Wings Of The Prairies

          On June 9 2023 in a press release that surprised few in the industry, WestJet announced that subsidiary airline Swoop will be integrated into the mainline fleet of WestJet as of 28 October this year. The press release was preluded by rumors that Swoop was to be shut down as part of the agreement reached that prevented the recent strike scare prior to May Long Weekend this year. Indeed, the integration is no doubt part of the agreement between the WestJet pilots union and the WestJet group, however there's some speculation from outsiders that higher ups within the company quietly agreed to axe Swoop as a brand at the negotiating table. Part of the reason the recent strike of WestJet and Swoop pilots nearly happened was due to pay differences between the mainline fleet and the low-cost subsidiary. Some onlookers however wonder what is next for the Boeing 737 aircraft and staff currently in the Swoop fleet. So what's next for Swoop's fleet and staff after...

           June 4th 2023 was the Regina Flying Club's annual open house and as usual, I attended for the full day to document the various attractions. Before the event I caught wind that Saskatoon-based Golden Era Aviation would be in attendance with their ex-RCAF Beech 18/C-45 Expeditor. Of course being fascinated with historic aircraft, I was very keen to cover Golden Era Aviation's visit in particular. Chief pilot Mike and his family were there with the Beech 18 to offer rides and much insight into the history of their aircraft, but to my surprise, I was offered a media flight!           Golden Era Aviation and I have long been aware of each other- after all, I first learned of their existence last year after my review of the Saskatchewan Aviation Museum, where their Beech 18 was housed at the time. Before the open house officially kicked off chief pilot Mike and I coordinated with each other to get pictures of them touching down...

          In the early hours of October 29 2022, a pilot who wishes to remain anonymous called the Wings Of The Prairies UFO Investigation Hotline in Regina, Saskatchewan with a fantastic tale- a UFO had followed him all the way to Springbank Airport in Calgary, Alberta from the sleepy Alberta town of Olds!            The pilot, who wishes to be referred to as T. Rockefeller, explained that on his late night flight on October 27, he departed Olds in his Cessna 172 and at three thousand feet spotted a dark shape to his starboard at three o'clock high, rapidly closing distance. As the object got closer, he could make out that the object he was seeing was unlike any other, a black triangle he guessed to be roughly the size of a Boeing 737, with a light on each point and one in the middle. T. Rockefeller suddenly realized that the aircraft was on a collision course and had to take evasive action to avoid collision. The black triangle ov...

            Two days ago I had the pleasure of visiting the Saskatchewan Aviation Museum in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan. I have communicated with many of the museum personnel often since starting the Wings Of The Prairies project, and have been meaning to visit for quite some time. I originally planned my trip around filming the museum's Aviation Days event, but unfortunately it was canceled and the hotel room couldn't be refunded due to a concert. Thankfully though, my wife and I are coming up on our one year anniversary and used the opportunity to make it into an anniversary trip! Due to my previous discussions with museum personnel, they knew who I was fairly quickly. I was told I could take photos or video of whatever I wanted to... so I did just that and gave myself a self-guided tour. Here's my thoughts about the museum and my first visit.          Overall, it's a really great museum! I've been to museums where the collections are...

            In the latest news to come in the Canadian aviation community Bombardier unveiled its newest aircraft design, the Global 8000. I first learned about the new aircraft yesterday evening, and upon further research and reading the Bombardier press release itself, this newest jet to hold the Global name is an absolutely impressive aircraft and may just be geared up to become the first fastest civilian aircraft since the Concorde.           As stated by Bombardier, the Global 8000 is capable of trans-sonic flight with a top speed of mach 0.94. It also boasts an impressive range of 8,000 nautical miles, the furthest range ever for a business jet making the longest hauls possible without a stop to refuel. Bombardier also stated in its press release that the Global 8000 features a flex wing tailored for performance and ride comfort at all speeds, next generation fly-by-wire technology which they call the Bombardier Vision, which ...

