Features Archive

Heli Muskoka is based in the region of Muskoka, about two hours' drive north of Toronto, Ontario. Dotting the shorelines of its many lakes are some truly spectacular country retreats.

Cottage Country Support: Heli Muskoka

By Oliver Johnson

Hugh and Wendy Andrews sit in the Aero-Smith hangar on Vancouver Island, surrounded by their talented staff.

Family Business: Aero-Smith Heli Services

By Ben Forrest

Staff in Bromont also make parts for the GEnx, a next-generation engine for, among others, Boeing’s 787 Dreamliner. GE Photo

Smart Factory: GE Aviation

By Chris Thatcher

Founded in 1947 as an avionics repair company, Canadian Aviation Electronics by the 1980s was breaking new ground in flight simulation, an innovation that transformed both pilot training and flight safety. Shown here, the company’s A350 full-flight simulator cockpit. Photos courtesy of CAE

Training innovation: CAE

By Chris Thatcher

A crew from 443 Maritime Helicopter Squadron included, left to right, Sonja Hansen, Tanya Carr, Chelsey Llewellyn and Carly Cake. Heath Moffatt Photo

Pursuing an “Acceptable Norm”

By Jacqueline Louie

An F-16 from the 18th Aggressor Squadron soars over the Joint Pacific Alaska Range Complex. The squadron is responsible for training and preparing joint and allied aircrews for combat missions. Staff Sgt Christopher Boitz Photo

Playing the part: USAF 18th Aggressor Squadron

By Chris Thatcher

Returning to 2 Canadian Forces Flying Training School (2 CFFTS) in Moose Jaw, Sask., after an absence of 30 years, author Rob Erdos found that nothing had changed and yet everything was different. Technology has delivered several improvements, but the cultural fundamentals of military flight training remain unchanged. Mike Reyno Photo

Striving for Perfection

By Robert Erdos

WestJet’s new ultra-low-cost carrier will be branded separately from the main airline and crew will wear different uniforms. The new service will initially field a fleet of 10 Boeing 737-800 aircraft, shown here in mainline WestJet livery. WestJet Photo

WestJet goes “cheap and cheerful”

By Brent Jang

Diamond Aircraft’s new all-composite DA62 fits a myriad of missions: twin-engine trainer, charter aircraft, corporate shuttle and personal transport. Production is being transferred from Diamond Austria to the plant in London, Ont., with the Canadian branch converting the type certificate to Transport Canada authority, a process it hopes to conclude by mid-November 2017. Photos by Eric Dumigan

Shiny New Diamond: Flying the DA62

By Robert Erdos

There are many moving parts to any successful show season for the Snowbirds, many of which are rarely seen by the general public. The Ops/Standards Cell and the Tutor SET are just two of those critical “behind the scenes” elements. Mike Reyno Photo

Setting high standards: Canadian Forces Snowbirds

By Mike Luedey

Robert Atwood (left) and Richard Sullivan (right) decided to start their own company while flying back after fighting a wildfire in northern British Columbia in 2014.

First of a New Breed: Hummingbird Drones

By Oliver Johnson

Today, 3 Wing personnel continue to support the Canadian government through the Canadian Armed Forces’ three key defence roles: to defend the country by delivering excellence at home; to defend North America (through NORAD); and to contribute to international peace and security. Stuart Sanders Photo

A Storied Past: 3 Wing Bagotville

By Marc-André Valiquette

The Flight Lieutenant “Bunny” McLarty Hawker Hurricane in 6 Squadron RAF markings is the only flying example of an Mk IV Hurricane in the world. On the Hurricane’s wing is Mike Potter in his beloved Supermarine Spitfire Mk XVI, dedicated to Flight Lieutenant William Harper of 421 Squadron, RCAF. Eric Dumigan Photo

Planes & Passion: Vintage Wings

By Lisa Gordon

Discovering Cessna’s light jets: The Citation M2 and CJ3+

A Jet for Every Occasion

By Robert Erdos

A P&WC engineer assembles a PW206C at the manufacturer’s plant in Longueuil. P&WC Photo

Power People: Pratt & Whitney Canada

By Oliver Johnson

Day in the Life of the RCAF: CC-130H Hercules