The Commonwealth Air Training Plan Museum boasts an incredible array of WWII aircraft, hundreds of artifacts and more amazing items that date back to the 1940's - all from their vintage hangar at the Brandon airport north of the city.

The CATPM is one in only 7 Manitoba Signature Museums and is a National Historic Site as well as a Manitoba Star Attraction.

A most recent addition to the airport hangar is the Beechcraft Model 18, specifically attuned to kids and how they learn. 

When Winnipeg's Royal Aviation Museum moved to their new building, they had some interactive exhibits that they no longer had room for, so they contacted Executive Director of the Brandon air museum, Stephen Hayter, to see if he was interested.

"With their Skyways Exhibition there were a number of components but the key one that we were excited about was the Beechcraft Model 18," explains Hayter.  It's just a cockpit section with some fuselage with seats. One of our volunteers took many months restoring it and rewiring it, and it's a real fun interactive display for the kids. They can sit at the controls and there's lights and sound, and their friends or siblings can sit in the seat behind them. And they can take turns becoming the pilot!"

"I've seen parents and adults enjoying it as well," he adds. "So, it's a great addition to the museum!"

Visit the Commonwealth Air Training Plan Museum and the RCAF WWII Memorial website HERE!

The Commonwealth Air Training Plan Museum is Canada’s only air museum solely dedicated to the preservation of those who trained and fought for the British Commonwealth during WWII.  As well as the indoor museum, outside recognition includes the RCAF WWII Memorial wall that honours all of the RCAF that lost their lives during WWII.

Visit the CATP Museum located at Brandon Municipal Airport, on HW #10, 1.6 km north of the City of Brandon.  During the month of April the CATPM is open 7 days a week from 1-4 pm.  May 1st will be the start to the summer hours.