Another Piece of Canada’s Wartime Aviation History Enroute to Brandon: Commonwealth Air Training Plan Museum Acquires Second Fleet Finch Aircraft
BRANDON, MANITOBA – The Commonwealth Air Training Plan Museum (CATPM) is pleased to announce the acquisition of a Fleet Model 16B Finch, adding a second model of this important elementary training aircraft to its collection.
Developed in the late 1930s, the Fleet Finch helped train Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF) pilots during the Second World War. Built in Fort Erie, Ontario, the aircraft became an important part of Canada’s wartime training effort, with two models produced to meet the growing demand for military pilots.
The Museum’s newly acquired Finch was built in 1940 and served with No. 3 Flying Instructors School at Arnprior, Ontario, as part of the British Commonwealth Air Training Plan. Struck off strength in 1944, it was sold as surplus to Mexico.
In 1994, the aircraft was acquired and restored to RCAF flying condition by the late Tom Dietrich of Guelph, Ontario. More recently, it was acquired by Mr. Jack Innes of Oshawa, Ontario. Its donation to the Museum was facilitated by Mr. Earl Robinson and Mr. Ian Bathe.
With this acquisition, CATPM now holds both models of the Fleet Finch, adding to a collection that represents all flying types used in elementary training.
“Having both models of the Fleet Finch in our collection is something we are incredibly pleased about,” said Jeff Bell, Chief Pilot and Head of the Museum’s Flying Committee. “These aircraft represent an important part of the early training experience of RCAF pilots, and being able to preserve both models helps us tell that story more completely.”
“Every aircraft we bring into the collection adds another piece to the story of the British Commonwealth Air Training Plan and the people who made it possible,” said Zoe McQuinn, Director General and CEO of CATPM. “These are not simply aircraft from the past. They represent the knowledge, ingenuity, and dedication of generations of people who built, maintained, and flew them. Keeping that history alive is at the heart of what we do.”
The Museum extends its sincere thanks to Mr. Robinson and Mr. Bathe for facilitating the donation, as well as Mr. Cam Harrod and Mr. Maurice Nesbit of Corporate Aircraft Restoration in Oshawa, Ontario, for their assistance.
Remember With Us This November 11
As Remembrance Day approaches, CATPM invites the community to a free Open House on Wednesday, November 11, 2026, from 1:00 to 4:00 p.m.
Explore the aircraft, exhibits, and stories of those who served during the Second World War. Learn more about the British Commonwealth Air Training Plan, the aircraft that prepared aircrew for service, and the people whose courage and sacrifice shaped our history.
Come learn, explore, and remember with us. Admission is free.
Lest we forget.
About the Commonwealth Air Training Plan Museum
Located in Brandon, Manitoba, CATPM preserves the history of the British Commonwealth Air Training Plan and Canada’s Second World War aviation heritage. Housed in a National Historic Site, the Museum is home to an extensive collection of aircraft, artifacts, archives, and the RCAF WWII Memorial.
- Media Contact:
Zoe McQuinn
DirectorGeneral@CATPM.onmicrosoft.com - 204-727-2444 | 204-901-4374
