FC-2 (Total: 22, Canadian: 22, Group 0)
Fairchild FC-2
RON DUPAS COLLECTION
No. 4447. Fairchild FC-2 (5508 c/n 109) Colonial Western Airways
Photographed ca. 1927, courtesy The Fairchild Corporation
The production model FC-2 was powered by the 220 hp Wright J-5 Whirlwind radial, an engine that would make history in a few months when Lindbergh's J-5-powered Spirit of St. Louis reached Paris. The new engine made possible an expansion of the passenger compartment; the FC-2 could carry four passengers in addition to the pilot, and there was more room for baggage. For passenger comfort, a cabin heater was installed and the cabin door size was also increased. Initially the three-longeron fuselage had a "razor-back" top line, as pictured above, a squarer four-longeron body appeared on later aircraft.
But the innovations of the FC-2 were not all in the passenger compartment. An oil-and-spring oleo shock absorber was incorporated into the landing gear to improve landing performance. It was to remain a standard landing gear system for twenty years. Foot-actuated wheel brakes were added. And a system for quick conversion to pontoons was available as an option.
By June 1927, the Fairchild plant at Farmingdale, New York was delivering production aircraft, the model FC-2. The six aircraft for the first major customer, Curtiss Flying Service, were fitted with 160 hp Curtiss C-6 engines and designated FC-2C. Another early customer for the FC-2 was the US Department of Commerce, then the approving authority for all aircraft and engines, as well as of civil aircraft regulations. The Commerce airplane was delivered just five weeks before Lindbergh's daring solo flight across the Atlantic. On Lindbergh's subsequent triumphal tour of the USA, the department's newly acquired FC-2 was chosen to transport staff people and personal baggage and equipment.
A few months later another FC-2 became the first to carry international air mail on a Pan American World Airways contract flight. Pinch-hitting for not-yet-delivered Fokker Tri-motors, an FC-2 carried 300 pounds of mail from Key West to Havana.
But the FC-2 attained its greatest and most enduring fame in Canada where its outstanding flying characteristics were instrumental in opening the northern bush country. The Canadian government was trying to administer the vast reaches of its dominion and had found aircraft to be the only answer. The seaplanes available could get into many areas only during the warm season, when lakes and rivers were not frozen. The FC-2, adaptable to wheels, skis and pontoons, eliminated these seasonal limitations. It was made-to-order for the job. The demand for the FC-2 became so great that a Canadian aircraft builder, Canadian Vickers Ltd., was licensed to produce it there. However, in the end only twelve were produced in Canada, of which two were sold as spares.
In all, about 160 civil FC-2s were built. With engine changes, Frise-type ailerons and other modifications, a number FC-2s later received the Model 51 designation under a different type certificate. RON DUPAS COLLECTION Remarks by Johan Visschedijk
Caribou
Wikipedia Fairchild Fc-2 
RON DUPAS COLLECTION FC-2 613, FC-2L
s/n 613
c/n 64
Fairchild Aircraft Ltd.
613
Wright J5 / Lynx VI B
Taken on strength at Winnipeg on 6 May 1928. Part of the Fort Churchill survey starting on 6 May 1928. Assigned to General Purpose Detachment at Winnipeg on 22 July 1929. Sent to 1 Depot on 15 November 1929. Sent to Ottawa Car Company for modification to FC-2L on 7 April 1930. Returned to RCAF on 9 August 1930 at Ottawa Air Station. Assigned to Winnipeg on 31 August 1930. Sent to Lac du Bonnet station on 2 March 1931. Intended for modifications at Winnipeg on 14 December 1932, but these were not carried out and aircraft was sent to storage pending write off. Reduced to produce on 16 Jan 1935 and written off. All serviceable or repairable components retained to support the remaining Fairchild aircraft.
Registration changed to 613 at an unknown date.
Note: Griffin records incorrect conversion date, choosing the date of induction to Ottawa Car instead of the date of completion.
last update: 2024-December-25
📙 JA Griffin (2005: Smith, Castle): 1968 199 | 1968 212
Registration changed to 613 at an unknown date.
Note: Griffin records incorrect conversion date, choosing the date of induction to Ottawa Car instead of the date of completion.
last update: 2024-December-25
1928-May-06 Taken on Strength 2019-08-20
1930-August-09 Conversion to FC-2L 2024-12-16
1935-January-16 Struck off Strength as RCAF 613 2024-12-16
1930-August-09 Conversion to FC-2L 2024-12-16
1935-January-16 Struck off Strength as RCAF 613 2024-12-16
FC-2 614,
s/n 614
c/n CV 84
Canadian Vickers
614
Wright J5
Taken on strength at Ottawa Air Station on 13 September 1928. At 1 Depot by 19 February 1929 and returned to Ottawa Air Station on 23 April 1929. Back to 1 Depot on 15 January 1930 and then sent to Ottawa Car Company for mods on 1 April 1930. Reported by Griffin as converted to FC-2L by 21 June 1930 using US supplied kit while at Ottawa Car Company but this conversion not recorded on record card anywhere.
Returned to Ottawa Air Station by 31 July 1930. Sent to Winnipeg by 23 August 1930 and then to Lac du Bonnet by 25 August 1930. Part of 1 General Purpose Detachment by 3 September 1930. Returned to Winnipeg by 6 November 1930. Sent to Cormorant Lake on 2 March 1931 and then to Ladder Lake on 27 May 1931. Returned to Winnipeg on 23 June 1932. Reduced to spare components and struck off on 14 August 1934.
Operated as a seaplane while with the RCAF. Registration changed from G-CYXU to 614 at an unknown time.
last update: 2024-December-25
📙 JA Griffin (2005: Smith, Castle): 1968 199 | 1968 212
Returned to Ottawa Air Station by 31 July 1930. Sent to Winnipeg by 23 August 1930 and then to Lac du Bonnet by 25 August 1930. Part of 1 General Purpose Detachment by 3 September 1930. Returned to Winnipeg by 6 November 1930. Sent to Cormorant Lake on 2 March 1931 and then to Ladder Lake on 27 May 1931. Returned to Winnipeg on 23 June 1932. Reduced to spare components and struck off on 14 August 1934.
