PRESS RELEASE
The Canadian Harvard Aircraft Association (CHAA) will celebrate its 40th anniversary on Saturday, July 5, with a special Open House and Fly Day at Tillsonburg Regional Airport. The public is invited to attend this free, family-friendly event, which will showcase the organization’s dedication to preserving one of Canada’s most iconic wartime trainers. Founded in 1985, CHAA is a registered charitable organization committed to keeping the legacy of the Harvard aircraft alive. For four decades, the group has operated, restored, and flown these distinctive yellow aircraft in tribute to the thousands of men and women who served in them during the Second World War.
The anniversary event will run from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. and will feature static displays of the association’s impressive fleet—the largest Harvard collection in North America—as well as hangar tours and restoration project exhibits. Visitors will have the opportunity to purchase memorabilia and even experience a flight in a Harvard, with advance booking recommended via [email protected].
A short commemorative ceremony, including a cake-cutting, will be held at 1 p.m. The local Lions Club will provide barbecue fare throughout the day. In the event of inclement weather, the rain date is set for Sunday, July 6. The Harvard, also known as “the pilot maker,” served as a key training aircraft for the Royal Canadian Air Force and Allied airmen during the Second World War. Under the British Commonwealth Air Training Plan, it helped prepare thousands of pilots for combat.
The Canadian Harvard Aircraft Association began with a shared vision by three aviation enthusiasts—former RCAF pilot Bob Hewitt, Norm Beckham, and Len Fallowfield—who saw the importance of preserving this chapter of military aviation history. What started as a modest initiative has grown into a vibrant volunteer-led organization with over 400 members and a powerful presence in the Canadian aviation community. More information can be found at www.harvards.com.
