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Coordinates: 50°19′55″N 113°21′28″W / 50.33194°N 113.35778°W / 50.33194; -113.35778
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{{Short description|Former Canadian air force station}}
{{Infobox military installation
{{Infobox military installation
| name = RCAF Station Vulcan
| name = RCAF Station Vulcan
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| code = <!--facility/installation code, applies to US -->
| code = <!--facility/installation code, applies to US -->
| built = <!-- {{Start date|YYYY}} -->
| built = <!-- {{Start date|YYYY}} -->
| used = 1942-5
| used = 1942–1945
| builder =
| builder =
| materials =
| materials =
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| past_commanders = <!-- past notable commander(s) -->
| past_commanders = <!-- past notable commander(s) -->
| garrison = <!-- such as the 25th Bombardment Group -->
| garrison = <!-- such as the 25th Bombardment Group -->
| occupants = No. 2 FIS(1942-3); No. 19 SFTS (1943-5)
| occupants = No. 2 FIS (1942–43); No. 19 SFTS (1943–1945)
| website =
| website =
| footnotes = <!-- catchall in case it's needed to preserve something in infobox that doesn't work in new code -->
| footnotes = <!-- catchall in case it's needed to preserve something in infobox that doesn't work in new code -->
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| r1-number =2/20
| r1-number =2/20
| r1-length ={{Convert|3125|ft|0}}
| r1-length ={{Convert|3125|ft|0}}
| r1-surface =Hard Surface<ref name=Handbook />
| r1-surface =hard surface<ref name=Handbook />
| r2-number =8/26
| r2-number =8/26
| r2-length ={{Convert|3100|ft|0}}
| r2-length ={{Convert|3100|ft|0}}
| r2-surface =Hard Surface<ref name=Handbook />
| r2-surface =hard surface<ref name=Handbook />
| r3-number =14/32
| r3-number =14/32
| r3-length ={{Convert|3100|ft|0}}
| r3-length ={{Convert|3100|ft|0}}
| r3-surface =Hard Surface<ref name=Handbook />
| r3-surface =hard surface<ref name=Handbook />
| h1-number =
| h1-number =
| h1-length = <!-- {{Convert| |m|0}} -->
| h1-length = <!-- {{Convert| |m|0}} -->
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}}
}}


[[File:RCAF WWII No. 19 SFTS, Service Flying Taining School, Vulcan AB.jpg|thumb|Jacket patch from No. 19 Service Flying Training School]]
[[File:RCAF WWII No. 19 SFTS, Service Flying Taining School, Vulcan AB.jpg|thumb|Jacket patch from No. 19 Service Flying Training School]]
'''RCAF Station Vulcan''', also referred to as '''RCAF Aerodrome Vulcan''', was a [[Second World War]] flying training station located southwest of the town of [[Vulcan, Alberta|Vulcan]], [[Alberta]], [[Canada]]. It was one station of many that were established in [[Canada]] under the [[British Commonwealth Air Training Plan]].
'''RCAF Station Vulcan''', also referred to as '''RCAF Aerodrome Vulcan''', was a [[Second World War]] flying training station located southwest of the town of [[Vulcan, Alberta|Vulcan]], [[Alberta]], Canada. It was one of many stations that were established in Canada under the [[British Commonwealth Air Training Plan]].