Operated as a seaplane while with the RCAF. Registration changed from G-CYXU to 614 at an unknown time.
last update: 2024-December-25
1928-September-13 Taken on Strength 2020-09-29
1934-August-14 Struck off Strength Struck off, as RCAF 614. 2019-08-20
1934-August-14 Struck off Strength Struck off, as RCAF 614. 2019-08-20
FC-2 615, FC-2W
s/n 615
c/n 90
Fairchild Aircraft Ltd.
615
Wasp A
Taken on strength at 1 Photo Detachment on 4 June 1928. Sent for overhaul at Boeing Aircraft Company in Vancouver on 30 December 1930 before being allocated to Vancouver station. Returned to Boeing for another overhaul on 30 December 1931 and was sent back to Vancouver station on 25 February 1932. Naval radio installed during overhaul. Reduced to components and produce and struck off on 23 July 1935. Instruments were retained and sent to depot.
Registration changed from G-CYXN to 615 at an unknown date.
last update: 2024-December-25
📙 JA Griffin (2005: Smith, Castle): 1968 199 | 1968 212
Registration changed from G-CYXN to 615 at an unknown date.
last update: 2024-December-25
1928-June-04 Taken on Strength 2019-08-20
1935-July-23 Struck off Strength Struck off, as RCAF 615. 2019-08-20
1935-July-23 Struck off Strength Struck off, as RCAF 615. 2019-08-20
FC-2 616, FC-2W
s/n 616
c/n 88
Fairchild Aircraft Ltd.
616
Wasp A
Taken on strength at Ottawa Air Station on 13 June 1928. Operated on floats. Assigned to 6 Photographic Detachment on 16 October 1928. Sent to 1 Depot on 30 June 1929. Back at 6 Photographic Detachment on 20 November 1929. Sent to 1 Depot on 11 January 1930 and returned to Ottawa by 8 May 1930. With No. 9 Photographic Detachment by 27 May 1930. Photographed parts of north-west Ontario, Manitoba and Alberta that year. Forced landing on an unamed lake in northern Alberta 23 July 1930, repaired and flown out.
Sent to Winnipeg for overhaul on 13 October 1930. Assigned to Lac du Bonnet station on 20 March 1931. With 9 Photographic Detachment on 22 June 1931 and assigned back to Lac du Bonnet station on 21 October 1931. Returned to Winnipeg for overhaul on 21 March 1932. Back at Lac du Bonnet by 17 September 1932. Sent to Cormorant Lake station on 22 September 1932. Assigned to Lac du Bonnet station on 15 July 1933. Sent to Winnipeg on 23 May 1935.
With Militia Operation Flight at Camp Shilo on 15 June 1935 for training with the Canadian Army over the summer. Returned to Winnipeg on 3 August 1935 and entered overhaul. Category B damage on 3 March 1936. Aircraft reduced to produce at 8 General Purpose Squadron in Winnipeg by 21 July 1936, with instruments and components salvaged and sent to depot.
Registration changed from G-CYXO to 616 at an unknown date.
last update: 2024-December-25
📙 JA Griffin (2005: Smith, Castle): 1968 199 | 1968 212
Sent to Winnipeg for overhaul on 13 October 1930. Assigned to Lac du Bonnet station on 20 March 1931. With 9 Photographic Detachment on 22 June 1931 and assigned back to Lac du Bonnet station on 21 October 1931. Returned to Winnipeg for overhaul on 21 March 1932. Back at Lac du Bonnet by 17 September 1932. Sent to Cormorant Lake station on 22 September 1932. Assigned to Lac du Bonnet station on 15 July 1933. Sent to Winnipeg on 23 May 1935.
With Militia Operation Flight at Camp Shilo on 15 June 1935 for training with the Canadian Army over the summer. Returned to Winnipeg on 3 August 1935 and entered overhaul. Category B damage on 3 March 1936. Aircraft reduced to produce at 8 General Purpose Squadron in Winnipeg by 21 July 1936, with instruments and components salvaged and sent to depot.
Registration changed from G-CYXO to 616 at an unknown date.
last update: 2024-December-25
1928-June-13 Taken on Strength 2019-08-20
1936-July-21 Struck off Strength Struck off, as RCAF 616. 2019-08-20
1936-July-21 Struck off Strength Struck off, as RCAF 616. 2019-08-20
FC-2 617, FC-2W
s/n 617
c/n 94
Fairchild Aircraft Ltd.
617
Wasp A
Taken on strength at Ottawa Air Station on 13 June 1928. With No. 7 Photo Detachment by 7 October 1928, based at Rockcliffe, Ontario and detached to Ste. Agathe des Montes, Quebec from June of that year. Caught there by an early freeze, and returned to Rockcliffe on wheels, behind a truck. Unofficial radio call sign with this unit was "Xanatic Paladin".
Sent to 1 Depot on 5 November 1928. Sent to Ottawa on 23 April 1929. Back at 1 Depot on 20 December 1929 for overhaul and returned to Ottawa on 30 April 1930. Sent to 7 Photographic Detachment on 1 May 1930, but then assigned to 9 Photographic Detachment by 27 May 1930. Photographed parts of north-west Ontario, Manitoba and Alberta that year. Assigned to Winnipeg on 13 October 1930 for overhaul. When completed sent to Lac du Bonnet station on 11 April 1931. With 9 Photographic Detachment on 22 June 1931 and back at Lac du Bonnet by 21 October 1931.
