News TheReview Wednesday, April 1, 1990 — Bid Last Tracker on loan to air museum TRACKER AIRCRAFT impressed crowd of military personnel and dignitaries Friday aftemoon when its pilot flipped a couple of switches to fold up the wings, as it taxied to a stop at the DND hanger on the west side of the Victoria International Airport. by Glenn Werkman The Review The last flight of a Canadian Forces Grumman Tracker aircraft ended at the DND hangar at the Victoria International Airport last week with a ceremony attended by military brass and local politi- cians. Although the unique aircraft was tumed over to the CFB Esqui- malt Base Museum it will be on loan to the B.C. Aviation Museum, off Canora Road in North Saanich. Museum curator David Maude said it’s the best arrangement for preserving the aircraft, which will be restored back to its original Canadian Navy colors. “It helps foster cooperation between museums,” Maude said after the final flight Friday. “Esquimalt gets an aircraft and it doesn’t necessarily tie up our hangar space because 10 years from now they could have the room for it.” A fleet of CP-121 Trackers were retired after three decades of ser- vice with YU33 Squadron, CFB Comox. It’s primary role in recent years was fisheries patrol. Crews on three Trackers based at CFB Comox reported 12 fishing violations last year. It was also used in sovereignty and surveillance roles and, in the early-’60s, a Tracker over-flew the SS Manhattan in the Northwest Passage of the Canadian Arctic. CFB Comox Base Commander Col. Jack McGee said: “A mugged aircraft with a favorable power to weight ratio, the Tracker has been known as forgiving to those who have made mistakes, giving them a chance to right their wrong and become better, and more experi- enced, as a result.” it’s a Pat Bay machine coming back to Pat Bay.” VU33 began as a Naval Air Squadron at Pat Bay Airport (now Victoria International), formed as Continued on Page B27 Maude welcomed the retum of the Tracker. “It’s great because UPHOLSTERING BOAT & CAMPER CUSHIONS (28, \ BRITISH TRAINED ROTARY MOWER-tune-up and sharpening. Reg. 553 ee. 844% REEL MOWER-tune-up and sharpening. ROG S74 ee *69.* POWER MOWER TUNE-UP INCLUDES: e oil change ¢ decarbonize e check ignition e clean valves e sharpening e clean machine e Clean carburator PARTS EXTRA FREE ESTIMATES SPECIAL EXPIRES MAY 31, 1990 Free Rotary Blade Sharpening —____ While You Wait | PICK-UP & DELIVERY. .......*90°% SERVICE 727-3511 ‘Regular’ and ‘Was’ refer to Sears prices. 1/2 SEARS PRICE 24" Laundry Detergent ( PARTS STORE > We have PARTS & ACCESSORIES for: - Vacuums - Barbeques - Bicycles - Lawnmowers - Electric Ranges 24L - Washers - Dryers - Dishwashers - Wet/Dry Vacuums eS) PARTS 727-2414 SEARS your money's worth...ana more 765 VANALMAN