==History==
==History==
The Vulcan aerodrome was officially opened on October 30, 1942{{Citation needed|reason=Seems to contradict the dates in Hatch's book stating that the school opened on 3 August 1942|date=June 2018}} and hosted No. 2 Flying Instructor School (FIS), which had moved to Vulcan from [[RCAF Station Claresholm|Claresholm]] on 3 August 1942. The aircraft used were [[Fairchild Cornell|Cornells]], [[Cessna Crane|Cranes]], [[Fleet Fawn|Fawns]], [[Fleet Finch|Finches]], [[North American Harvard|Harvards]], [[Airspeed Oxford|Oxfords]], [[Tiger Moth]]s and [[Avro Anson|Ansons]]. On 3 May 1943, No. 2 FIS moved to the [[RCAF Station Pearce|Pearce]] aerodrome near [[Fort Macleod]] and No. 19 Service Flying Training School (SFTS) took over the facilities, training future bomber pilots using the Anson. No. 19 SFTS ceased operation on April 14, 1945. Relief or auxiliary landing fields were located at [[Ensign, Alberta|Ensign]] and [[Champion, Alberta|Champion]].<ref name="hatch">{{cite book
The Vulcan aerodrome hosted No. 2 Flying Instructor School (FIS), which was formally established at the station on 3 August 1942.<ref name="hatch" /><ref name="ORB No. 4 FIS">{{citation |url=http://heritage.canadiana.ca/view/oocihm.lac_reel_c12325/458?r=0&s=6 |title=RCAF Organizational Order No. 204 |id=File Number 925-247-1 (D . of O.) |publisher=Royal Canadian Air Force |date=3 June 1942 |access-date=16 June 2018 |via=Héritage}}</ref> However No. 2 FIS started training at [[RCAF Station Claresholm]] on 27 April 1942 under the control of No. 15 Service Flying Training School.<ref name="ORB No. 15 SFTS">{{cite web |url=http://heritage.canadiana.ca/view/oocihm.lac_reel_c12350/827?r=0&s=1 |title= RCAF Daily Diary of #15 S.F.T.S., Claresholm, Alta.|author=<!--Not stated--> |date=27 April 1942|website=heritage.canadiana.ca |access-date=15 June 2018 }}</ref> The aircraft used were [[Fairchild Cornell|Cornells]], [[Cessna Crane|Cranes]], [[Fleet Fawn|Fawns]], [[Fleet Finch|Finches]], [[North American Harvard|Harvards]], [[Airspeed Oxford|Oxfords]], [[Tiger Moth]]s and [[Avro Anson|Ansons]]. On 3 May 1943, No. 2 FIS moved to the [[RCAF Station Pearce|Pearce]] aerodrome near [[Fort Macleod]] and No. 19 Service Flying Training School (SFTS) took over the facilities, training future bomber pilots using the Anson. No. 19 SFTS ceased operation on April 14, 1945. Relief or auxiliary landing fields were located at [[Ensign, Alberta|Ensign]] and [[Champion, Alberta|Champion]].<ref name="hatch">{{cite book
| last1 = Hatch
| last1 = Hatch
| first1 = F. J.
| first1 = F. J.
Line 92: Line 94:
| location = Ottawa
| location = Ottawa
| isbn = 0660114437}}</ref>
| isbn = 0660114437}}</ref>

===Aerodrome===
===Aerodrome===
In approximately 1942 the aerodrome was listed at {{coord|50|20|N|113|21|W|region:CA-AB}} with a Var. 23 degrees E and elevation of {{Convert|3400|ft|0}}. 3 runways were listed as follows:
In approximately 1942 the aerodrome was listed at {{coord|50|20|N|113|21|W|region:CA-AB}} with a Var. 23 degrees E and elevation of {{Convert|3400|ft|0}}. Three runways were listed as follows:
{| class="wikitable"
{| class="wikitable"
|-
|-
! Runway Name
! Runway name
! Length
! Length
! Width
! Width
Line 115: Line 118:
| {{Convert|150|ft|0}}
| {{Convert|150|ft|0}}
| Hard surfaced
| Hard surfaced
|}<ref name=Handbook>{{cite book |author=Staff writer|title= Pilots Handbook of Aerodromes and Seaplane Bases Vol. 2|url= |location= |publisher= Royal Canadian Air Force |page= 115|date= c. 1942|isbn=}}</ref>
|}<ref name=Handbook>{{cite book |author=Staff writer|title= Pilots Handbook of Aerodromes and Seaplane Bases Vol. 2|publisher= Royal Canadian Air Force |page= 115|date= c. 1942}}</ref>


