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Saga of a Thoroughbred
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Harvards were also used by the RCN. Here a four-plane formation from No. 1 Training Air
Group fly over Manitoba.
By 1954 serious consideration was being given to providing the RCAF with a replacement for the aging Harvard. In line with this, a new intermediate trainer designated the Mentor or T-34, designed and manufactured by the Beech Aircraft Corporation, made its appearance upon the scene. An experimental course of student pilots was processed through normal training at No. 4 FTS Penhold on this aircraft but, for various reasons, the Mentor was not considered acceptable and its use in the RCAF was terminated. The Harvard meanwhile renewed its lease on life and continued turning out pilots as it had been doing for some 16 years at that point. The requirement for the training of NATO aircrew diminished somewhat after 1955 and by 1960 Stns. Moose Jaw and Penhold were the only remaining Harvard flying schools in the RCAF. By this time several hundred surplus Harvards had been turned over to Crown Assets for disposal, many of which found a ready market among the civilian operators of the country and particularly ex-RCAF pilots. The sound of the Harvard has not been quieted but rather it continues, in civilian markings, to shatter the stillness of many small airfields, from British Columbia to Newfoundland. It has often been asked why a great number of Harvards in the air make no more noise than one Harvard in the air by itself. The answer, presumably, is that there is no more noise in the world than that made by one Harvard, and that it is physically and mathematically impos- sible to multiply infinity. Therefore, when you have heard one Harvard you have heard them all.
During the period 1955-60 work was continuing on the project of obtaining a suitable replacement for the Harvard with a view to instituting all-jet training in the RCAF. In 1959 a new primary jet-trainer, the CL-41, designed and built by Canadair, was ready in prototype. This was the aircraft destined to displace the Harvard; however, it was to be another five years before the CL-41 would be available in sufficient quantity to staff the training schools.
Canadians by the thousands were entertainedand amused by the "crazy formation" flown
by the Goldilocks in their Harvard aircraft.
In the spring of 1962 a group of instructors at RCAF Stn. Moose Jaw formed a Harvard acrobatic team to perform during Air Force Day at that unit. As a result of this noisy, fast moving display the popularity of the tireless Harvard became immediately evident when Stn. Moose Jaw was flooded with requests to have the "Goldilocks" perform at other Air Force Days and air shows across the country. Before the team was disbanded in 1964 they had demonstrated their prowess, and the versatility of the Harvard, at dozens of air shows including the Canadian International Air Show in Toronto. The "crazy formation" displayed by this group was a sight to be long remembered by spectators and proved to be one of the highlights of the show.
The post-war record of the Harvards' achievements is impressive. More than 6000 Canadian and NATO student pilots have received training on this aircraft and in addition a number of trainees from the Nigerian Air Force were trained on Harvards at No. 4 FTS Penhold and at FIS Moose Jaw in 1964. Most student pilots undergoing training today were not yet born when the Harvard was making its invaluable contribution to the Allied cause during the Second World War.
There are very few pilots of this present day who have not logged Harvard flying hours at some time during their careers. For those who have not and for those to come who may never have the opportunity to fly this aircraft, one can only say that for them a very real part of the aviation story has been missed.
At RCAF Stn. Penhold the final Harvard course is nearing completion. On 21 May '65, the last group of Canadian student pilots to fly the Harvard as an RCAF trainer Will graduate and the "Yellow Peril" will have completed another job "well done". This aircraft, which has established itself as one of the most successful and renowned trainers in the history of flying and has probably trained more pilots than. any other aircraft, will leave behind a record unparalleled in the annals of aviation. There are many who will mourn its retirement from Canadian training and there are, some who will forever stoutly maintain that the Harvard will never be replaced. It will always hold the place of honour it has forged for itself through long and faithful service. When the Har- vard is finally retired it will bring to a close a memorable and splendid era in the history of the RCAF.
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