September 27, 2011

"The decision by the principals at Park Downsview to demolish that historic hangar and leave the aviation treasures and historic artifacts without a home is so bizarre that it is difficult to understand."

Rapidly approaching 97 years of age and currently trying to deal with family health and finances before departing the planet, I have been somewhat reluctant to join in the recent 'debates' concerning the future of the the substantial, active and conveniently located aerospace museum at Downsview.

However, in view of the letters, emails and phone calls received on the subject, I felt that I had to now add my voice to this vexing question (I have been there before!!)

As many of you are aware, some 50 odd years ago the Canadian Government cancelled the Arrow program (for all the wrong reasons). One of the stated reasons being that missiles would eventually replace manned aircraft, so the Arrow would be obsolete before it entered squadron service. We are all aware what a ridiculous decision that was, putting thousands of workers at Avro, Orenda and the supporting companies out of work.

However, this history of that remarkable Canadian achievement was revived a few years ago by a dedicated team of volunteers at the Downsview Air and Space Museum building a full scale replica of the Arrow, in whatever spare time they managed to find. There are many more outstanding Canadian aircraft in the Museum and the dedicated staff also provide educational and special events to emphasize the role that Canada has played in aviation and space activities for over a century.

So the decision by the principals at Park Downsview to demolish that historic hangar and leave the aviation treasures and historic artifacts without a home is so bizarre that it is difficult to understand.

Dr. James C. Floyd
Former Vice President Engineering
Avro Aircraft Canada

Click here to see the original letter.

About Dr. Jim Floyd

Born in 1914 in Manchester, Floyd began his career there in January 1930 as an apprentice with A. V. Roe. He worked as a design engineer on the Anson, Manchester, Lancaster, York, Lincoln and Tudor, moving to Canada in 1946 and becoming project designer for the world's first jet airliner, the C-102. In 1952 he became chief engineer, but was laid off after the controversial cancelation of the CF-105 in 1959.

At ninety-five year old James C. Floyd, Chief Engineer on the Avro Canada CF-105 Arrow, visited the Canadian Air and Space Museum (CASM) in Toronto on January 4 to accept an award recognising him as one of the 25 greatest Canadians. During his acceptance speech, Floyd said "That team we had at Avro Canada was without any doubt the finest engineering team that had ever been assembled in Canada, and I still find it hard to forgive the politicians of that period for trying to throw that tremendous collective talent to the wolves. However, the wolves didn't get us and many of my team went to work on major projects all over the world."