By Michael J. Martin, EAA 1047599, Toronto, Ontario
Excerpt: Flying in a vintage World War II warbird is an exhilarating experience that combines the thrill of aviation with a deep sense of history. On June 1, 2024, while attending an RCAF 100th Anniversary event in Tillsonburg, Ontario, the home base for the Canadian Harvard Aircraft Association or CHAA, I was privileged to undertake a flight in an ageless World War II Harvard trainer.
Flying in a vintage World War II warbird is an exhilarating experience that combines the thrill of aviation with a deep sense of history. On June 1, 2024, while attending an RCAF 100th Anniversary event in Tillsonburg, Ontario, the home base for the Canadian Harvard Aircraft Association or CHAA, I was privileged to undertake a flight in an ageless World War II Harvard trainer.
The Harvard aircraft trainer, known in the United States as the T-6 Texan, is one of the most famous military training aircraft in aviation history. It was used extensively during WWII to train pilots. Following the initial training in a Boeing Stearman biplane, the Harvard was often the second progressive stage in the training regiment toward advanced fighter aircraft, like the indomitable 448 mph (721 km/h) P-51 Mustang or the 1,000-horsepower, 12-cylinder, liquid-cooled Rolls-Royce Merlin-powered Spitfire.
The Harvard/T-6 was originally designed by North American Aviation in the late 1930s. The prototype, known as the NA-16, first flew in April 1935. The first production model, the BT-9, evolved into the NA-26, which became the basis for the Harvard/T-6 family.
The Harvard/T-6 was primary advanced trainer for the U.S. Army Air Forces (USAAF), U.S. Navy (designated SNJ), and allied air forces. It had various sub-models including the AT-6A, AT-6B, AT-6C, AT-6D, AT-6F, and AT-6G, each with incremental improvements.
The Royal Air Force (RAF) version of the AT-6 was used extensively for pilot training under the British Commonwealth Air Training Plan. The Harvard Mk II was an improved version with a more powerful engine and better performance, and it was widely used by the RAF, Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF), and other Commonwealth air forces. The Harvard Mk IIB was a Canadian-built version of the Mk II, produced by Noorduyn Aviation in Montreal. The Harvard Mk III offered another series of improvements with additional modifications for better training capabilities. Finally, the very capable Harvard Mk IV evolved as a post-war variant with significant updates, including a new engine and modernized equipment.
A total of 20,110 Harvards were built between 1938 and 1954, with 3,370 of them manufactured in Canada. Countless numbers of privately owned Harvards are still flying today.
After WWII, the Harvard/T-6 continued to serve in various air forces around the world. It was used in advanced pilot training programs well into the 1950s and 1960s.
The Harvard is known for its rugged construction and reliable performance, making it an ideal trainer aircraft. The Harvard was praised for its handling, providing an excellent training platform for transitioning to more advanced fighters. It featured a low-wing monoplane design, retractable landing gear, and an enclosed cockpit, which were advanced for its time.
Many Harvard aircraft have been restored and are maintained by museums, historical societies, and private collectors. The Harvard remains a star at air shows worldwide, demonstrating aerobatics and serving as a historical exhibit. Modern pilots and aviation enthusiasts regard the Harvard as a symbol of military aviation heritage and training excellence.
The Harvard’s extensive service history and numerous versions reflect its importance and versatility as a military trainer. Its legacy continues to be celebrated in the aviation community today.
Flying in a WWII warbird connects you to a pivotal era in history, allowing you to appreciate the bravery and skill of the pilots who flew these airplanes in combat. These aircraft are often meticulously restored to their original condition, preserving the craftsmanship and technology of the 1940s.
WWII warbirds have distinct flight characteristics compared to modern airplanes. Their powerful engines, manual controls, and responsive handling offer a deeply emotional firsthand flying encounter. Many warbirds like the Harvard have sliding open cockpits and clear canopies, providing unobstructed views of the sky and ground, enhancing the sensation of flight. While the Harvard was powered by an impressive 600 hp, nine-cylinder engine, the roar of the huge radial V12 engines in other warbird aircraft, combined with the penetrating vibrations, and the raw power of these aircraft contribute to an intense, even overwhelming, sensory experience.
Flying a vintage Harvard warbird requires skill and respect for the aircraft. The challenge of mastering these airplanes can be deeply satisfying for pilots. For many aviation enthusiasts, like me, flying in a warbird is a dream come true and a once-in-a-lifetime adventure.
Joining the community of warbird pilots and enthusiasts can be rewarding. Sharing stories, experiences, and knowledge with like-minded individuals enhances the overall experience. My flight in Tillsonburg included a one-year membership into the CHAA organization, so this is a wonderful bonus opportunity to become a small part of the Canadian Harvard community.
Participating in air shows and historical re-enactments allows the CHAA pilots and passengers to share their passion with the public, educating others about aviation history.
The design and aesthetics of WWII warbirds, with their unique paint schemes, and nose art, are visually stunning. The Canadian Harvards in their hot yellow paint are no exception and are simply splendid, I lust for them; they are easy to fall in love with. Flying in these aircraft can evoke a deep emotional response, from pride and nostalgia to a profound appreciation for the sacrifices of those who served during the war.
Overall, the joy of flying in a vintage WWII Harvard warbird lies in the combination of historical connection, unique flying experience, personal fulfillment, community, and emotional impact. It is an adventure that celebrates the past while providing an exhilarating present-day experience.