

Photo: Ohio Valley Images © 2014

Forty-nine years ago I had the pleasure of driving N5625Y a rather new Piper PA-27 Aztec (27-2736) around the skies above Pennsylvania. Today, I look at my radar screen and see N5621Y another Aztec (27-2737) flying west over Syracuse, New York, some 65 nautical miles to my south. So what? Well this Aztec came off the production line at Lock Haven right after N5625Y back in 1964! While visiting from Scotland, I had a private tour of that very production line by none other than "Pug" Piper.

15 November 2016

Photo: Neil Aird © 13 November 2016 15:45 EST

A shot taken through my Beaver Porthole of my antennas and HB-JHC A333 "SWR8T" which was talking to them as it went by at FL400!

14 November 2016

Photo: Neil Aird © 14 November 2016

Still some colour around. Not for much longer alas.

13 November 2016

Photo: Neil Aird © 12 November 2016

Last night's "big" moon.

09 November 2016

Just arrived in the mail today from California, this rare old slide of 53-3718 (672). No date or details as to where and when. An expensive addition to the website (C$35.78!) but I felt it was worth it. Took a bite out of our war chest however. I met this Beaver at Kenmore Air Harbor as it was being prepared for shipment to the United Kingdom in July 2015.

Photo: Neil Aird © 11 July 2015

06 November 2016

Photo: Rich Hulina © 03 November 2016

Last Thursday, 03 November, Rich Hulina made a pilgrimage to Geraldton, Ontario to the facilities of Recon Air. There, arranged perfectly on a taxiway, were six piston Otters. Thanks Rich, for sending some great images. Now on DHC-3Archive.com - my favourite is the exceptional image shown above!!

Today I am working behind the scenes on DHC-2.COM. My UK colleague Ian Macintosh sends me each month a "Diary" of DHC-2 events and changes for my data set. I'm way behind and will try to get up to date today - as well as take care of autumn leaves in the numerous eaves troughs, so up and down the ladder again today. Just waiting for the temperature to rise a bit!!

31 October 2016

Photo: Graeme D. Mills © 29 October 2016

Another month leaves us in the dust. That does mean the November 2016 DHC-2.COM Calendar image. Thanks to my mate Graeme D. Mills (Kiwibeavers.com) who is doing some helpin' out "dock rat" work on the weekends. Nice shot Graeme, thanks.

29 October 2016

Saved from Jack Frost the other day, Danie and I have five cookie trays of Tom Thumb tomatoes ripening gradually - like watching paint dry, but a reward awaits.They will however, be yet frozen, but in our freezer, to keep the strawberries company!!

27 October 2016

What a difference 24 hours can make.

Went up on my roof yesterday, wind calm, temperature okay, to prepare my ADS-B / VHF / UHF antennas for winter. Not a moment too soon, as you can see from the above web cam images! Click here for some shots taken on the roof. Sure wish I had a cab up there.

24 October 2016

Another milestone as the DHC-3archive.com Otter website rolls over the 25,000 visitor mark. Working away steadily with only (!) 156 more aircraft histories to add.

19 October 2016

A couple of high fliers today. First, while I was waiting for B763 C-FOGT, I noticed our local raptor on the top of the Cathedral. I snapped on my 2x adapter to capture the raptor.

Photo: Neil Aird © 19 October 2016 16:17 EDT

He did not wait for the Westjet Boeing to arrive.The reason for my waiting for "WJA4" Gatwick EGKK - Toronto CYYZ flight to pass me by, was just a bit of nostalgia really. C-FOGT Boeing B767-338 (ER)(WL) (msn 25246) is an ex Qantas machine. I had flown in one, VH-OGO on 27 April 2005. This one was ex VH-OGI however, but it was pleasant to watch it cruise by over the Cathedral at FL360.

Photo: Neil Aird © 19 October 2016 16:24 EDT

16 October 2016

SLIDE SHOW

I just recently added a short slide show to Danielle's website theindiaconnection.org - I hope you can take a few minutes to check that out, and also see the hard work she does fundraising to help the destitute people, through the Calcutta Rescue organisation. Also now, the school we help support, for the children of migrant workers in Jodhpur, Rajasthan, India. Needless to say, I am very proud of the work Danielle does!

14 October 2016

Photo: Kevin Ferris © 13 October 2016

A Beaver Spa. Here is one special place where Beavers gather in the off-season, a time when some TLC is required. Kevin Ferris and Sue-Ellen O'Connor Ferris operate Tailwind Aviation, located at June Lake Airpark, near Wasilla, Alaska. My thanks to Kevin for taking the time to send me these delightful views of their facility. Click on the image above to get a larger overview. Wow!

11 October 2016

Photo: RCAF 442 squadron © 10 October 2016

Sadly - another Beaver accident to report. C-GEWG (842) went down with five aboard, yesterday some 80 kilometers from Anahim Lake, British Columbia. One perished, others injured, two seriously, transported out my RCAF personel and Air Ambulance. Details can be found on CBC.

Photo: Neil Aird © 24 April 1997

Here's a nice Connie angle, N494TW / 48-609 Lockheed C-121A (c/n 2601) in USAF / MATS colours, performing at Nellis AFB., back in 1997. Our paths have crossed quite a few times over the years. Built back in 1948. Must do a web page someday!

09 October 2016

Photo: Anthony Aird © 09 October 2016

A calm afternoon by Lake Ontario, Kingston waterfront, looking west south west. Simcoe Island on the left. Thanks for the image Ant! We sure live in a beautiful place.

Another beautiful fall / autumn day - Thanksgiving here in Canada. The sun is streaming through my studio window, illuminating my glass Beaver paper weight - a good sign, a productive day ahead.

02 October 2016

Photo: Neil Aird © 02 October 2016 15:15 edt

Was just outside putting out some compost, these three items alighted beside me - I guess we know what season has arrived!

01 October 2016

Interesting start to the month. Each evening I usually catch up with incoming e-mails from Australia and New Zealand. Last evening was no exception. I had heard from my mate Graeme Mills (kiwibeavers.com) about and adventure to Mount Cook with ZK-CKH (25), well after an e-mail from me to the pilot John Evans (far left), I got a nice one from him in return. He had quite a great trip and flew Trans Antarctic Expedition pilot Bill Cranfied (far right). I'm sure we will hear more about this flight from John in the future. He sent a few snaps which I post here. Thanks John. Now that looks to me like a great history lesson for those kids!

Photos: David Walker - Fairfax Media © 17 September 2016

Screen capture: Google Earth:

Earlier I had an e-mail and some snaps from another mate, Lance Higgerson. These showed the re-launch of VH-NOO (1535) in her new livery, from the river adjacent to Sydney - Bankstown Airfield, where the work was done at Air Ag. thanks to Rob Britten for use of the images.

Photos: Rob Britton © 29 September 2016 - via Lance Higgerson

Just about had this one on my roof. A SAR Cormorant blasted by and did one circuit of RMC before heading east. Could not make out callsign. Managed a shot however, I was not at my desk / window, hence slow reaction!! Quite rare around here, but the feathered ones are not!

Photo: Neil Aird © 01 October 2016 15:46 edt

30 September 2016

Sorry to report a Kenmore Beaver had an accident today (15:30utc), south of Lopez Island, Washington State. Three passengers and pilot rescued from water by nearby vessel. Taken to Friday Harbour, some treated for minor injuries. N6781L (788) was the aircraft in question. Circumstances unknown.

NTSB brief report: N6781L DEHAVILLAND DHC-2 BEAVER KENMORE AIR FLIGHT KEN110 AIRCRAFT, CRASHED ONTO PUGET SOUND, 4 PERSONS ON BOARD WERE RESCUED AND SUSTAINED UNKNOWN INJURIES, THE AIRCRAFT SANK, SAN JUAN ISLAND, LOPEZ, WA.

29 September 2016

• Photo: Ben Ullings © 23 July 2016 •

Another month ending, so here are the October 2016 DHC-2.COM Calendar pages. Superb image from Ben Ullings of PH-DHC / S-9 (965) which will be celebrating her 60th Anniversary this November. Thanks Ben!

26 September 2016

Photo:s: Neil Aird © 26 September 2016 06:37 to 06:43 edt

Glad I was up. Beautiful dawn today, what more can I say.

25 September 2016

Photo: Jim Duggan © 25 September 2016

The Beaver community has been increased by one, here, albeit a little unsure, "Maverick" a Labrador puppy, takes the right seat of "Pengo Pally" for a hero shot. We hope he enjoys many happy hours with owner Jim Duggan. I'm told that "Mutt Muffs"are on order. Thanks to Paul Armstrong for sending the image along from Jim, taken yesterday at Marina Venise in Montréal.

23 September 2016

Photo: James Sparkman © circa 1961 via James Sparkman (son).

Prompted by this image taken by James Sparkman's Dad at Goose Bay around 1961, of U-6A 51-16489 (253) - looks to be as though hanging items are maybe Sea Anchors (drogues) that would help in rough weather conditions, when the Beaver is at the mooring bouy. Presume the wing fences are similarily deployed to stop flight! I imagine the aircraft would be towed to shore for wing items to be removed!!!

16 September 2016

It's time for a another delightful image by Gordon Macadie. Here is 53-0291 Boeing KC-97G Stratotanker (17073) of the USAF - Texas ANG. Shown parked at the then new terminal freight area at Prestwick.

Photo: Gordon Macadie © circa 1967-67

09 September 2016

Screen captures from video: U. S. Coast Guard © 09 September 2016

Once again I have to report a Beaver accident, this time N91AK (737) at Uganik Lake (35 miles from Kodiak), Kodiak Island, Alaska. No loss of life, but three seriously injured. Airlifted out by Kodiak based U.S Coast Guard helicopters.

07 September 2016

Photo: Bob Kobzey © 07 September 2016

About to head out on a test flight is DQ-REJ (1544) at a new Pacific location, in Fiji now.

05 September 2016

What seems to be a semi-annual event, C-GRHF (1123) coming and going today. I did wave.

Photos: Neil Aird © 05 September - Left 11:27EDT westbound - Right 16:24EDT eastbound over Kingston.

A couple of images from last evening. A "Toe Nail Moon" is what we call this in our family.

Photos: Neil Aird © 04 September 2016

02 September 2016

Photo: Neil Aird © 02 September 2016 18:45EDT

Pleasant flyby from this 1957 vintage Cessna 182A C-GOFA (34520), not often you see straight tails anymore.

30 August 2016

• Photo: Rod Hall © 25 May 2016 •

DHC-2.COM Calendar pages time once again, the month of September 2016. Thanks to Rod Hall for the image of C-FUVQ (696) doing an engine run up on Tyee Spit. Thanks Rod.

28 August 2016

Photo: Neil Aird © 28 August 2016 15:04 EDT

Noted leaving Kingston, was de Havilland DHC-6 Twin Otter C-GOGC (750), most likely occupied in bait speading mission in eastern Ontario, western Québec. I had noticed C-FOPJ (344) go by on 14 August 2016. Yellow birds keep me on my toes. My friend (aka "The Other Neil") of course noticed this image and sent me one taken on the day "OGC" was delivered. Shown here on CAP13000 water bombing floats, at McFarlane lake, Sudbury, Ontario in 1981. Thanks as always Neil.

Photo: Neil Ayers © 1981

Screen Capture - Image: Michael Hays © August 2016

Recently on FaceBook, Kenmore Air posted a very good video by Michael Hays, narrated by Eric Ellison, on N188JG (1103) - sure has come a long way since I saw her at Kenmore, and followed the adventures by Kenmore to get her there from Northern Canada. Well done - once again. Congratulations to all concerned in this fantastic rebuild / restoration. Now, I'd better update my web page accordingly. Here's the YouTube link to the Kenmore Video by Michael Hays.

25 August 2016

Photo: Scott Magie © 24 August 2016

As a special request from me, Scott Magie took his boat out to get a waterside shot of "Blossom" at the dock. N39SM (94). Thanks Scott.

24 August 2016

Ted Norman from Australia dropped me a welcome e-mail. Thanks Ted.

Photo: John Kimberley © July 1982 - Aird Archives

Hi Neil
             I visit your website most days to find the latest in the world of DHC-2's, and your latest banner photo brought back a tearful memory as this aircraft was my introduction to the legendary " Beaver ". 
It was quite a cold morning at a bush airstrip in the NSW Australia rural town called Gundagai,  that i began my conversion on VH-IDK. The year was 1965 on the 6th July and at the ripe old age
 of 23 i began my training with pilot in command Joe Kovacs. Joe was a legend in the aerial topdressing industry, and was an ex Luftwaffe pilot of some experience, which sometimes showed up
 during my training. Could you imagine doing a flapless takeoff with a tonne of superphosphate in the hopper screaming down ( thank heavens it had a good downhill slope ) an ordinary bush airstrip
 with trees looming up and tall grass being slashed by the prop as we ran off the main strip. This was one of his renowned demonstrations, and as an ex aircraft engineer, having worked on Beavers
 and thinking i should like to live a little longer, i did not think this demonstration was justified, and told him so. Anyway all went well after that day and when i finished my training many a memorable
 day was had spreading superphosphate in rural NSW with Aerial Agriculture.  PS. Peter Reardon, whom you know, was also trained by the legendary Joe Kovacs on i believe the same aircraft.
Rgds  Ted Norman.

20 August 2016

Time to give a shout out to my supporters. Special *Gold Star* status to Stan B (CA) and James K (WA) who have both chipped in three times!! Thank you all.

2016 campaign - 26 responded in kind, so far. Thank You!

John O (BC), Neil A (ON), Stan B (CA) thrice! Kjell S (WA), Mark M (BC), Klaus M (WA), James D (UK), Bill Z (ON), Randy S (MI), Richard G-B (UK), Rick N (YT), James K (WA) thrice! Hallett G (NZ), Donald B (AB), Chris R (OZ), Garith A (MN), Wojciech B (UK) , Peter R (OZ), Ken H (ON), Daryl P (SK), Ian Mac (UK), Rob M (ON), Vincent M (AB) Rod H (UK/BC), James M (WA), Blake Q (CA) .

14 August 2016

Working behind the scenes this week, if I can, to insert updated data and new pages for Beavers that I currently do not have images of. Meanwhile I notice TwinOtterArchive.com (which I have been working hard on adding images recently) just rolled over 155,000.

09 August 2016

I always hate to report these. Here is a view of the accident site on Crosswind Lake, about 40 miles from Iliamna, Alaska. N95RC (970) was the victim. I wish a speedy recovery to the injured folks who were on board. (Four serious, three minor). Note: Airframe removed by helicopter 13 August 2016.

Photo: David Orberg © 09 August 2016

31 July 2016

• Photo: Rich Hulina © 11 June 2016 •

The August 2016 DHC-2COM Calendar pages are ready. This month's star is CF-FHZ (66) shot by Rich Hulina / Bush Flying Captured photographer / author, on a recent photo hunt in the Yukon. Thanks Rich - Looking forward to Voulume Two next year!

28 July 2016

Photo: USA Today © 28 July 2016

Today at Oshkosh, Beaver owner Harrison Ford took the two millionth Young Eagle, sixteen year old Jodie Gawthrop, up for a ride in his Beaver N28S.

23 July 2016

Half way-ish. Pete and his pals are well on their way with the Mars on the next great adventure. Safe travels, and just make a little splash on your arrrival.

