THE CANADIAN MUSEUM OF FLIGHT

Langley, British Columbia
by Susie Lee

The Canadian Museum of Flight is the only aviation museum in the mainland of British Columbia, and carries the largest collection of aircrafts from Canada’s aviation history. They are dedicated in recovering, restoring, preserving and showcasing vintage aircrafts. Visitors will love the hands-on exploration at this museum.

INSIDE THE HANGER

As I stepped into the hangar, I saw some slick jets, smooth gliders, and an ultra light helicopter. Neat Artifacts and uniforms made their homes in the nooks and crannies throughout the hangar. Rob, an aviation enthusiast and historian was my guide for the day. He knew about every aircraft and artifact that was in the hanger. We came a came across a World War I fighter plane and I got an opportunity to sit in the pilot seat. To my surprise, the pilot seat area is very small and confined. The fighter plane was built small and swift in order to be able to attack and out maneuver enemy aircrafts. It was great to be able to freely explore and touch many of the aircrafts and artifacts in this museum.

IN THE COURTYARD

In the courtyard stood a Lockheed Starfighter, Beechcraft Expeditor, Douglas DC3 and Sikorsky helicopter, just to name a few. Some of the aircrafts were completely restored to fly while others were only for static display. Most of the aircrafts I saw were owned by the museum but a few of them were on loan by private owners.

The Canadian Museum of Flight is very proud to showcase the only displayed Handley Page Hampden, a British bomber plane used in World War II. In 1985, this plane was found under six-hundred feet of water near Vancouver Island. The plane was completely restored with the addition of other components from two other Hampden planes. Visitors from around the world have come to this museum to see this rare and historic aircraft in person.

I was surprised to hear the majority of visitors to the museum are actually tourists from other countries. I hope local residents and future generations will come out to see this great Canadian aviation museum and take advantage of this hidden gem in their own backyards.

FINAL THOUGHTS

I want to thank the museum for their dedication in preserving Canada's aviation history and for educating and allowing the public to touch and sit in these vintage collector aircrafts. May this museum continue to honor and help us remember all the Canadian veterans who have fought for our country for the freedom we enjoy today.

I learned that this museum had many more aircrafts and artifacts locked up in a storage room due to limited floor space in the existing hangar. My hope is that one day, this non-profit museum will have enough money through the generosity of donors to build a bigger space to display even more historical aircrafts for the public to discover and enjoy.

FOR MORE INFORMATION

Canadian Museum Of Flight
Hangar 3 – 5333 216th Street
Langley, British Columbia
Telephone: (604) 532-0035
www.canadianflight.org

+ Part 1: POLAR BEAR SWIM
+ Part 2: BIRD SANCTUARY
+ Part 3: MEADOW MAZE
+ Part 4: MUSEUM OF FLIGHT
+ Part 5: FLYING SCHOOL

+ Download PDF One-sheet
+ Canadian Museum Of Flight