PRESS RELEASE
The Canadian Harvard Aircraft Association (CHAA) is proud to celebrate its 40th anniversary in 2025, marking four decades of dedication to preserving the iconic Harvard aircraft and its legacy. Founded in 1985 by three passionate aviation enthusiasts, CHAA was established to honor the men and women who flew and maintained these aircraft in service of freedom. Today, CHAA is a registered charitable organization operated entirely by volunteers committed to maintaining the largest operational fleet of Harvards in North America. Based at Tillsonburg Regional Airport, the association cares for eight Harvards and one Yale, keeping these historic aircraft in flying condition.
“Keeping these warbirds airworthy is no small feat,” said Walther Irie, President of CHAA. “Yet our volunteers remain dedicated to ensuring the Harvard’s legacy lives on and preserving its historical significance for future generations.” The Harvard, now more than 80 years old, played a crucial role in Canada’s wartime aviation history. As the backbone of the British Commonwealth Air Training Plan during the Second World War, it served as the Royal Canadian Air Force’s primary advanced trainer, preparing more than 130,000 Canadian and Allied aircrew for combat. Its unmistakable roar once echoed across more than 150 air bases throughout Canada.
Despite minimal government funding, CHAA has sustained its operations through fundraising initiatives, special events, and flight experience programs—offering aviation enthusiasts the chance to relive history firsthand. “We’ve had Second World War veterans visit with their flight logbooks, and when they step back into the cockpit, their faces light up or fill with tears,” Irie added. “It’s a powerful moment, and it makes all our efforts worthwhile.”
To commemorate this milestone, CHAA is planning several special events throughout 2025, including a free-admission Open House Fly Day on Saturday, July 5, 2025 (flights available at an additional cost; rain date: July 6). Additional events and details will be announced on CHAA’s upcoming new website. For more information, visit www.harvards.com.