Photo: Nigel Hitchman © 23 July 2016

Well "Big Red" made it safely. Landing in light rain showers at 17:30 Central Time. Here is an image by Nigel Hitchman of her after she was "buttoned up".

22 July 2016

What with all the news of C-FLYL Martin JRM-1 Mars (9267) these days, I thought you might enjoy this snap of yours truly at Sproat Lake some thirty-five years ago. My first trip to Mars. We are both of the same vintage - aging gracefully!

19 July 2016

While working quietly in my vegetable patch, I was bothered for thirty-five very noisy minutes by two Hornets! It is not the first time I've had top cover.

Photo: Neil Aird © 19 July 2016 13:57 EDT

Always wanted to get my hydrangeas to go blue, well had some luck this year.

Not many entries this month, but here's one. Congratulations to all on the first flight after sixteen year restoration of B-29 "Doc" . .

01 July 2016

Photo:John W. Olafson © 22 June 2015

July 2016 DHC-2.com Calendar is available. Thanks to our regular John W. Olafson of Vernon, British Columbia.

28 June 2016

I've been very busy with DHC-3 Otter website recently. Up to c/n 209 with our effort, only 257 left! (Hence lack of Beavers recently!) . I hope to get back to adding extended data for those later today, I have a long way to go with that project too.

23 June 2016

One more pass made me happy, later in the day. Same skylight, but I was "ready" . . .

Photo: Neil Aird © 22 June 2016 16:12 EDT

Well C-GVRA did a better run on my studio today!! Bomb doors remained closed! Taken in a hurry through my studio skylight . . .

Photos: Neil Aird © 22 June 2016 12:10 EDT

22 June 2016

Photos: Neil Aird © 22 June 2016 11:45 / 11:57 EDT

17 June 2016

Not many blog entries, berry busy with other things - that time of year!

Photo: Neil Aird © c. 1966

Also being distracted by some of my "Golden Era" images. Here is G-ALAL Lockheed L-749 Constellation (2549) of Ace Freighters at Gatwick - EGKK, in early 1966.

30 May 2016

Photo:John W. Olafson © 19 June 2015

June 2016 DHC-2.com Calendar is available. Thanks to our regular John W. Olafson of Vernon, for the great angle image.

21 May 2016

A low flying visitor this morning. Not a de Havilland DH.114 either!

N194WW Skyvan was taking jumpers up at Gananoque airport today, as high as 13,800 I noted.

20 May 2016

Photo: Neil Aird © 20 May 2016 17:35 EDT

Here is a sample of an aircraft that did not show on my screen, but did on MLAT system. N13979 Embraer EMB-145LR (145181) operating "ASQ3997" Burlington, Vermont to Chicago's O'hare, passing just to my south at FL360.

Took advantage of calm weather to erect additional hight to my secondary antenna array. Here it is as of this afternoon!

19 May 2016

Photo: Neil Aird © 19 May 2016 18:35 EDT

A slow, thirty minute climb to drop skydivers over Kingston's RMC. A "chubby" N193WW Short SC-7 Skyvan (SH1957) in case you are wondering, operated by Win Win Aviation of North Carolina.

Photo: Dale Tiedeman © 19 May 2016

Today C-FGHY (1334) is being launched into the North Saskatchewan River, thanks to Dale Tiedeman for the snap. Those big tires might come in handy!!

As some of you know, I get frequent visits from the wee Alpha Jets. I have a fondness for them, so here is a grand image of a regular one departing Ottawa - CYOW. Thanks to my friend Rod Digney for the photograph. Click on the image for a nice big pic!

Photo: Rod Digney © 28 April 2016

Would you believe, C-GFTO is on my screen just now (12:40EDT) cruising somewhere nearby at FL270. Must have heard me add the picture!!

13 May 2016

Photo: Neil Aird © 17 October 2010

"Traffic" - Usually I look up at contrails, every now and then I have looked over at them. Case in point while travelling to LAX in 2010. A United Boeing 757 zipping by.

11 May 2015

Photo: Neil Aird © 11 May 2016 16:16 EDT

I finally caught up with C-FFCO Bombardier BD-500-1A10 Series CS100 (msn 50006) - took me a while, since the first flight of the type was on16 September 2013! Everything comes to those who wait. I have heard it go over me, but always cloudy.

Another pleasant surprise today was the fact that my one and only image sent to Airliners.net was selected a "Photographer's Choice". Since they posted it on their main page on 05 May 2016, it has had 8,676. Beginner's luck I'm sure!

05 May 2016

Photo: Neil Aird © 03 May 2016 11:34 EDT

The other day I had a visit from my wee friend C-GFTO Alpha Jet. (038) Played around over my studio and RMC (Royal Military College), this happens every now and then. Sure upsets the local bird population, they must think it is a raptor!!

30 April 2016

• Photo: Fred Barnes © 10 June 1999 •

May 2016 DHC-2.com Calendar is available. Thanks to Fred Barnes for the superb shot.

26 April 2016

Twenty years have elapsed since I painted this little watercolour "At the Dock". Click on the image for a larger view.

20 April 2016

Adding data for six more Beavers today. This will bring this website up to 4,093 pages - how many books do you have in your library with that many pages!! Trying to catch up to what we have on file. It's a long and winding road . . . .

19 April 2016

Photo: Neil Aird © 06 June 1998

I was working today on a new section to my Aviation Archives which will be called "Convair Corner". This particular Convair peaked my interest. C-FAUF Convair 580 (24) was parked up at CYYZ / Toronto when I took the shot on 06 June 1998. Doing my research I found out I had actually spent 2:15 in the air on this machine when it was serving as a piston powered 340 N8423H with Allegheny Airlines. It was interesting to note the times on the various legs of that trip back then. That flight was Allegheny "AL701" from Newark - off 07:08 - McKean/Bradford  on 08:22 off 08:40 - Jamestown on 08:54 off 09:07 - Erie  on 09:23 off 09:48 - Cleveland / Hopkins on 10:19 - 27-Aug-1966.

12 April 2016

I just received the above book by David Kellock. It looks really good. Will get into it ASAP. Details to follow!

11 April 2016

I will be easing up on my website/image restoration/preparation for the next little while. My arm needs a rest.

04 April 2016

Photo: Kenneth I Swartz ©

George A. Neal passed away early this morning (97). What a truly great gentleman aviator. It was such a great pleasure to know you George.

01 April 2016

Gonzo just paid a quick visit. 142803 de Havilland Canada CT142 Dash 8 (072) RCAF did a quick buzz of the city and the Royal Military College.

Photos: Neil Aird © 01 April 2016 14:38 EDT

PLEASE NOTE: I made a mistake on the April Calendar date page, please reprint. April starts on a Friday NOT Thursday!!

31 March 2016

Cause for Celebration - Banner composition by my son Anthony Aird!

Did not notice who the 1.5 millionth visitor was on 25 March 2016, as I was out for a walk along the lakeshore with Danielle, enjoying the sunshine and 17.4C - spring in Kingston. Today the April showers have arrived!

• Photo: Fred Barnes © 18 August 1988 •

The April 2016 DHC-2.COM Calendar pages are up for you today. Thanks to my UK good friend Fred Barnes for this image. PLEASE NOTE: I made a mistake on the date page, please reprint. April starts on a Friday NOT Thursday!!

25 March 2016

Big day here, should hit 1,500,000th visitor today. I wonder who it will be?

24 March 2016

The US Dollar versus the Canadian one - I just paid up the dues for hosting DHC-2.COM with MidPhase (Based in Utah) for another twelve months. It was US$143.00, by the time it gets converted into Canadian it cost me C$198.00 ! I presume I could shop around for something cheaper, but this service handles the huge amount of traffic the website generates. In about a day I will reach the 1,500,000 unique vistors milestone. If any of you can help out with some portion of the funding, I would be very happy, and relieved.

I'm at 75% of my monthly quota with my ISP too, but should manage to reach the end of the month without "overage" . . . Thanks to Pete R (OZ) and Ken H (ON) for stepping up to the plate already!

23 March 2016

"You need to make this Beaver" - got an interesting e-mail the other day from Berlin. Andreas Fischen sent this link along, I suggest you all have a read, and hopefully, sign up with your support.

I know that our family have been into Lego since I took my middle kid to Legoland when he was six. One of my grandchildren (who is now six) is also a big fan and is using the Lego from his Mom and Uncles.

I have my own Lego story. I never had any when I was small, I had Meccano. In 1964, however, while I was cycling in Denmark, I paid a visit , on 14 September to a small grass airfield, Billund. Present were OY-ACP a P.34A Proctor 3, OY-AIG a CP.301 Emeraude and OY-DCC a Piper PA-23 Aztec B of Lego. There was one guy present and (from memory) his last name was Christiansen, he was the Lego corporate pilot. He told me that someday I could bring my kids here to visit a whole town built around the Lego factory. Well I did just that in 1982! Stayed with  a Lego employee and his family (who ran a B&B) and we had a truly great time. In fact, Robin insisted in setting up his Lego train set in our hotel in Paris, later in the trip!

20 March 2016

Photo: Lance Higgerson © April 1967

I noticed that DHC-3archive.com just crossed the 10,000 unique viewer mark! Have you visited yet? I guess we could say it has taken off . . . !

19 March 2014

Still working away behind the scenes on DHC-2.COM. Sorting out an enigma or two, what's new?

16 March 2015

Every month my colleague Ian Macintosh sends me a "diary" of changes and updates to the DHC-2 fleet. Today I am trying to clear up the last two "issues". Ian has been fleshing out the details gradually with the help of another colleague, Ian Macdonald. See c/n 31 and 47 as examples.

14 March 2016

Photo: Unknown photographer © Date unknown - Lance Higgerson Collection

Funny how paths cross every now and then. Take de Havilland U-1A Otter 55-3277 (124). I just received this image from my friend Lance Higgerson of it at the Australian Army base "Luscombe Field", Nui Dat in Vietnam. I checked my records and my memory was correct, I saw this airframe at Prestwick - EGPK on 23 May 1964, before it went to Vietnam.

03 March 2016

Not much blogging recently, but a few items from yesterday to tell you about.

Big day at Paine Field - KPAE and Boeing Field - KBFI yesterday in Seattle. N7001U the very first Boeing 727, made the short flight to the Museum of Flight. My pal Tom Baillie was there and sent a couple of snaps of the departure. The fifteen minute flight was flown with gear down and flaps set at 15 degrees. Thanks Tom.

Photos: Thomas A. Baillie © 02 March 2016

"Bison 4" 177702 Boeing CC-177 Globemaster III (F180/CA2) from CFB Trenton, gave me the chance to squeeze off a few shots as it passed my studio! Click on the small image for a bigger picture.

Photos: Neil Aird © 02 March 2016 16:18 EST

01 March 2016

• Photo: Rich Hulina © 11 February 2016 •

March 2016 DHC-2.com Calendar is available. Thanks to Rich Hulina for the superb shot.

21 February 2016

Photo: CYVR - Vancouver South - Rich Hulina © 20 February 2016 17:21 local

Photo: CYCW - Chilliwack - Rich Hulina © 20 February 2016 14:22 local

Pleased to report my pal Rich Hulina delivered C-GNXG (650) safely to Vancouver International - CYVR yesterday, escorted into the field by Fairchild 24R46A Argus C-GXRH (R46204) landing in formation. Here you had a 1946 vintage aircarft shepherding a 1953 DHC-2! I wonder if Rich noticed the "last two" of the Argus registration!! Reason for the escort? No transponder in NXG.

Some of you may be interested in his routing: Hudson, ON - Brandon, MB(CYBR) - Russell, MB(hold for weather) - Regina, SK(CYQR) - Medicine Hat, AB(CYXH) - Lethbridge, AB(CYQL) - Cranbrook, BC(CYXC) - Castlegar, BC(CYCG) - Princeton, BC(CYDC) - Chilliwack, BC(CYCW) - Boundary Bay, BC(CZBB) - Vancouver, BC(CYVR). 13.7 hours air time.

Been a bit slack on adding Beavers recently, too busy with Otters and Twin Otters! I hope to be adding some interesting DHC-2 images starting tomorrow!

Now a shout out to the fine folk who have supported DHC-2.COM so far this year. My thanks to you all!

John O (BC), Neil A (ON), Stan B (CA), Kjell S (WA), Mark M (BC), Klaus M (WA), James D (UK), Bill Z (ON), Randy S (MI), Richard G-B (UK), Rick N (YT), James K (WA), Hallett G (NZ), Donald B (AB), Chris R (OZ), Garith A (MN).

11 February 2016

A flyby today, N910S AS350B3 (7445) in smart black and gold. We do have lots of other black squirrels around here!

Photo: Neil Aird © 11 February 2016 17:10 EST

06 February 2016

It's funny how one thing leads to another. The item below about PSYOPS had a connection with recent wonderful images sent to me by Tom Singfield. The photographs were taken by John Bessette. While I was cleaning up the scan, I noticed white "stuff" plastered over the leading edge of the tailplane, around the step and tail wheel. The penny dropped, the Beaver must have been on a leaflet dropping mission!

02 February 2016

Here is a link to a YouTube compilation of some 1965 footage of 54-1694 835 U-6A engaged in PSYOPS by the VNAF.

29 January 2016

A newish online magazine (also on Facebook) by publisher Chris Buckner, www.seaplanemagazine.com Thanks for the mention Chris, a warning is on the front page of my website that it could be "addictive" . . .

28 February 2016

• Photo:John W. Olafson © 19 June 2015 •

A few days early, here are the February 2016 DHC-2.COM Calendar pages. Supplied by our regular John W. Olafson. Great action shot John, many thanks.

21 January 2016

Anthony Aird has designed a logo for DHC-3archive.com - I think it is pretty awesome. Hope everyone likes it as much as I do. Thanks Ant!

20 January 2016

Screen Capture: FR24/Neil Aird © 19 January 2016 12:55 EST (tracks jagged due to MLAT signals!)

For the last two days I have enjoyed the sounds of 1957 vintage C-FNRC Convair 580 (473), National Research Council's "Research9" circling my house! Usually at 9,600 to 9,800 feet altitude. No idea what they are up to, perhaps something to do with the St. Lawrence Seaway navigation aids. On the 18th they were circling over Brockville, to my east. Here is the best I could do on one of the passes. Yesterday they circled for over four hours, today, so far today, almost five hours!

Photo: Neil Aird © 20 January 2016 10:25 EST.

Now and then: Convair c/n 437 in current form landing at Ottawa, and before as N920BS when with Bethlehem Steel.

Photo: Rod Digney © 22 January 2016

Photo: Ed Coates Collection © via ian M. Macdonald

For the next few days I am working through two months of updates to the data on the website. Thanks to Ian Macintosh for supplying that.

17 January 2016

I have three days free to work on the websites, and to try and get some of my photographs organised. Multiple external hard drives, and numerous CD's do not make the process easy! We'll see just how well that works out.

Anthony (Aird) is working on a logo for DHC-3archive.com - always fun to see what a Graphic Artist comes up with. I'm very happy with the progress so far! I want to have something that the rivet counters will accept, but something not too detailed!

08 January 2016

Fixed it. Lost it again. Fixed it again . . now leaving it alone. A bit bigger now if you have noticed!!

