Spirit of Harbour Grace

The "Spirit of Harbour Grace" was manufactured in 1943 by the Douglas Aircraft Company in Santa Monica, California and was on charge to the United States Air Force. It served in North Africa until the end of the second world war when it was purchased by Resort Airlines in the United States. Later it was purchased by Leeward Aeronautical Service Lake Central Airlines where it was used as C47 cargo aircraft. In 1951, the plane was purchased by a Canadian company and modifies as a DC-3 Douglas. The craft was owned by Quebec Air until purchased by Roger Pike in 1977. It then transported food and dairy products from Stephenville to Goose Bay under private registration. In 1983, Mr. Pike acquired ownership of Labrador Airways Limited adn the DC-3 was based out of Goose Bay transporting mail and cargo.

The aircraft was retired in 1988 and restored close to its original condition. The Douglas Aircraft Corporation developed a prototype aircraft, the DC-1 in 1931.

A new and more advanced aircraft, the DC-2 was developed, and went into service in 1932. The DC-3, the model of the "Spirit of Harbour Grace" which stands at the Riverhead commemoration Harbour Grace's rich past in aviation went into commercial service in 1935 and is know as the aircraft that changed the world with more than 11, 000 of that type being produced in the United States alone. "The Spirit of Harbour Grace" was given to the town in 1993 from the Pike family. Mr. Pike sincerely wishes that Harbour Grace will always receive the rightful recognition for the part it played in international aviation. The wing span of the "Spirit of Harbour Grace" is 95 feet. It is 64 feet five inches long and stands at a height of 16 feet, 5 1/2 inches. The aircraft weighs 26, 200 pounds and contains 2 Pratt and Whitney R-1830 engines which allow it to fly at 135kts/150mph.

Season: Jan 1 - Dec 31

Location: Harvey Street, Harbour Grace

Mailing Address:
P.O. Box 310
Harbour Grace, NL
Canada, A0A 2M0

Telephone: 709-596-3042

Fax: 709-596-1991