Canadian Museum Of Flight Volunteer: New RCMP Air Services Display

August 24, 2015

In retirement, RCMP Veterans contribute their energies and interests in supporting many different volunteer organizations. In so doing they develop a sense of contribution and develop new friendships.

One such organization which several Veterans volunteer for is the Canadian Museum of Flight which located at the Langley Airport, Hangar #3, 5333-216^th Street in the Township of Langley, B.C.

This non-for-profit organization is volunteer-driven and is dedicated to restoring, preserving and showcasing Canada’s rich aviation heritage. The Canadian Museum of Flight started in the early 1970s by a group of aviation enthusiasts and was recognized as a non-for-profit society in March 1977. Museum’s original location was on Crescent Road in Surrey, BC and was later moved to its current site at the Langley Airport in 1996.

Since that time, the museum has acquired a collection of over 25 static and flight aircraft.

To learn more about the Canadian Museum of Flight, you are encourage to visit their website here.

In supporting this organization, RCMP Veterans Al Sabey, Dennis Ratcliffe and Wing Reid who worked together to develop a RCMP Air Services display at the Canadian Museum of Flight.

The original display was placed in the Museum by the RCMP Veterans’ Association with he assistance of the Ladies Auxiliary. Uniform and display contributions were made by retired Insp. Al Sabey and C/Supt. Wing Reid.

Photograph of the RCMP Air Division display under construction at the Langley Museum of Flight (Source of photo – Sheldon Boles).

According to Dennis, “recently, we suggested to the CMF Museum Manager that their RCMP Air Services display needed to be updated.” The Manager agreed with the proposal of updating their display.

Dennis solicited the help of RCMP Inspector Nigel Bushe, OIC “E” Division Air Services.

Following several meetings with Ratcliffe and Bushe an action plan was devised to provide an assortment of RCMP aviation photographs of historic and present day aircraft.

Decals were also provided to enhance the exhibit. With the assistance of the museum staff who refurbished the exhibit space, Mac’s Framing in Langley, and financial contribution by the Vancouver Division of the RCMP Veterans’ Association the display was completed in mid August 2015.

Photograph of the RCMP Air Services at the Canadian Museum Of Flight (Source of photo – Dennis Ratcliffe).

Photograph of the RCMP Air Services display at the Canadian Museum Of Flight (Source of photo – Dennis Ratcliffe).

Many thanks to the RCMP and our Veterans for their dedicated volunteer work to support the Canadian Museum Of Flight.

If you have any questions about the Canadian Museum of Flight and how to volunteer, you can contact Mike Sattler (General Manager) at (604)532-0035 or email him at msattler@canadianflight.com.