06 January 2016

Well, the village idiot thoroughly messed up the Current Home Page . . . can't edit it anymore below the thumbnails. I was mucking about with new software, and should have known better than to do that. Weighing my options now, a work around, whatever. So keep your fingers crossed for me, I hope I don't have to switch to dreamweaver and start my learning curve again . . I think I can load this page however?

01 January 2016

A long gap between entries I'm afraid - been so busy with the DHC-3archive.com website and Holiday activities. Let me first wish each and every one of you a very Happy New Year!

Photo: Chris Roughan © December 2015

The January 2016 DHC-2.COM Calendar pages are up, but I'm sure most of you have noticed that. The image used, which is relished by those of us in the chilly, stormy Northern hemisphere, was provided by Chris Roughan. Many thanks Chris. It shows recently imported VH-OHU (826) on duty at Hayman Island, Queensland. I'm disappointed in the PDF, it does not print out well (colour and nasty artifacts), that's why I have it as a banner shot today. You can compare the two. I was unable to resolve that issue.

17 December 2015

Still spending a greater proportion of my time in getting DHC-3archive.com up and running. Super reception so far. Back to Beavers shortly, have no fear. Still scanning and cleaning images, that takes quite a bit of my time. Expecting a further shipment of purchased slides to arrive shortly, thanks to a few generous donations from you folks!

05 December 2015

Photos: Neil Aird © 19 September 2004

New !

Yesterday was a very busy day for me here, another milestone in the recording of the de havilland Canada family of aircraft took place. The website www.DHC-3archive.com was set up, and a few trial pages sent to the web. Aided by my International colleagues, Ian S. Macintosh, Erik Johannesson, Karl E. Hayes, Ian M. Macdonald, Ian Butter, and several photographers, we hope this venture will eventually match DHC-2.COM in scope of coverage of both the piston and turbine versions of the DHC-3 Otter.

02 December 2015

Finally, after many, many years of seeing the CFB Trenton based RCAF (Aero Support Canada Inc.) Beech B200 King Air C-GDNH (BB-1946) on my screen, I see it outside my window!!

Photos: Neil Aird © 02 December 2015 13:16EST

01 December 2015

I recently started sending live feed to Virtual Radar Server in the UK. It's fun and fills a gap in my coverage. With MLAT I can now check on military flights passing my neighbourhood, something I could not do before. Here's a screen capture from the other evening. How cool is that? 61-0309 Boeing KC-135R Stratotanker (18216), passing by my house was one of two from Milwaukee's 126th ARS/128th ARW Wisconsin Air National Guard, heading to Europe on a TDY.

30 November 2015

Brief trip to CKGK Kingston Airport, sanpped a couple of visitors, an Air Ambulance C-GRXE Pilatus PC12/47E (1117) of Ornge and a sharp looking Raytheon/Beech C90 N632MT (LJ-1504) with neat winglets.

Photos: Neil Aird © 30 November 2015 14:05EST

27 November 2015

Photo: Philip Stevens © 07 November 2015

The December 2015 DHC-2.COM Calendar pages are ready. Thanks to my friend Philip Stevens for the incredible image of XP820 (1483) taken at the Army Air Corps main base of Middle Wallop at a recent afternoon - nightshoot of the Army Aviation Historic Flight aircraft. More stunning images here. Many thanks Philip. I note your last Calendar page was back in April 2008, of the same aircraft!

Photo: Philip Stevens © 21 August 2005

23 November 2015

Photo: Kenneth I. Swartz © 18 November 1992

Interesting e-mails often arrive after I post a particular aircraft picture. Case in point - the hangar behind C-FMPT at Sept Îles has a fascinating story. Here's Jim Court's e-mail, thanks Jim:

Hi Neil,

A bit o' trivia about MPT and that hangar it's sitting in front of.

Alexandair was owned by Jean-Marc Roy who bought out the Propair operation in Sept-Îles. He had a couple of Beavers besides MPT, three Otters - EYY, JZN and AZX and a 185. Jean-Marc was an ex-Quebecair pilot and he named the company for his youngest son, Alexandre.

The hangar in the MPT pic was the old Northern Wings building. It used to be a USAF hangar at Harmon AFB., in Stephenville. In the early 1950's when the Americans began to pull out of Stephenville the hangar was declared surplus and it was bought by Gilles Samson the then owner of NWL,  taken apart and shipped to Sept-Îles. It came equipped -  a stores section, engine build-up shop, radio shop, management offices and even a link trainer room complete with link trainer. Pretty impressive for the time and a small company like Wings. After Wings folded it went through various hands and it burnt to the ground in the mid 1990's.

Take care,

Jim.

21 November 2015

I hate to report incidents like this one to N93DG (601). This will be one difficult recovery job. 17-Nov-2015 Aircraft landed on a frozen lake , during taxi broke througfh the ice and became partially submerged, Sockeye lake, 12 miles from Talkeetna, AK.

Photo: unknown photographer © 19 November 2015 - via Erik Wennen

16 November 2015

Another pleasant RCAF fly-by. This time by "BISN01" 177705 Boeing CC-177 from CFB Trenton.

Photo: Neil Aird © 16 November 2015 16:52EST

14 November 2015

1981 vintage RCAF Lockheed CP-140 Aurora 140116 (285B-5722) did a few spirited passes over RMC today, viewed from my studio perch.

Photo: Neil Aird © 14 November 2015 14:56EST

13 November 2015

Photo: Neil Aird © 1995

A long time favourite of mine (I wonder why?) is the little MH-1521 Broussard. Here are a couple that I came across in the south of France in 1995. The one in the background, F-GIDJ (283) eventually ended up in Washington State. I'll be doing a few scans this weekend and adding a special page. Unfortunately all my images are print format, so they take a fair time to clean up! I still remember asking at the hangar "Me permettez vous de prendre une photo des Broussards?" - it worked!

The one in the foreground, F-GGKS (c/n 50) remains in France.

12 November 2015

I still pop out to my local airport every once in a while, usually when en route on an errand. We very seldom use our car! Here are two visitors. The first is N91KK Cessna 650 (650-0193) and the second N723MC Challenger CL30 (20123).

Photo: Neil Aird © 03 November 2015 14:10EST

Photo: Neil Aird © 11 November 2015 13:23EST

08 November 2015

I've been concentrating on refreshing older images in my Aird Aviation Archives sections, sharpening up and tweaking photographs. I feel it's worth the effort.

Where the fascination began - Prestwick Airport.

31 October 2015

Photo: Rich Hulina © 18 July 2015

The November 2015 DHC-2.COM Calendar pages are ready. Thanks to my friend Rich Hulina for the image of N777T (859), taken on his most recent trip to Alaska.

Another great adventure is underway. C-FOEV (1680TB48) left Campbell River on her delivery flight Friday 30 October 2015. Current destination is Finland. We wish them a safe trip! Sealand President Bill Alder is co-pilot on this leg. Nancy Alder is writing the blog on the travels. They did eventually reach their destination of Helsinki / Malmi - EFHF.

As usual, Bob Kobzey has kept me updated with photos. Thanks Bob.

Photo: Bob Kobzey © 30 October 2015

28 October 2015

I have been under the weather for a while here with some nasty "bug" that won't leave! Hence my DHC-2 / DHC-6 output has reduced. I have been evaluating some new software which I think I will purchase shortly. Here is a sample donated slide (which was a duplicated one!) that I used as a test. I think the (slightly over $100.00) money required for the software will be money well spent, and should help crispen up marginal slides.

24 October 2015

Just had to do a screen capture of a video clip posted on FaceBook. It shows Doug deVries landing N67DN (799) at a glassy Green Lake (Whistler) B.C., just last weekend. I wish I knew how to add the HD video clip! Such a lovely tranquil sight and sound.

Screen capture: N67DN at Whistler, BC © 18 October 2015

23 October 2015

Yet another stunning Autumn / Fall day here in Kingston. Here's our version of "The Red Green Show".

Photo: Neil Aird © 23 October 2015 09:10edt

13 October 2015

Time to thank the 2015 web site supporters. Their help enables me purchase slides for us all to enjoy, and to keep the website going. Maybe you can help out too?

Thank you so much for all your support. I know there are a lot of things vying for your money and I don't take your support for granted.

2015 campaign - 30 responded in kind, so far. Thank You! (updated 21 November 2015)

John O (BC), Herb W (CH), Rod H (UK/BC), Jeff P (ON), Michel W (QC), Ken T (ON), Stan B (CA) Twice!, Ian Mac (UK), James D (UK), Rob M (ON), James K (WA), Ian Mac (ON) Twice!, Rick N (YT), Stephen McG (ON), Jean T (FL), Dale F (BC), Louis G (QC), Peter R (OZ), Denis C (ON), Jim P (AK), Stan B (CA), Blake Q (CA), Keith F (ON), James K (WA), Neil A (ON), Anthony A (ON), Lance L (WA), Dave C(BC), Kristen McC (OZ), Paige & Jim B (ON).

07 October 2015

Came across this reproduction of a large pencil drawing I did many years ago. It was really a study drawing for the silver goblet I made to celebrate the Humpback whale.

03 October 2015

I only use FaceBook to enjoy many of the Groups there, and to contribute when I can. One I relish is Memories of Prestwick Airport. I've posted quite a few pictures on there and was happy to see one selected as the heading banner the other day. It is important to shoot just regular scenes as they become treasured at some point in the future.

30 September 2015

• Photo: Brian Wright © 06 August 2015 •

End of another month means another DHC-2.COM Calendar image - October 2015. Image courtesy of Brian Wright. Many thanks Brian.

27 September 2015

Photo: Neil Aird © 27 September 2015 22:12EST

Had to try for a few shots of the moon last night. Not that great, but was a colourful event.

22 September 2015

Photo: Recent slide purchase - came via Australia!

I hope you have all been enjoying the recent additions. Some come from our regular correspondents and others I purchase online, after bidding on auction sites. I'm only able to do this when I have sufficient funds "in the kitty" - which comes in via PayPal donations. I do appreciate the help I get from my donors - remember, it does not have to be a big donation, but the slides are expensive, usually a minimum of four Euros plus shipping, and upward. I often let the expensive ones go in favour of obtaing several less expensive ones. Thanks for your consideration folks.

16 September 2015

Photo: EC-BAF DC-7C departing Prestwick - Ken Marshall © July 1967

Time for a change of pace (read distraction) - I've been scanning some of my pal Ken Marshall's extensive collection. I decided to work on some of his Big Douglas Props. What a delight. Started a page on the mighty DC-7, then will move on to DC-6 and DC-4.

You could say I'm all "at sixes and sevens" . . .

Photo: G-ASIV DC-7C with sister G-ARYE at Prestwick - Ken Marshall © July 1965

08 September 2015

I've been re-reading C. Marin Faure's wonderful "Success on the Step" Flying with Kenmore Air, such a great read. After my recent visit there, so many names and places I know.

Today, I came across this image of the VT-DRP (1519) cockpit taken by my friend John Racey, when he went to Delhi to "kick tires" back in 1998. I thought it would be nice to put it beside the final Kenmore product, photographed by Rob Richey as it left the shop in September 2009.

27 August 2015

• Photo: Lenn Bayliss © 27 August 2015 •

For those of you who have not noticed, the September 2015 DHC-2.COM Calendar pages are up. This month a beautiful image of ZK-WKA (1585) by Lenn Bayliss. Thanks as always Lenn, great work.

24 August 2015

Photo: Valérie Levasseur © 2003

Sad to report, another DHC-2 accident. This time C-FKRJ (1210) 10nm North of Tadoussac, Québec. Six people lost their lives. Happened on Sunday afternoon at 18:00 utc. My thoughts are with the families and the company staff and management. CBC Link.

23 August 2015

Photo: Candace Sudlovenick © c.16 August 2015 - CBC website.

Another bent Beaver near Cambridge Bay, Nunuvut, nothing too serious, thank goodness. C-GSUE (1199). Details, and more images here.

Noticed a LOG today (Leaf on the Ground) - I guess a sign of the season to come.

22 August 2015

Looks like C-FOEH (1644TB24) had a lucky escape, but the hanagr at Smoke Lake faired quite badly in bad weather there on 18 August 2015.

15 August 2015

Reworked from CAA promotional Post Card image on the web.

It's amazing what post cards can go for on an auction site. I bid on this image of VP-YHH (122) (reworked by me!) and I note it just sold for C$179.70 - too rich for our budget I'm afraid!

14 August 2015

My wife Danielle and Grand daughter Chloë went to visit Vermeer's "The Milkmaid" while in the Rijks Museum, Amsterdam , just the other day. I noticed that my exact to scale painting in progress was not the correct dimensions, so took the canvas off the stretchers, cut and re-assembled, re-stretched the painting, and now, I feel enthused to pick up my brushes again. This weekend will be a test. Beavers and Twin Otters may suffer. Tomorrow I'll get back at it - last time I worked on it was 15 December 2013!! As you can see, I have a ways to go, maybe another fifty hours . . . ?

Our Global reach - or - We've got you covered - recent viewers to the DHC-2.COM website. Quite impressive, don't you think?

10 August 2015

Wonderful dawn today.

Photo: Neil Aird ©10 August 2015 05:47EDT

08 August 2015

Two viewpoints of the same two islands. Cruising - Boat view - Beaver view. Barkley Sound, Vancouver Island, British Columbia.

Photos: Neil Aird © 14 July 2015 and 13 July 2015

06 August 2015

Field trip this morning, all because of C-FOEH (1644TB24) which popped up on my screen at 08:38 this morning. Beautiful day, so after he called in on VHF I decided to dig out the car and head out to say "hello". Chatted with OMNR pilot Sebastien Marty at the FBO, until his Ontario Tourism Agency passengers arrived for a cruise of Eastern Ontario waterways. Great to meet you Sebastien, see you at Smoke Lake someday.

Photos: Neil Aird © 06 August 2015 09:06EDT

A little later in the day, 146482 (46482) Bell-Textron CH-146 Griffon came by with a sister ship "Falcon 482 plus one" .

Photos: Neil Aird © 06 August 2015 15:34EDT

03 August 2015

As I'm coming to the end of my Beaver trawl from recent trip to the west coast, I began to ponder how many DHC-2 Beaver aircraft I had actually flown in over the years. Well, from memory, I counted twenty-eight. Had the pleasure of driving six.

Danielle wanted some pictures of herself with "her pilots" - so as per her request. My thanks to them all!

Mark, Neil, Danie, Doug.

Mark, Danie, George, Kevin.

Three more images to complete the twenty-four spied on this last adventure. Hope to do these today, plus a few more recent images that have just arrived!

On a different subject, here's an old sketch I discovered, from my early student days. Funny, the things we hang on to.

31 July 2015

Photo: Neil Aird © 11 July 2015 18:01 PDT

Last entry for July. I noticed a rather lonely familiar shape on the ramp at NAS Whidbey Island, Washington, as Tom and I were cruising by. It was indeed a Douglas NRA-3 Skwarrior - the details I now have. 144825 (ex N878RS) was handed over to the Station on 29 April 2011. It is destined to be a gate guard. It will join the Lockheed P-3 Orion and Grumman A-6 Intruder that already perform similar duties at this active United States Navy base.