Sent to Winnipeg on 5 March 1932 and then transferred to Vancouver on 17 May 1932. Sent to Boeing Aircraft Company for overhaul on 2 February 1933 and back at Vancouver on 14 March 1933. Aircraft had modifications completed at Vancouver and completed by 30 June 1934. Aircraft reduced to components and produce with some instruments and components salvaged. Written off by 5 April 1935.
Registration changed from G-CYXP to 617 at an unknown date.
last update: 2024-December-25
📙 JA Griffin (2005: Smith, Castle): 1968 199 | 1968 212
Sent to 1 Depot on 5 November 1928. Sent to Ottawa on 23 April 1929. Back at 1 Depot on 20 December 1929 for overhaul and returned to Ottawa on 30 April 1930. Sent to 7 Photographic Detachment on 1 May 1930, but then assigned to 9 Photographic Detachment by 27 May 1930. Photographed parts of north-west Ontario, Manitoba and Alberta that year. Assigned to Winnipeg on 13 October 1930 for overhaul. When completed sent to Lac du Bonnet station on 11 April 1931. With 9 Photographic Detachment on 22 June 1931 and back at Lac du Bonnet by 21 October 1931.
Sent to Winnipeg on 5 March 1932 and then transferred to Vancouver on 17 May 1932. Sent to Boeing Aircraft Company for overhaul on 2 February 1933 and back at Vancouver on 14 March 1933. Aircraft had modifications completed at Vancouver and completed by 30 June 1934. Aircraft reduced to components and produce with some instruments and components salvaged. Written off by 5 April 1935.
Registration changed from G-CYXP to 617 at an unknown date.
last update: 2024-December-25
1928-June-13 Taken on Strength 2019-08-20
1935-April-05 Struck off Strength Struck off, as RCAF 617. 2019-08-20
1935-April-05 Struck off Strength Struck off, as RCAF 617. 2019-08-20
FC-2 618, FC-2W
s/n 618
c/n 84
Fairchild Aircraft Ltd.
618
Wasp A
Taken on strength by 1 Photo Detachment in Vancouver on 4 June 1928 on floats. Sent to Boeing Aircraft in Vancouver on 26 January 1930 and returned to 1 Photo Detachment on 27 March 1931. Detached to interior BC and the Quenn Charlotte Islands for photo surveys in 1930. Pilot was Flying Officer (later A/M) C.R. Dunlap. Still with this unit in 1931, when it photographed large areas of northern Vancouver Island. Operated from several bases, including Sproat Lake (future home of the Mars water bombers). Returned to Boeing for overhaul on 30 December 1931. Back at Vancouver on 25 February 1932. Overhaul completed at Boeing from 6 February 1933 to 7 March 1933, and aircraft returned to Vancouver. Reduced to stores and produce at Vancouver by 5 April 1935.
Registration changed from G-CYXQ to 618 at an unknown date.
last update: 2025-January-18
📙 JA Griffin (2005: Smith, Castle): 1968 199 | 1968 212
Registration changed from G-CYXQ to 618 at an unknown date.
last update: 2025-January-18
1928-June-04 Taken on Strength G-CYXQ 2019-08-20
1935-April-05 Struck off Strength 2019-08-20
1935-April-05 Struck off Strength 2019-08-20
FC-2 619, FC-2W
s/n 619
c/n 92
Fairchild Aircraft Ltd.
619
Wasp A
First FC-2W with RCAF. Carried marking "Fairchild FC-2W1" on vertical tail. Taken on strength at Ottawa Air Station on 21 May 1928. With No. 7 Photo Detachment in 1928, based at Rockcliffe, Ontario and detached to Ste. Agathe des Montes, Quebec from June of that year. Unofficial radio call sign while with this unit was "Your Uncle". Operated on floats.
Sent to 1 Depot on 15 March 1930 and returned to Ottawa Air Station on 29 May 1930. Transferred to Winnipeg on 30 May 1930. Assigned to 1 General Purpose Detachment on 15 November 1930. Overhaul completed in Winnipeg on 8 October 1931 and aircraft sent to Ladder Lake station. Back in Winnipeg on 16 January 1932 with another overhaul completed. Sent to Lac du Bonnet on 5 May 1933 and returned to Winnipeg by 13 July 1933. Assigned to Vancouver on 31 July 1933. Modifications completed at Vancouver on 21 May 1935. Reduced to produce with instruments returned to depot in Ottawa on 11 June 1937.
Registration changed from G-CYYU to 619 in 1933.
Notes: Griffin records incorrect taken on strength date compared to the record card. Griffin also reports a conversion to Model 51 in 1931 but this is not reported anywhere else.
last update: 2024-December-25
📙 JA Griffin (2005: Smith, Castle): 1968 199 | 1968 212
Sent to 1 Depot on 15 March 1930 and returned to Ottawa Air Station on 29 May 1930. Transferred to Winnipeg on 30 May 1930. Assigned to 1 General Purpose Detachment on 15 November 1930. Overhaul completed in Winnipeg on 8 October 1931 and aircraft sent to Ladder Lake station. Back in Winnipeg on 16 January 1932 with another overhaul completed. Sent to Lac du Bonnet on 5 May 1933 and returned to Winnipeg by 13 July 1933. Assigned to Vancouver on 31 July 1933. Modifications completed at Vancouver on 21 May 1935. Reduced to produce with instruments returned to depot in Ottawa on 11 June 1937.
Registration changed from G-CYYU to 619 in 1933.
