The Tiger Moth, with the Stearman Kadet close behind, both housed at the Brandon CATPM will take full flight, weather permitting, on Aug. 23 at the 2nd Annual Dauphin Take Flight Day. (Photo: K-J Millar/Shilo Stag News)
The Tiger Moth, with the Stearman Kadet close behind, both housed at the Brandon CATPM will take full flight, weather permitting, on Aug. 23 at the 2nd Annual Dauphin Take Flight Day. (Photo: K-J Millar/Shilo Stag News)
K-J Millar
Shilo Stag Media
Military and flight enthusiasts can spread their wings and enjoy some free food on the second annual Take Flight Day at Billy Barker Airport in Dauphin, held with assistance from the Brandon Commonwealth Air Training Museum (CATPM) on Aug. 23.
CFB Shilo and 17 Wing Winnipeg personnel, as well as the public, are invited to fly their own aircraft in or drive in for the family-fun, free day-long event, which is open from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m., starting with a complimentary fly-in breakfast.
Hosted by Dauphin resident and retired member of the 26th Field Regiment, Darrel Inkster, the no-charge event was launched last year to celebrate his birthday in a unique way. Inkster told Shilo Stag News he wanted to expand the event to share some military and aviation history with the communities surrounding Dauphin.
The wood-fired grills will be hot and sizzling all day, with corn on the cob, hot dogs, hamburgers, pickles, sauerkraut, and homemade treats to enjoy for free; however, donations will be greatly appreciated, as all profits will assist the 50 LCol Barker V.C Royal Canadian Air Cadet Squadron.
In collaboration with the CATPM, three historic aircraft will be soaring in for people to view and take to the skies starting at 10 a.m., weather permitting.
Director General of the CATPM in Brandon, Zoe McQuinn, said she is proud that the museum can support this endeavour, as aviation historically runs like jet fuel through Manitoba’s blood.
“The Dauphin community is really part of the story,” she said, just like more than 150 other communities across the province.
McQuinn explained that Dauphin airport was part of “The Plan,” with military training and flights out of there during the Second World War. The Dauphin Regional Airport was renamed Lt. Col W.G. (Billy) Barker, VC Airport in 1998 to honour the WestMan hero and Canadian First World War flying ace.
Born on a farm in Dauphin, Lieutenant-Colonel Barker is the most decorated serviceman in Canada’s history. He grew up working on his father’s farm and, while still in high school, was the hunter who provided food to the sawmill workers. During Grade 11 at Dauphin Collegiate, after the country’s call to arms in 1914, he enlisted as No. 106074 Trooper William G. Barker in the 1st Canadian Mounted Rifles.
“We’re connected to our communities through being able to fly and reach each other in remote areas. I think all of these stories and all of these planes really connect us to that past, but it also gets kids excited about the future and where they could go.”
Dauphin has had a hard year, she said, and the CAPTM is happy to support the community by providing a day of interest in flight in a meaningful way.
“This is a day and opportunity to go up there to reconnect with the community that supported the Canadian Military and RCAF during the war, and also give everybody a chance to support local community initiatives.”
Flights will be available on the iconic Tiger Moth, Stearman Kadet and Harvard Mark 4, weather permitting, for $380 to $430, plus a $30 CATPM membership, which is a Transport Canada rule, McQuinn said.
For more information, phone or text 204-572-7066.
The Harvard air craft, housed at the Brandon CATPM will take full flight, weather permitting, on Aug. 23 at the 2nd Annual Dauphin Take Flight Day. (Photo: K-J Millar/Shilo Stag News)