30 July 2015

Photo: Neil Aird © 14 July 2015

Well, I have indulged myself and used one of my recent images for the August 2015 DHC-2.COM Calendar. Forgive me. It is of N437CH (1428) belonging to Charlie Hogan, taken during our visit to the beach at the head of Nahmint Lake, in British Columbia.

29 July 2015

DHC-8 Series 100/200/300 Aircraft News & Photos Worldwide

My colleague Erik Johannesson has embarked on another blog, which no doubt will be as popular as his TwinOtterSpotter. It is Dash8Spotter which will cover the Classic versions of this airliner. Well done Erik - Two thumbs Up!

Photo: Neil Aird © 11 July 2015 17:48 PDT

Almost completed adding my Beaver image selection from my trip to the West Coast. I made some intersting overflights. Will add some snaps later. Here is my current "screensaver" - an overview of KPAE - Paine Field at Everett, Washington. Predominated by the Boeing Plant! Just over fifty-five of their output present outside on this day.

21 July 2015

Over and under traffic. When we were travelling up from Rosario's on Orcas Island to Eagle Nook Resort in N564RC (1156) , we went under a CH-124 Sea King and over the Martin Mars, my friend Pete Killin was driving the Mars. "That you Pete?" . . . . I only managed a few poor images as I swung back to shoot through the port and starboard door windows. Tom got a better shot with his phone! Long Bach Nguyen got a great image of it at Sproat Lake when he flew up the day before in N437CH (1428). He will be expanding his BOPA meeting section soon.

Photo: Neil Aird © 13 July 2015 14:33 PDT

Photos: Neil Aird © 13 July 2015 14:52 PDT

Photo: Long Bach Nguyen © 12 July 2015 15:41 PDT

Photo: Neil Aird © 16 July 2015

My modes of transport were varied. This was my San Juan Islands steed. Twenty-nine minutes Paine Field / KPAE to Eastsound / ESD on Orcas Island. Tom's very sweet 2002 Commander 115 N115KT (20024). Thanks Tom, it was great to "have a shot" once again. Still can't beieve we flew down the runway at NAS Whitby Island once again, FL35.

While on my West Coast visit, I came "up close and personal" with many other airframes. Some bigger and newer than others. Here, Tom and I sit after exiting Runway 34 at Everett / Snohomish County - KPAE - Paine Field, Seattle, and give way to VH-VKK (36237) a brand new Aussie bound Boeing B787-8. It left on delivery to Melbourne / Tullamarine (MEL) as JQ/JST7992. No special fanfare.

Photos: Neil Aird © 16 July 2015 15:07 PDT

20 July 2015

Photo: Neil Aird © 13 July 2015 15:19 PDT

Back in the saddle up here in the cab after an "outstanding" trip to Seattle area (including Kenmore of course) and the San Juan Islands, Washington State. Then up the West Coast of Vancouver Island to Eagle Nook Resort for the BOPA Annual Flyout. We were guests of the Beaver Owners Pilots Association. More coming here and on the website in the coming days/weeks as I slowly come back down to earth. A special shout out to my good friend Tom Baillie (and Kathleen) for instigating this adventure for Danielle and myself. Wow! Image below shows yours truly with our first chauffeur Doug DeVries and N67DN (799). I will post images of the other "rogues" that transported us about, and also our most generous hosts Dick and Sue Beselin at Eagle Nook. So many wonderful folks. Beavers present N564RC (1156); N429KS (754); N456N (1534); N437CH (1428); N741DB (1331) and Cessna Caravan N810GA (208-00300).

"

The Adventure continues at Pat Bay, British Columbia. (Neil & Doug)

Photo: Danielle Aird © 12 July 2014 16:08 PDT

Editorial Vacation

07 July 2015

I'll not be adding anything to the websites for the next little while, I'll be gathering images of DHC-2 I hope. Wish me luck.

29 June 2015

Photo: John W. Olafson © June 2015

DHC-2.COM July 2015 Calendar pages are up. Thanks to John W.Olafson for this recent shot of a truly classic Beaver at Lake Hood.

28 June 2015

Some important milestones for DHC-2.COM - just completed page 4,000 on the website. Man, that would be one very heavy book!! Approaching 11,000 DHC-2 images next. No let-up in sight, I'm glad to say.

Top air-to-air photograpoher Dietmar Schreiber was recently doing work in Alaska, he captured this Rust DHC-2 whilst chasing bigger fish. Thanks Dietmar. More of his work here.

25 June 2015

Six months 'til Christmas! Yikes.

Starting to update our expanded data for c/n 670 to c/n 689. Almost 4,000 pages on the website now. That would be quite a thick book!

23 June 2015

May I add my congratulations to George A. Neal. Here is a study of "the man" earlier in his long career. Best wishes sir.

Link to story.

Photo: DHC ©

Sketch by Neil Aird © 1999 for DHC-6 $20.00 Coin

20 June 2015

Photo: Dale Floyd © Spring 2015

Dale Floyd of Coast Dog Aviation sent this wonderful shot, taken at his maintenance facilities at Pitt Meadows. Thanks Dale, love it!

Ted Larkin, who sent the latest banner shot (C-FOEH) also sent me an unusual image. I thought you might enjoy seeing it. Ted wrote;

P.S.- shot JA971A, a two-week old Boeing 777-381ER last Sunday. It was at FL300 overhead YZD en route to Narita from JFK as ANA/NH9. The thin layer of cirrus was lit up by the sun, thereby providing the most agreeable display of carbon emissions that I'd ever seen!

Photo: Ted Larkin © 14 June 2015

09 June 2015

Continuing with "fleshing out" data for DHC-2 aircraft in the c/n 600 - c/n 669 range. Slow and steady work. The majority of this reseach has been compiled and completed by my colleague Ian Macintosh. Thanks Ian, it will be a while before I catch up! Meanwhile Ian continues with his research into to detailed USAF histories.

I've also been busy with my gardens. Great strawberries this year!!

31 May 2015

• Photo: Rick Nielsen © 18 May 2015 •

Another month put to rest. Here are the June 2015 DHC-2.COM Calendar pages for you. This fine image of C-FDJH (1655TB31) from Rick Nielsen. Many thanks Rick. Enjoy the float season!

22 May 2015

Next leg, "AC877" C-FIVR B77W Air Canada FRA-YYZ. Sitting at gate B42.

Image: Google Earth.

Cockpit view - Finals 07L - Courtesy FR24

Well Danielle just pulled up to gate A23 at Frankfurt on D-AISR A321 from Prague. First leg of her trip back to Kingston. Needless to say, I was keeping an eye on things.

Time 09:17 EDT / 15:17 Local

"Battle 65" broke the morning tranquilty for an RMC flyby, then proceeded to CYGK.

Photos: Neil Aird © 22 May 2015 08:25 EDT

16 May 2015

Spent some time installing a "sun" blind in my studio, the type that blocks the sun, but you can still see through. What a difference - beats my old WWII blackout curtain and a clothes pin . . .

While digging out a CD I received last year in April, I re-discovered a treaure trove of Beaver images from Peter Cooper in the UK. I hope to add some more of these shortly.

Size matters! Here's one that shows the size/scale of C-FOCY (79) DHC-2 Beaver , 9.22 meters in length, beside the 46,697 GRT "Yang Ming - South" at 32.0 meters wide and 276.0 meters in length!

Photo: Peter J. Cooper © 02 April 2008

15 May 2015

I've been very busy with the Twin Otter Archive website recently, now back to adding extended data to the "Beaver Files". At the moment I am working through c/n 570 - c/n 589. Even discoverd a New ! Beaver C-FIPD (574) it was scanned and in Michael J. Ody's "stash". Thanks to Sheldon D. Benner for being at Roberval in May 1979! No recent images, however - can anyone help in that regard?

Photo: Sheldon D. Benner © May 1979 - Michael J. Ody Collection

04 May 2015

Very sorry to read on May 1st, about this situation in Tassie, the liquidation of Tasmanian Air Adventures.

02 May 2015.

Today I have been working with Dragan Draskovic, of LiftHere Models of Serbia, who has a 1/72nd scale resin kit de Havilland DHC-2 Mk.III Turbine Beaver. It looks very impressive. He also send some images of the former Yugoslvian DHC-2, which I will add soon. Thanks for getting in touch Dragan.

Photos: Draga Draskovic © LiftHere Models

01 May 2015

Looking at the Anchorage banner I put up yesterday, I was reminded of some Big Douglas piston moments noted while there. No big fuss when a DC-6 arrives with "one out".

Photos: Neil Aird ©

Last night took a snap of the moon and clouds, nice effect I thought. A different kind of "Moonshine".

Photo: Neil Aird © 30 April 2015

30 April 2015

Photo: Ruud Leeuw © 13 October 2014

Last entry for April folks. Nice photo documentary entry by my pal Ruud Leeuw of his visit to Kenmore Air Harbor back last October. You do such a great job Ruud on your extensive web site - kudos to you!

Photo: Dirk Septer © © 12 April 2014

Added the May 2015 DHC-2.COM Calendar pages today. Courtesy of Dirk Septer. Thanks Dirk.

25 April 2015

Photo: Neil Aird © 25 April 2015 15:25 EDT

Traffic! Cargolux Boeing B747-8R7F LX-VCA (35808) "CLX660" passes dircetly overhead my studio at FL340 heading for Mexico City MMMX, viewed through my Beaver Porthole!! This airframe was actually the prototype Boeing 748.

22 April 2015

Had a brief loud visit from three RCAF CF-188 Hornets this morning. Usual buzz of Royal Military College, then back, westbound to CFB Trenton.

Photo: Neil Aird © 22 April 2015 10:35 EDT

Photo: Neil Aird © 22 April 2015 10:48 EDT

Next traffic was a Bell 206 of the Canadian Coast Guard, probably attending to remore light stations on Main Duck Island. Heading back to Prescott, Ontario base.

21 April 2015

Time to thank those of you who have helped support the website, so far in 2015. I do appreciate your donations, which help me pay for my continuing costs associated with running the DHC-2.COM website, and enables me to purchase slides for our enjoyment.

2015 campaign - 20 responded in kind, so far. Thank You!

John O (BC), Herb W (CH), Rod H (UK/BC), Jeff P (ON), Michel W (QC), Ken T (ON), Stan B (CA), Ian Mac (UK), James D (UK), Rob M (ON), James K (WA), Ian Mac (ON), Rick N (YT), Stephen McG (ON), Jean T (FL), Dale F (BC), Louis G (QC), Peter R (OZ), Denis C (ON), Jim P (AK).

20 April 2015

Yesterday my colleague Ian Macintosh reached the final Beaver in our massive "data update" . . . no mean feat!! Well done Ian. Next stage is up to me, checking, editing and adding to each Beaver page. Ian will continue with his detailed USAF research, so he will not be idle! Needless to say - neither will I . . . .

16 April 2015

Been a bit too busy on both websites to add anything to the blog. Today I'm happy to say that www.twinotterarchive.com had visitor 100,000!

Quite happy with the progress over the last thirty-nine months. My thanks to my collegues Ian and Erik, without whom, I could never have attempted this massive project!

Over the next little while I will continue adding the "extended" data to the Beavers. The team has also been very busy on this project, even more massive than the Twin Otter database!! Expect major additions in May, when I hope to have some "extra" time.

01 April 2015

Photo: Kenneth I. Swartz © 04 October 2014

    Another month rolls around, and that means another DHC-2.COM Calendar image. Thanks to our regular "Beaver Hunter" Kenneth I. Swartz for the April Beaver, C-GAQJ (1130), captured on his big road trip last October. Thanks Ken.

    20 March 2015

    Earlier in the month I received some images, and had correspondence with Michael Duddridge. Here is one of the e-mails I thought you would enjoy. Thanks for getting in touch Michael. Maybe some more of your adventures you can relate to us all?

    Photo: Unknown photographer © 10 May 1967 - Michael Duddridge Collection

    I attach another photograph which you might find interesting. It is of XP816 again, piloted by me, taking-off from the flight deck of the carrier HMS Bulwark – the sixth ship bearing that name in the history of the Royal Navy - somewhere in the South China Sea. I see that it was on 10 May 1967, the total sortie time, including transiting out to the ship and back was two hours, and I made eight landings.

    During the emergency in Borneo (1962 – 1966) 130 Flight Royal Corps of Transport had seven of its ten Beavers based on the old Brunei Airport (the other three were retained in Singapore to carry out sorties in Malaya).

    From time to time it was necessary to return an aircraft from Brunei to our workshop in Singapore for a major inspection. As the Royal Navy occasionally sailed one of its carriers from the waters off Borneo to the dockyard in Singapore we would arrange to land on just after it sailed and fly off as it approached Singapore; the on-board hospitality of the Navy being infinitely preferable to a ferry flight of 670 nm.

    These carriers were no longer flying fixed-wing aircraft but had a squadron of helicopters embarked to support the on-board Royal Marine Commando in their operations ashore; therefore the arrester gear and catapult had been removed from the flight-deck. However, the 650 feet of flight-deck was ample length for a Beaver taking off or landing, particularly with the ship steaming into wind.

    When 130 Flight was withdrawn to Singapore after the end of the Borneo emergency I thought that deck landing was a useful skill for all the pilots to retain. I therefore arranged with the Royal Navy that whenever there was a Commando Carrier steaming in the area we would be grateful for a half-day of deck landing practice. Since it was another skill for their flight-deck crews to practice they were happy to agree.

    My first experience of deck landing was on HMS Albion – sister ship to HMS Bulwark – on 7 August 1966. The aircraft was again XP816 and the carrier had just departed from its anchorage off the coast of the island of Labuan. After the passage I was due to fly off at dawn the next morning when the ship was a few miles from Singapore, however, there was a strengthening and a shift of wind direction during the night which would prevent the ship from turning into wind so close to Indonesian territorial waters. I was woken at 3 am with the news that my take-off time had been changed to an hour before dawn. So my first ever flight-deck take-off was in the dark.

    PS I made it a rule in 130 Flight that pilots did not have a particular aircraft permanently assigned to them; the fact that I seem to be always flying XP816 is purely coincidental.

    Regards,

    Michael

    08 March 2015

    Our clocks moved forward, so maybe Spring will follow. Today we have more snow, but the scene is very beautiful, with everything covered in hoar frost. Added more updated histories c/n 471 - 500. Check them out. Sample.

    03 March 2015

    Photo: Neil Aird © 03 March 2015 10:33EDT

    "Tiger 343" makes a pass. 130343 (382-5307)RCAF Lockheed CC-130H-30 Hercules smokes by. It did a couple of circuits over RMC to let a tiny Cessna head eastbound. Meanwhile, today I am adding our "expanded data" to Beavers c/n 445 - 470. Check them out.

    Photo: Bombardier - de Havilland Canada © 1954 - Print 668 (cropped)

    Spent some time restoring a DHC finishing hangar shot from roughly August 1954. Busy place!!

    27 February 2015

    Lower photo: Pierre Gillard © 27 February 2015

    Congratulations to the folks at Bombardier on the first flight of the CS300 (BD-500-1A11) C-FFDK (55001) here is a screen shot from their website. I'm sure the aircraft will be a fantastic success!! Additional images of the event at Bombardier Mirabel facility by Pierre Gillard.

    • Photo: Jim Pinter © 12 February 2015 •

    As we wind down the shortest month, I want to let you know the March 2015 DHC-2.COM Calender pages are on the website. Photo this month courtesy of Jim Pinter. Thanks Jim!

