Avro 504K (G-CYFG)

The Avro 504 series was used early in First World War for reconnaissance and anti-Zeppelin patrols, but was subsequently developed as a trainer. A Canadian version was in production just as the war ended, but only two were built. In 1920, the Avro 504K was selected as the standard trainer for the Canadian Air Force and remained in service until 1928 when six were sold for civilian use.

A civil Avro 504K is credited with one of the first commercial passenger flights into the Canadian bush on 15 to 17 October, 1920. Two passengers seated in an enlarged front cockpit were flown from Winnipeg to Le Pas. An ex-Air Force 504 made the first winter flight to James Bay in 1922.

The Turnbull variable-pitch propeller was tested on an Avro 504 at Camp Borden, Ontario on 29 June, 1927.

Reserve Hangar, Canada Aviation and Space Museum

Transfer from CAF

This Avro 504K was manufactured in 1918 by A.V. Roe and Company Limited (Avro) in the United Kingdom. It passed through the hands of several American owners, including James H. “Cole” Palen of Rhinebeck, New York, who purchased it from the Roosevelt Field Historical Aviation Museum in 1951 and used it in flying exhibitions.

The RCAF purchased the aircraft from Palen in 1961 and later restored it. It was used in RCAF air demonstrations in 1967 before it was retired to the RCAF’s historic aircraft collection. Transferred to the Museum in 1968, it is one of several rotary-engine aircraft in the collection.