Museum Closed September 19

September 13, 2022                    

For Immediate Release

Since the Federal government has declared Monday, September 19th a federal holiday, day of mourning for the Queen’s funeral in the UK, the Commonwealth Air Training Plan Museum will also be closed in respect and tribute of the late monarch.

The Commonwealth Air Training Plan Museum is Canada’s only air museum solely dedicated to the preservation of those who trained and fought for the British Commonwealth during WWII. 

The Commonwealth Air Training Plan Museum is proud to be one of the seven Manitoba Signature Museums, a Manitoba Star Attraction and a National Historic Site.

For more information about the CATPM, please contact:

Stephen Hayter, Executive Director

Ph: 727-2444  Fax:725-2334  Email: airmuseum@inetlink.ca

Props and Hops a Success

Our first Props and Hops event was a success. Although 150 tickets were released, 90 were sold. In a busy period for brewers and for other events, that is not a bad number! So thanks to all who came out, especially the brewers and Los Brothers food truck. who mad it out. Unfortunately we only had 4 brewers on hand, 3 had to pull out due to scheduling conflicts. A good time was had by those who attended, including some who came from as far away as Saskatoon! Museum volunteers were on hand to tour those in attendance or tell them about some of the displays. Our social media has some photos, but a few are below. Also check out the article about the event in the Brandon Sun (pdf is here). Here is an article about beer runs made in WWII as well!

Special Events on August 20, 2022: Flights and Props & Hops!

Coming up on Saturday August 20 are 2 events not to be missed! First up is a Flight Day! You can purchase a ride in one of our vintage WWII training aircraft from 10 am to 4 pm. Just call or email the museum to book a flight or obtain more information – believe me, a flight in one of these is an amazing experience and a chance to experience an important part of Canadian history!

Then at 6 pm – 8 pm is our first ever Props and Hops event! We have partnered with Black Wheat Brewing to bring this event to our museum! Five Manitoba based Brewers will be on hand with their beverages. Sample Manitoba’s finest in a WWII hangar and amongst vehicles and aircraft form that era! Museum volunteers will be on hand to show you around and answer questions! (note that Props and Hops you must be 18+). Get your tickets soon before they are gone!

A Special Museum Visitor!

On Saturday, July 23 (Open Cockpit Day) we had a special visitor at the museum. Retired RCAF Colonel Gordon Brennand was on hand to sign copies of his book, “Farm Boy to Fly Boy“ (we have several copies for sale at the museum). Gordon was a CF-86 Sabre pilot, an advanced jet fighter at the time. Interestingly, one of his flights during his training was in our Harvard. Our Harvard saw a long history as a trainer in the BCATP as well as post war. Check out the photos below!

An RCAF CF-86 Sabre like the one flown by Col. Brennand (taken by M. Nantais (museum volunteer) at the Canadian Warplane Heritage Museum in Hamilton)
Col. Brennand signing books
Col. Brennand in front of the museum’s Harvard
CATPM’s Harvard pilot, Jeff with Col. Brennand in front of the Harvard

Open Cockpit Day!

On July 23rd, we will be hosting an “open cockpit” event. Pilots will be on hand to help you take a look inside the cockpit of our airworthy airplanes and to answer your questions. Rides in the aircraft will take place as well – most are pre-booked, so email the museum for more information, or try your luck on a walk up ride, if slots are open. (note that the minimum age for flights is 12, ages 12-17 require a parental/guardian waiver) This day also marks the Brandon Flying Club’s annual fly in breakfast.

Kids of all ages can climb into the cockpit of a WWII era Cessna Crane and try the controls! For the little ones, we always have our ever popular pedal planes (see below) available! We will also have museum volunteers available to assist if you wish to sit in a few of our vintage vehicles! Normal museum admission is in effect (see here for details).