    26 February 2015

    Photo: Bombardier - de Havilland Canada © 31 August 1959 (Print DHC 11170)

    Photo: Bombardier - de Havilland Canada © 31 August 1959 (Print DHC 11171)

    Found some New! Beavers for the website today, only 419 to find now. Interesting to see the method of departure from the de Havilland Canada Downsview plant, back in 1959. U-6A Beaver 58-2044 (1376); 58-2045 (1377), and 58-2046 (1378). They hitched a ride in 54-0141 Douglas C-133A Cargomaster (44711) USAF-MATS.

    23 February 2015

    On Saturday night from the window - the Moon, Venus and Mars were alright that night!! As you might also note, the City of Kingston does a stellar job in keeping our streets and sidwalks pretty clear.

    Photo: Neil Aird © 20 February 2015

    18 February 2015

    Here's an old 1966 shot, Avro 683 Lancaster B. Mk.VII G-ASXX (ex RAF NX611) sitting at a rainy Biggin Hill. This was the former Aéronaval WU-15 which had come from French Caledonia. More history on this fine machine here.

    Photo: Neil Aird © 08 April 1966

    16 February 2015

    The view of my "Porthole" today. Kinda neat - out of this world look!

    Photo: Neil Aird © 16 February 2015

    14 February 2015

    Since it is Valentine's Day, I thought you might like to see just how many folk "love" DHC-2.COM - quite the coverage!

    09 February 2015

    At this time I should like to give a huge "shout out" to AFHRA - the Air Force Historical Research Agency, at Maxwell AFB, in Alabama. My colleague Ian Macintosh has worked with Archie Difante over the years. Archie has been very helpful with our L-20 / U-6 reseach. Thank you sir.

    31 January 2015

    • Photo: Chip Porter © 06 May 2014 •

    The DHC-2.COM Calendar for February 2015 is ready for download. Thanks to my pal Chip Porter for the great image of Steve Kamm's N6782L (820).

    30 January 2015

    • Sy Allsep 1948 -2015 •

    27 January 2015

    Photo: Neil Aird © 17 April 2009

    Added the last images to Boneyard Fever - take the time to take a stroll / scroll around the Douglas C-47/C-117 area. Enjoy the abstract visuals. I know I had a great time there. It's a dry heat . . .

    26 January 2015

    Photo: Neil Aird © 17 April 2009

    Time for something on the blog. I've been very busy updating my Boneyard Fever pages. Finally adding the pictures that were still "in the camera" so to speak. I still have to fill in the research for each airframe, or what remains of them!

    20 January 2015

    Today a special and generous guy, Sy Allsep passed away. I fondly remember very happy times with Sy and his "Twin Pin crew". My I offer my condolences to his wife Adrien, his family, and especially his close aviation friends, Pete, Shane, Mark, John and Dave.

    RIP Sy - blue skies mate. VH-SYS and VH-EVB will miss you, as will we all.

    Photos: Neil Aird © November 2010

    14 January 2015

    Well, unique visitor, 1,333,333 came and went today! DHC-2.COM seems to still attract visitors. I'm going to add a couple of Anthony's Instagrams. Winter is settling in and the ice is forming on the Lake. Top image shows the Murney Tower in Confederation Basin, Kingston. Next shot below is of the Wolfe Islander III crossing to Wolfe Island, thanks to the bubble sytem, not trapped in the ice.

    Photos: Anthony Aird © 14 January 2015

    This vie shows Fort Frederick at the Royal Military College. Below that is the sculpture "Time". Thanks for letting me show your images Ant!

    Photo: Anthony Aird © 13 January 2015

    Photo: Anthony Aird © 11 January 2015

    10 January 2015

    Photo: Anthony Aird © 10 January 2015

    Still enjoying the beauty of winter here. Lake not frozen over yet. Here's another of Anthony's Instagram images. You can catch his others here. Thanks Ant.

    03 January 2015

    Photo: Anthony Aird © 03 January 2015

    Photo: Anthony Aird © 01 January 2015

    A couple of Anthony Aird's Instagram images to start off the new year. The 01 January 2015 is of the Inner Harbour at Kingston. Today's is down by the Waterfront Trail. Thanks Ant! Keep snapping.

    29 December 2014

    Closing out the month and year shortly. Just two more Beavers to add, and the January 2015 DHC-2.COM Calendar shot.

    I got a late Christmas Present today, 30 degrees more of "sky"! City crews removed an elderly Silver Maple from the corner, here are before and after shots. How to make a sky watcher happy!! I'm also adding an Instagram shot by my son Anthony. He usually does one or two every day. This has been "tweaked" a bit. It shows the "Time" sculpture on our waterfront, which was a gift to the City of Kingston in 1973 from the Province of Ontario, on the occasion of our Tercentenary. The water level is very low, in the summer it is probably a good foot higher.

    Photos: Neil Aird © 29 December 2014

    Photo: Anthony Aird © 29 December 2014

    26 December 2014

    Just to let you all know, I've changed the e-mail address to contact me here. It is now: contact "at" dhc-2.com

    24 December 2014

    Season's Greetings to each and every one around the world!

    22 December 2014

    Photo: Bob Caldwell Collection © 1962

    Interesting image taken near Zanjan, Iran. Shows Bob Caldwell with some passers by, and the U-6A 58-2000 (1326). Here's Bob's e-mail.

    I was just recently directed to your website. I flew and maintained the L-20A shown in the background of the attached photo. I am in the foreground (I am the one on the right) in this photo taken in our field of operations just outside of Zanjan, Iran in 1962 where we operated as part of Military Assistance Advisory Group (MAAG) performing numerous support tasks to the many small MAAG units associated with the Iranian military. Obviously, these were the days of the Shah.
     
    Much of the flying was in very remote areas and a book could be written concerning our experiences. The L-20A carried the designator of  "U.S. Army 82000" on the tail. There was no letter prefix or suffix associated with the 82000. I do not recall the DOM but guess that it was late '50. Is there any way in which a history of this Beaver could be found?
     
    Enjoying your site.
     
    Bob Caldwell

    I sent Bob the link and he will put some of his stories on paper for us to enjoy soon. Thanks for getting in touch Bob!

    21 December 2014

    Some of you may know my colleague Erik Johannesson, who is an essential team member on the Twin Otter Archive website with Ian macintosh and myself. Erik runs the very popular Twin Otter Spotter blog. Recently it was not too active. I had an e-mail from Erik giving reasons for the "quiet". I will include his post here. As Erik derives all his income from his home business , I think that some help from "our community" is essential during his recovery. Here is his entry in his blog today. There is a PayPal link on his blog site. Thank You.

    Lack of Recent Updates

    Hello everybody, and thanks to those who have been in contact with editorial/photo contributions or just wondering why it is so quiet. 
    Yesterday I was released from the hospital after having had a stroke, coincidentally a matter of minutes after completing the blog entry below. Prognosis of recovery is promising, but it will be slow. Hopefully over the next couple of days I can resume some work on  the blog, because it is something that is both manageable and enjoyable under the current circumstances. 
    What I can't do however is take on the other two parts of my home business, which generate 95% of my income. So, in the interim, anyone who is able to donate, please be assured that there is never going to be a time when it is more appreciated than now. 
    Erik

    20 December 2014

    The long process of labeling with registration and c/n of the Kenneth I. Swartz DHC-2 Collection continues. After sorting I will clean, rescan and return them to new Archive sleeves. Scanning Technology and my Photoshop Digital skills have improved since I first scanned these, starting over eleven years ago!! Thanks Ken, lots of "treasures" in there! Oh, did I mention there are close to a thousand slides!

    19 December 2014

    Since I put the little revolving Globe on the main page earlier this month - look at all the visitors it has noted coming to DHC-2.COM! I must be doing something right!

    17 December 2014

    Photo: Karl Kramer © 25 February 1978 - Kenneth I. Swartz Collection

    In scanning mode these days, starting with some of Ken Swartz Collection's black and white negatives. I placed one as a banner, although this Karl Kramer image of HP-757 (1314) at Panama City - Balboa / Paitilla - Marcos A. Gelabert airport (KPMG) in 1978, is already on the website from the collection of the late Ian MacFarlane. I'm redoing all of Ken's slides as well, as technology and my photo editing skill have improved over the years. I may replace images on the website, but am hoping to add many more that I have missed in my first scan.

    Another project underway is expanding our accident reports, yet more scanning from our records.

    13 December 2014

    Photo: Kyle Cameron © 12 December 2014

    It's amazing what turns up at the corner store. Kyle Cameron came across N62197 (1177) at his in Whitehorse, Yukon, last night. Probably on the way "somewhere" to be rebuilt after July accident in Alaska.

    06 December 2014

    A couple of "Snaps from the Cab", taken over the last few days. Yesterday I had the Alpha Jet C-GNTA (148) back buzzing around for quite some considerable time. Quite a spirited display too, wonder what the denizens of Downtown Kingston thought? I hope he was doing something worthwhile, apart from entertaining us all.

    Photos: Neil Aird © 05 December 14:37 EST

    I noticed a nice moon rising, so of course a few snaps of that and also a CH-146 Griffon of our Armed Forces came back overhead from CFB Kingston, going to bed down at CYGK.

    Photo: Neil Aird © 04 December 16:23 EST

    Photo: Neil Aird © 04 December 16:37 EST

    03 December 2014

    I thought I might add this snap of N252V Vickers Viscount V.812 (364) at Albuquerque - KABQ, on 10 September 1966. I've always liked the Viscount, as I made my first ever flight in one.

    Photo: Neil Aird © 10 September 1966

    I 'm going to have to cut back on my uploads to the website as I am going over my limit of 256GB per month. This is caused by the changes to the format of the data on each page. So, slow and steady will be the activity for now.

    28 November 2014

    Yesterday I noticed C-GSGF DHC-6 Twin Otter (642) of Ottawa based Sander Geophysics on my screen for a while, a long while, so deduced it was on the ground at CYGK - Kingston. Decided to head out and see "what's what". It is still in the area today, currently (14:55EST) at FL40.

    Photos: Neil Aird © 27 November 13:15 EST

    In the circuit for RWY25 while I was there, was the yellow C-GGGJ, a Wagaero Cuby Sport Trainer (591), locally owned.

    Photos: Neil Aird © 27 November 13:08 EST

    23 November 2014

    Different sound for a change. Speedy C-FCDI 1966 vintage Piper PA-30 (30-1027) did a few quick passes over Downton Kingston, then headed off to CYGK to do a simulated ILS for RWY 19. I did not know, but this aircraft belongs to the local Kingston Flying Club, it was registered to them 07 may 2014. I really should get out more!

    Photos: Neil Aird © 23 November 14:26 EST

    Continuing to add additional data from our files to DHC-2's c/n 370 - 380 - including ones we have no photographs of. As I mentioned before (I think?) there was no way I had planned to add this vast amount of information to each Beaver produced. Without the help of Ian Macintosh, there would just be a cursory listing of previous identities and owners. Ian Macdonald will be adding even more detailed Canadian information as the months, nay years, go by. I figure I have at least seven months of work ahead!!

    20 November 2014

    Dang - tricked me again. As you know, we've had some snow. Just a short time ago I heard a noise. Fast Jet? Naw - just a snow plow, they always fool me into thinking it is a CF-188 Hornet. (Skateboarders too in the summer make similar sounds!) Look out the window to see the plow, look up, CF-188! I wait, get camera ready. "Alouette 39" from 425th TFS CFB Bagotville circles around and does a slow pass, and then proceeds on to CFB Trenton, 99 km to my west.

    Photo: Neil Aird © 20 November 14:37 EST

    Photos: Draga Draskovic © LiftHere Models

    01 May 2015

    Looking at the Anchorage banner I put up yesterday, I was reminded of some Big Douglas piston moments noted while there. No big fuss when a DC-6 arrives with "one out".

    Photos: Neil Aird ©

    Last night took a snap of the moon and clouds, nice effect I thought. A different kind of "Moonshine".

    Photo: Neil Aird © 30 April 2015

    30 April 2015

    Photo: Ruud Leeuw © 13 October 2014

    Last entry for April folks. Nice photo documentary entry by my pal Ruud Leeuw of his visit to Kenmore Air Harbor back last October. You do such a great job Ruud on your extensive web site - kudos to you!

    Photo: Dirk Septer © © 12 April 2014

    Added the May 2015 DHC-2.COM Calendar pages today. Courtesy of Dirk Septer. Thanks Dirk.

    25 April 2015

    Photo: Neil Aird © 25 April 2015 15:25 EDT

    Traffic! Cargolux Boeing B747-8R7F LX-VCA (35808) "CLX660" passes dircetly overhead my studio at FL340 heading for Mexico City MMMX, viewed through my Beaver Porthole!! This airframe was actually the prototype Boeing 748.

    22 April 2015

    Had a brief loud visit from three RCAF CF-188 Hornets this morning. Usual buzz of Royal Military College, then back, westbound to CFB Trenton.

    Photo: Neil Aird © 22 April 2015 10:35 EDT

    Photo: Neil Aird © 22 April 2015 10:48 EDT

    Next traffic was a Bell 206 of the Canadian Coast Guard, probably attending to remore light stations on Main Duck Island. Heading back to Prescott, Ontario base.

    21 April 2015

    Time to thank those of you who have helped support the website, so far in 2015. I do appreciate your donations, which help me pay for my continuing costs associated with running the DHC-2.COM website, and enables me to purchase slides for our enjoyment.

    2015 campaign - 20 responded in kind, so far. Thank You!

    John O (BC), Herb W (CH), Rod H (UK/BC), Jeff P (ON), Michel W (QC), Ken T (ON), Stan B (CA), Ian Mac (UK), James D (UK), Rob M (ON), James K (WA), Ian Mac (ON), Rick N (YT), Stephen McG (ON), Jean T (FL), Dale F (BC), Louis G (QC), Peter R (OZ), Denis C (ON), Jim P (AK).

    20 April 2015

    Yesterday my colleague Ian Macintosh reached the final Beaver in our massive "data update" . . . no mean feat!! Well done Ian. Next stage is up to me, checking, editing and adding to each Beaver page. Ian will continue with his detailed USAF research, so he will not be idle! Needless to say - neither will I . . . .

    16 April 2015

    Been a bit too busy on both websites to add anything to the blog. Today I'm happy to say that www.twinotterarchive.com had visitor 100,000!

    Quite happy with the progress over the last thirty-nine months. My thanks to my collegues Ian and Erik, without whom, I could never have attempted this massive project!

    Over the next little while I will continue adding the "extended" data to the Beavers. The team has also been very busy on this project, even more massive than the Twin Otter database!! Expect major additions in May, when I hope to have some "extra" time.

    01 April 2015

    Photo: Kenneth I. Swartz © 04 October 2014

      Another month rolls around, and that means another DHC-2.COM Calendar image. Thanks to our regular "Beaver Hunter" Kenneth I. Swartz for the April Beaver, C-GAQJ (1130), captured on his big road trip last October. Thanks Ken.

      20 March 2015

      Earlier in the month I received some images, and had correspondence with Michael Duddridge. Here is one of the e-mails I thought you would enjoy. Thanks for getting in touch Michael. Maybe some more of your adventures you can relate to us all?

