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Bell 47D

Bell 47D

YEAR AND NUMBER MADE

The Bell Helicopters were first produced in 1945, production of the model 47D-1 started in 1949 and
ceased in 1973.

ACQUIRED FROM:

Donated to the CBHC by Canadore College in North Bay where it was used to familiarize students with the construction of helicopters.

POWER

Franklin 6V4-200-C32 200HP

PRIMARY USE:

Forest fire fighting, power line, pipeline, forestry and geological surveys, crop dusting and spraying, search and rescue, reconnaissance and evacuation.

HISTORY:

This helicopter is restored to the configurations of one owned by the Ontario Lands and Forests in 1953. It was first owned by a government agency in Canada and the first helicopter allowed for civilian use. The Department of Lands and Forest used the Bell 47’s in the early 1950’s. This type of helicopter will be familiar to viewers of the popular television series “MASH”.

STORY:

In the late 1940’s, Okanagan Air Service in Kelowna, BC was gaining a reputation as the authority in mountain helicopter flying. The Greater Vancouver Water District asked if the company could move all the stores and equipment to build their dam in Palisade Lake. This meant the helicopter would have to lift 182,000 kg to a spot 915  metres above sea level. The Bell 47 could only carry 182 kg per trip. On one memorable day, the hard-working helicopter made 41 trips up the mountain. The dam was the first in the world to be build with the use of helicopters.

PACKAGE INCLUDES:

  • Honorary ownership of the item for one year: July 1, 2020 – June 30, 2021
  • One Year Individual Membership to the Canadian Bushplane Heritage Centre
  • A certificate of honorary ownership
  • Recognition of honorary ownership on display with the aircraft or truck in the museum for the year
  • Opportunity to have your photo taken with or in (where possible) your plane or truck
  • Any donor with a winning bid over $1000 will have their name added to the donor board in the centre's lobby
Organization
Canadian Bushplane Heritage Centre
Value
$0.00
Starting Bid
$100.00

Item

# Bid Status By Date
1 $150.00 Anonymous

This auction closed on Wednesday, June 17, 2020 9:00:00 PM.

Pickup Instructions

Shortly after winning your bid on any number of the planes included in the auction, you will be contacted by the Canadian Bushplane Heritage Centre. Detailed instructions regarding how to claim your winnings, along with each of the included perks will be included in this email.

For any auction related questions, please email [email protected]

Closed on Wednesday, June 17, 2020 9:00:00 PM

About Canadian Bushplane Heritage Centre

Adventure takes off at the Canadian Bushplane Heritage Centre. This one-of-a-kind and interactive museum is located in the historic waterfront hangar of the Ontario Provincial Air Service, which was instrumental in the development of bush flying and forest fire management in Northern Ontario. Explore 24 aircraft exhibits (some you can enter!) including the original De Havilland Beaver aircraft and the CL-215 waterbomber. Learn about flight in the Children’s Flight Centre with hands-on activities the whole family will enjoy. See a viewing of Wildfires!, our award-wining film about forest fire fighting in the North! Find unique gifts and STEM-themed toys in our gift shop. Get inspired with a guided tour about the development of bushplanes and forest fire management – available daily 10am and 2pm. Get “buggy” with Entomica Insectarium when you select the Adventure Pass admission option. Our Event Centre is perfect for weddings, birthdays, and corporate and social functions. The Canadian Bushplane Heritage Centre makes an excellent day trip for school field trips and recreational bus tours.