Zoe McQuinn, director general of the CAPTM said this May holiday weekend gives visitors the rare chance to step into the open cockpit of this iconic Allied Second World War training aircraft, the Boeing Stearman Kaydet. The aircraft was donated to the museum by a benefactor last year. (Photo: K-J Millar/Shilo Stag News)
K-J Millar
Shilo Stag Media
The Commonwealth Air Training Plan Museum has a high-flying start planned for the 2026 season with its annual, official opening during the Victoria Day holiday weekend, May 16 and 17.
The museum is inviting visitors seeking an unforgettable excursion to explore the CATPM’s original 1941 hangar and experience the sights and sounds of vintage wartime aviation with first-ever public heritage flights aboard the newly arrived Stearman Kaydet.
Zoe McQuinn, director general of the CATPM said the aircraft represents the very beginning of the journey for so many young people who passed through the British Commonwealth Air Training Plan during the war.
“For pilots, the Stearman was often their first experience learning the fundamentals of flight. For ground crew and support personnel, aircraft like this became part of daily life – fuelling, repairing, preparing, and keeping these machines flying. When visitors climb into the cockpit of the Stearman, they are stepping into a small piece of that world. The noise, the wind, the smell of oil and fuel, the open prairie sky – it becomes very real.”
“This weekend gives the visitors the rare chance to step into the open cockpit of this iconic Allied Second World War training aircraft.”
“Known for its unmistakable biplane silhouette, open cockpit, and powerful presence in the skies of the 1930s and 1940s, the Stearman helped train thousands of young Allied pilots during WWII. Before pilots ever advanced to Harvards, Hurricanes, Lancasters, or Spitfires, many first learned the fundamentals of flight in aircraft like this one.
Visitors to the museum this weekend can:
- Book heritage flights in historic aircraft
- Experience the debut season of the CATPM’s Boeing Stearman Kaydet
- Explore one of Canada’s most unique aviation museums
- Watch flying operations on an active airfield apron
- Meet pilots, volunteers, and aviation enthusiasts passionate about preserving history
Flights are weather permitting and space is limited. Advance booking is encouraged.
- Admission costs for the 2026 season are:
- Adults: $10.00
- Youth (6–17): $5.00
- Under 6: Free
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Current Military / Veterans / University / College Students: $5.00
- Family Rate: $25.00 (max 2 adults; may not apply to special events)
- Individual Membership: $30.00
- Family Membership: $50.00 (max 2 adults, up to 6 children)
- Historic aviation flight experiences for the 2026 season are:
- Harvard Mark II: $430 + CATPM Membership
- Boeing Stearman: $430 + CATPM Membership
- Tiger Moth DH82c: $330 + CATPM Membership
- Fleet Finch I: $330 + CATPM Membership
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The Museum is open daily from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. for the 2026 season, including weekends.
(204) 727-2444
airmuseum@inetlink.ca
The Commonwealth Air Training Plan Museum and RCAF WWII Memorial is located at the Brandon Municipal Airport and is open daily.
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