SAVE the PLANE
The Leduc CT-133 Silver Star Plane was originally acquired in dedication as a memorial to the Royal Canadian Air Force on May 7, 1989 by the Officers and Cadets of Leduc 831 Royal Canadian Air Cadets and the Royal Canadian Legion Branch
No. 108. The Canadair CT-133 was the result of a 1951 procurement contract. There was a total of 656 CT-133s built
by Canadair and commenced their service in the 1950s. Differing from its U.S. counterpart, appearance of the CT-133
is very distinctive, due to the large fuel tanks usually carried on each wingtip. The aircraft’s name was changed to “Silver Star”, in honor of Canada’s first flight of a “heavier-than-air craft”, the AEA Silver Dart.
The Silver Star commenced service in the RCAF and was its primary training aircraft for fighters/interceptors and was used as such until 1976. The CT-133 had an unusually long lifespan and in 1976 the Canadian forces still carried over 50 of the aircraft in their inventory. Throughout its service it was employed in communication, target towing, enemy simulation and used as an aerobatic demonstration aircraft. The final CT-133 that was in service and taken out of commission in 2005.
In late 1998, Leduc was struck by an incredibly strong wind storm during which many people recall watching as the “Famous Leduc Plane” swayed back and forth, struggling to withstand the winds that day. Finally, the support structure failed and the plane came down and was seriously damaged.
On November 7th, 1999, a new plane was rededicated by President Tex Thember on behalf of the Executive Staff, Membership, and Staff of the Royal Canadian Legion, Leduc Branch No. 108. It was done “In memory of Veterans of Leduc and area who paid the ultimate sacrifice for their country and its citizens.”
On Saturday, October 14th 2017, the Leduc Branch hosted a fundraiser called “SAVE THE PLANE” at Blackjacks Roadhouse in Nisku. The fundraiser consisted of a Live Auction, Live Entertainment and an evening of social gathering to commemorate and say thank you to our men and women in uniform, both past and present. Approximately $6,000.00 was raised which was allocated for the repair, refinishing and transportation of the plane, prior to it being mounted in its new home. The final placement of the plane is on the west side of the Queen Elizabeth 11 Highway, between the reservoir and the Fred Johns Park Ball Diamonds for everyone to enjoy. Thank you to the many volunteers and Clan McNaughton Pipe Band, who helped make this a fun and successful evening. Special thanks to Blackjacks Roadhouse and Clarence Shields, for all their efforts and contributions to make this a successful event.
We would like to extend a huge thank you to the City of Leduc, all of our sponsors and volunteers whom have worked tirelessly with the Legion, to make this all possible.
No. 108. The Canadair CT-133 was the result of a 1951 procurement contract. There was a total of 656 CT-133s built
by Canadair and commenced their service in the 1950s. Differing from its U.S. counterpart, appearance of the CT-133
is very distinctive, due to the large fuel tanks usually carried on each wingtip. The aircraft’s name was changed to “Silver Star”, in honor of Canada’s first flight of a “heavier-than-air craft”, the AEA Silver Dart.
The Silver Star commenced service in the RCAF and was its primary training aircraft for fighters/interceptors and was used as such until 1976. The CT-133 had an unusually long lifespan and in 1976 the Canadian forces still carried over 50 of the aircraft in their inventory. Throughout its service it was employed in communication, target towing, enemy simulation and used as an aerobatic demonstration aircraft. The final CT-133 that was in service and taken out of commission in 2005.
In late 1998, Leduc was struck by an incredibly strong wind storm during which many people recall watching as the “Famous Leduc Plane” swayed back and forth, struggling to withstand the winds that day. Finally, the support structure failed and the plane came down and was seriously damaged.
On November 7th, 1999, a new plane was rededicated by President Tex Thember on behalf of the Executive Staff, Membership, and Staff of the Royal Canadian Legion, Leduc Branch No. 108. It was done “In memory of Veterans of Leduc and area who paid the ultimate sacrifice for their country and its citizens.”
On Saturday, October 14th 2017, the Leduc Branch hosted a fundraiser called “SAVE THE PLANE” at Blackjacks Roadhouse in Nisku. The fundraiser consisted of a Live Auction, Live Entertainment and an evening of social gathering to commemorate and say thank you to our men and women in uniform, both past and present. Approximately $6,000.00 was raised which was allocated for the repair, refinishing and transportation of the plane, prior to it being mounted in its new home. The final placement of the plane is on the west side of the Queen Elizabeth 11 Highway, between the reservoir and the Fred Johns Park Ball Diamonds for everyone to enjoy. Thank you to the many volunteers and Clan McNaughton Pipe Band, who helped make this a fun and successful evening. Special thanks to Blackjacks Roadhouse and Clarence Shields, for all their efforts and contributions to make this a successful event.
We would like to extend a huge thank you to the City of Leduc, all of our sponsors and volunteers whom have worked tirelessly with the Legion, to make this all possible.