Canadian Virtual War Memorial
Commonwealth War Graves Commission
Finadagrave.com
Library and Archives Canada Service Files (may not exist)
Winnipeg, ManitobaFleet 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 4449
To RCAF Station Trenton, Ontario on 23 May 1940. Collided with Finch 1018 on 21 September 1940, near Cederdale, Ontario. Both Aircraft were with Central Flying School at the time. AC1 A.E. Porter, student in this aircraft, killed. Other aircraft recovered without further damage. Had 244:00 logged time when it was struck off.1940-05-15 Taken on Strength No. 12 Technical Detachment 2019-08-20
1940-September-21 Accident: CENTRAL FLYING SCHOOL TRENTON Loc: Cedardale Brighton Twp Names: Hill | Moran | Porter | Sharpe
1941-02-03 Struck off Strength 2019-08-20
Finch 1018
Finch Finch I 1018
Category C damage at Trenton on 18 February 1941, while with the Central Flying School. Became Instructional Airframe A 244 on 8 December 1942.1940-02-02 Taken on Strength 2019-08-20
1940-September-21 Accident: CENTRAL FLYING SCHOOL TRENTON Loc: Cedardale Brighton Twp Names: Hill | Moran | Porter | Sharpe
1941-February-18 Accident: CENTRAL FLYING SCHOOL TRENTON Loc: Aerodrome Names: Lang
1942-12-08 Classified Instructional A 244 2020-06-09
1943-01-20 Struck off Strength 2019-08-20
RCAF.info - RCAF Station Trenton Ontario
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