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British
Columbia's proud aviation past
The Aviation Museum is an interesting place to visit if you enjoy
airplanes and British Columbia's proud aviation past. The museum
is conveniently located near the Victoria International Airport
at 1910 Norseman Road in North
Saanich.
McTavish
Road
To get here you take the McTavish exit off the Pat Bay Highway heading
north to Sidney.
Once on McTavish, take a quick right onto Canora Road. Follow Canora
and look for the signs and the large hanger situated on Norseman
Road. There is plenty of free parking available with lots of room
for RV's and Motorhomes.
Displays
of Planes and Aircraft Machinery
The display is open seven days a week all year except Christmas
Day and New Year's Day. The covered museum has various pictures,
models, displays of planes and aircraft machinery for you to view.
Layout
Map
Once you enter the museum make sure you pick up the information
brochure that gives a layout map of all the aviation pieces that
have been collected. There are also volunteers and guides available
that will gladly help with any of your questions concerning the
British Columbia Aviation Museum.
Aviation
History
The museum has been set up in sections dealing with all types of
aviation displays. There are examples of flight simulators, ultra
lights, jet fighters and helicopters.
Wright
Cyclone Motor
A really interesting exhibit is the one dealing with the 18-cylinder
Wright Cyclone Motor. The "Cyclone" motor, first introduced
in 1937, was one of the most powerful radial style engines ever
produced in America.
2500
Horsepower 18-Cylinder Radial Motor
This 2500-horse power motor is still used today on the two Martin
Mars Water Bombers that are stationed at Sproat Lake near Port
Alberni. If you get a chance, visit Sproat Lake and watch four
of these engines come to life as the Martin Mars Bomber takes off
to fight forest fires.
Old
Gauges and Radio Tuners
Another artifact that is really neat is the radio display. You will
get to hear the local radio tower from the Victoria International
Airport come over speakers that have been set up. Have a look at
the old gauges and radio tuners in and around oak furniture. You
will go right back into time when radio was the lifeline for a pilot.
Take
Your Time
Make sure you have a couple of hours to spend time here. Take your
kids as they will really enjoy the displays of aircraft and aviation
history.
British
Columbia Aviation Links
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