After two decades of service for B.C. Wildfire, Conairâs fleet of Convair 580 tankers went out with a bang. Or, a splash.
KF Aerospace, the centre that opened at Âé¶čAV International Airport (YLW) earlier this year that boasts an impressive aircraft collection, hosted a fly-by and water drop with the last of the tankers on Wednesday, Sept. 28 in a last hurrah.
Just before noon, the plane made a low pass over the YLW runway, dropping around 7,600 litres of water.
âThis aircraft has played such a vital role in protecting our province from devastating wildfires,â said KF Centre for Excellence Executive Director Paula Quinn. âKF also shares a special connection with the aircraft, having assisted with the tanker conversions, making this a natural fit for our collection.â
The general public will soon be able to see the aircraft up close and personal at KF, where it will be kept in airworthy condition. In 2000, the centre, then named Âé¶čAV Flightcraft, helped Conair convert ten of the fleetâs planes from commercial into tankers.
âWeâre honoured to give T452 a home and take care of it in its retirement.â
KFâs collection also includes a Hawker Tempest MK II, a Mosquito bomber, and a DC-3 among others.
READ MORE: Candidate composure: Full house for 1st mayoral forum in Âé¶čAV
READ MORE: Central Okanagan students sliding in literacy, numeracy
Jake.courtepatte@kelownacapnews.com
Like us on and follow us on and subscribe to our daily and subscribe to our daily newsletter.