Fleet 2 and 7

On 25 March 1930, Fleet Aircraft was incorporated in Fort Erie, Ontario, as a subsidiary of Consolidated Aircraft of the United States.  Originally a Consolidated design, the Fleet 2 was built in Canada and the United States, although the Model 7 quickly superceded the Model 2.  Although a few were bought by private pilots, the majority of Fleet 7s were used by flying clubs and the RCAF.

As a training aircraft the Model 2 and 7 were excellent.  The Fleet was a rugged aircraft with very stable flying characteristics, which allowed students to put them through hard landings and other hard manoeuvres. Initially the only difference between the Model 2 and Model 7 was the more powerful Kinner B-5 engine; however, the Model 7 soon incorporated more features including a larger tail and was built as a Model 7B and 7C.

The initial RCAF aircraft was Model 7, the order resulting from some face-to-face lobbying. In a competition between the de Havilland DH-60 and the Fleet 7, the Fleet 7 received the better report; however, de Havilland received the order. After Fleet general manager W. Jack Sanderson visited the Minister of National Defence, Fleet received an order for 20 aircraft.

The RCAF bought a total of 51 Model 7s, which it named the Fawn.  Of these at least 12 were given to civilian flying clubs.  Fleet Aircraft built eight Model 2 and 61 Model 7 in Canada.  The aircraft, while not used in such large numbers for training as the de Havilland Moths, will be remembered as a solid, reliable aircraft and a pleasure to fly.