      Photo: Unknown photographer © 10 May 1967 - Michael Duddridge Collection

      I attach another photograph which you might find interesting. It is of XP816 again, piloted by me, taking-off from the flight deck of the carrier HMS Bulwark – the sixth ship bearing that name in the history of the Royal Navy - somewhere in the South China Sea. I see that it was on 10 May 1967, the total sortie time, including transiting out to the ship and back was two hours, and I made eight landings.

      During the emergency in Borneo (1962 – 1966) 130 Flight Royal Corps of Transport had seven of its ten Beavers based on the old Brunei Airport (the other three were retained in Singapore to carry out sorties in Malaya).

      From time to time it was necessary to return an aircraft from Brunei to our workshop in Singapore for a major inspection. As the Royal Navy occasionally sailed one of its carriers from the waters off Borneo to the dockyard in Singapore we would arrange to land on just after it sailed and fly off as it approached Singapore; the on-board hospitality of the Navy being infinitely preferable to a ferry flight of 670 nm.

      These carriers were no longer flying fixed-wing aircraft but had a squadron of helicopters embarked to support the on-board Royal Marine Commando in their operations ashore; therefore the arrester gear and catapult had been removed from the flight-deck. However, the 650 feet of flight-deck was ample length for a Beaver taking off or landing, particularly with the ship steaming into wind.

      When 130 Flight was withdrawn to Singapore after the end of the Borneo emergency I thought that deck landing was a useful skill for all the pilots to retain. I therefore arranged with the Royal Navy that whenever there was a Commando Carrier steaming in the area we would be grateful for a half-day of deck landing practice. Since it was another skill for their flight-deck crews to practice they were happy to agree.

      My first experience of deck landing was on HMS Albion – sister ship to HMS Bulwark – on 7 August 1966. The aircraft was again XP816 and the carrier had just departed from its anchorage off the coast of the island of Labuan. After the passage I was due to fly off at dawn the next morning when the ship was a few miles from Singapore, however, there was a strengthening and a shift of wind direction during the night which would prevent the ship from turning into wind so close to Indonesian territorial waters. I was woken at 3 am with the news that my take-off time had been changed to an hour before dawn. So my first ever flight-deck take-off was in the dark.

      PS I made it a rule in 130 Flight that pilots did not have a particular aircraft permanently assigned to them; the fact that I seem to be always flying XP816 is purely coincidental.

      Regards,

      Michael

      08 March 2015

      Our clocks moved forward, so maybe Spring will follow. Today we have more snow, but the scene is very beautiful, with everything covered in hoar frost. Added more updated histories c/n 471 - 500. Check them out. Sample.

      03 March 2015

      Photo: Neil Aird © 03 March 2015 10:33EDT

      "Tiger 343" makes a pass. 130343 (382-5307)RCAF Lockheed CC-130H-30 Hercules smokes by. It did a couple of circuits over RMC to let a tiny Cessna head eastbound. Meanwhile, today I am adding our "expanded data" to Beavers c/n 445 - 470. Check them out.

      Photo: Bombardier - de Havilland Canada © 1954 - Print 668 (cropped)

      Spent some time restoring a DHC finishing hangar shot from roughly August 1954. Busy place!!

      27 February 2015

      Lower photo: Pierre Gillard © 27 February 2015

      Congratulations to the folks at Bombardier on the first flight of the CS300 (BD-500-1A11) C-FFDK (55001) here is a screen shot from their website. I'm sure the aircraft will be a fantastic success!! Additional images of the event at Bombardier Mirabel facility by Pierre Gillard.

      • Photo: Jim Pinter © 12 February 2015 •

      As we wind down the shortest month, I want to let you know the March 2015 DHC-2.COM Calender pages are on the website. Photo this month courtesy of Jim Pinter. Thanks Jim!

      26 February 2015

      Photo: Bombardier - de Havilland Canada © 31 August 1959 (Print DHC 11170)

      Photo: Bombardier - de Havilland Canada © 31 August 1959 (Print DHC 11171)

      Found some New! Beavers for the website today, only 419 to find now. Interesting to see the method of departure from the de Havilland Canada Downsview plant, back in 1959. U-6A Beaver 58-2044 (1376); 58-2045 (1377), and 58-2046 (1378). They hitched a ride in 54-0141 Douglas C-133A Cargomaster (44711) USAF-MATS.

      23 February 2015

      On Saturday night from the window - the Moon, Venus and Mars were alright that night!! As you might also note, the City of Kingston does a stellar job in keeping our streets and sidwalks pretty clear.

      Photo: Neil Aird © 20 February 2015

      18 February 2015

      Here's an old 1966 shot, Avro 683 Lancaster B. Mk.VII G-ASXX (ex RAF NX611) sitting at a rainy Biggin Hill. This was the former Aéronaval WU-15 which had come from French Caledonia. More history on this fine machine here.

      Photo: Neil Aird © 08 April 1966

      16 February 2015

      The view of my "Porthole" today. Kinda neat - out of this world look!

      Photo: Neil Aird © 16 February 2015

      14 February 2015

      Since it is Valentine's Day, I thought you might like to see just how many folk "love" DHC-2.COM - quite the coverage!

      09 February 2015

      At this time I should like to give a huge "shout out" to AFHRA - the Air Force Historical Research Agency, at Maxwell AFB, in Alabama. My colleague Ian Macintosh has worked with Archie Difante over the years. Archie has been very helpful with our L-20 / U-6 reseach. Thank you sir.

      31 January 2015

      • Photo: Chip Porter © 06 May 2014 •

      The DHC-2.COM Calendar for February 2015 is ready for download. Thanks to my pal Chip Porter for the great image of Steve Kamm's N6782L (820).

      30 January 2015

      • Sy Allsep 1948 -2015 •

      27 January 2015

      Photo: Neil Aird © 17 April 2009

      Added the last images to Boneyard Fever - take the time to take a stroll / scroll around the Douglas C-47/C-117 area. Enjoy the abstract visuals. I know I had a great time there. It's a dry heat . . .

      26 January 2015

      Photo: Neil Aird © 17 April 2009

      Time for something on the blog. I've been very busy updating my Boneyard Fever pages. Finally adding the pictures that were still "in the camera" so to speak. I still have to fill in the research for each airframe, or what remains of them!

      20 January 2015

      Today a special and generous guy, Sy Allsep passed away. I fondly remember very happy times with Sy and his "Twin Pin crew". My I offer my condolences to his wife Adrien, his family, and especially his close aviation friends, Pete, Shane, Mark, John and Dave.

      RIP Sy - blue skies mate. VH-SYS and VH-EVB will miss you, as will we all.

      Photos: Neil Aird © November 2010

      14 January 2015

      Well, unique visitor, 1,333,333 came and went today! DHC-2.COM seems to still attract visitors. I'm going to add a couple of Anthony's Instagrams. Winter is settling in and the ice is forming on the Lake. Top image shows the Murney Tower in Confederation Basin, Kingston. Next shot below is of the Wolfe Islander III crossing to Wolfe Island, thanks to the bubble sytem, not trapped in the ice.

      Photos: Anthony Aird © 14 January 2015

      This vie shows Fort Frederick at the Royal Military College. Below that is the sculpture "Time". Thanks for letting me show your images Ant!

      Photo: Anthony Aird © 13 January 2015

      Photo: Anthony Aird © 11 January 2015

      10 January 2015

      Photo: Anthony Aird © 10 January 2015

      Still enjoying the beauty of winter here. Lake not frozen over yet. Here's another of Anthony's Instagram images. You can catch his others here. Thanks Ant.

      03 January 2015

      Photo: Anthony Aird © 03 January 2015

      Photo: Anthony Aird © 01 January 2015

      A couple of Anthony Aird's Instagram images to start off the new year. The 01 January 2015 is of the Inner Harbour at Kingston. Today's is down by the Waterfront Trail. Thanks Ant! Keep snapping.

      29 December 2014

      Closing out the month and year shortly. Just two more Beavers to add, and the January 2015 DHC-2.COM Calendar shot.

      I got a late Christmas Present today, 30 degrees more of "sky"! City crews removed an elderly Silver Maple from the corner, here are before and after shots. How to make a sky watcher happy!! I'm also adding an Instagram shot by my son Anthony. He usually does one or two every day. This has been "tweaked" a bit. It shows the "Time" sculpture on our waterfront, which was a gift to the City of Kingston in 1973 from the Province of Ontario, on the occasion of our Tercentenary. The water level is very low, in the summer it is probably a good foot higher.

      Photos: Neil Aird © 29 December 2014

      Photo: Anthony Aird © 29 December 2014

      26 December 2014

      Just to let you all know, I've changed the e-mail address to contact me here. It is now: contact "at" dhc-2.com

      24 December 2014

      Season's Greetings to each and every one around the world!

      22 December 2014

      Photo: Bob Caldwell Collection © 1962

      Interesting image taken near Zanjan, Iran. Shows Bob Caldwell with some passers by, and the U-6A 58-2000 (1326). Here's Bob's e-mail.

      I was just recently directed to your website. I flew and maintained the L-20A shown in the background of the attached photo. I am in the foreground (I am the one on the right) in this photo taken in our field of operations just outside of Zanjan, Iran in 1962 where we operated as part of Military Assistance Advisory Group (MAAG) performing numerous support tasks to the many small MAAG units associated with the Iranian military. Obviously, these were the days of the Shah.
       
      Much of the flying was in very remote areas and a book could be written concerning our experiences. The L-20A carried the designator of  "U.S. Army 82000" on the tail. There was no letter prefix or suffix associated with the 82000. I do not recall the DOM but guess that it was late '50. Is there any way in which a history of this Beaver could be found?
       
      Enjoying your site.
       
      Bob Caldwell

      I sent Bob the link and he will put some of his stories on paper for us to enjoy soon. Thanks for getting in touch Bob!

      21 December 2014

      Some of you may know my colleague Erik Johannesson, who is an essential team member on the Twin Otter Archive website with Ian macintosh and myself. Erik runs the very popular Twin Otter Spotter blog. Recently it was not too active. I had an e-mail from Erik giving reasons for the "quiet". I will include his post here. As Erik derives all his income from his home business , I think that some help from "our community" is essential during his recovery. Here is his entry in his blog today. There is a PayPal link on his blog site. Thank You.

      Lack of Recent Updates

      Hello everybody, and thanks to those who have been in contact with editorial/photo contributions or just wondering why it is so quiet. 
      Yesterday I was released from the hospital after having had a stroke, coincidentally a matter of minutes after completing the blog entry below. Prognosis of recovery is promising, but it will be slow. Hopefully over the next couple of days I can resume some work on  the blog, because it is something that is both manageable and enjoyable under the current circumstances. 
      What I can't do however is take on the other two parts of my home business, which generate 95% of my income. So, in the interim, anyone who is able to donate, please be assured that there is never going to be a time when it is more appreciated than now. 
      Erik

      20 December 2014

      The long process of labeling with registration and c/n of the Kenneth I. Swartz DHC-2 Collection continues. After sorting I will clean, rescan and return them to new Archive sleeves. Scanning Technology and my Photoshop Digital skills have improved since I first scanned these, starting over eleven years ago!! Thanks Ken, lots of "treasures" in there! Oh, did I mention there are close to a thousand slides!

      19 December 2014

      Since I put the little revolving Globe on the main page earlier this month - look at all the visitors it has noted coming to DHC-2.COM! I must be doing something right!

      17 December 2014

      Photo: Karl Kramer © 25 February 1978 - Kenneth I. Swartz Collection

      In scanning mode these days, starting with some of Ken Swartz Collection's black and white negatives. I placed one as a banner, although this Karl Kramer image of HP-757 (1314) at Panama City - Balboa / Paitilla - Marcos A. Gelabert airport (KPMG) in 1978, is already on the website from the collection of the late Ian MacFarlane. I'm redoing all of Ken's slides as well, as technology and my photo editing skill have improved over the years. I may replace images on the website, but am hoping to add many more that I have missed in my first scan.

      Another project underway is expanding our accident reports, yet more scanning from our records.

      13 December 2014

      Photo: Kyle Cameron © 12 December 2014

      It's amazing what turns up at the corner store. Kyle Cameron came across N62197 (1177) at his in Whitehorse, Yukon, last night. Probably on the way "somewhere" to be rebuilt after July accident in Alaska.

      06 December 2014

      A couple of "Snaps from the Cab", taken over the last few days. Yesterday I had the Alpha Jet C-GNTA (148) back buzzing around for quite some considerable time. Quite a spirited display too, wonder what the denizens of Downtown Kingston thought? I hope he was doing something worthwhile, apart from entertaining us all.

      Photos: Neil Aird © 05 December 14:37 EST

      I noticed a nice moon rising, so of course a few snaps of that and also a CH-146 Griffon of our Armed Forces came back overhead from CFB Kingston, going to bed down at CYGK.

      Photo: Neil Aird © 04 December 16:23 EST

      Photo: Neil Aird © 04 December 16:37 EST

      03 December 2014

      I thought I might add this snap of N252V Vickers Viscount V.812 (364) at Albuquerque - KABQ, on 10 September 1966. I've always liked the Viscount, as I made my first ever flight in one.

      Photo: Neil Aird © 10 September 1966

      I 'm going to have to cut back on my uploads to the website as I am going over my limit of 256GB per month. This is caused by the changes to the format of the data on each page. So, slow and steady will be the activity for now.

      28 November 2014

      Yesterday I noticed C-GSGF DHC-6 Twin Otter (642) of Ottawa based Sander Geophysics on my screen for a while, a long while, so deduced it was on the ground at CYGK - Kingston. Decided to head out and see "what's what". It is still in the area today, currently (14:55EST) at FL40.

      Photos: Neil Aird © 27 November 13:15 EST

      In the circuit for RWY25 while I was there, was the yellow C-GGGJ, a Wagaero Cuby Sport Trainer (591), locally owned.

      Photos: Neil Aird © 27 November 13:08 EST

      23 November 2014

      Different sound for a change. Speedy C-FCDI 1966 vintage Piper PA-30 (30-1027) did a few quick passes over Downton Kingston, then headed off to CYGK to do a simulated ILS for RWY 19. I did not know, but this aircraft belongs to the local Kingston Flying Club, it was registered to them 07 may 2014. I really should get out more!

      Photos: Neil Aird © 23 November 14:26 EST

      Continuing to add additional data from our files to DHC-2's c/n 370 - 380 - including ones we have no photographs of. As I mentioned before (I think?) there was no way I had planned to add this vast amount of information to each Beaver produced. Without the help of Ian Macintosh, there would just be a cursory listing of previous identities and owners. Ian Macdonald will be adding even more detailed Canadian information as the months, nay years, go by. I figure I have at least seven months of work ahead!!

      20 November 2014

      Dang - tricked me again. As you know, we've had some snow. Just a short time ago I heard a noise. Fast Jet? Naw - just a snow plow, they always fool me into thinking it is a CF-188 Hornet. (Skateboarders too in the summer make similar sounds!) Look out the window to see the plow, look up, CF-188! I wait, get camera ready. "Alouette 39" from 425th TFS CFB Bagotville circles around and does a slow pass, and then proceeds on to CFB Trenton, 99 km to my west.

      Photo: Neil Aird © 20 November 14:37 EST

      19 November 2014

      Photo: Lawrence Glew © 19 November 2014

      Lawrence captured the Antonov north of my home, as it headed back overseas. Thanks for the shot.

