For Hinderks, Sunday was no exception, when he flew with his 17-year-old daughter, Victoria, to and from Wetaskiwin in a biplane to mark the 90th anniversary of the first commercial flight in western Canada. The cargo delivered then was The Edmonton Journal. As the two stepped out of the open cockpit Kelly-D biplane yesterday, Tom handed the memento from his father to his daughter. “Do you know how old this is?” he asked as he put it around her neck. “(Victoria) earned it, so she gets it.” “(The scarf) is really important,” said Victoria, who navigated the trip and is working to get both her ultralight and glider pilot licences. “Every pilot needs a good-luck charm.” As an historic re-enactment, the father-and-daughter team carried 12 copies of The Journal in the plane and delivered six of them to the Wetaskiwin airport. Ninety years ago, pilots George Washington Gorman and Peter Derbyshire made the same trip when two bags of the noon edition of the newspaper were delivered by plane for the first time. The 1919 delivery was front-page news, with The Journal publishing three pictures and a first-person account from Gorman. This flight marks the third of four re-enactments being done by the Alberta Aviation Museum through the Spirit of Edmonton Project to celebrate 100 years of flight in Canada. The first two flights commemorated the 80th anniversaries of the first airmail flight from Winnipeg to Edmonton and the Fort Vermilion mercy flight, a daring mid-winter trip to prevent a diphtheria outbreak. “It’s been a tremendous experience,” said Hinderks, the executive director of the Alberta Aviation Museumandpilot for the first two reenactments as well. “We need to celebrate these things to make people aware of the adventure, the romance and the excitement that’s involved in their history and aviation in general.” This latest re-enactment is important because it shows how far we’ve come. Today people can send a package almost anywhere in the world in 24 hours. “Too often we forget our history and don’t honour it,” said Denny May, son of Wilfrid Reid (Wop) May, who gained fame along with Vic Horner for piloting the Fort Vermilion mercy flight. A plaque in Wop May’s honour was rededicated outside the Aviation Museum Sunday morning. Edmonton has a huge aviation history and still plays a big role in supplying northern communities with groceries and vehicles during the winter months, said Tom. The Hinderks, who took off at about 8:30 a.m. from the City Centre Airport, experienced mixed weather conditions, including rain. During the 1919 flight, Gorman and Derbyshire also faced weather trouble and made a voluntary landing due to a heavy rainstorm. “The wind blew in fierce gusts and the rain lashed us like whips,” Gorman wrote in the June 9 edition of The Journal in 1919. “The old bus buckled bravely into it, but practically all we were doing was to hover in one spot.” Despite the cold and rainy moments of Sunday’s flight, flying the biplane was an exciting experience for the Hinderks team. Victoria, flying in an open cockpit biplane for the first time, said it was amazing. “It was so interesting to have so much more wing — you can just feel the plane move differently,” she said. The two had a Cessna escort plane on their trip due. They compared the flying experience of the two planes. “The Cessna would be like driving a big Chevy car, where you can actually look around and you only need one hand on the wheel,” Tom said. “Whereas our aircraft is like flying a really old, small sports car, and it bounces on every little bump and you have to deal with it.”
Fort Vermilion UpdatesFort Vermilion Mercy Flight recreation the Fourth and final round. Wednesday May 20th, 2009 May 21st, 2009 from High Prairie Alberta We were bounced around at 500-750 feet per minute
vertically and tossed side to side pretty hard. Not dangerous but
very, very physically demanding and tiring. At one point the stick
being wrenched from my hand. With conditions becoming more difficult
from High Prairie to Slave late the decision was made to shut down
and restart early in the morning when conditions are smoother. How
rough was it, Curtis Peters the Navigator and also a pilot commented
across the intercom…”I finally understand what it means to be
flying wishing I was on the ground”, we both couldn’t eat for a
couple hours after landing in High Prairie. May 22nd, 2009 Well...the Fort Vermilion Mercy Flight was completed
as of 06:20pm May 22... The important things in these flights…the
people and the history. It is our duty to recognize both. Tom Hinderks
Alberta Aviation Museum is at it again - May 19, 2009 The Alberta Aviation Museum working with Danny Maas Provincial Coordinator, VC Regional Leads Network-2Learn.ca Education Society, will be going by live Video Conference to over 20 Alberta School classrooms. We will be presenting Canada's Centennial of Flight and the adventures of the Spirit of Edmonton Flights. If successful we hope to work with our partners on the project to begin delivery of other education programming this fall to classrooms across Alberta and the North. The Alberta Aviation Museum working with VC Regional Leads Network-2Learn.ca Education Society is breaking new ground with what we believe is the first program of its type with Aviation Museums anywhere. Thomas Hinderks
