The aircraft on exhibit, CF-AAM was reconstructed using the parts of four wrecked airplanes, by Clark Seaborn and his team of dedicated friends. After a 17-year road to restoration, the Fokker first flew July 24, 1998, but it took another year of proving and paperwork to gain a coveted certificate of airworthiness.

The aircraft had an eight-year tour on the vintage aircraft circuit, making appearances all over North America, covering over 35,000 miles before coming 'home' to rest at the Museum in 2005.

In its heydey, this aircraft was a luxurious transport - the comfortable mohair upholstered seats, mahogany cabin paneling, sliding glass windows for fresh air - especially when compared with sled dog transportation. The pilot's accommodation, featuring an enclosed cockpit, was truly a remarkable enhancement for its time.

Clark Seaborn recalls: "The artifacts of four airplanes arrived at my Calgary home on a flatbed trailer in July 1982, and with the help of basic drawings, we commenced work on the fuselage structure. Several of my friends were possessed of the same dream and assisted tirelessly on the restoration." Because the artifacts were so ravaged, the team scoured the world for further construction and finishing details. The road this aircraft travelled was a wonderful mixture of stories, airplane building, making new friends and exploring the mysteries of an almost-forgotten aviation icon.

Specifications

Wingspan: 50' 8"

Length: 36' 7"

Gross weight: 5,150 lbs, later models 5,550 lbs; empty weight landplane 3,000 lbs

Engines: 420 hp Pratt & Whitney 'Wasp'

Cruise speed: Maximum speed wheels 138 mph; cruising speed (factory brochure) 118 mph; cruising speed skis 105 mph

Fuel capacity: 150 imp gallons

Maximum range: Approximately 700 miles

Price: At factory, $22,450 float equipped, while the price of a Ford automobile was $275 (1928)

main collections & exhibits >