Historic Flight in Spokane, Washington, has a collection of important aircraft produced between 1927 and 1957. All aircraft are fully restored and can be flown.
Following World War II, de Haviland Canada switched from military aircraft manufacturing to civilian aircraft production. At this time bush pilots were looking for an aircraft capable of superior STOL (Short Take Off and Landing) performance and with extra power. According to the display:
“The Beaver incorporated full-size doors on both sides of the cockpit so that is could be loaded from either side, it could be fitted with wheels, skis, or floats. Because the aircraft was expected to fly in arctic conditions, the oil reservoir filler was located inside the cockpit and could be refilled during flight.”
The first Beavers were produced in 1948 and in 1950, the U.S. Air Force and Army decided to replace their again utility aircraft fleet. The Beaver outperformed the new Cessna 195 and the U.S. Air Force and Army eventually purchased 986 aircraft, designating them L-20A.
De Haviland L-20A Beaver
In Korea and Vietnam, the U.S. Air Force used the de Haviland L-20A Beaver for liaison, observation, and search/rescue missions. This aircraft was delivered to the U.S. Air Force in 1960 and then to the British Army Air Corps in 1961 where it flew for three decades. It has been restored to its original military specification.
Amphibious DHC-2 Beaver
According to the display:
“Considered one of the most rugged and dependable aircraft ever produced, the de Haviland DHC-2 Beaver remains the gold standard for back country aviation.”
The aircraft shown below was initially delivered tot the U.S. Army as an L-20A and was used to provide clandestine support of special operations personnel in Laos through Air America (the CIA air service). According to the display:
“Operating out of small airstrips in mountainous terrain, it was responsible to moving personnel and providing aerial resupply, of in the form of ‘hard rice’ (ammunition).”
Following its service with the CIA, it was converted from a wheeled L-20A to an amphibious DHC-2 and used in Alaska.
More airplanes
Museums 201: Jet airplanes of the 1940s (photo diary)
Evergreen Aviation: Multi-Engine Airplanes (photo diary)
Evergreen Aviation: Some MiGs (photo diary)
Stonehenge Air Museum: Military Airplanes (Photo Diary)
Museums 201: Cessna Airplanes (photo diary)
Museums 201: World War I Sopwith Airplanes (photo diary)
Historic Flight: Biplanes (photo diary)
Museums 201: World War I Fokker Airplanes (photo diary)