Spirit of Edmonton Biplane back in the air - May 14, 2009 Greetings all: The Alberta Aviation Museum’s Spirit of Edmonton biplane is back in the air. Departure from Peace River occurred at 0845 this morning. If the weather is with us for once, the aircraft should arrive in Fort Vermilion today. Stops along the way are planned at Manning and Hi Level. Arrival approx time: Manning: 0945Hrs Hi Level: 1200Hrs Fort Vermilion: 1400Hrs The pilots are Tom Hinderks and Curtis Peters. Support engineer Ed Doucette, is driving the chase vehicle. Regards, Dave Heathcote Director of Education Alberta Aviation Museum
Spirit of Edmonton Fort Vermilion Flight update April 2, 2009 Since halting the trip in February due to illnesses in the crew it has been an up and down series of trips to the doctors and waiting out symptoms. Since returning from Peace River the primary pilot was diagnosed with mild to moderate hypothermia and required to go through a series of tests including ECG, EEG, blood and other lab work before being permitted back in the air. Along the way both aircrew have since battled the flu and sinus infections. But that is all behind us now. The team promised to complete the Fort Vermilion Flight and deliver both postcards and letters as soon as we were able. Now both ground and aircrew are healthy and the weather is promising to co-operate its time. Monday April 6th we will be heading to Fort Vermilion in our support van. Monday's goal is to arrive early check and prepare the aircraft that Northern Air Charter has kindly stored for us then get a good nights sleep. Tuesday April 7th we plan to depart approximately 08:00 from Peace River enroute to Fort Vermilion with stops at Manning and LaCrete following close to the original route along the river. We plan to overnight in Fort Vermilion. Wednesday April 8th the plan is to depart
Fort Vermilion approximately 08:00 and retrace the previous days
route and overnight once more in Peace River. Exact Route TBA All of our plans are of course weather dependent but we are hoping Mother Nature gives us a break this time. If any of our Northern friends have information on the condition of the ice bridge on the road to LaCrete, the airport in LaCrete and hangar space in Fort Vermilion could you please contact the team with details. The Team intends on completing this flight and every flight we have taken on for 2009. For more information please contact: Dave Heathcote
Thursday, February 12, 2009 1:18 PM Mother Nature wins this round. It has been determined that it is beyond the capabilities of our open cockpit biplane aircraft to continue the flight to Fort Vermilion this week. Due to extreme cold and bad weather, the Spirit of Edmonton Team will be returning to Edmonton today, by air in the back up aircraft, and by road in the Team chase vehicle. The team completed the journey yesterday to Fort Vermilion in the back up aircraft (enclosed cockpit) and chase vehicle, where they were welcomed by a tremendous civic reception. This does not mean that the quest is over. The Spirit of Edmonton biplane now rests in Peace River, and will continue its historical flight when conditions improve. Our flight crew pushed the limits of human endurance to bring the aircraft to Peace River under the present conditions. To continue at this point under these conditions would have exposed the crew and aircraft to almost certain destruction. These fundamental laws of nature are just as true today as they were in the days of our forefathers and the bush pilots of our history. It does not matter how great your determination, after a certain point, the aircraft will fall out of the sky, in pieces. Continuing poor weather today means that the biplane must stay on the ground again. A better day awaits. We will keep you posted. Thanks to all that participated in the effort this week. We will complete this journey, very soon. Dave Heathcote Alberta Aviation Museum, Edmonton
Wednesday, February 11, 2009 7:15 PM The entire Spirit of Edmonton Team has now arrived by plane and van in Fort Vermillion. The Piper Dakota aircraft was met by an enthusiastic crowd of several hundred people assembled at the airport. The team was then taken to the Fort Vermilion Hospital, where plaques honouring the crew of the original mercy of 1929, (Wop May and Vic Horner) were re-dedicated. Tonight there will be a large civic reception and dinner for the team in a local community hall. Tom Hinderks is quoted as saying “The hospitality of Northern Alberta is tremendous. They pull out all the stops, and do it right.” Dave Heathcote Alberta Aviation Museum, Edmonton
Wednesday, February 11, 2009 5:44 PM The Spirit of Edmonton team landed in Fort Vermilion at 1440Hrs. (2:40PM) today. Due to weather problems, the team was forced to use a different aircraft with longer range to circumnavigate heavy weather. The Spirit of Edmonton Biplane will complete the flight to Fort Vermilion when the weather clears and it is safe to do so. Dave Heathcote Alberta Aviation Museum, Edmonton
