On Wednesday April 15th the first three of six Canadair T33 Silver Stars (T-bird), operated by the Jet Aircraft Museum (JAM) will be arriving at the London International Airport. This two seat jet trainer, Canadian built by Canadair in Montreal was the workhorse trainer for Canada’s
Armed Forces for over 50 years.
The JET AIRCRAFT MUSEUM (JAM) exists to create and maintain a dynamic and living history of the modern age Royal Canadian Air Force and to provide permanent honor for those valiant Canadian men and women who flew these aircraft with distinction in periods of war,peace and peace keeping.
JAM is a not for profit foundation that has as its primary purposes the acquisition, display, preservation, maintenance and, most importantly, providing in flight demonstrations for the people of Canada now and for generations to come. The JAM mission is to combine the creation and operation of museum housing: aircraft, historical artifacts, records, and salient memorabilia,while simultaneously keeping representative historic aircraft in the air whenever and wherever major aviation events are held across Canada and at appropriate international centers.
The Museum has been granted charitable status by the Canada Revenue Agency. The model for the establishment of JAM is the immensely successful Canadian Harvard Aircraft Association (CHAA), which was created in 1986 and has preserved, trained pilots for, and flown and continues to fly this legendary Air force training aircraft at important aviation events in both Canada and the U.S. It is significant that the founder of CHAA and many of its senior volunteer members are among the founding leadership of JAM.
The ultimate objective of the Museum is to have one or more flyable versions of major jet aircraft used by Canada’s armed forces since entering the military jet age in 1944. These include Canada’s first, the Vampire, the CT-133 T-Bird, CT-114 Tutor and others.
One significant opportunity has already materialized. Six T-Bird aircraft have been purchased
from the Government of Canada and favorable financing has already been established to
facilitate this acquisition. This two seater jet trainer, Canadian built by Canadair in Montreal
was the workhorse trainer for Canada’s Armed Forces for some 50 years. JAM anticipates that
the T-Bird will be its main in-the-air demonstration aircraft until the Tutors become available in
2012 and/or when circumstances permit acquisition of other aircraft.
Meanwhile, equally important, a suitable home for the T Birds and other aircraft as they are
acquired has been established at the London International Airport. Once acquired, the Museum
plans ground and aircrew training programs and the establishment of rigorous maintenance,
service, safety and operational control procedures.
The Museum offers full voting membership to everyone interested in preserving Canada’s noble
jet age heritage. Volunteers and donations are needed to help keep these birds flying. No
experience is required to volunteer just an enthusiasm for aviation. www.jetaircraftmuseum.ca
Benefits of Membership:
There are many benefits to becoming a member of the Jet Aircraft Museum such as:
- Hands on servicing of aircraft; under supervision, and as part of a formal training program.
- Flight training, with use of military manuals and instructors.
- Attend and complete ground school for maintenance and pilot training.
- Back seat flights.
- Serve on a variety of committees both as members and chairpersons.
- Serve on the Board of Directors.
- Enjoying the camaraderie of fellow aviation enthusiasts.
- Voting rights at annual elections.
Further details are on line at:
www.jetaircraftmuseum.ca
General Meetings are the first Monday of every month at 7:00 pm at:
Jet Aircraft Museum
2465 Aviation Lane
Unit #1
London International Airport
London, Ontario
Contact:
Rick Hammond
Hammond Aviation
519-880-3661
Steve Baker
London International Airport
519-452-4042