Notes: Griffin records incorrect taken on strength date compared to the record card. Griffin also reports a conversion to Model 51 in 1931 but this is not reported anywhere else.
last update: 2024-December-25
1928-May-21 Taken on Strength 2024-12-17
1933 Serial Change Renumbered as RCAF 619 . 2019-08-20
1937-June-11 Struck off Strength 2022-03-30
1933 Serial Change Renumbered as RCAF 619 . 2019-08-20
1937-June-11 Struck off Strength 2022-03-30
FC-2 620, 51
s/n 620
c/n CV 86
Canadian Vickers
620
Wright J5
Taken on strength at Ottawa Air Station on 29 August 1928. Assigned to 1 Depot on 4 Feb 1929. Returned to Ottawa Air Station on 21 Feb 1929. Sent to 1 Depot again on 1 Mar 1929 and returned to Ottawa on 13 May 1929. Assigned to Camp Borden on 17 Feb 1930. Crashed at Borden and assigned to Fairchild for repairs and conversion to 51 on 4 July 1930.
Returned to Camp Borden as a Fairchild 51 on 15 December 1930. Registration changed to 620 on 24 November 1933. Operated on skiis from Camp Borden in early 1930s.Assigned to RCAF Station Trenton on 27 January 1938. Transferred to C Flight at the Flight Training School on 1 February 1938. Put in storage at Trenton on 23 January 1939. Free issue to Technical School in Galt Ontario as part of the Youth Training Scheme on 4 October 1939.
Returned to the RCAF on 9 June 1944 as Instructional Airframe A 439 and allotted to the Stored Reserve at 6 Repair Depot pending disposal. Struck off as sold to War Assets Corporation on 5 October 1946.
Notes: Some records list this as a FC-2W and 51A, but this is not confirmed in the RCAF record card. Griffin records the wrong conversion date to 51, choosing the date of induction to Fairchild instead of the return to the RCAF post-modification. Date of conversion to Instructional not recorded in record card but more likely to coincide with return to RCAF rather than the date in Griffin.
last update: 2024-December-25
📙 JA Griffin (2005: Smith, Castle): 1968 199 | 1968 212 | 1968 487
Returned to Camp Borden as a Fairchild 51 on 15 December 1930. Registration changed to 620 on 24 November 1933. Operated on skiis from Camp Borden in early 1930s.Assigned to RCAF Station Trenton on 27 January 1938. Transferred to C Flight at the Flight Training School on 1 February 1938. Put in storage at Trenton on 23 January 1939. Free issue to Technical School in Galt Ontario as part of the Youth Training Scheme on 4 October 1939.
Returned to the RCAF on 9 June 1944 as Instructional Airframe A 439 and allotted to the Stored Reserve at 6 Repair Depot pending disposal. Struck off as sold to War Assets Corporation on 5 October 1946.
Notes: Some records list this as a FC-2W and 51A, but this is not confirmed in the RCAF record card. Griffin records the wrong conversion date to 51, choosing the date of induction to Fairchild instead of the return to the RCAF post-modification. Date of conversion to Instructional not recorded in record card but more likely to coincide with return to RCAF rather than the date in Griffin.
last update: 2024-December-25
1928-August-29 Taken on Strength G-CYXK 2019-08-20
1930-December-15 Conversion to 51 2024-12-16
1944-June-09 Classified Instructional A 439 2024-12-16
1946-October-05 Struck off Strength 2024-12-16
1930-December-15 Conversion to 51 2024-12-16
1944-June-09 Classified Instructional A 439 2024-12-16
1946-October-05 Struck off Strength 2024-12-16
FC-2 621, 51
s/n 621
as/n 29
c/n 34
Fairchild Aircraft Ltd.
621
Wright J5
Taken on strength at Borden on 21 December 1927. Sent to Fairchild after a crash for repairs and conversion to Model 51. Completed by 26 November 1930 and aircraft sent back to Borden, where it was seen operating on skiis. Overhaul completed at Camp Borden on 4 January 1935. Assigned to Trenton on same date, although returned to Borden by 25 January 1935. Sent back to Trenton on 18 February 1935, with radios retained in Borden. Returned to Borden by 13 April 1935. Back at Trenton on 27 January 1938. Assigned as part of C Flight Flight Training School there on 1 February 1938. In storage at Trenton by 23 January 1939. Free Issue to Technical School in Galt Ontario as part of the Youth Training Scheme on 4 October 1939.
Registration changed from 29 to 621 at an unknown date.
last update: 2024-December-25
📙 JA Griffin (2005: Smith, Castle): 1968 203 | 1968 212
Registration changed from 29 to 621 at an unknown date.
last update: 2024-December-25
1927-December-21 Taken on Strength 2019-08-20
1930-November-06 Conversion to Model 51 2024-12-18
1939-October-04 Struck off Strength as 621 2024-12-18
1930-November-06 Conversion to Model 51 2024-12-18
1939-October-04 Struck off Strength as 621 2024-12-18
FC-2 622,
s/n 622
as/n 30
c/n 36
Fairchild Aircraft Ltd.
622
Wright J5
Taken on strength at Borden on 11 January 1928. Sent to 1 Depot on 21 January 1929. Back at Borden on 24 April 1929. Sent to Fairchild on 15 December 1930 for conversion to Model 51. Completed on 23 March 1931 and aircraft returned to Borden. Partial overhaul completed at Borden in April 1934. Aircraft in storage by 2 May 1935. Converted to Instructional as A 14 at 2 Technical Training School on 26 November 1937. Put in Stored Reserve on 10 November 1939. Assigned to 1 Technical Training School in St. Thomas on 12 February 1940. Struck off and reduced to produce on 12 July 1940.
Renumbered from 30 to 622 at an unknown date.
last update: 2024-December-25
📙 JA Griffin (2005: Smith, Castle): 1968 212 | 1968 481
Renumbered from 30 to 622 at an unknown date.
last update: 2024-December-25
1928-January-11 Taken on Strength 30 2019-08-20
1931-March-23 Conversion to Model 51 2024-12-18
1937-November-26 Classified Instructional A 14 2020-06-13
1940-July-12 Struck off Strength 2019-08-20
1931-March-23 Conversion to Model 51 2024-12-18
1937-November-26 Classified Instructional A 14 2020-06-13
1940-July-12 Struck off Strength 2019-08-20
FC-2 623, FC-2L / 51
s/n 623
as/n 211
c/n 65
Fairchild Aircraft Ltd.