Wednesday, February 11, 2009 2:15 PM Due to extreme temperatures and heavy weather systems forecast for Northern Alberta, we have been forced to go to a backup plan for the Fort Vermilion Flight. Our pilots are not yet fully recovered from extreme cold at altitude yesterday. Although the surface temperatures were near freezing, the pilots say the air aloft was colder than the January flight from Nepawa to Edmonton. Today’s plan is as follows: -The Spirit of Edmonton biplane will remain in Peace River The flight will continue at a later date when weather and pilot conditions improve -The Spirit of Edmonton Team will continue to Fort Vermilion with the chase aircraft and van. They will arrive in Fort Vermilion this afternoon after a non-stop flight from Peace River This evening the team will attend a reception planned by the citizens of Fort Vermilion -crew assignments for today are as follows Chase aircraft (Piper Dakota) -pilot Bram Tilroe (President, Aviation Alberta) -crew Curtis Peters (CEO Aviation.ca and biplane pilot) Rod MacLeod (President, Alberta Aviation Museum) Chase van -Ed Doucette (Board member, Alberta Aviation Museum) -Tom Hinderks (Exec Director, Alberta Aviation Museum and biplane pilot) -Greg Mockford (Team Videographer) Again, the biplane will continue the flight to Fort Vermilion when it is safe to do so. We will keep everyone advised when the flight is scheduled to resume. Dave Heathcote Alberta Aviation Museum, Edmonton
Wednesday, February 11, 2009 1:20 PM Extreme temperatures at altitude yesterday pushed our pilots to the limits of endurance. Both were on the edge of hypothermia when they landed in Peace River. The next leg will be shorter, but we want to have the crew fully recovered before they take off. There are also reports of a heavy weather system moving into the High Level area today. High level would be the second stop on today’s flight. We will post a further update as soon as conditions are more favourable. Dave Heathcote Alberta Aviation Museum, Edmonton
Wednesday, February 11, 2009 2:16 AM Today was particularly challenging, due to turbulence, cold, and humidity. I waited until now, wanting to put their words into this release, but the flight crew is exhausted, and is asleep. Takeoff from Peace River has been pushed back to 1000Hrs. (10:00AM) to allow for crew rest and additional daytime warming. The Spirit of Edmonton Team would like to express their thanks to the citizens of the Peace River area for the outstanding welcome and hospitality extended on their arrival. This included a civic reception, with local officials, RCMP in red serge, and hundreds of local residents out to greet the aircraft on touchdown. Many individuals from the Peace River community contributed to make this a major event recognizing the 100th anniversary of flight in Canada, and significant contributions of the aviation community in building the Province of Alberta. Well done, everyone! Best regards, Dave Heathcote Alberta Aviation Museum, Edmonton
February 6, 2009 Update Good news All parts have arrived and work on the aircraft
will be complete tomorrow Saturday The intended flight plan (weather dependant) All times are tentative based on weather and
winds All times are tentative based on weather and winds Weather is looking acceptable on the long range. The Spirit of Edmonton Team will consist of: Bram Tilroe is President of Aviation Alberta and has kindly offered to provide and fly chase plane for the adventure. We will be ready, the aircraft is ready, so it is now in the hands of the weather. Please bear in mind this is a very light biplane and unlike modern aircraft weather is the absolute final authority. That said things are looking good for Monday. STARS helicopter is scheduled to escort us out of the Edmonton Control Zone and we will be on the way. We look forward to meeting everyone on the route and appreciate all the support you have given for the project. In 1929 this was a landmark flight, not just in Alberta but across
Canada and beyond. Our goals are and have always been: 1) Promote Canada's Centennial of Flight A special goal of this flight is to remind everyone of the importance of fixed wing air ambulance services. It is our belief that these pilots and crews are often unrecognized for their contributions to both the community and aviation. We hope we are achieving these goals and making Edmontonians and Albertans understand the importance of aviation both in our past and to the future Please do not hesitate to call for information or if you have suggestions/advise. Thomas (Tom) Hinderks
Click here for the Edmonton Flight Itinerary Progress Reports Sent: Wednesday, January 21, 2009 7:06 PM Subject: Biplane to arrive in Edmonton in ONE HOUR An invitation to History: The Spirit of Edmonton Team is on the final leg of the re-enactment of the first airmail flight from Winnipeg to Edmonton, over 80 years ago, in an open cockpit biplane. Takeoff from Vegreville was completed at 3:50 Edmonton time. The flight should take just over 60 minutes. You have participated in the 21st century version of this flight through e-mails and websites over the past week. This is your invitation participate in person. We apologize for the short notice, but prior to this release we did not know if the aircraft would make it to Edmonton today. If you are near us in Central Alberta today, January 21, come witness the completion of this historic flight. The Alberta Aviation Museum will present a reception with refreshments as the aircraft touches down in Edmonton. If this aircraft was a CF-18 or a Boeing 737, scheduling would be easy. This is an open