Westland Lysander for Vintage Wings of Canada

[mrhenniger]

Vintage Wings of Canada Press Release
23 May 2007
Ottawa, Ontario, Canada

Vintage Wings of Canada is pleased to announce the acquisition of another aircraft to the Gatineau based collection. A Westland Lysander has been obtained from Anna Whereatt of Assiniboia, Saskatchewan, Canada. This particular example is a Mark IIIa which was operated by the Royal Canadian Air Force during WWII as serial number 2365.

Anna along with her husband Harry, obtained the Lysander in 1977, one that had spent much time in open storage on a farm. It was one of two reasonably complete airframes in addition to four other Lysanders which were used as parts sources, all of which were obtained from various locations from the mid-1960s to the mid-1970s. The Whereatt family progressed the restoration of 2365 over the years and it is now complete. Although 2365 has not been flown since the work was completed it is in very good condition. Michael Potter, founder of Vintage Wings, comments “It will undergo a deep airframe survey and we will have both the engine and propeller overhauled. Until we have the airplane on hand and develop a plan, we are unable to estimate the date of its first flight. Currently we believe that we can do that within 18 months. We will be transporting it to Gatineau over the next week and hope to have it on hand for visitors by the end of the month.”

The acquisition of the Lysander is an important one. The fighter and trainers are well represented in the Vintage Wings collection, but utility aircraft like the Lysander are not. Lysanders were often used in target towing roles in Canada and perhaps are most well known for clandestine operations into France during WWII in support of the Free French. The mission of Vintage Wings is to inspire and educate future generations about the historical significance of our aviation heritage and the Lysander will be a great aid in doing so. This means there are many potential paint schemes. Michael Potter comments, “We do not know how it will be painted. There are so many wonderful stories about this imposing but peculiar airplane and we will certainly want to do something to stimulate interest in this fascinating part of WWII history.” You can be assured the Vintage Wings historical team is looking for a colour scheme which will allow the Lysander crews to be commemorated and future generations to be inspired.

The Whereatt family is happy the Lysander is staying in Canada. They recently visited the Vintage Wings hangar and inspected an airframe formerly owned by Harry, a Hurricane Mk XII, s/n 5447. They were impressed with the hangar, but even more pleased with the crew and are confident the Lysander is going to a good home.

Mike Henniger

[Warbirdnerd]

Great News for a growing collection. The Lysander is a neat bird for sure.
I wonder if there is any chance we'll see any of the other Vintage Wings Canada Birds at Oshkosh this year?

[Taylor Stevenson]

Great!!! How many flying Lysanders will that make?

[JDK]

Currently one.

With this on ('within 18 months') two. But by then, there may be others.

See: this post for my roundup.

[Greg87]

I've heard rumours of this for a while, glad to hear that this one is confirmed! I can't wait to see ours fly at CWH (this year if the paperwork permits), maybe next year we'll see a Lysander formation!

[mrhenniger]

I wonder if there is any chance we'll see any of the other Vintage Wings Canada Birds at Oshkosh this year?

I just checked the schedule and it doesn't look like Oshkosh is a destination for VWoC this year. However, VWoC will be taking four aircraft to Geneseo; Mustang, Hurricane, Staggerwing and the Fox Moth.

Mike

[K225]

The warbird world in Canada continues to expand, amazing! Thanks so much to Mike Potter for sharing his passion for these wonderful machines.
Those of us who have got to know this man know that it is because of him we are seeing these aircraft fly again. Mike has put together a first rate operation in a very short time, with top notch pilots and staff. But its Mike's personable nature and generosity that makes it happen.
After so many years of the great folks at CWH having to carrying the torch alone its nice to see things come alive again. The site of the Lancaster in formation with three Hurricanes won't that be a rush. Along with the two Lizzie's as well.
Its also thanks to guys like Harry who have managed to perserve these machines for future generations.
Last year BoB formation was merlin heaven.

[Greg87]

I agree it's great to have a man like Mike Potter around. I had the pleasure of meeting him last year, which was a big deal for me! We were just sitting around at the museum, minding our own business, waiting for our Harvard to come back, when... a P-51 taxis in!!!! After he taxis in he informs us that his Hurricaine is close behind him!!! The aircraft were on their way back from Thunder Over Michigan and stopped in for customs and gas. While waiting Mike Potter sat there with us and we were talking with him, it was great to see someone who has such an amazing collection and is dedicated to preserving it for teaching others. Some day this summer I hope to head out there and try and get a look in there. In my opinion though he needs one more aircraft.... DeHavilland Mosquito, I can dream, can't I?

[Ryan Keough]

Outstanding news! Makes me sad that I am leaving the Northeast... it certainly sounds like things are accumulating in this area rapidly.

Can't wait to see her on the grass at Gennie someday!

[K225]

A Mosquito eh, who knows you might be surprised what will appear in Gatineau next.

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[K225]

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[K225]

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[Greg87]

I think I'd move to Gatineau if a Mosquito showd up. Thats my ultimate favourite warbird.

[mrhenniger]

Some day this summer I hope to head out there and try and get a look in there.

For information regarding how to arrange a group tour go to...
http://www.vintagewings.ca/page?s=71&lang=en-CA

However, during the busy summer flying season we hope to reduce the demand for tours so the limited volunteer resources can be utilized elsewhere, like the open house events. For the dates of these events go to...
http://www.vintagewings.ca/page?s=70&lang=en-CA

Mike

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[daveymac82c]

Good to hear!!!

Everything seems to be flying east here in Canada though. I can't wait to see it fly.

-David