Powered Flight in Canada: Beyond World War II
Canada pre-war aircraft manufacturing industry was small and faced an enormous challenge on the eve of World War II. Eventually, it produced over 15,000 aircraft, many to be used as trainers in the British Commonwealth Air Training Plan (BCATP). The BCATP inspired U.S. President Franklin Roosevelt’s famous description of Canada as “the aerodrome of democracy” and became the world’s largest and most successful scheme to train aircrews for military service. Almost overnight, the plan produced airfields all across Canada, many of them still in use today, and helped create a modern, mass-produced aircraft industry in this country.
The modern era of air transport in northern Canada began in earnest during the 1950’s driven by a resource exploration and development boom and the building of the distant early warning radar system for the military. Modern bush pilots continued on in the best traditions of their predecessors, operating from dirt runways or landing “off strip” on the frozen tundra in aircraft equipped with skis or high floatation “balloon” tires.
Since aviation’s early years, Canadians have been devoted to opening up and defending this huge and rugged land, taking leading roles as flyers, designers, and builders of aircraft.
The coin pictures a gold plated portrait of Robert H. (Bob) Fowler, with the de Havilland DHC-8 Dash 8 in the background.
Packaging
1999 Canadian $20 Aviation Series 2: de Havilland DHC-8 Dash 8 Sterling Silver Coin (Coin 10 of 10) comes encapsulated in a specially designed aluminium clamshell case (in the shape of a wing) lined with flock, protected by a custom beauty box and Certificate of Authenticity.
Note: The photo of this item is a stock image only.
Specifications
Face Value: $20
Mintage: 14,138
Composition: 92.5% Silver with 24k gold cameo
Weight (g): 31.103
Diameter(mm): 38
Finish: Proof