===Relief landing field – Ensign===
===Relief landing field – Ensign===
The primary Relief Landing Field (R1) for RCAF Station Vulcan was located east of the community of [[Ensign, Alberta]]. In approximately 1942 the aerodrome was listed at {{coord|50|29|N|113|20|W|region:CA-AB}} with a Var. 23 degrees E and elevation of {{Convert|2434|ft|0}}. 3 runways were listed as follows:
The primary Relief Landing Field (R1) for RCAF Station Vulcan was located east of the community of Ensign, Alberta.<ref name="ORB No. 4 FIS" /> In approximately 1942 the aerodrome was listed at {{coord|50|29|N|113|20|W|region:CA-AB}} with a Var. 23 degrees E and elevation of {{Convert|2434|ft|0}}. Three runways were listed as follows:
{| class="wikitable"
{| class="wikitable"
|-
|-
! Runway Name
! Runway name
! Length
! Length
! Width
! Width
Line 140: Line 143:
| {{Convert|150|ft|0}}
| {{Convert|150|ft|0}}
| Hard surfaced
| Hard surfaced
|}<ref name=Handbook1>{{cite book |author=Staff writer|title= Pilots Handbook of Aerodromes and Seaplane Bases Vol. 2|url= |location= |publisher= Royal Canadian Air Force |page= 92|date= c. 1942|isbn=}}</ref>
|}<ref name=Handbook1>{{cite book |author=Staff writer|title= Pilots Handbook of Aerodromes and Seaplane Bases Vol. 2|publisher= Royal Canadian Air Force |page= 92|date= c. 1942}}</ref>

===Relief landing field – Champion===
===Relief landing field – Champion===
The secondary Relief Landing Field (R2) for RCAF Station Vulcan was located approximately southwest of the community of [[Champion, Alberta]]. In approximately 1942 the aerodrome was listed at {{coord|50|13|N|113|11|W|region:CA-AB}} with a Var. 23 degrees E and elevation of {{Convert|3200|ft|0}}. The aerodrome was listed as "Turf" and "All-way field" with 2 runways listed as follows:
The secondary Relief Landing Field (R2) for RCAF Station Vulcan was located approximately southwest of the community of Champion, Alberta. In approximately 1942 the aerodrome was listed at {{coord|50|13|N|113|11|W|region:CA-AB}} with a Var. 23 degrees E and elevation of {{Convert|3200|ft|0}}. The aerodrome was listed as "Turf" and "All-way field" with two runways listed as follows:
{| class="wikitable"
{| class="wikitable"
|-
|-
! Runway Name
! Runway name
! Length
! Length
! Width
! Width
Line 159: Line 163:
| {{Convert|500|ft|0}}
| {{Convert|500|ft|0}}
| Turf
| Turf
|}<ref name=Handbook2>{{cite book |author=Staff writer|title= Pilots Handbook of Aerodromes and Seaplane Bases Vol. 2|url= |location= |publisher= Royal Canadian Air Force |page= 85|date= c. 1942|isbn=}}</ref>
|}<ref name=Handbook2>{{cite book |author=Staff writer|title= Pilots Handbook of Aerodromes and Seaplane Bases Vol. 2|publisher= Royal Canadian Air Force |page= 85|date= c. 1942}}</ref>


==Postwar==
==Postwar==
For a period of time the old station operated as the Vulcan Industrial Airport. Although the runways still exist, the aerodrome has seen many aircraft since the war. Six of the original seven hangars remain standing. The remaining hangars are used for storage and for private industrial purposes.Three of the building owners are working to restore their hangars.
For a period of time the old station operated as the Vulcan Industrial Airport. Although the runways still exist, the aerodrome has seen many aircraft since the war. Six of the original seven hangars remain standing. The remaining hangars are used for storage and for private industrial purposes. Three of the building owners are working to restore their hangars.


In 2009 new ownership began re-invigorating the airport and in 2011 was reopened as [[Vulcan/Kirkcaldy Aerodrome]] and is being operated by Wheatland Industries.<ref>{{CFS}}</ref> The aerodrome is currently being used by private aircraft and one commercial operator, Vertical Extreme Skydiving.<ref>[http://www.verticalextremeskydiving.com/finding_us.html Vertical Extreme Skydiving] Retrieved: 2011-03-11</ref> One of the main runways is being resurfaced.
In 2009 new ownership began re-invigorating the airport. In 2011 it was reopened as [[Vulcan/Kirkcaldy Aerodrome]], operated by Wheatland Industries.<ref>{{CFS}}</ref> The aerodrome is currently being used by private aircraft and one spray plane company.