cockpit biplane with fabric covering. If all goes according to plan, this reception will take place in our Volunteer Lounge, starting at 4:00PM today, January 21. Arrival of the aircraft is anticipated at 4:30PM, subject to weather and wind conditions enroute. We cannot guarantee co-operation from mother nature and will advise you via e-mail of any delays due to weather, or if we are forced to postpone the event to Thursday, January 22. By arrangement with Edmonton Airports, an area of the airport taxiway has been set aside for photographs and interviews as the aircraft arrives at the Alberta Aviation Museum (11411 Kingsway Avenue, Edmonton). Join us in welcoming home pioneer aviators of this new century on their first of many flights to commemorate 2009 and 100 years of aviation in Canada. Best regards: The Spirit of Edmonton Team Alberta Aviation Museum 780-451-1175 Sent: Wednesday, January 21, 2009 11:01 AM Subject: Spirit of Edmonton Flight They are getting closer to home. The Spirit of Edmonton Flight has departed Saskatoon for North Battleford. Wheels were up at 7:56 Edmonton time. Winds today are calm. They anticipate a flight time to North Battleford of 90 minutes. After that, the next stop will be Lloydminster. Given the grief that they have had for the past two days, we are not planning more than 2 hops in advance. An estimated time of arrival in Lloydminster will be calculated once they are on the ground at North Battleford. They will pick up an extra hour of time at the Alberta border, and a decision to go further or not will be made when they arrive at Lloydminster. Dave Heathcote Alberta Aviation Museum Sent: Tuesday, January 20, 2009 8:31 PM Subject: Just in, Press release from spirit of Edmonton Flight Crew I just received this as a press release from Tom Hinderks, one of the pilots of our biplane: We lifted off today at 8:50am local Yorkton time into winds basically at the safe limit of the aircraft and pilots. The sky is beautiful, severe clear, wonderful visibiility, but the winds... at one point today we were cruising at 70km ground speed while flying at 130km airspeed. Winds on the ground are not that bad but at 3-500meters they have been brutal. So bad we had to divert to Humbot, Saskatchewan for fuel to stay within safe limits. A special word has to go out to the team at the Saskatoon International airport. they are fantastic. Due to some communication equipment issues we only had partial communication, we advised while on route and they went the extra mile to get us in, but talk about pilot stress. If not for their great work it just would not have been possible. If you ever need to feel small try flying into an international airport in a 8 meter wing span biplane in high winds with communication issues...that had to be the most stressful landing I have ever done. Then taxi in among the passenger jets. I would also like to thanks the folks at Mitchison Air Services for putting our aircraft in a warm hangar for tonight. We have met the most wonderful people in this adventure and my thanks go to all of them, it has made the whole effort worthwhile. The mail is starting to stack up from each stop for the City
of Edmonton, letters from All wonderful places with fantastic people...and they all love Edmonton and appreciate the efforts in recreating our Aviation history in the Canada's and Alberta's Centennial of Flight. We are keeping the Spirit.aviaton.ca website as we get closer. Thanks again to all Tom Hinderks Sent: Monday, January 19, 2009 3:54 PM Subject: Spirit of Edmonton Flight The aircraft has now reach Yorkton Sask. It has been decided to remain there overnight, and resume the flight to Wynyard and Saskatoon tomorrow. Updates to the schedule will be posted after takeoff tomorrow, approx 8:00 AM local time. The flight to Wynyard should take approx. 2 hours. There will be a ½ hour stopover to fuel, then another 2 hour leg to Saskatoon. Regards, Dave Heathcote Alberta Aviation Museum
On the road to Neepawa, round three. Edmonton, January 15th, 5am The Spirit of Edmonton team departed from the Alberta Aviation Museum facility for the approximately 12 hr drive to Neepawa, Manitoba. As this is the 3rd trip down the Yellowhead Highway eastward in the last 6 weeks, fewer surprises are expected. The trip outbound is always interesting as the Yellowhead route has much to offer the traveler over the 3 Prairie provinces, from historic sites, wonderful mid size towns and cities to the beauty of the rural villages, it is a trip well worth taking. A friendly atmosphere waits at each of the stops along the way. For the team, it has become a matter of getting the job done. We need to get our Kelly D biplane home to Edmonton and prepare for the next historic flight. The goals for January 15th are clear and simple: Barring weather and other unforeseen issues, take off from Neepawa is planned for 10am Friday, January 16. Our first scheduled stop is in Russell, Manitoba (approx 12 noon). The day's flying should end in Yorkton, Saskatchewan (approx 2:30 PM). Tom Hinderks As of 8:30PM Edmonton time Thursday, January 15, goals 1 and 2 had been accomplished. The team and aircraft are in place, and the weather looks good. (Dave Heathcote, AAMuseum) Return to Centennial of Flight Table of Contents 
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