623
Lynx / Wright J5
Taken on strength at Ottawa Air Station on 12 April 1928, likely delivered as a FC-2L. Assigned to 8 Photo Detachment on 7 October 1928. Sent to 1 Depot on 9 November 1928 and returned to Ottawa Air Station on 1 May 1929. Sent to 1 Depot on 14 January 1930 and then to Ottawa Car Company on 15 May 1930. Likely converted to a Model 51 at this time.
Back at Ottawa air station on 4 September 1930. Sent to Camp Borden on 16 December 1930. With Ottawa Air Station on 3 March 1931. Sent to Depot Workshops on 18 June 1931 and then to Camp Borden afterwards on 14 January 1932. Category C crash at Borden on 30 July 1936. Put in storage, still damaged, on 6 August 1936. Converted to Instructional airframe A 15 on 26 November 1937. At Trenton on 27 January 1938 and assigned to 1 Technical Training School on 31 January 1938. Reported in a letter from Trenton dated 14 March 1938 as totally unsuitable for instructional use. Reduced to produce and salvage on 19 May 1938.
Registration changed from G-CYXY to 211 and then to 623 at an unknown date.
last update: 2024-December-25
📙 JA Griffin (2005: Smith, Castle): 1968 199 | 1968 212
Back at Ottawa air station on 4 September 1930. Sent to Camp Borden on 16 December 1930. With Ottawa Air Station on 3 March 1931. Sent to Depot Workshops on 18 June 1931 and then to Camp Borden afterwards on 14 January 1932. Category C crash at Borden on 30 July 1936. Put in storage, still damaged, on 6 August 1936. Converted to Instructional airframe A 15 on 26 November 1937. At Trenton on 27 January 1938 and assigned to 1 Technical Training School on 31 January 1938. Reported in a letter from Trenton dated 14 March 1938 as totally unsuitable for instructional use. Reduced to produce and salvage on 19 May 1938.
Registration changed from G-CYXY to 211 and then to 623 at an unknown date.
last update: 2024-December-25
1928-April-12 Taken on Strength G-CYXY 2019-08-20
1936-July-30 Accident Category C Borden CA 2024-12-17
1937-November-26 Classified Instructional A 15 2020-06-13
1938-May-19 Struck off Strength 2019-08-20
1936-July-30 Accident Category C Borden CA 2024-12-17
1937-November-26 Classified Instructional A 15 2020-06-13
1938-May-19 Struck off Strength 2019-08-20
FC-2 624, 51
s/n 624
c/n 68
Fairchild Aircraft Ltd.
624
Taken on strength at Winnipeg on 9 May 1928. Sent to Fairchild for conversion to Model 51 on 14 January 1931. Completed by 27 May 1931. Minor repairs completed in Winnipeg from 14 September 1932 to 23 December 1932. Partial overhaul completed at Winnipeg by 18 February 1933. Complete overhaul completed at Winnipeg by 10 September 1934. Aircraft sent to Fairchild for major reconditioning on 30 December 1937. Completed by 14 March 1938. Partial overhaul completed at Trenton on 17 October 1938.
Category D Accident at Trenton on 31 May 1939. Aircraft assigned to Air Armament School at Trenton on 9 September 1939. Transferred to 1 Training Command on 1 April 1940. Sent to Eastern Air Command on 30 May 1940. Seen at RCAF Station St. John, NB, 20 July 1940.May have been operated by No. 118 (B) Squadron at that time. Transferred to 4 Repair Depot at Scoudouc on 16 December 1941 in the workshop reserve. Reduced to spares and produce and written off by 4 Repair Depot on 27 August 1942.
Registration changed from G-CYXW to 624 at an unknown time.
Note: Griffin reports conversion to both 51 and 51A. Record card reports only 51 so this has been recorded.
last update: 2024-December-25
📙 JA Griffin (2005: Smith, Castle): 1968 212
Category D Accident at Trenton on 31 May 1939. Aircraft assigned to Air Armament School at Trenton on 9 September 1939. Transferred to 1 Training Command on 1 April 1940. Sent to Eastern Air Command on 30 May 1940. Seen at RCAF Station St. John, NB, 20 July 1940.May have been operated by No. 118 (B) Squadron at that time. Transferred to 4 Repair Depot at Scoudouc on 16 December 1941 in the workshop reserve. Reduced to spares and produce and written off by 4 Repair Depot on 27 August 1942.
Registration changed from G-CYXW to 624 at an unknown time.
Note: Griffin reports conversion to both 51 and 51A. Record card reports only 51 so this has been recorded.
last update: 2024-December-25
1928-May-09 Taken on Strength G-CYXW 2019-08-20
1931-May-27 Conversion to Model 51 2024-12-17
1942-August-27 Struck off Strength 2019-08-20
1931-May-27 Conversion to Model 51 2024-12-17
1942-August-27 Struck off Strength 2019-08-20
FC-2 625, 51
s/n 625
c/n 19
Fairchild Aircraft Ltd.
625
Wright J6
First FC-2 operated by the RCAF. Taken on strength at Ottawa Air Station on 20 October 1927. Flipped over and sank while taxiing in strong winds at Shirley Bay, Ontario on 12 November 1927. Repairs took until May 1928, and included complete fuselage replacement. Operated on floats, wheels and skiis. To Ladder Lake, Saskatchewan, on skiis, spring of 1930. Operated in western Canada on floats that summer. Used to survey air mail routes between Toronto and Montreal, summer of 1932.