      Photos: Parr Yonemoto © 19 November 2014

      Well, "Mryia" ("Dream") went by here in stealth mode, heading to Leipzig. I looked in the few appropriate blue spots (snow squalls abated briefly) but "no joy" this time around. I did manage a distant snap back on Monday, 19 May 2008 as it went by. Here is a stunning ramp shot by Parr Yonemoto, and a small image with de Havilland product, by CTV, who streamed the take off live. Above, as I expected, Parr was there to capture the departure. You must have been cold Parr! Awesome shots.

      Photo: Parr Yonemoto © 18 November 2014

      Photo: CTV © 19 November 2014

      16 November 2014

      Yikes, one week earlier than last year. Ho, ho, ho.

      Photo: Neil Aird © 16 November 10:24 EST

      14 November 2014

      "The Immortal Beaver" rides again. Well, for those of you in the UK who can view PBS America. They are showing the video four times tomorrow. If anyone would like to purchase a DVD, I have a few here for sale. Just send an e-mail to me. (adminnca "at" dhc-2.com)

      12 November 2014

      As I write this (12:20 EST 17:20 UTC), my wife Danie is again cruising between Iceland and Greenland, at FL380 in PH-AOF A332 (801) "KL671" this time. After her flight from Delhi last night in PH-BFN B744 (26372) "KL872", I think she will be happy to get back to Kingston (albeit late tonight). You may notice a "drop off" in website production for a while! I again had the fun of listening and watching her in "KL671" get pushback, taxi and take-off instructions. Amazing stuff. I could even see the "tug" at Schiphol - EHAM, on my FR24 radar feed. Danie was almost over Prestwick at 10:20 EST - but cloudy I'm afraid at that time.

      Screen captures: flightradar24.com - 12 November 2014 09:25 EDT

      11 November 2014

      Another enjoyable sunset from the cab, east, north and south.

      Photos: Neil Aird © 11 November 16:44 EST

      08 November 2014

      Pushing along through the new additions, currently at c/n 316 heading to c/n 350 in the current "push" . . My sincere thanks to Ian Macintosh, without his extensive research, I could not attempt this mammoth task!!

      05 November 2014

      Unusual start to the day - as if a giant blind was being rolled back!

      Photo: Neil Aird © 05 November 06:36 EST

      04 November 2014

      Interesting clouds this afternoon, had similar ones last night.

      Photo: Neil Aird © 04 November 14:03 EST

      I found these wondering around on my desk this morning, maybe it was to remind me that Danie is currently in Pushkar for a few days, where there is a Camel Fair in progress. Better "shoo" them away, as I have work to do! Working my way through a long list, as usual!

      03 November 2014

      Bigger crane, bigger bucket today.

      02 November 2014

      Well, the month is off to a good start. Familiar sound, spring in to action, C-FLSD (900) came for a two hour visit to Kingston Harbour. Arrived at 10:49 est and was off again at 12:35. Here's a couple of quick snaps after departure and a swing back along the waterfront at 900/1,000 feet. I left my DHC-2.COM card in the mooring rope, so maybe he waved.

      Photos: Neil Aird © 02 November 2014 1235 EST

      30 October 2014

      I looked out the window this morning. Hmm, not my idea of fun! A lad was up checking the stonework of the cathedral. Not on my "Bucket List" . . .

      Photos: Neil Aird © 30 October 2014

      27 October 2014

      A delightful sunset here this evening. My son Anthony captured a couple of images of the sky from his favourite vantage point, atop a parking garage near his home.

      Photos: Anthony Aird © 27 October 2014

      I took another view from our balcony, looking across the street at Chalmers Church. Makes a change from Beavers.

      Photos: Neil Aird © 27 October 2014 18:01 EDT

      23 October 2014

      Just completed adding new data and pages to Beavers c/n 100 - 200. Moving to complete the Twin Otters today! Well, at 15:30 edt I completed the last of the Twin Otter PDF's. Thirty-three months of work by the team, Erik Johannesson, Ian Macintosh and myself. A few others have helped along the way. I just have to add images for the last fourteen airframes. Now back to the Beaver updates . . only 1,434 pages to go!!

      22 October 2014

      Photo: Michel Leonard © 16 Juillet 2010

      It is with great sadness I report the passing of my friend Marcel Fluet-Lecerf on 20 October. Those of you who are familiar with this website will know his photographs. For the last ten years Marcel has been collectng Beaver images, both from auctions and his numerous trips with his close friend Michel Leonard. Marcel (67) had been fighting a battle with cancer for the last few years. We'll miss you Marcel, but will always remember you. My sincere sympathy to your friends and fine family.

      Photo: "Papy Militaire" 27 September 2013

      Photo: Marcel Fluet-Lecerf © 12 July 2009

      17 October 2014

      These days I am using my "free time" to continue the long job of adding data to the history of each Beaver. Thanks to the work of my colleagues Ian Macintosh and Ian Macdonald, I am able to add this information - often increasing it by two-thirds! Currently working on c/n 100 - 200.

      16 October 2014

      On Monday and Tuesday I travelled to India without leaving my studio. My wife Danielle left Montréal - CYUL on PH-KCE (48559) an elderly MD-11 "Audrey Hepburn" operating KLM672 to Amsterdam - EHAM, on the first leg of her trip to India. Danie was no stranger to the KLM MD-11, having already flown in PH-KCD, KCF, KCG and KCH.

      Photo: Parr Yonemoto © 08 October 2014

      The above image of PH-KCE was taken on 08 October 2014 as it landed in Toronto - CYYZ. Thanks for the shot Parr. I watched Danie depart CYUL from push-back to take off with LiveATC tuned to CYUL Ground/Tower. While I slumbered, she crossed the pond, last time I looked she was way south of Greenland.

      Note: This actual aircraft "Audrey Hepburn" made the final KLM MD-11 flight from CYUL to EHAM on 25 October 2014. The end of an era. Danie will come home 12 November on an Airbus A330!

      Photo: Neil Aird © Dawn 06:59 edt on Tueday 14 October 2014

      On Tuesday morning I was again watching and listening from push back to take off, again listening to EHAM Ground/Tower etc. The flight path of PH-AOL Airbus A330-203 (900) took her over The Netherlands, Germany, southern Denmark, over the Baltic crossing into Latvia, then Russia. Our daughter Katie and I watched her approach and cross the Volga at FL390. Later I came back from a trip Downtown to find her again, this time directly overhead Kabul, Afghanistan. On over Lahore, Pakistan, and eventually landing at Delhi. I was able to watch PH-AOL turn off the runway and taxi to the gate. Only when the aircraft shut down, did I pack it in. It was 01:14 IST (15:14 edt) and Danie eventually made it to her hotel in the heart of old Delhi at about 04:39 local. Funny, I was not at all tired after such a long journey!

      It was interesting to note that PH-AOL has communicated with my computer ADS-B system 432 times since 24 January 2009!

      Here are a few snaps of the KL871 flight.

      Images are screen captures mostly, from FR24 - LINK

      At the bottom left hand corner of the last image sits OE-LAX an Austrian B767. I smiled when I saw that as it often passes my studio here in Kingston. Well, I just checked yesterday's list of aircraft that communicated with my SBS.

      440BB8 AUA72  OE-LAX   B763     29400 33000 15/10/2014 18:42:33            Lo and behold OE-LAX! It operated the same flight the day before too!

      Guess what passed by on Tuesday 14th ?

      484063 KLM31 PH-KCE MD11 30875 28075 14/10/2014 12:37:13    - PH-KCE operating KLM 31 EHAM - CYYZ - they never get a rest!

      13 October 2014

      Started work on "The Big Push" reformatting the Beaver data and finishing up the Twin Otter 300's. Only 64 of those to go. Have the house to myself as danie is off again with KLM. MD11 tonight CYUL to EHAM, then tomorrow A330 to Delhi, over, Holland, Germany, Latvia, Russia, Kazakhstan, Usbekistan, Tajikistan, Afghanistan and Pakistan!!

      12 October 2014

      No rest for the wicked. James Duggan came back eastbound, almost overhead at 2,500' - so managed another quick lense change and snap.

      Photos:  Neil Aird © 12 October 2014 14:55 edt

      Quick on the draw, just happened to look out, changed lense and shot into sun almost. C-GRHF (1123) at 3,000 heading to East Lake, which is in Prince Edward County, near Sandbanks Provincial Park, west of here.

      Photos:  Neil Aird © 12 October 2014 12:24 edt

      Without fail, every time I add a "Yellowbird" to the website, I receive an e-mail from my friend and DHC-2 Mk.III / DHC-2 driver, Neil Ayers. Usually I also receive well documented image of the aircraft in question - no exeption yesterday. Thanks Neil!! Here is an image of C-FOPA (1688TB56) en route, after mods from Viking Air at Victoria, back to Ontario. Note the large "last two" on the port wing. I had not noticed that before. Image shot from C-FOEH (1644TB24).

      Photo:  Neil Ayers © April 1993

      10 October 2014

      Photo:  Neil Aird © 10 October 2014 12:00 edt

      Unusual sight in the distance, just by chance noticed C-GDVY Bellanca 8GCBC (198-76) eastbound, towing C-GCLM Schweizer sailplane. Both belong to the Air Cadet League of Canada, probably heading from CFB Mountainview for some weekend event.

      09 October 2014

      Image: Dez Vaghy © 2014

      I am fortunate to live in a beautiful place. Dez Vaghy has captured some of my favourite views. Check out his YouTube Channel for some other areas of Kingston, Ontario. Maybe even check it out in person one day. The above vista is taken above Fort Henry, looking west over the Royal Military College to downtown Kingston. The Limestone City.

      08 October 2014

      Still breezy, noticed some cool clouds rolling by the cathedral.

      Photo:  Neil Aird © 08 October 2014 16:19 edt

      Blustery day here. By chance I checked my AIS radar and noticed a cruise ship in our harbour area. M. S. Hamburg. First time I've ever seen that! So, went for a hike. Here are a few shots, It was hard to stand still in the gale, and I felt very sorry for the folks being transferred back to the ship by tender! I notice the vessel is cruising west close to the shore. Tracks show it came from the west end of Lake Ontario overnight. Part of a sixteen day Great Lakes Tour, it went as far west as Chicago.

      Photos:  Neil Aird © 08 October 2014 14:44 and 15:02 edt

      06 October 2014

      Enjoying our wonderful Autumn. My view looking north from the studio.

      Photo:  Neil Aird © 06 October 2014 14:18 edt

      05 October 201414:18 edt

      Another "enigma" solved. I received the e-mail below from John today. So the Beaver is CF-JKG (1002), which makes it a New ! one for the website. Thanks John.

      A while back you folks posted a story about my search for a particular Beaver.

      An old pilot that flew for Athabaska Airways out of Buffalo Narrows, Saskatchewan, is saying the beaver in my photo is CF-JKG . It crashed in 1977 at Knee lake killing the pilot.The plane was writeoff. He knew from the lack of paint on the plane which one it was. Thanks for any leads you gave me.

      John

      04 October 2014

      Interesting sky this evening. I see the snow has arrived in Armstrong, Northern Ontario.

      Photo:  Neil Aird © 04 October 2014 18:55 edt

      Here's another "oldie"- a 23 year old dreamer. My travelling buddie Tom, who took the picture, fulfilled the dream of driving a Mustang (P-51C NL251MX) later in life, forty-five years later on 16 June 2013.

      Photo: Tom Baillie © 09 September 1968

      Photo: Kathleen Baillie © 16 June 2013 Tom in red shirt.

      Photo: "Back Seater" Tom Baillie © 16 June 2013

      01 October 2014

      Into glorious October. Just had the pleasure and delight of rubbing the backs of some honey bees! They have been enjoying some of my marigolds on the balcony.

      Photos: Neil Aird © 01 October 2014 17:00 edt

      I had the bright idea last night to give the folks who visit Twin Otter Archive the option of a monthly Calendar too!! Here's the October 2014 page.

      Photo: Robbie Shaw © 18 August 2010

      30 September 2014

      October 2014 DHC-2.COM Calendar pages are ready, my thanks to Bob Kobzey for this image I've been holding on to since May. Thanks Bob. Please note: I have redone the image as it came out too dark when printed. So if you printed before 10:00 edt (14:00 utc) today, please reprint page one. Thanks.

      29 September 2014

      Just before I get busy with the October 2014 DHC-2.COM Calendar pages, here's a lovely TBM-3 Avenger. Good to know it is still flying in 2014. I added a nice Cessna 195A to this collection as well.

      Photo: Neil Aird © 08 September 1968

      28 September 2014

      Photo: Neil Aird © 17 April 1998

      I just located and scanned 24 slides of my visit to this interesting airfield - Gila River / Chandler. I will be cleaning up the slides as they are of much better quality than the scanned prints!

      27 September 2014

      I will be continuing with my "Scandinavian Saunter" tomorrow, as a bit of light relief. Here is my arrival shot taken from "M.V. Gullfoss" (3,858 tons) after the crossing from Leith near Edinburgh, to Copenhagen. The "Gullfoss" (209 passenger limit) was later sold and renamed "Mecca" (now fitted out for 1,100 pilgrims!) and after a fire on board (all passengers escaped) she was left keeled over on a reef.

      Photo: Neil Aird © 19 August 1964

      26 September 2014

      As some of you well know, I often take Google's Stickman for a walk. Today was no exception. I have been working through a summer log "Scandinavian Saunter" a trip done in 1964. I was looking at a couple of photographs I had stuck inside the log.They were of 1947 vintage SE-AYM a Miles M.65 Gemini 1A (6296-707). I had been cycling along some gravel roads in Skåne (Southern Sweden) when I saw a sign for an airfield. It was a farm strip. I went to the door to ask permission to see the aircraft. Gunner Esbjörnsson took time to show me to the hangar and I viewed his Gemini and a Glider.

      Photos: Neil Aird © 23 August 1964

      It was a quiet, hot sunday in August. His wife asked if I would like to join them for a meal. I was more than happy to do that. It was quite a farm feast in their big kitchen. Now back to Google - I typed in the name of the farm "Simmelsberga" and next second I zoomed in and was looking at the farm yard!!

      After the very pleasant "refuelling" I bade them farewell and continued across country to Landskrona. What a nice interlude from the dusty roads. I notice they are all nicely paved now!! The farm continues and his son Christer and wife Helena also operate a Bed & Breakfast. You can fly in and use the grass strip! I must drop them an e-mail. On their website is an article written in 1963 by Gunner. I believe the Gemini is still active with Björn Esbörnsson.

      12 September 2014

      Photos: Neil Aird © 12 September 2014 13:30 edt

      Lockheed CC-130J-30 Hercules 130612 (5666) "CFC2552" of 436 Squadron, gets in some practise runs for tomorrow's "Family Day" at CFB Kingston. The Skyhawks will be doing a jump display then. I hope the skies are clearer for a good jump.

      .

      I'm working on a long overdue project. I use daily, a well thumbed seventeen page list of ID - c/n that I prepared back in 1997. All my changes/additions to that list are inserted in pen or pencil, as a result, over 17 years it is rather "messy" to say the least! I can't find the original file, so have embarked on a retyping into Excel, the whole database!! A slow process, but it has to be done carefully. When completed, I will be able to sort into c/n - ID also.

