Page 3 - Feb2020
P. 3
Next day it was clear and we continued into
Downsview. It was very exciting to be joining the
pattern and flying a low pas down the runway.
Circling to land we were greeted by George Neal
who asked, “are you here for KDN’s 60 year
service?” We answered, “No, KDN has run
perfectly the whole trip.” KDN had proven herself
as a trusted friend. It was a relief to have her there
De Havilland Canada Chipmunk DHC-1 G- safe and we appreciated the very warm reception.
AKDN — 2016 United Kingdom Tour Pt. 11 th
By Dave Gillespie The 60 Anniversary weekend was filled with a
who’s who of Canadian aviation.
The airplane felt out of control. It was very pitchy and felt
like we had a center of gravity issue I mentioned this to We attended a symposium, focusing on the
James who was sitting in back. After a short silence he Chipmunk that included George Neal, Russ
said, “Do you think it has anything to do with the four Bannock, Stan Miller, Howard Malone and Bill
liters of oil I put in the rear battery compartment?” What! Long. James and I also spoke about Chipmunk
Well ya. I told him to unbuckle and lean as far forward as ownership, maintenance, and flying.
possible as we flew 150 miles as level as possible and
It was very special to see KDN sitting in the factory
made a straight in landing in Regina.
looking exactly like she did when she was built.
After reloading the airplane we departed in a much better Everyone was very excited and appreciative of the
condition for Winnipeg. Next day we cleared customs into effort James and I had gone to, to be there. We left
the USA and flew across Wisconsin. We noticed the right KDN on loan to the museum to have on display.
fuel tank was draining first while the left tank stayed full. James and I would return later in the summer to fly
Worried that the left tank may not feed when the right her back to Saskatoon, but first we would make a
tank was empty we landed and called de Havilland stop at the giant EAA Fly-In at Oshkosh Wisconsin.
Support (George Neal). George listened to our concern In the meantime KDN was in good hands tucked
and said, “ Well David, just fly with the ball centered”. into her nest at Downsview.
I’ll take a ribbing from a Hall of Fame test pilot any day,
and let him and James have their laugh. He did say,
seriously, not to worry, that was a common issue and the
tanks will feed. We continued into the late evening landing
at a remote ex-US airbase in Upper Michigan.
James, George, Dave and KDN at Downsview for
the Chipmunk 60th anniversary
to be continued...
