January 26, 2003
 
(Revised march 1st, 2003).

Here is part of my implication with the Norseman. 

 I started to work for Canadian Pacific Airlines Ltd. in June 1946. In march 1947, CPAL sold their maintenance base at Lac-à-la-tortue, Qué.
to a private party who started business under the name of: “Aircraft Overhaul & Repairs Ltd.”, doing the same type of work on different models of aircraft with the addition at the beginning of a small engine overhaul shop. I stayed with the new organisation. Lac-à-la-tortue, is known as the oldest commercial aviation base in eastern Canada, operations started in 1919 for forest protection.

Between 1946 and 1952, I had the opportunity to work on complete overhaul of five or six Norseman, CF-CPL, CF-BSA, etc, ...... and later CF-FJB, and also on major repairs, modifications, and routine maintenance on five or six other Norseman. Plus work on other different models of aircraft.

Example of modifications: In 1949, I have made the drawings for the engine change from the original Wright Whirlwind R.975-E.3 to a Pratt & Whitney Wasp. Jr. R985-14B engine on Norseman MkI CF-AYO. A MkIV engine mount was welded to the structure to accept the new engine, and a slightly modified engine cowling from an Anson V aircraft was fitted over the P&W engine. After the engine change, the aircraft was identified as a Norseman MkII.CF-AYO had been completely overhauled at Lac-à-la-tortue, Qué. in 1944.  It was then owned by Canadian Pacific Airlines Ltd.. 
Another modification on a Norseman was an opening of about two feet by  two feet (Mail bag chute) made through the rear cabin floor, with a covering door panel of course, to drop mail bags and other small goods from the air at some isolated northern villages.
 
See below pictures of a fuselage that show the in-depth (extent) of an overhaul on a Norseman, a run-up of CF-CPL (on skis) after overhaul, and Norseman CF-CRD (on floats) at wharf on Lac-à-la-tortue. Also, a picture that gives an idea of the work required on a wrecked Norseman to put the aircraft back in the air

In 1948, I started to fly on a DeHavilland DH82C Tiger Moth CF-BHJ. In 1960, I was checked out on Norseman CF-GDN and flew three others after, CF-DTL, CF-FJB and CF-BDF, mostly on floats and skis, very little on wheels.

I enjoyed every minute of it, a smooth handling aircraft although noisy and hard on the ear drums, but if I had a chance, I would still love to fly one.

Réal Bronsard

Pictures from Mr. Bronsard can be found at:

CFGDN.JPG

CFAYO.JPG