Converted to Model 51 on 29 April 1931 at Fairchild. Sent back to Ottawa afterwards. Underwent overhaul at Borden by 17 March 1937. Assigned to the Air Armament School at Trenton, where it was seen on skiis. Time expired by 19 September 1938 and completed overhaul at Fairchild by 12 January 1939. Sent back to Ottawa. Assigned to 1 Depot Ottawa on 25 April 1939. Back at Ottawa as part of 7 General Purpose Squadron on 29 June 1939. Category C crash at Ottawa on 18 September 1939. Part of 12 (Comm) Squadron, RCAF Station Rockcliffe, Ontario by 19 September 1939. Category D Crash on 24 April 1940
while with 112 Army Cooperation Squadron at Uplands (Ottawa). Assigned to 1 Bombing and Gunnery School at Jarvis Ontario on 14 April 1941. Sold to Patricia Lumber Co at Sioux Lookout for $700.00 on 20 November 1941 as CF-BVR. Wrecked during a windstorm at Fort Francis on 24 June 1946.
Registration changed from G-CYYV to 625 at an unknown date.
Note: Griffin reports this aircraft as a Model 51 and 51A confusingly. Record card does not reflect 51A designation.
last update: 2024-December-25
📙 JA Griffin (2005: Smith, Castle): 1968 199 | 1968 212 | 1968 614
Converted to Model 51 on 29 April 1931 at Fairchild. Sent back to Ottawa afterwards. Underwent overhaul at Borden by 17 March 1937. Assigned to the Air Armament School at Trenton, where it was seen on skiis. Time expired by 19 September 1938 and completed overhaul at Fairchild by 12 January 1939. Sent back to Ottawa. Assigned to 1 Depot Ottawa on 25 April 1939. Back at Ottawa as part of 7 General Purpose Squadron on 29 June 1939. Category C crash at Ottawa on 18 September 1939. Part of 12 (Comm) Squadron, RCAF Station Rockcliffe, Ontario by 19 September 1939. Category D Crash on 24 April 1940
while with 112 Army Cooperation Squadron at Uplands (Ottawa). Assigned to 1 Bombing and Gunnery School at Jarvis Ontario on 14 April 1941. Sold to Patricia Lumber Co at Sioux Lookout for $700.00 on 20 November 1941 as CF-BVR. Wrecked during a windstorm at Fort Francis on 24 June 1946.
Registration changed from G-CYYV to 625 at an unknown date.
Note: Griffin reports this aircraft as a Model 51 and 51A confusingly. Record card does not reflect 51A designation.
last update: 2024-December-25
1927-October-20 Taken on Strength 2019-08-20
1931-April-29 Conversion to Model 51 2024-12-18
1939-September-18 Accident: RCAF STATION Loc: Ottawa Ontario Names: Milne
1940-April-23 Accident: 112 AC RCAF OTTAWA, ONT Loc: Airport (Uplands) Names: Cannon | Marrin | Rankin
1941-November-20 Struck off Strength as RCAF 625 2024-12-18
1931-April-29 Conversion to Model 51 2024-12-18
1939-September-18 Accident: RCAF STATION Loc: Ottawa Ontario Names: Milne
1940-April-23 Accident: 112 AC RCAF OTTAWA, ONT Loc: Airport (Uplands) Names: Cannon | Marrin | Rankin
1941-November-20 Struck off Strength as RCAF 625 2024-12-18
FC-2 626, 51/51A
s/n 626
c/n CV 83
Canadian Vickers
626
First Canadian Vickers built FC-2. First flight over the St. Lawrence River was on 29 June 1928, piloted by C.S. Caldwell.
Taken on strength at Ottawa Air Station on 29 June 1928. Sent to Fairchild on 16 January 1931 for conversion to 51 type. Completed on 31 August 1931 and returned to Ottawa Air Station.
Crash at Montreal on 8 August 1932. Aircraft sent to Fairchild on 20 September 1932 for repairs. Completed on 26 October 1932 and sent to 1 Depot. Modifications and rework completed at 1 Depot on 3 May 1935. Aircraft sent to Ottawa Air Station. Accident reported on 4 June 1936 and aircraft sent to Fairchild for repairs on 18 June 1936. Completed by 27 October 1936 and returned to Ottawa Air Station. Fitted with fuselage bomb rack in late 1930s, used for training at Camp Borden, Ontario.
Assigned to 1 Technical Training School at St. Thomas on 22 November 1939 after the outbreak of World War II. Converted to an Instructional airframe on 12 July 1940 and registered as A 23. Written off as obsolete and beyond economical repair on 8 February 1944, with salvageable parts and materiel recovered.
Registration changed from G-CYXV to 626 at an unknown date. Unknown if aircraft converted from FC-2 to 51A directly - record card only refers to conversion to 51 type. Possible that aircraft converted to 51 at Fairchild and then later on to 51A (possibly as the mods at 1 Depot). Griffin records conversion to both 51 and 51A on 16 January 1931 confusingly.
last update: 2024-December-25
📙 JA Griffin (2005: Smith, Castle): 1968 199 | 1968 212 | 1968 481
Taken on strength at Ottawa Air Station on 29 June 1928. Sent to Fairchild on 16 January 1931 for conversion to 51 type. Completed on 31 August 1931 and returned to Ottawa Air Station.
Crash at Montreal on 8 August 1932. Aircraft sent to Fairchild on 20 September 1932 for repairs. Completed on 26 October 1932 and sent to 1 Depot. Modifications and rework completed at 1 Depot on 3 May 1935. Aircraft sent to Ottawa Air Station. Accident reported on 4 June 1936 and aircraft sent to Fairchild for repairs on 18 June 1936. Completed by 27 October 1936 and returned to Ottawa Air Station. Fitted with fuselage bomb rack in late 1930s, used for training at Camp Borden, Ontario.
Assigned to 1 Technical Training School at St. Thomas on 22 November 1939 after the outbreak of World War II. Converted to an Instructional airframe on 12 July 1940 and registered as A 23. Written off as obsolete and beyond economical repair on 8 February 1944, with salvageable parts and materiel recovered.
