Passing the Torch: Michael Potter’s Legacy and the Future of Vintage Wings of Canada

On Tuesday, November 12, Michael Potter, founder of Vintage Wings of Canada, announced that he will begin winding down The Michael Potter Collection over the next year, stepping back from his longstanding commitment to Canadian vintage warbird operations. He looks forward to dedicating more time to his other passions. For a quarter of a century, Potter has selflessly invested his resources, time, and energy into building an exceptional collection of the finest single-engine aircraft once operated by Canada’s Royal Canadian Air Force. His mission has always been about honoring veterans, celebrating their duty, honor, dignity, courage, faith, and leadership.

While this announcement marks the end of a chapter in Potter’s life, it does not signal the end of Vintage Wings of Canada. The organization remains a strong and viable charitable foundation, run entirely by volunteers and independent of Potter and his private collection. Vintage Wings of Canada is supported by generous donations, bequests, and a secure, autonomous financial endowment. Since 2018, the foundation has actively acquired and operated a growing fleet of historic civil and military aircraft.

These aircraft enable Vintage Wings of Canada to continue Potter’s important work, fulfill his vision, inspire new generations of aviators, and share the stories of the rapidly dwindling ranks of WWII airmen and airwomen. Vintage Wings will also continue to host popular events and outreach programs such as fly-ins, Warbird U, and Yellow Wings, a long-standing youth-focused initiative conducted in partnership with the Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF), offering young people the chance to fly in historic RCAF training aircraft.

Vintage Wings of Canada is a not-for-profit, charitable organization dedicated to preserving and showcasing historically significant aircraft, entirely operated by volunteers. The organization’s mission is to acquire, restore, maintain, and fly classic aircraft that highlight the early history of powered flight in Canada, with a particular focus on Second World War aircraft. Vintage Wings of Canada offers educational and flight programs using its own fleet, as well as aircraft from founder Michael Potter’s collection, to inspire and educate future generations about Canada’s aviation heritage. The organization strives to bring these aircraft to life as more than mere artifacts of metal, fabric, and wood; it seeks to preserve their essence through the thunderous roar of engines, the scent of leather, glycol, oil, and sweat, and the joy of pilots who take them to the skies over Canada, honoring their natural element. For more information about the WVoC, you can visit www.vintagewings.ca

 

Although Potter, who set all this in motion and propelled it forward with extraordinary dedication, will be turning to other pursuits, Vintage Wings of Canada will carry on his legacy into a bright future. The greatest tribute to Potter’s work for Canada and Vintage Wings may be to carry on his vision—and he would undoubtedly be proud of that.