Aviation enthusiasts and residents of the Comox Valley wanting to see the insides of old military aircraft can do just that tomorrow at the Heritage Airpark.
According to volunteer Lloyd Smith, the annual event provides an opportunity that lets visitors explore the inside of many different aircraft such as the Aurora, Sea King Helicopter, the Labrador Helicopter and a valley favourite: the Buffalo aircraft.
“Not all the aircrafts are complete of course, but you can get a good idea of what they were like in their operating life,” said Smith.
He adds the event allows the Comox Airforce Museum to promote the history of the base and its role in the community.
“Since the 1940s, it has been an integral part of the community here in the Comox Valley and the air force and the base has grown and changed with the valley,” said Smith.
“What we like to do is try to highlight that and let the people know really what the history is and what contributions the air force and the base have made to the community.”
He says the most special part about the event is seeing people who have history in the military and sharing it with others.
“You meet a lot of the people who are retired here in the valley, ex-service members or employees, with their kids and grandkids showing them around and talking to them about the aircraft that they worked on when they were in the airforce,” said Smith. “That’s a great way to let people explore their family history.”
The event runs from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. up the road from the Comox Airforce Museum.
