Vintage replica biplanes land at 12 Wing Shearwater for Vimy celebration
'Kind of like driving a motorcycle in the sky, only with a lot more bumps and turbulence,' says pilot
A pack of Nieuport 11s overhead was once a common sight in Nova Scotia about a century ago.
On Saturday, that vision was recreated when replicas of the First World War biplanes landed at 12 Wing Shearwater.
The aircraft,smaller than the original,weighing about 254 kilograms, are part ofVimy Flight, a commemoration of the100th anniversary of the Battle of Vimy Ridge and Canada's 150th birthday.
Dale Erhart, a former military and commercial pilot, saysflying one of these smaller planes is "kind of like driving a motorcycle in the sky, only with a lot more bumps and turbulance."
Authentic experience
"As we fly them, we're reminded of exactly how difficult it would have been back in World War I when these folks generally had maybe four hours of flying experience," Erhart said.
At about 550 pounds these babies are "like flying a motorcycle in the sky" according to one pilot. @CBCNS pic.twitter.com/OWtaLCbG9u
—@SteveBerryCBC
The planesare seven-eighths the size of the original aircraft. Like the original planes, the replicas also have wooden propellers and supports.
Theycruise at65 kilometres per hour, at an altitude of 3,500 feet.
They participated in the100th anniversary ceremony at Vimy Ridge in Apriland flew over the Canadian National Vimy Memorial. The original planes flew over the same memorial when it was unveiled in 1936.
Public viewing
People at 12 WingShearwater were invited to examine the planes up close.
Despite the cramped space, pilots take turnsflying with the Vimy bear. The teddy bear came from France and wears a jacket and scarf.
"The kids love him and we love having him along. He's like our little mascot and he's a long way from home," Ferguson said.
The planes will tour around Nova Scotia and then head to P.E.I. before heading to other parts of Canada.
Replica WW1 planes on display at CFB 12 Wing Shearwater museum at 1pm. Just landed! Part of Can 150 and Vimy Flight. @CBCNS pic.twitter.com/0bAD7FkWJu
—@SteveBerryCBC
With files from Steve Berry