Avro Avian G-CAVB Biplane Replica
When the Foundation's Master Plan committee decided to replicate Blatchford Field Air Hangar it involved the installation of a biplane. Although there were many pilots and airplanes that played an important role in Edmonton's aviation history, the Foundation decided that the Avro Avian biplane would be most appropriate for the Park. There are, however, only five original Avro Avians still surviving; thus it was more feasible for us to construct a replica.
After much research, the Hangar project committee decided on Captain Wilfred "Wop" May's Avro Avian. Captain May was one of the many bush pilots "that were Edmonton's Hollywood stars during the 1920s and 1930s." The primary reason behind the choice of Captain May's biplane is the New Year's Day 1929 mercy flight. Wop May and Vic Horner flew for four days in Avro Avian G-CAVB's open-air cockpit to deliver diphtheria antitoxin to Fort Vermillion. When they arrived in Fort Vermillion, both had to be physically pried from the biplane as they were too stiff from the cold to move. News of this fantastical flight was reported in many of Canada's major newspapers. The hearty spirit displayed by both men is what made, and continues to make, Edmonton what it is today. Thanks to a grant from the Edmonton Community Lottery Board, we were able to commission the services of Byron Reynolds and his staff at Historic Aviation Services for construction of the replica.
Construction on our Avro Avian began on January 2, 2001 under the skillful supervision of John Strembitsky AME (Aircraft (Aerospace) Maintenance Engineer). Assisting John were Greg Davis, Hal Krueger AME, and Jonathon Davis. Combined, this crew has approximately 120 years of combined experience on wood and fabric aircraft. The replica was constructed using the same techniques and materials where possible and practical as the original. Certain concessions, however, have been made to accommodate safe public interaction with the aircraft. The major original aircraft parts prepared for static display and incorporated into the project are: engine; wheels; wheel covers; tires; fuel tank; seats; seat belts; control columns; instruments; and the propeller. Our Avro Avian replica is finished in the original colors and markings that it wore when operated by Commercial Airways of Alberta Ltd. in 1929. Upon completion, the Historic Aviation Services crew have invested an estimated 3,200 man hours in the project.
The biplane replica was unveiled in May, 2002, and is currently off-site pending the construction of a shelter at Fort Edmonton Park.