Registration changed from G-CYXV to 626 at an unknown date. Unknown if aircraft converted from FC-2 to 51A directly - record card only refers to conversion to 51 type. Possible that aircraft converted to 51 at Fairchild and then later on to 51A (possibly as the mods at 1 Depot). Griffin records conversion to both 51 and 51A on 16 January 1931 confusingly.
last update: 2024-December-25
1928-June-29 First Flight First flight, from St. Lawrence River, by C. S. Caldwell 2020-08-18
1928-August-02 Taken on Strength G-CYXV 2019-08-20
1940-July-12 Classified Instructional A 23 2020-06-09
1944-February-08 Struck off Strength 2019-08-20
1928-August-02 Taken on Strength G-CYXV 2019-08-20
1940-July-12 Classified Instructional A 23 2020-06-09
1944-February-08 Struck off Strength 2019-08-20
FC-2 627, 51
s/n 627
c/n 23
Fairchild Aircraft Ltd.
627
Taken on strength at Ottawa Air Station on 4 November 1927. Used for air mail flights from Rimouski to Montreal in November 1927, carrying mail form inbound steamers from Europe. Used for route proving flights from Montreal to Halifax in February 1928.
Converted to Model 51 by 17 July 1931 at Fairchild Aircraft. Seen on floats at RCAF Station Rockcliffe, Ontario, August 1936. Complete overhaul at Fairchild on 14 March 1938. Assigned to Air Armament School Trenton on 9 September 1939. Complete overhaul completed at Fairchild on 24 October 1939. Part of Stored Reserve at Trenton on 17 November 1939. Part of 1 Training Command by 11 February 1940. Sold to Austin Airways Ltd in Toronto on 2 October 1941 as CF-BVY. Wings and tail fitted to CF-BVI (ex RCAF 640), as Model 51/71.
Registration changed from G-CYYT to 627 at an unknown date.
Note: Griffin reports this aircraft as both a Model 51 and 51A. Record card only reflects 51 designation.
last update: 2024-December-25
📙 JA Griffin (2005: Smith, Castle): 1968 199 | 1968 212 | 1968 614
Converted to Model 51 by 17 July 1931 at Fairchild Aircraft. Seen on floats at RCAF Station Rockcliffe, Ontario, August 1936. Complete overhaul at Fairchild on 14 March 1938. Assigned to Air Armament School Trenton on 9 September 1939. Complete overhaul completed at Fairchild on 24 October 1939. Part of Stored Reserve at Trenton on 17 November 1939. Part of 1 Training Command by 11 February 1940. Sold to Austin Airways Ltd in Toronto on 2 October 1941 as CF-BVY. Wings and tail fitted to CF-BVI (ex RCAF 640), as Model 51/71.
Registration changed from G-CYYT to 627 at an unknown date.
Note: Griffin reports this aircraft as both a Model 51 and 51A. Record card only reflects 51 designation.
last update: 2024-December-25
1927-November-04 Taken on Strength G-CYYT 2019-08-20
1941-October-02 Struck off Strength 2019-08-20
1941-October-02 Sold as Surplus to Austin Airways Ltd, Toronto ON. 2024-12-17
1941-October-02 Struck off Strength 2019-08-20
1941-October-02 Sold as Surplus to Austin Airways Ltd, Toronto ON. 2024-12-17
FC-2 628, 51
s/n 628
as/n 31
c/n 37
Fairchild Aircraft Ltd.
628
Taken on strength at Borden on 24 January 1928. Converted to Model 51 on 6 November 1931 at Fairchild. Visited newly opened Uplands Airport, near Ottawa, on 20 August 1938. Assigned to 1 Training Command on 1 April 1940. Sent to 3 Training Command on 22 July 1940. Converted to Instructional airframe A 132 on 1 May 1941. Free Issue to Aircraft Flying Officer Jean Brault, Commanding Officer 70 (St. Lambert-Vignal) Squadron, St. Lambert QC. Back on RCAF books at 9 Repair Depot Saint Jean on 24 March 1943. Written off on 12 May 1943.
Registration changed from 31 to 628 at an unknown date.
last update: 2024-December-25
📙 JA Griffin (2005: Smith, Castle): 1968 212 | 1968 483
Registration changed from 31 to 628 at an unknown date.
last update: 2024-December-25
1928-January-24 Taken on Strength 31 2019-08-20
1931-November-06 Conversion to Model 51 2024-12-18
1941-May-01 Classified Instructional A 132 2020-06-09
1943-May-12 Struck off Strength 2019-08-20
1931-November-06 Conversion to Model 51 2024-12-18
1941-May-01 Classified Instructional A 132 2020-06-09
1943-May-12 Struck off Strength 2019-08-20
FC-2 CFBVP, 51
s/n CFBVP
CF-BVP
To Austin Airways, not taken up.
last update: 2025-February-06
📙 JA Griffin (2005: Smith, Castle): 1968 614
last update: 2025-February-06
FC-2 GCYWU, FC-2L
s/n GCYWU
c/n 19
Fairchild Aircraft Ltd.
G-CYWU
Lynx IV B
First FC-2L, converted to Lynx engine at US factory before delivery to RCAF. Initially flew with 3 bladed propellor.
Delivered to Ottawa Air Station on 11 October 1929. Transferred to 1 Depot on 20 Feb 1930. Returned to Ottawa Air Station on 26 May 1930. Transferred to Winnipeg on 2 June 1930. Became part of 1 General Purpose Unit in Winnipeg on 9 June 1930. Involved in a Category A accident on 28 September 1930 in Artillery Lake, Northwest Territories. Written off on 29 September 1930.