      09 September 2014

      Almost pear harvest time here. This fellow was a windfall, his name is Winston Pear.

      Lots of tomatoes ripening every day as well. Here are a few of yesterday's harvest.

      03 September 2014

      Yet another section started under the "Neil's Nostalgia" banner, hard to believe these snaps were taken almost 50 years ago! Will be adding more black and white and later some colour images. Below is a view of the old control tower. Maybe I'll expand it into my Swedish travels as well. We'll see . . . .

      Photos: Neil Aird © 18 September 1964

      02 September 2014

      More black and white negatives scanned the other day, to play with. This time, some of mine. I have just added a couple of images to my Renfrew and Prestwick pages.

      Photo: Neil Aird © 10 June 1964

      Photo: Neil Aird © c.1963

      31 August 2014

      Could not resist adding the 61st Beaver for August. September will be a quieter month from here. I have a few domestic projects happening, so will be unable to dedicate much time to the website. I do hope to maintain my one-a-day policy!!

      30 August 2014

      Today, after the Calendar was completed, I took some time off from "aeroplanes" and finally scanned my 1967 thesis. It was a black & white effort. I've had this on my list of things to do for several years. I printed the whole thing on thin document paper, using an old enlarger in my bedroom in Scotland. Shooting on the walI to get the images big enough. I then stuck the prints onto heavy card stock and lettered the whole thing by hand (using a template - one letter at a time) man it would be so easy these days with a computer!!!! I will in the coming "year" work on a small copy of it, just in case the original fades - itis still as good as it was back then (almost), however a few coffee stains are now on it!

      I had completed a similar large photographic report on my time in Sweden (1968) as part of my Post Graduate studies, but I fear it will have been lost in the tragic Glasgow School of Art fire. It was probably in the Library Archive area, as the School kept it.

      As the month is almost over, I have just added the September 2014 DHC-2.COM Calendar Pages for you. My thanks to Jean-Philippe Richard for this beautiful study of C-GHMS (401). Merci J-P.

      Photo: Jean-Philippe Richard © 01 August 2014

      29 August 2014

      Still staring at the sky every now and then. Now, United Airlines N26909 Boeing B787-800 Dreamliner (34827) "UAL5" just cruised by, FL400.

      Photo: Neil Aird © 29 August 2014 16:22 edt

      I started early today, here's a sequence of Venus rising this morning. Oh yes, it's that steeple again!

      Photos: Neil Aird © 29 August 2014 05:47 edt

      28 August 2014

      Steeple jacks working these days on a neighbourhood church that features often in this blog.

      Photo: Neil Aird © 28 August 2014 16:42 edt

      Todays little tasty Tom Thumb harvest. They keep a comin' . . . .

      Photo: Neil Aird © 28 August 2014

      Photo: DHC © 1951

      Caught another New ! Beaver, thanks to Ken Swartz for finding this DHC image in a 1952 magazine. Thanks Ken. Busy shop floor at de Havilland Canada plant at Downsview in last quarter of 1951.

      26 August 2014

      Photo: Lance Higgerson © August 2014

      Over the last few weeks I have had many images taken by our correspondents, lucky enough to have been at "Oshkosh Airventure 2014". Many thanks lads. Here is one I like, taken by Lance Higgerson. It shows N94DN (1632TB18) being marshalled down the right taxiway by one of the many dedicated volunteers that make such a huge event possible. A "click" of the mike to you all.

      25 August 2014

      Finishing off the day by scaling up, and cleaning up a few of "Eddy's" civil aircraft images. Here's a sample. Will be adding gradually. G-ALZR (5214) Airspeed AS.57 Ambassador 2 of BKS Air Transport.

      Photo: R. A. Edwards ©

      Beautiful sky this morning. Cirrocumulus says me mate Pete. My Dad used to call it a mackerel sky. 3C in Saskatoon this morning, but 20C here in Kingston, heading to 26C.

      Photo: Neil Aird © 25 August 2014 08:30edt

      24 August 2014

      Photo: Anthony C. Aird © 24 August 2014

      My son Anthony Aird just sent this "tweaked" Instagram shot of our air ambulance down at the Kingston General Hospital pad. It's C-GYNH an Augusta AW139 (41230).

      Since it is a Sunday, I thought I'd add this shot - well it is of 9H-VJC a Vistajet Bombardier Global Express 6000 (9448) "VJT839C" cruising by at FL410 some 22 nm north of my station. Routing from MMTO - Toluca, Mexico, to CYUL - Montréal.

      Photo: Neil Aird © 24 August 2014 16:06edt

      Photo: John W. Olafson © 20 March 2013

      A few minutes ago I received a note from our correspondent John W. Olafson. He thought this airframe sounded familiar, so here is what it looks like closer to the ground! Taken at KPSP - Palm Springs. Thanks John. Click on the image for a link to a larger image. Indirectly there is a Beaver connection, it was built at Downsview!

      Adding some images taken by my pal R. A. "Eddy" Edwards. Some Canberra aircraft to start with. Here's WJ817 a P.R.7 model.

      21 August 2104

      Irish International EI-LBS Boeing 757-2Q8/W (27623) passing my house at FL370 this evening, operating "EIN1MN" Toronto - Dublin. A former Finnish machine OH-LBS.

      Photo: Neil Aird © 21 August 2014 19:36edt

      Trawling through older images, I found this "cute puppy" taken at Prince Albert in Saskatchewan. Always had a soft spot for the Grumman S-2 Tracker. Here is C-GEQE (DHC-92) built at de Havilland Canada plant at Downsview, ex 1593 of the RCN..

      Photo: Neil Aird © 17 September 2003

      Keeping an eye on my garden produce. Apples coming along, tomatoes in abundance!

      20 August 2014

      Changed my screensaver the other day, you might enjoy seeing it. A roadside view in Alaska between Denali and Healy.

      Photo: Neil Aird © September 2004

      17 August 2014

      Spent the day scanning 250 slides for my Ken Marshall pages. The tip of the iceberg, so to speak. The real work begins, cropping distant shots, doing my best to clean them up, and adding them to Ken's Archive. Who is Ken Marshall anyway? Here is a snap of the lad taken back in June 1968 - a hero shot in front of an Indian Air Force Liberator, no less.

      Photo: Unknown photographer © 14 June 1968

      I know these images will bring pleasure to many. A sample is the only Canadair C-5 North Star, 10000 (171) of the RCAF.

      Photo: Ken Marshall © September 1964

      I have a couple of weeks "free" to tackle various projects that have been on the back burner. I'll try to keep up with the Beavers and Twotters too!

      15 August 2014

      Just received an interesting web site link from Leif Hellström, pointing me to an image of HP-375 (178). Many thanks Leif, certainly an interesting site, and very fine images by photographer Jim Nickless. Worth checking out, I certainly learned a lot!

      Photo: Jim Nickless © 1964

      Added a few images to Ken Marshall pages, some Connies to his U.S. Military Section. Planning on more additions over the next few weeks.

      Photo: 131635 R7V-1 • Ken Marshall © June 1965

      10 August 2014

      A note this morning from my DHC-2.COM collegue Ian Macintosh this morning. Many thanks Ian!

      "A little task that was long overdue has been to review the number of images held on the website as shown on the leading page. This we have now done and lo and behold we have found quite a few more photos that were hidden away. So the total as at 07-Aug-2014 is now a magnificent 10,356.

       When you open a thumbprint on the monthly update or the  master index you will find a collection of photos, normally in reverse historical date order, followed by the aircraft's history as currently known (which we will be adding to over the coming winter). Then sometimes there are additional photos of unfortunate accident scenes or cameos of rebuilds and "Beaver Personalities" associated with the aircraft, often with anecdotes from persons associated with the aircraft or individuals. All these photos are included in the total".  Ian

      08 August 2014

      Looking forward to seeing this future documentary, nice to have Harrison Ford narrate too.

      What a great project to be involved in.

      Well, first couple of "fall" coloured leaves on the ground . . . ! Yikes - but it has been a delightfully cool July here in Kingston, not complaining.

      07 August 2014

      I made this new page for the website, not sure where it will lead? It gives a thumbnail "retrospective" of my almost ten years of DHC-2.COM Calendar Pages! Maybe we can vote on our favourites? Have a look - perhaps post some comments in the DHC-2.COM Yahoo Group?

      06 August 2014

      Just by chance I checked on FR24 to see where C-GVRA is. Bingo, almost at Iceland. FL8,500 clipping along at 210kts.

      Some days just don't go right. 01 August 2014 at Crosswind Lake is a case in point. N87808 (1155) bounced on landing and came to rest on the shore. Of course we had a camera man Colin Keith there to record the scene. I'm sure all will be fixed at some point.

      Photo: Colin Keith © 01 August 2014 via Fred Wallis

      05 August 2014

      Well "Vera" the Lanc "Heritage One" is off on her adventures. First CYYR - via Ottawa. Safe travels my friend.

      Screen shot: 10:30 from FR24

      Screen shot: 10:34 from RadarBox24

      Close but no coconut ;-( On my box! Only 24 nm away.

      Screen shot: SBS-1er - from my location in Kingston.

      Screen shot : FR24 11:44EDT

      That's it for my "flight following" session.

      04 August 2014

      On 13 August 1959 I sat at Prestwick Airport with my log book open, did a sketch in pencil and tested out my new red ball-point pen, of FM213 an Avro Lancaster CSR Mk.X of the RCAF. A few of my pals were lucky enough to get invited by the crew to join them in a "ground taxi" to the north dispersal area.

      It was the first "Lanc" of the RCAF I had seen. On 05 September 1959, I saw FM104. Both were escorting RCAF aircraft across the pond. Today FM213 / C-GVRA leaves on an epic journey eastbound once again, across the pond. Today, fifty-five years later, I will be tracking it, along with many others.

      I just noticed a coincidence, in my log the day before 12 August 1959, I noted CF-HOT Avro Anson V (BRC-1567) was present at Prestwick, this too, ended up with the Canadian Warplane Heritage Museum at Hamilton Airport, Ontario!!

      03 August 2014

      Another interesting e-mail arrived last night, relating to CF-FHC (12). Thanks to Laurel Russell.

      Photo: Unknown photographer © c. 1950's - via Laurel (Wright) Russell

      Photo: Laurel (Wright) Russell ©

      Hello! My Dad, Ken Wright ( far left in top photo) passed away two weeks ago at the age of 91. He was the pilot for Jack Beban of Beban Logging (the man in the middle with the tie). Besides flying men and supplies into logging camps, FHC and my Dad flew wealthy American hunters and fishers into remote BC areas (hence the impressive catch below). That beloved aircraft also took us kids on many adventures with our parents to places inaccessible by car.
      My Dad was thrilled to find your site on his "new fangled" iPad.....he couldn't believe that getting all of this updated information was so easy!  Thank you for making an elderly pilot so very happy to read about "HIS" old plane!

      Laurel (Wright) Russell :)

      Photo: Danny Hoggard © 18 September 2013

      Last weekend N64393 (845) clocked up 40,000 hours. Well done, certainly a high time Beaver. Congratulations to all at Promech Air in Ketchikan for achieving this milestone. Thanks to Bob in maintenance for the info.

      31 July 2014

      For years now I have heard the very distinctive sound made by the Piaggio P-180, I've never managed to spot any. Tonight I heard the sound of the Bell Aliant's C-GCOM (1117) Avanti II on the regular run to Halifax, Nova Scotia. Here it is at FL350.

      Photo: Neil Aird © 31 July 2014 19:29 EDT

      Photo: Neil Aird © 31 July 2014 14:58 EDT

      Here's a shot for you, taken a few minutes ago, "Dream Catcher" or maybe "Chasing a Dream" shows a Bombardier CRJ-7 C-GLJZ (15051) following through the recent trail (five minutes earlier), of an Air Canada Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner, C-GHPQ (35257) operating AC410.

      • Photo: Erik Nielsen © 23 July 2014 •

      End of the month again, and the August 2014 DHC-2.COM Calendar pages are here for you to enjoy. Thanks to Erik Nielsen (son Rick is owner) for this beautiful image (I almost called it "Tundra Time"). Thanks Erik!

      Photo: Neil Aird © 13 September 2004

      Last night as I was listening to a Paul Simon tune, I heard the words "Clouds, Waves and Fire" referring to Nature's designs. It reminded me if this image I took from an Alaska Airlines Boeing 737 en route from Cordova to Juneau. The "Fire" here is hidden!

      29 July 2014

      Photo: Graeme D. Mills © 28 July 2014

      Yesterday at Palm Beach, New South Wales, celebrated the 50th Anniversary of the first flight of VH-SWB (1557). Congratulations to Steve Krug and his wife Jenny on this occasion! Graeme Mills was there to capture the event.

      Back on 08 November 2010, Steve let me ride along with him on his morning commute from Bankstown to Rose Bay.This plan was hatched up by Peter Reardon. I have added some images taken on this pleasant flight. Thanks Steve, I enjoyed keeping you company. You put in a long day sir, and I wondered how it ended up? I watched huge storm clouds roll in later in the afternoon from my airport hotel room!! Quite a fireworks display, the International Airport shut down.

      Completing work on Greybull 1998 page. I have 78 images to process, so might take a few days!! If you like C-97, C-119 and P-2E aircraft, you will enjoy this section of the website. My small tribute to Hawkins & Powers.

      Photo: Neil Aird © 25 April 1998

      28 July 2014

      Today I started a new Current Blog page, the last one is now archived here.

      27 July 2014

      Received this e-mail last night from Heinz Portman, thanks Heinz!

      Hello you amazing guys.
      Just run into the Beaver website and I am most impressed. As a previous owner of one of the planes, namely CF-MAV serial # 1056, I would like to update some information as you show it in regards to MAV.
      My son and I (Michael and Heinz Portmann) purchased this airplane from the Manitoba Government after they retired it. We picked it up in Manitoba and flew it to Campbell River in early 1976 where we installed the floats that came with the purchase. At that time it had a zero time engine, otherwise it was sort of standard conditions after government use. It was registered in the name of R&N Logging, We used MAV in our logging business, flying crew, food, equipment and dynamite between Campbell River and Lougborough Inlet, Accessible only by float plane or boat.
      We put around 1,000 hrs on MAV until we sold the company, we then replaced the engine and overhauled and repainted the plane before we sold it to McCully Aviation Ltd.  in Nanaimo BC.
      It is nice to see that this Beaver is now flying in Germany as D-FLEN. What an aircraft, we got lots of stories and pictures about MAV.
      Hoping you can update the info on the website, I remain, and again impressed with your work
      Sincerely
      Heinz Portmann

      26 July 2014

      Well folks, I think the March Field Air Museum page is complete now with 109 images. I've left out a couple of exhibits that were inside. Below is the closest thing to a Beaver I found, a venerable PZL built AN-2N. Tomorrow, back to Beavers. I have some time to myself for a week, so will indulge in some aeronautical projects - including some updates to TwinOtterArchive.

      Photo: Neil Aird © 21 May 2009

      Continuing the 2014 "Beaver Hat" Campaign. Please help if you can. Be a patron/supporter ;-) My thanks, and a "tip of the hat" to the three most recent donors Stan B (CA), Ian B (BC) and Paul C (OZ) - thanks gents!

      check out Neil's past blog archives