History of De Havilland Aircraft of Canada at Downsview Airport

A look through the archives of DHC from its humble beginnings at De Lesseps Field in Toronto in 1928 to the later much expanded facilities at Downsview until its departure in June 2022. Details early years as a subsidiary of its parent company, fulfilling military trainer contracts between the wars, to its role as a large manufacturer of military aircraft such as the Mosquito during World War II. Beginning in 1949 with the Chipmunk, DHC began its own designs, ending with the Dash 8-400. It became world renown for its design of rugged short take-off and landing aircraft as exemplified by the Beaver, Caribou, Buffalo and Twin Otter.

[@edwardthomas7022]

My father, J.L. (George) Thomas was there from late ‘50s through ‘86 when he retired. In charge of ground testing.

[@kidmohair8151]

when you hire the right people the whole will be greater than the sum of its parts.
DHC is proof of that.
outstanding people.
outstanding aircraft.

[@peterrollinson-lorimer]

This is truly something to be very proud of, a Canadian and world icon of aviation.

[@kenmunro8317]

...This is a Gem... Merci!

[@ieuanabarthur3985]

My father worked for DHC from the start of the 60s to the early 90s. I also remember my cousin and I riding our bikes up to Downsview to watch the first Dash 7 test flight.

[@mothmagic1]

Thank You de Havilland Canada for giving the world the Chipmunk and Beaver

[@raymondfrankwick6965]

First hop, Rome, NY deployment PRESTWICK