Hello
My name is Dr. Eugene Turgeon, and I am currently putting to paper my experiences as medical officer at the Sioux Lookout Zone Hospital from 1972 to 1975. I am planning to distribute paper copies to my family with no commercial printing or sale. I would like to include the photo of the seaplane dock in the mist in 1971 or 1972. Would it be permissible, with proper credit, of course? Thanks for considering this.
Superior Airways
Moderators: North Shore, sky's the limit, sepia, Sulako, Rudder Bug
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SLflyingdoc
- Rank 0
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Re: Superior Airways
SLflyingdoc
Dr. Turgeon, yes you can use the photo of the seaplane dock in the mist for your writings.
I've sent you a pm.
beech 18
Dr. Turgeon, yes you can use the photo of the seaplane dock in the mist for your writings.
I've sent you a pm.
beech 18
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CensoredLF
- Rank 1
- Posts: 23
- Joined: Sun Oct 25, 2020 9:20 am
Re: Superior Airways
It would be nice if you posted a copy here too. I'm sure there are lots who would enjoy the read.
Just an idea
CLF
Just an idea
CLF
The real problem with censorship is that people are not aware of it when it happens.
Re: Superior Airways
April 07, 2021
Superior Airways / Severn Enterprise operation from late 1960’s to 1974.
This photo is from the Tim Martin Collection and is posted here with permission.
The photo of DC-3 CF-ABA was taken in Winnipeg on April 17, 1973.
CF-ABA flew for Superior Airways for a short time beginning in April 1973.
I don’t recall seeing this DC-3 and I don’t have any information about this aircraft.
The information written here is some of its history that was found in the DC-3 directory
and from Aerial Visuals. This is not a complete history of the aircraft.
The aircraft was built by Douglas in Long Beach, California and was once with the
United States Army Air Force. It later flew in Norway and the United States.
First appeared in Canada as CF-ABA in June 1972 with Aviation Sales International.
April 1973 Superior Airways operated CF-ABA for a short time before the aircraft
moved on to a number of other Canadian air carriers.
Appears to have left Canada in September 1978 and was taken by Yukon Air Service in
Fairbanks, Alaska as N3FY.
The aircraft was involved in an accident in mountainous terrain and destroyed on
November 1, 1998 at Quetzaltenanago, Guatemala.
Not a lot of information about this DC-3 that once flew for Mr. Wieben, but it was
another DC-3 that was operated by him at one time.
Superior Airways / Severn Enterprise operation from late 1960’s to 1974.
This photo is from the Tim Martin Collection and is posted here with permission.
The photo of DC-3 CF-ABA was taken in Winnipeg on April 17, 1973.
CF-ABA flew for Superior Airways for a short time beginning in April 1973.
I don’t recall seeing this DC-3 and I don’t have any information about this aircraft.
The information written here is some of its history that was found in the DC-3 directory
and from Aerial Visuals. This is not a complete history of the aircraft.
The aircraft was built by Douglas in Long Beach, California and was once with the
United States Army Air Force. It later flew in Norway and the United States.
First appeared in Canada as CF-ABA in June 1972 with Aviation Sales International.
April 1973 Superior Airways operated CF-ABA for a short time before the aircraft
moved on to a number of other Canadian air carriers.
Appears to have left Canada in September 1978 and was taken by Yukon Air Service in
Fairbanks, Alaska as N3FY.
The aircraft was involved in an accident in mountainous terrain and destroyed on
November 1, 1998 at Quetzaltenanago, Guatemala.
Not a lot of information about this DC-3 that once flew for Mr. Wieben, but it was
another DC-3 that was operated by him at one time.
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TeePeeCreeper
- Rank (9)
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Re: Superior Airways
Agreed! I enjoy reading the monthly addition!
Please keep it coming!!!
All the best,
TPC
Re: Superior Airways
May 07, 2021
Superior Airways / Severn Enterprise operation from late 1960’s to 1974.
This photo is from the Tim Martin Collection and is posted here with permission.
Beech 18 CF-ZMR at the Winnipeg International Airport on May 30, 1972.
The aircraft has a white top with the Superior Airways / Severn Enterprise gold
stripe running the length of the fuselage.