           The Junkers Ju-52 is perhaps best known for its role with the Lufwaffe during the Second World War, flying for a variety of roles and missions on various fronts during the conflict, much like the Douglas C-47 the allies used. From Stalingrad to France and all the way to North Africa, the Ju-52 was there. However before the Ju-52 gained notability for its role as the "Nazi Dakota", the Ju-52 actually ended up in one of the least likely of places- 1930s Saskatchewan.            A couple days ago, a pilot friend of mine sent me a couple books and some Canadian Forces Snowbirds memorbillia in the mail. One of the books he sent me is called "Wings Beyond Road's End: Airplanes Over Saskatchewan's North", which goes into the history of flight in the province. Of course given the content I create, I immediately found the book interesting and began previewing pages before diving in. I noticed a very odd photo, and looking at ...

           In a breaking news article that broke on May 4 2022, the Canadian government has abruptly cancelled their orders for F-35s in the wake of a new fighter entering the CF-18 replacement program last minute- the Sienar Flight Systems TIE/IN. Sienar has obtained massive contracts with an unnamed Galactic Empire in a far, far away galaxy, as well as a mining guild located in the same galaxy. Their products are cutting edge, as they also manufacture interceptors, bombers, transports, and even drones.           The RCAF TIE/IN fighters will number 100 units, with orders being delivered in 2023. The TIE/IN is capable of spaceflight and can carry all NATO standard equipment with modifications. The starfighter has two general purpose blasters canons and is outfitted with an l-a2b solar ionization reactor and SFS P-s4 Twin Ion Engines, and a top atmospheric speed of 1,200 kilometers an hour. Sienar has stated in a press release that ...

           I'm sure we've all heard the news by now, that the RCAF is finally getting a new fighter after over a decade of delays in selecting a replacement. Eighty eigth brand new F-35s will be on the way which if I remember correctly, is a vastly different number than what we planned to buy as far back as 2010. It's a plane that no doubt did have teething troubles in its development but like most aircraft did overcome them eventually and has proved itself as capable in the hands of the Israelis. It's now a promising platform that's fast on its way to becoming one of the NATO standards, even with NATO countries who opt to use homegrown designs- it might even become the next F-16, enjoying a long and promising career, which if the CF-18 is anything to go off certainly will with the RCAF. So what's next with Canada? Can we predict what's next on the wishlist for the armed forces?           I think we certainly can, and I don't think ...

           When I was a boy, my father told me all sorts of tales. One tale that stood out in my young mind was the tale of the Arrow. I can't say which event exactly sparked my interest in aviation, but hearing the tall tales of the Arrow no doubt helped contribute to my obsession later on in life. Many experimental and prototype aircraft existed in the same timeframe as Avro Canada's big dream, some perhaps even more daring and innovative than the Arrow, yet are forgotten by all except the most die-hard aviation fanatics. So what are these legends? Why do they still persist? In this blog I'll be going over the various legends surrounding the Arrow- and how they still linger in 2022.           A couple years ago, I had the pleasure of revisiting one of my favorite museums, the Hangar Flight Museum in Calgary, Alberta. Sprinkled throughout the collection are small artifacts here and there of Avro Canada, some of which are tools that...

           So I've been quiet for sometime. So quiet in fact, some people might wonder if I've moved on from writing blogs here and creating content on YouTube. The resounding answer to that is no, I haven't moved on.            To say that the past year in the world has been crazy is an understatement. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, getting married, a busy work schedule, and other WOTP team members being tied up with life, I decided it was best to take a hiatus and wait for everything to get back on track. With the snow quickly melting and restrictions being lifted across the country, I've decided it's time for us to strap into the cockpit and get working on content again. So what's in store?           I have a few episodes planned, but only one is set in stone to begin production after a year of delays- the little known incident known as the 1946 RCAF Dakota crash in Estevan Saskatchewan. I have been i...

           Across Canada there are many places that you can go where you can learn more about the rich history of aviation in the country. As a creator documenting the history of flight in the prairies, I feel as though it’s my duty to recommend what I feel are some of the best museums. Seeing as today I’ll be filming at a museum this article seems rather fitting.           Live in Regina? Bored of the same old attractions? Tired of the modern skyline? Look no further than Moose Jaw! Not only is the city just under an hour away, but it really has that vintage atmosphere and a rich aviation history to boot. Not only is there displays of former RCAF aircraft at CFB Moose Jaw and the information center along the highway, but the Western Development Museum has a tasteful and exciting collection of aircraft of all sorts, from a Snowbird display team Tutor to a very good collection of BCATP aircraft and a little bit of history surrounding...