Note: Griffin has different Taken on Strength/Struck off Strength dates than the record card, and the record card has been given precedence.
last update: 2025-February-06
📙 JA Griffin (2005: Smith, Castle): 1968 199
Delivered to Ottawa Air Station on 11 October 1929. Transferred to 1 Depot on 20 Feb 1930. Returned to Ottawa Air Station on 26 May 1930. Transferred to Winnipeg on 2 June 1930. Became part of 1 General Purpose Unit in Winnipeg on 9 June 1930. Involved in a Category A accident on 28 September 1930 in Artillery Lake, Northwest Territories. Written off on 29 September 1930.
Note: Griffin has different Taken on Strength/Struck off Strength dates than the record card, and the record card has been given precedence.
last update: 2025-February-06
1929-October-11 Taken on Strength 2024-12-11
1930-September-28 Accident Category A Artillery Lake CA 2024-12-16
1930-September-29 Struck off Strength 2024-12-11
1930-September-28 Accident Category A Artillery Lake CA 2024-12-16
1930-September-29 Struck off Strength 2024-12-11
FC-2 GCYXL, FC-2L
s/n GCYXL
c/n 66
Fairchild Aircraft Ltd.
G-CYXL
Wright J5 / Lynx VI B
Taken on Strength at Winnipeg on 6 May 1928. Used on Churchill survey of 1929. Assigned to 1 Depot on 15 November 1929. Sent to Ottawa Car 18 May 1930 (possibly for conversion to FC-2L?). Assigned to Ottawa Air Station on 5 November 1930. Sent to Camp Borden on 16 December 1930. Returned to Ottawa on 3 March 1931. Sent to Winnipeg on 12 May 1931. Assigned to Lac du Bonnet station on 22 June 1931. Category A crash at Waskesiu Lake on 4 July 1931. Written off on 10 October 1931, although the engine was salvaged and returned to 1 Depot.
last update: 2025-February-06
📙 JA Griffin (2005: Smith, Castle): 1968 199
last update: 2025-February-06
1928-May-06 Taken on Strength 2019-08-20
1931-July-04 Accident Category A Waskesiu Lake CA 2024-12-16
1931-October-10 Struck off Strength 2024-12-16
1931-July-04 Accident Category A Waskesiu Lake CA 2024-12-16
1931-October-10 Struck off Strength 2024-12-16
FC-2 GCYXR, FC-2W
s/n GCYXR
c/n 82
Fairchild Aircraft Ltd.
G-CYXR
Wasp A
Taken on strength at Ottawa Air Station on 13 June 1928. With 6 Photographic Detachment on 7 October 1928. Sent to 1 Depot on 7 February 1929. Back at Ottawa Air Station on 23 April 1929. Category A crash on 28 October 1929 while with 6 Photographic Detachment. Airframe returned to 1 Depot on 17 January 1930. Written off by 29 July 1930.
Note: Griffin records incorrect Struck off Strength date compared to the RCAF record card.
last update: 2025-February-06
📙 JA Griffin (2005: Smith, Castle): 1968 199
Note: Griffin records incorrect Struck off Strength date compared to the RCAF record card.
last update: 2025-February-06
1928-June-13 Taken on Strength 2019-08-20
1929-October-28 Accident Category A 2024-12-16
1930-March-06 Struck off Strength 2024-12-16
1929-October-28 Accident Category A 2024-12-16
1930-March-06 Struck off Strength 2024-12-16
FC-2 GCYXT,
s/n GCYXT
c/n CV 85
Canadian Vickers
G-CYXT
Wright J5
Taken on strength at Ottawa Air Station on 28 July 1928. Sent to Winnipeg on 30 July 1928 and assigned to Lac du Bonnet station on 3 August 1928. Sent to Cormorant Lake station on 29 August 1928. Returned to Winnipeg by 22 July 1929. At Cormorant Lake again on 28 August 1929. Category B Crash at Cormorant Lake on 14 March 1930. Sent to Winnipeg on 7 April 1930 and reduced to produce and salvageable components by 24 April 1930.
Used at Norway House, dates unknown. Operated on floats.
last update: 2025-February-06
📙 JA Griffin (2005: Smith, Castle): 1968 199
Used at Norway House, dates unknown. Operated on floats.
last update: 2025-February-06
1928-July-20 Taken on Strength 2019-08-20
1930-April-24 Struck off Strength 2019-08-20
1930-April-24 Struck off Strength 2019-08-20
FC-2 GCYXX, FC-2L
s/n GCYXX
c/n 63
Fairchild Aircraft Ltd.
G-CYXX
Wright J5 / Lynx VI B
Taken on strength at Winnipeg on 9 May 1928. Assigned to 2 Detachment on 18 May 1929. Returned to Winnipeg on 16 November 1929. Assigned to 2 Photographic Detachment on 18 Feb 1930. Category A Crash at Regina on 22 April 1930 with two fatalities. Aircraft considered a total write off and struck off strength on 12 June 1930.
Operated with floats. Converted to FC-2L at an unknown time as Lynx engine recorded in record card.
Note: Griffin records incorrect struck off strength date compared to the RCAF record card.
last update: 2025-February-06
1930-April-22 KIFA RCAF Flying Officer Henry Walter Palk Carew 2024-07-24
1930-April-22 KIFA RCAF Sergeant Arthur Richards 2024-07-24
📙 JA Griffin (2005: Smith, Castle): 1968 199
Operated with floats. Converted to FC-2L at an unknown time as Lynx engine recorded in record card.
Note: Griffin records incorrect struck off strength date compared to the RCAF record card.
last update: 2025-February-06
1928-May-09 Taken on Strength 2019-08-20
1930-April-22 Accident Category A Regina CA 2024-12-17
1930-June-12 Struck off Strength 2024-12-17
1930-April-22 Accident Category A Regina CA 2024-12-17
1930-June-12 Struck off Strength 2024-12-17
1930-April-22 KIFA RCAF Flying Officer Henry Walter Palk Carew 2024-07-24 1930-April-22 KIFA RCAF Sergeant Arthur Richards 2024-07-24 