Commonwealth War Graves Commission
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Maplewood CemeteryFleet Finch
The Fleet Finch was the final version of a whole family of light biplane trainers, designed by Consolidated Aircraft of Buffalo, NY and intended for civilian use. Few of these aircraft were marketed under the Consolidated name, as most were sold through Fleet Aircraft Canada, under a range of model numbers. Only the RCAF gave any of these models names, calling the Model 7 the Fawn and the Model 16 the Finch. These aircraft were built from 1930 to 1941, all at Fort Erie, Ontario.
The Finch was developed to meet an RCAF requirement for a fully aerobatic, primary trainer. The RCAF ordered the first batch of aircraft in July 1939 and powered by a Kinner R5-2, 160 hp engine, they were designated the Fleet Finch Mk. I. Most of these aircraft were delivered to the RCAF Central Flying School at Trenton, Ontario by early 1940.
The RCAF placed a further order for primary trainers with Fleet in January 1940. The Fleet Finch Mk. II, powered by a Kinner B-5R, 130 hp engine, first flew from Fort Erie in March 1940. During the following year, over 400 Fleet Finch Mk. IIs were delivered to BCATP Elementary Flying Schools right across Canada.
The Fleet Finch was well liked by the RCAF as it was a rugged aircraft, was relatively easy to fly and withstood the abuse of novice pilots. Some Fleet Finches remained in service with the RCAF until 1947, but most were retired by October 1944. Their role as a primary trainer was taken over by Fairchild PT-26 Cornell. Canadian Warplane Heritage Museum
Fleet FinchCASPIR Aircraft Groups:
RCAF Owned (431) RCAF 400 Squadrons (3) Canadian Crewed (34) Canadian Manufactured (1) Canadian Museum (1)Finch Finch II 4451
Category C damage on 8 June 1942 while with No. 22 Elementary Flying Training School at Ancienne Lorette, Quebec. Crashed at 10:40 on 23 November 1942, while with No. 17 EFTS at Stanley, NS. Pilot overshot field, stalled and spun in form 150 feet while turning to return to field. Lone occupant Leading Aircraftman T.J. Blundell, RAF killed.1940-05-18 Taken on Strength 2019-08-20
1941-June-08 Accident: CENTRAL FLYING SCHOOL TRENTON Loc: Aerodrome Names: Harper | Pilchard
1941-August-19 Accident: CENTRAL FLYING SCHOOL TRENTON Loc: Aerodrome Names: Armer | Carlson
1941-October-19 Accident: 22 Elementary Flying Training School Loc: Aerodrome Ancienne Lorette Names: Gooding
1942-January-16 Accident: 22 Elementary Flying Training School Loc: Aerodrome Names: Mckay
1942-June-08 Accident: 22 Elementary Flying Training School Loc: Aerodrome Names: Bench | Miller | Simons | Strafford
1942-November-23 Accident: 17 Elementary Flying Training School Loc: Aerodrome Names: Blundell
1943-02-02 Struck off Strength Struck off after crash, see comments. 2019-08-20
RCAF.info - RCAF Station Stanley Nova Scotia
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