           By 1944 the Japanese Empire had suffered major setbacks in their total war against the allies, and the options for a strike on American and Canadian soil had long since passed. Gone were the days of Japanese submarines and reconnaissance aircraft attempting raids on the coastlines as all assets were either tied up or destroyed, or simply too far away to cause any damage. The Japanese needed a solution; their allies in Europe faced a similar situation, and found an answer in flying bombs- the V1 and later on the first ballistic missile, the V2. The problem was however that the technology for the rockets at the time didn’t allow for them to reach targets across oceans, so how could the Japanese create an answer to the German wonder weapons? That answer came in the form of the Fu-Go fire balloon.           The Fu-Go fire balloon was a hydrogen balloon equipped with light explosives, usually anti-personnel or incendiary. The ...

           With this article I’ll be bringing to light some of the tales I’ve heard from my family and friends over the years of aviation. Some I was present for during my almost 23 years of life so far that I’ve been privileged enough to live, others have been told long before my time. So strap in, get IFR clearance, and await the blue skies of stories ahead.           In a previous post detailing the BCATP, I reflected on a story my Gido told me of pilots that would dive at him and other hired men around Yorkton area and how he reflected on those stories fondly. It wouldn’t be the last time my family had an encounter with the Air Force over the homestead however. When my father was growing up the Pine Tree Line, part of NORAD’s defense against the Soviet Union was very active and there was an installation near Yorkton. Often RCAF aircraft would run circuits over the homestead, sometimes low enough to be at treetop level to try and...

           With this entry I’ll open with a famous speech from British prime minister Winston Churchill. To many, it is with these words which the 1940 Battle Of Britain began;           “We shall fight on the seas and oceans, we shall fight with growing confidence and growing strength in the air, we shall defend our island whatever the cost may be. We shall fight on the beaches, we shall fight on the landing grounds, we shall fight in the fields and in the streets, we shall fight in the hills; we shall never surrender!”           With that speech, the commonwealth and Britain were rallied to the cause. Soon after, the RCAF would receive its first aerial victories, aces, and awards. No. 1 Squadron RCAF played a vital role in defeating the Luftwaffe over Britain during that perilous time, and with it brought prestige and honor to one Saskatchewan resident.           Ernest McNab, comm...

          In a future video I intend on telling the tale of one particular aircraft type in the province of Saskatchewan, the Avro Anson. Many flew in the skies of Canada at one point, yet few remain. Most people will think that these relics of past conflicts are located only in museums, and yet they hide in plain sight. Recently, a gentlemen by the name of Lester Hinzman discovered the wreck of one airframe and with the help of a fellow Canadian Aviation Historical Society member I managed to get in contact with Mr. Hinzman. Not only did he agree to let me come film his Anson for the episode I have planned, but I agreed to help him locate a second Anson in his area that I’m aware of. There are many articles out there on his discovery of his Anson, but upon reaching out to him I learned that he has no plans to restore the aircraft; the price tag is just too big. Instead it will be used as a learning tool to bring attention to the British Commonwealth Air Trainin...

           February 20 1959- utter that date to any Canadian aviation fan and they’ll see red. That was the day the Avro Canada CF-105 Arrow program was cancelled. To many its also the date that the aviation industry in Canada effectively died. Over the years, all the way back to elementary school I heard fantastical tales of the CF-105 being the savior of Canadian industry and tales of extraordinary technical achievements. Depending on who you ask, it was either the Americans that killed it via political pressure or John Diefenbaker being spineless and hating Canada. The complete truth is nobody wanted an interceptor in a world where ICBMs reigned supreme, but there’s a silver lining to that statement! Not only has the aviation industry continued to exist, it has also thrived since the fall of Avro Canada from grace.           In 2021, you’ll be hard-pressed to find an airport that doesn’t have a Canadian design on the tarmac. Look...