2017 Gathering of the Classics proves popular
The 2017 edition of the Gathering of the Classics at the Edenvale Aerodrome west of Collingwood, ON, once again provided plenty of action for aviation fans. This year’s event was moved to the rain date of Aug. 13 because of unsettled weather and fortunately, the weather cleared nicely for an ideal day at the airport. A colourful variety of vintage, classic, homebuilt and experimental aircraft flew in and a large display of vintage automobiles attracted attention as well.
The Edenvale Aerodrome is the home of the Edenvale Classic Aircraft Foundation (www.classicaircraft.ca) which organizes the event. The many notable aircraft included two that were seen at the fly-in for the first time. An Aero L-29 Delfin of the ACER Cold War Museum, C-GDLG, painted in a striking red finish, took to the air. Both of the Cold War Museum’s two Delfin trainers were originally in the Bulgarian Air Force. A Bucker Jungmann in Spanish Air Force colours, C-FEBU, made an impression after being named a Grand Champion in the Plans Built category at EAA AirVenture Oshkosh this year. Its winning form culminated a 12-year restoration effort. There were many other highlights and it’s well worth checking Gus Curujo’s website, www.gusair.com, for excellent coverage of this always-colourful event.
--- Photos and report by Gord McNulty
Two Harvards, shown arriving from the CHAA in Tillsonburg, were popular attractions at Edenvale on Aug. 13, 2017.
Boeing Stearman C-GSDK arrives at the Gathering of the Classics, Aug. 13, 2017.
Aero L-29 Delfin of the Cold War Museum at the Edenvale Gathering of the Classics, Aug. 13, 2017.
Veteran air show pilot Gord Price, 75, arrives at Edenvale in his Yakovlev Yak-50, serial no. 01, sponsored by the Dam Pub in Thornbury, ON.
Beautifully finished Bucker Jungmann C-FEBU in Spanish Air Force colours was a Grand Champion in the Plans Built category at EAA AirVenture in 2017.
Republic RC-3 Seabee, C-FGZX, restored as a Beeboyz Seabee with a GM LS2 engine, arriving at Edenvale Aug. 13, 2017.
Steen Skybolt C-GSLE was among the high-performance homebuilt aircraft at Edenvale Aug. 13, 2017.
Rene McKinnon, President of 427 (London) Wing RCAFA, enjoyed a ride in the ECAF Cornell at the Gathering of the Classics on Aug. 13, 2017.
Fairchild Fleet Cornell of the Edenvale Classic Aircraft Foundation, Aug. 13, 2017.
Fairchild 24W C-FEKC at Edenvale, Aug. 13, 2017.
Amphibious Cessna 170 C-GFOO at Edenvale Aug. 13, 2017.