"Come Where It All Began" in Goderich Ontario
The 50th Anniversary of  Registered Amateur Built Aircraft in Canada
Join us on August 24-28 2005
"Everyone is Welcome"
What a great 50th Anniversary!
Thanks go out to all the Volunteers, Sponsors, Exhibitors and those that attended.
 

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Ontario Flyer Continues the Dream
Mike Shields flew his RV7A across the Atlantic July 4 2005.
C-GOJU is the first Amateur Built aircraft in Canada to achieve IFR GPS enroute and approach approval.
Check his website for the latest updates.
Mike will be in Goderich Friday, Sat. and attending the Sat. evening banquet.

Keith Hopkinson’s Achievement in Aviation

Come Where It All Began will feature a special display of Keith Hopkinson’s achievement in aviation during the 50th anniversary celebrations in the Sky Harbour Gallery. This Gallery is found in the lower level of the airport terminal. Currently the gallery features the history of 67 years at Sky Harbour Airport.
Much credit goes to Isabelle (Hopkinson) Sully who has generously donated her article, pictures and trophies to showcase the many achievements Keith made to the grass roots of aviation. Curator Pat Hamilton and her staff at the Huron County Museum put together the display cases and signs to compliment the collection. This week will be the only opportunity for visitors to the Gallery to view this unique aviation history.
The Gallery will be open from 9-5 during the week of events at the airport. Much of the time Museum personnel will be present for guided tours. There is no charge to tour the Gallery. All we ask you to do is sign the guest book so we know you were here.

 
July 1 Parade in Goderich

In October of 1955 Goderich Ontario resident Keith Hopkinson carried out the first flight of an “registered amateur built aircraft” in Canada after a year of building a modified version of the Stitts Playboy, which he fondly called L’il Hokey. Working very closely with Paul Poberezny, then President of the EAA (Experimental Aircraft Association of Oshkosh Wisconsin USA) to convince the Department of Transport to allow amateur built aircraft to fly in Canada. In addition, the second “registered amateur built” aircraft, CF-RAC, nick named “Bits ‘n’ Pieces”, was also built here in Goderich by Goderich resident Gus Chisholm. This aircraft is currently still flying from the Guelph airport. In progress are plans to bring home Keith Hopkinson’s aircraft CF-RAD, from the Canadian Aviation Museum located in Ottawa and a return flight of CF-RAC, by the present owners.

In that era, fifty years ago, the Goderich Airport was considered the centre of aviation with its main business Sky Harbour Air Services, owned by Keith Hopkinson,  included a paint shop, a radio shop and a maintenance shop. Today, Sky Harbour Aircraft Refinishing, a Transport Canada Approved Maintenance Organization, owned by Sandy Wellman’s is a world renown facility. B & B Aircraft Services, owned by Allan Ball, is also a Transport Canada Approved Maintenance Organization. Goderich Flight Centre, a Transport Canada approved Flight Training Unit offers flight training from initial to Commercial Pilot license.

To celebrate this 50^th anniversary of the first Registered Amateur Built Aircraft, the Town of Goderich is planning an Aviation Event from Wednesday, Aug. 24 to Sunday August 28, 2005 at Sky Harbour Airport. This event will include general aviation safety and technical seminars, hands-on workshops, a Kids’ Day, static displays.

Goderich has many attractions to draw the visitors to our town. Its’ slogan, “The Prettiest Town in Canada” aptly describes the heritage, the beaches, and a double sunset.