This is the main HQ for the Southern Alberta Gliding Centre of the [[Air Cadet Gliding Program]].{{Citation needed|date=October 2015}}
This is the main operating field for the Southern Alberta Gliding Centre of the [[Air Cadet Gliding Program]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://aircadetleague.ab.ca/activities/|title=Activities|date=2017-06-18|website=Alberta Provincial Committee of the Air Cadet League of Canada|language=en|access-date=2020-02-03}}</ref>

<gallery>File:Vulcan Aerodrome Hangers.JPG|Remaining hangars.
File:Vulcan Aerodrome Historical Marker.JPG|Historical marker commemorating the former RCAF Aerodrome.
<gallery>File:Vulcan Aerodrome Hangars.jpg|Remaining hangars
File:Vulcan Aerodrome Historical Marker.JPG|Historical marker commemorating the former RCAF Aerodrome
File:Vulcan Aerodrome Runway.JPG|Ground level view of a runway at the Vulcan/Kirkcaldy Aerodrome.
File:Vulcan Aerodrome Runway.JPG|Ground level view of a runway at the Vulcan/Kirkcaldy Aerodrome
File:Vulcan Aerodrome Pistol Range.JPG|A former pistol range located at the airfield.</gallery>
File:Vulcan Aerodrome Pistol Range.JPG|A former pistol range located at the airfield</gallery>


==See also==
==See also==
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* [http://militarybruce.com/abandoned-canadian-military-bases/abandoned-bases/alberta/ Bruce Forsyth - Canadian Military History - Alberta] Retrieved: 2015-02-22
* [http://militarybruce.com/abandoned-canadian-military-bases/abandoned-bases/alberta/ Bruce Forsyth - Canadian Military History - Alberta] Retrieved: 2015-02-22


{{authority control}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Vulcan}}
[[Category:Royal Canadian Air Force stations|Vulcan]]
[[Category:Royal Canadian Air Force stations|Vulcan]]
[[Category:Canadian Forces bases in Canada (closed)]]
[[Category:Airports of the British Commonwealth Air Training Plan|Vulcan]]
[[Category:Airports of the British Commonwealth Air Training Plan|Vulcan]]
[[Category:Defunct airports in Alberta|Vulcan]]
[[Category:Defunct airports in Alberta|Vulcan]]

Latest revision as of 21:28, 30 May 2022

RCAF Station Vulcan
Near Vulcan, Alberta in Canada
RCAF Station Vulcan is located in Alberta
RCAF Station Vulcan
RCAF Station Vulcan
Coordinates50°19′55″N 113°21′28″W / 50.33194°N 113.35778°W / 50.33194; -113.35778[1]
Site information
OwnerDept of National Defence (Canada)
Site history
In use1942–1945
Garrison information
OccupantsNo. 2 FIS (1942–43); No. 19 SFTS (1943–1945)
Airfield information
Elevation3,400 feet (1,036 m)[1] AMSL
Runways
Direction Length and surface
2/20 3,125 feet (952 m) hard surface[1]
8/26 3,100 feet (945 m) hard surface[1]
14/32 3,100 feet (945 m) hard surface[1]
Airfields
Jacket patch from No. 19 Service Flying Training School

RCAF Station Vulcan, also referred to as RCAF Aerodrome Vulcan, was a Second World War flying training station located southwest of the town of Vulcan, Alberta, Canada. It was one of many stations that were established in Canada under the British Commonwealth Air Training Plan.

History

[edit]

The Vulcan aerodrome hosted No. 2 Flying Instructor School (FIS), which was formally established at the station on 3 August 1942.[2][3] However No. 2 FIS started training at RCAF Station Claresholm on 27 April 1942 under the control of No. 15 Service Flying Training School.[4] The aircraft used were Cornells, Cranes, Fawns, Finches, Harvards, Oxfords, Tiger Moths and Ansons. On 3 May 1943, No. 2 FIS moved to the Pearce aerodrome near Fort Macleod and No. 19 Service Flying Training School (SFTS) took over the facilities, training future bomber pilots using the Anson. No. 19 SFTS ceased operation on April 14, 1945. Relief or auxiliary landing fields were located at Ensign and Champion.[2]

Aerodrome

[edit]

In approximately 1942 the aerodrome was listed at 50°20′N 113°21′W / 50.333°N 113.350°W / 50.333; -113.350 with a Var. 23 degrees E and elevation of 3,400 feet (1,036 m). Three runways were listed as follows:

Runway name Length Width Surface
2/20 3,125 feet (952 m) 150 feet (46 m) Hard surfaced
8/26 3,100 feet (945 m) 150 feet (46 m) Hard surfaced
14/32 3,100 feet (945 m) 150 feet (46 m) Hard surfaced

[1]

Relief landing field – Ensign

[edit]

The primary Relief Landing Field (R1) for RCAF Station Vulcan was located east of the community of Ensign, Alberta.[3] In approximately 1942 the aerodrome was listed at 50°29′N 113°20′W / 50.483°N 113.333°W / 50.483; -113.333 with a Var. 23 degrees E and elevation of 2,434 feet (742 m). Three runways were listed as follows:

Runway name Length Width Surface
3/21 3,175 feet (968 m) 150 feet (46 m) Hard surfaced
12/30 3,175 feet (968 m) 150 feet (46 m) Hard surfaced
15/33 3,175 feet (968 m) 150 feet (46 m) Hard surfaced

[5]

Relief landing field – Champion

[edit]

The secondary Relief Landing Field (R2) for RCAF Station Vulcan was located approximately southwest of the community of Champion, Alberta. In approximately 1942 the aerodrome was listed at 50°13′N 113°11′W / 50.217°N 113.183°W / 50.217; -113.183 with a Var. 23 degrees E and elevation of 3,200 feet (975 m). The aerodrome was listed as "Turf" and "All-way field" with two runways listed as follows:

Runway name Length Width Surface
3/21 6,200 feet (1,890 m) 500 feet (152 m) Turf
12/30 3,600 feet (1,097 m) 500 feet (152 m) Turf

[6]

Postwar

[edit]

For a period of time the old station operated as the Vulcan Industrial Airport. Although the runways still exist, the aerodrome has seen many aircraft since the war. Six of the original seven hangars remain standing. The remaining hangars are used for storage and for private industrial purposes. Three of the building owners are working to restore their hangars.

In 2009 new ownership began re-invigorating the airport. In 2011 it was reopened as Vulcan/Kirkcaldy Aerodrome, operated by Wheatland Industries.[7] The aerodrome is currently being used by private aircraft and one spray plane company.

This is the main operating field for the Southern Alberta Gliding Centre of the Air Cadet Gliding Program.[8]

  • Remaining hangars
    Remaining hangars
  • Historical marker commemorating the former RCAF Aerodrome
    Historical marker commemorating the former RCAF Aerodrome
  • Ground level view of a runway at the Vulcan/Kirkcaldy Aerodrome
    Ground level view of a runway at the Vulcan/Kirkcaldy Aerodrome
  • A former pistol range located at the airfield
    A former pistol range located at the airfield

See also

[edit]

References

[edit]
  1. ^ a b c d e f Staff writer (c. 1942). Pilots Handbook of Aerodromes and Seaplane Bases Vol. 2. Royal Canadian Air Force. p. 115.
  2. ^ a b Hatch, F. J. (1983). The Aerodrome of Democracy: Canada and the British Commonwealth Air Training Plan, 1939-1945. Ottawa: Directorate of History, Department of National Defence. ISBN 0660114437.
  3. ^ a b RCAF Organizational Order No. 204, Royal Canadian Air Force, 3 June 1942, File Number 925-247-1 (D . of O.), retrieved 16 June 2018 – via Héritage
  4. ^ "RCAF Daily Diary of #15 S.F.T.S., Claresholm, Alta". heritage.canadiana.ca. 27 April 1942. Retrieved 15 June 2018.
  5. ^ Staff writer (c. 1942). Pilots Handbook of Aerodromes and Seaplane Bases Vol. 2. Royal Canadian Air Force. p. 92.
  6. ^ Staff writer (c. 1942). Pilots Handbook of Aerodromes and Seaplane Bases Vol. 2. Royal Canadian Air Force. p. 85.
  7. ^ Canada Flight Supplement. Effective 0901Z 16 July 2020 to 0901Z 10 September 2020.
  8. ^ "Activities". Alberta Provincial Committee of the Air Cadet League of Canada. 2017-06-18. Retrieved 2020-02-03.
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