Conservation

Aircraft conservation / restoration has undergone considerable change over the last four decades. The evolution of conservation / restoration treatments can be attributed to several factors. The most significant include, improvements in materials and material science, development of improved techniques, and the evolution of museum policy with regards to conservation / restoration.

In 1987, the Canada Aviation and Space Museum adopted a conservation policy which provided a list of procedures for the treatment and care of artifacts. The adoption of this policy has led, in applicable cases, to less interventive methods being used and to the adoption of more stringent documentation procedures.

The following projects pertain to the treatment of historical aircraft in our collection. The methods and procedures described, are and were considered to, comply with aviation museum best practice at the time of conservation / restoration.

Borel–Morane Monoplane

The Borel-Morane monoplane arrived at the Canada Aviation Museum in need of cleaning and repair. The fabric parts of the aircraft, although largely…

Curtiss JN–4 “Canuck”

The specimen as obtained by the Museum in 1962 was basically complete. The wings still had the original 1918 fabric on them, but all other…

Fairchild FC–2W2

It was hoped to start the restoration of the FC–2W2 immediately after completing the Curtiss JN-4, but the Uplands workshop…

Aeronca C–2

Following the restoration of the FC–2W2, the Museum staff restored several engines and a D.H.82C wing for an intended structural exhibit…

Curtiss Seagull

As related elsewhere, no restoration work was carried out at Rockcliffe from the completion of the Aeronca C-2 until work started on the Curtiss Seagull…

Messerschmitt Me 163B–1a Komet

The Curtiss HS-2L was the next restoration project to begin, but while it was in progress the Me 163 was started and completed…

Curtiss HS–2L La Vigilance

To date, the largest and longest restoration project undertaken by the Museum is that of the Curtiss HS-2L The magnitude of the job resulted partly…

McDowall Monoplane

The restoration of this diminutive machine began in the fall of 1983 and proceeded slowly, as work on the larger HS-2L restoration…

Hispano HA–1112–M1L Buchón

A late decision was taken to restore this Spanish-built version of the Messerschmitt Bf 109 so it could be displayed in the new building…