One of the major workhorses of the early years of northern flying. The pilot sat in a open cockpit - often frozen - while four passengers or cargo could fit inside the enclosed cabin.

After a 30-year search for the rare bush plane, it was discovered in 2005. A Western Canada Aviation Museum search team, using sophisticated side scan sonar technology, finally located the aircraft literally 'parked' on the lake bottom. In July 2006, the Ghost's engine was returned to Winnipeg, along with several artifacts. In October, the team returned to the recovery site and towed the tail section to shallower waters.

In the summer of 2007, the plane was raised, airlifted by helicopter to Lac du Bonnet and brought by flatbed trailer to the Museum. The aircraft is scheduled to go on public display in Spring 2008.

Specifications

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Tales from the sky

The search for the plane has been largely sponsored by George T. Richardson, son of aviation industry pioneer James A. Richardson.

The elder Richardson purchased 12 of the only 45 Fokker Standards produced for his fledgling company Western Canada Airways (later Canadian Airways).

"It was the first type of aircraft purchased by my father when he set out to build a commercially viable airline. He was convinced that its specifications were perfect for flying in the Canadian north," explained George.