Cache is a small gun-taped lock n' lock located off a forested path
behind a subdivision not far from the Buttonville Airport.
Depending on the wind direction, the runway closest to the cache
could be in full use.
Today's history lesson, however, is about DeHavilland Aircraft
of Canada!!
Aircraft development and production has always been a big part
of Toronto’s history over the past 85 years. The DeHavilland
Aircraft of Canada Ltd, founded by Geoffry De Havilland in the UK
and incorporated in Ontario in 1928, was instrumental in expanding
the proud tradition and evolution of aviation history in Canada.
Production began in Downsview at the plant currently located at
Downsview Park (Keele/Sheppard) in 1929. Well known planes built by
DeHavilland Aircraft of Canada include: Tiger Moths; Twin Otter
& Beaver bush planes; the Chipmunk, Dash 7 & Q Series Dash
8 Turboprop, Buffalo & Caribou Transports; and the Mosquito
Fighter Bomber.
In addition to the above, the following aircraft were also
produced in the Toronto area: Curtiss JN-4 Canuck; Lancaster &
Hampton Bombers; Avro C.102 Jetliner; Avro CF100 Canuck; CF-105
Arrow Interceptor.
Sold to Boeing in 1986 and then purchased by Bombardier and the
Ontario Government in 1992, DeHavilland remains a part of
Bombardier’s Aerospace Division. The Downsview plant continues to
manufacture the Dash 8 & Q series planes as well as wings for
the Learjet 45. The Global Express Business Jet is also assembled
there.
DeHavilland’s success with the Dash 7 & Dash 8 Series planes
is still evidenced today. AirCanada Jazz is the best example. Take
a flight to Timmons or Sudbury from YYZ and you’re flying in a Dash
8. The STOL technology (Short Take Off & Landing: meaning
requiring a very short runway) was incorporated into this model
which is essentially a larger 4 engine version of the popular Twin
Otter. The Dash 7 was produced in 1975; the Dash 8
1978-present.
Look up! Besides the dizzying array of Cessna’s, you may just
see a Beaver or Twin Otter Float Plane headed for cottage
country!
From the parking coordinates follow the path to the open space
and then begin your bushwacking.
Original cache contents are Aircraft themed and include:
FTF Prize
Logbook
DeHavilland Aircraft of Canada Sticker
"Remove Before Flight" keychain
DeHavilland Beaver pin
Fighter Jet erasers x 2 (blue & red)
Metal Fighter Jet Pencil Sharpener
Cache will be archived in the Fall (for reasons obvious once you
locate it)