Dickie, Charles Richard (Leading Aircraftman)

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

Harold Skaarup Web Page

Fleet Finch

Aircraft Images

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Finch 4448

Finch Finch II 4448

To No. 1 Training Command in July 1940, for use by No. 1 Elementary Flying Training School at Malton, Ontario. Category D damage at 12:15 on 21 December 1940, at Malton aerodrome. Collided with Finch 4411 on approach. To No. 3 Training Command on 20 May 1941, for use at No. 21 Elementary Flying Training School at Chatham, NB. Category C damage at 10:45 on 20 June 1941 at Stanley aerodrome, reported by No. 17 EFTS. 4448 was struck on the right wing by Finch 4767. Category A damage at 09:00 on 24 August 1941. Crashed 2 miles east of Soggieville, NB. Had 459:35 logged time when it crashed.

1940-05-15 Taken on Strength No. 12 Technical Detachment 2019-08-20
1940-December-21 Accident: 1 Elementary Flying Training School Loc: Malton Airport Names: Freeman | Peene
1941-February-09 Accident: 1 Elementary Flying Training School Loc: Aerodrome Names: Tullett | White
1941-June-20 Accident: 17 Elementary Flying Training School Loc: Aerodrome Names: Burks | Todd
1941-August-24 Accident: 21 Elementary Flying Training School Loc: Loggieville New Brunswick Names: Wright
1941-10-21 Struck off Strength Struck off, reduced to spares and produce 2019-08-20

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Finch 4441

Finch Finch II 4441

To RCAF Station Trenton, Ontario on 23 May 1940. Later with No. 7 Elementary Flying Training School at Windsor, Ontario. Category C damage at 10:45 on 13 August 1941 near Thamesville, Ontario. To stored reserve with No. 3 Training Command on 3 September 1942. To No. 1 Training Command on 12 December 1942, still in storage. Sold to Dayton School of Aviation, at the South Dayton Airport, Dayton, Ohio.

1940-05-14 Taken on Strength No. 12 Technical Detachment 2019-08-20
1940-December-21 Accident: 1 Elementary Flying Training School Loc: Malton Airport Names: Dickie | Jewett
1941-August-13 Accident: 7 Elementary Flying Training School Loc: Thamesville Ontario Names: Pierce
1942-December-18 Accident: 6 Repair Depot Loc: Trenton Ontario Names: Gressey
1943-10-18 Struck off Strength Struck off, sold 2019-08-20