RCAF Detachment Grand Bend
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The RCAF hangar seen from the taxiway, control tower on top
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The RCAF hangar seen from the north
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Runway 07, with race track surface on left side
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Private aircraft area near runway 07
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The RCAF main entrance
Aerodrome information
In approximately 1942 the aerodrome was listed as RCAF Aerodrome - Grand Bend, Ontario at 43°17′N 81°43′W / 43.283°N 81.717°W with a variation of 5 degrees west and elevation of 650 ft (200 m). The aerodrome was listed with three runways as follows:
Runway Name | Length | Width | Surface |
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9/25 | 2,600 ft (790 m) | 150 ft (46 m) | Hard Surfaced |
1/19 | 2,600 ft (790 m) | 150 ft (46 m) | Hard Surfaced |
13/31 | 3,100 ft (940 m) | 150 ft (46 m) | Hard Surfaced |
The Grand Bend Motorplex uses the original runway 13/31 as a drag racing track. Runway 01/19 is now an access to the dragstrip and also the Grand Bend Speedway oval and Grand Bend Motocross dirt bike tracks. The remaining runway 07/25 of the airfield is shared by the Grand Bend Raceway, the Grand Bend Sport Parachuting Center and some local private aircraft. The only RCAF building that remains is the hangar, with the control tower perched on top. The property was subsequently owned by Bell Aerospace, Exeter plastics and P.O.G. The aerodrome is now operated as the Grand Bend Airport.
References
- ^ Staff writer (c. 1942). Pilots Handbook of Aerodromes and Seaplane Bases Vol. 1. Royal Canadian Air Force. p. 117.