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De Havilland D.H. 89 Dragon Rapide "Lady Faye"

De Havilland D.H. 89 Dragon Rapide

YEAR AND NUMBER MADE

From its first flight in England in 1934 to the end of production in 1944, 728 Rapides were built. The “Lady Faye” was built in 1944.

ACQUIRED FROM:

Purchased by the CBHC in 1999 from the estate of George Le May with financial assistance form the NOHFC

POWER

Two Gipsy 6 Queen II engines each 205/210 HP.

PRIMARY USE:

Used as a parachute aircraft in Normandy and the Channel Islands. They were used as light passenger and transport aircraft on the West Coast and in Quebec. They were also used as mail carriers is Quebec.

HISTORY:

The twin engine, eight passenger De Havilland DH89 Dragon Rapide biplane was a scaled down version of the De Havilland Dragon. C-FAYE, “Lady Faye” was built in England in 1944. The two engines on the Dragon Rapide were a first in bush flying. The plane was not designed for Canadian conditions and some modifications were required. They include the addition of a door for seaplane use and a larger fin to counteract the forward weight of the floats.

STORY:

Rapides flown by Quebec Airways had a chute built into the floor in the rear of the cabin for dropping mailbags. The mechanic on the flight opened the trap door at the appropriate time and threw out the bags as quickly as possible when the pilot signaled with a buzzer. A complaint was once received by the postal authorities at Quebec that pilots were dropping the mail too far from the Godbout Post Office. On the next trip the mailbag bounced off a snow bank in the Godbout postmistress’ back garden and through her kitchen window. There were no more complaints.

PACKAGE INCLUDES:

  • Honorary ownership of the item for one year: July 1, 2020 – June 30, 2021
  • One Year Individual Membership to the Canadian Bushplane Heritage Centre
  • A certificate of honorary ownership
  • Recognition of honorary ownership on display with the aircraft or truck in the museum for the year
  • Opportunity to have your photo taken with or in (where possible) your plane or truck
  • Any donor with a winning bid over $1000 will have their name added to the donor board in the centre's lobby
Organization
Canadian Bushplane Heritage Centre
Value
$0.00
Starting Bid
$100.00

Item

# Bid Status By Date
1 $100.00 - -

This auction closed on Wednesday, June 17, 2020 9:00:00 PM.

Pickup Instructions

Shortly after winning your bid on any number of the planes included in the auction, you will be contacted by the Canadian Bushplane Heritage Centre. Detailed instructions regarding how to claim your winnings, along with each of the included perks will be included in this email.

For any auction related questions, please email [email protected]

Closed on Wednesday, June 17, 2020 9:00:00 PM

About Canadian Bushplane Heritage Centre

Adventure takes off at the Canadian Bushplane Heritage Centre. This one-of-a-kind and interactive museum is located in the historic waterfront hangar of the Ontario Provincial Air Service, which was instrumental in the development of bush flying and forest fire management in Northern Ontario. Explore 24 aircraft exhibits (some you can enter!) including the original De Havilland Beaver aircraft and the CL-215 waterbomber. Learn about flight in the Children’s Flight Centre with hands-on activities the whole family will enjoy. See a viewing of Wildfires!, our award-wining film about forest fire fighting in the North! Find unique gifts and STEM-themed toys in our gift shop. Get inspired with a guided tour about the development of bushplanes and forest fire management – available daily 10am and 2pm. Get “buggy” with Entomica Insectarium when you select the Adventure Pass admission option. Our Event Centre is perfect for weddings, birthdays, and corporate and social functions. The Canadian Bushplane Heritage Centre makes an excellent day trip for school field trips and recreational bus tours.