CF-ZMR was an ex-RCAF aircraft before joining Mr. Wieben’s fleet.
The aircraft was based in Thunder Bay and was operated on wheels only.
This Beech 18 wasn’t with the company very long. After leaving it was operated
by a number of Canadian companies in Quebec, Ontario and Alberta before
making its way to the U.S.
On December 9, 1990 while registered as N9159B the right engine master rod failed
while climbing out after takeoff. The right propeller separated from the engine striking
the nose of the aircraft. The aircraft returned safely to the airport at Bozeman, Montana.
Superior Airways / Severn Enterprise operation from late 1960’s to 1974.
This photo is from the Tim Martin Collection and is posted here with permission.
Beech 18 CF-ZMR at the Winnipeg International Airport on May 30, 1972.
The aircraft has a white top with the Superior Airways / Severn Enterprise gold
stripe running the length of the fuselage.
CF-ZMR was an ex-RCAF aircraft before joining Mr. Wieben’s fleet.
The aircraft was based in Thunder Bay and was operated on wheels only.
This Beech 18 wasn’t with the company very long. After leaving it was operated
by a number of Canadian companies in Quebec, Ontario and Alberta before
making its way to the U.S.
On December 9, 1990 while registered as N9159B the right engine master rod failed
while climbing out after takeoff. The right propeller separated from the engine striking
the nose of the aircraft. The aircraft returned safely to the airport at Bozeman, Montana.
Re: Superior Airways
June 07, 2021
Superior Airways / Severn Enterprise operation from late 1960’s to 1974.
This photo is from the Tim Martin Collection and is posted here with permission.
Photo of Beech 18 C-FCUK taken in Kenora September 1, 1985. The right wheel
well cover is open so some work must be underway on the aircraft.
Beech 18 CF-CUK was an ex-RCAF aircraft that was purchased by Mr. Wieben and
operated on floats in the 1970’s. The attached photo has the same paint scheme that
Superior Airways painted their Beech 18's except the normal gold stripe has now been
repainted yellow.
I don’t know who installed or when the right hand cargo door was installed in the
aircraft. The left side had the small entry door with the rounded top and rounded
bottom frame. There weren't to many Beech 18's around Northern Ontario with the
right side cargo door. Two Beech 18's that come to mind were CF-RSW and CF-TBA.
Also I don't remember CF-CUK being operated on skis in the winter, but it may have
been at one time.
The Beech 18 directory shows CUK was later operated in the 1980’s and 1990’s by
Walsten Air Services in Kenora and Wildness Air Ltd. in Vermillion Bay before being purchased
by a company in the United States and registered as N21PN where it was operated on floats.
Superior Airways / Severn Enterprise operation from late 1960’s to 1974.
This photo is from the Tim Martin Collection and is posted here with permission.
Photo of Beech 18 C-FCUK taken in Kenora September 1, 1985. The right wheel
well cover is open so some work must be underway on the aircraft.
Beech 18 CF-CUK was an ex-RCAF aircraft that was purchased by Mr. Wieben and
operated on floats in the 1970’s. The attached photo has the same paint scheme that
Superior Airways painted their Beech 18's except the normal gold stripe has now been
repainted yellow.
I don’t know who installed or when the right hand cargo door was installed in the
aircraft. The left side had the small entry door with the rounded top and rounded
bottom frame. There weren't to many Beech 18's around Northern Ontario with the
right side cargo door. Two Beech 18's that come to mind were CF-RSW and CF-TBA.
Also I don't remember CF-CUK being operated on skis in the winter, but it may have
been at one time.
The Beech 18 directory shows CUK was later operated in the 1980’s and 1990’s by
Walsten Air Services in Kenora and Wildness Air Ltd. in Vermillion Bay before being purchased
by a company in the United States and registered as N21PN where it was operated on floats.
Re: Superior Airways
July 07, 2021
Superior Airways / Severn Enterprise operation from late 1960’s to 1974.
This photo is from the Dave Brooks Collection and is posted here with permission.
Dave took this photo when he was working for Superior Airways / Severn Enterprise
in the summer of 1975.
Beaver C-FLLX undergoing repair in the hangar in Thunder Bay. LLX was not flying
when I was working for Mr. Wieben as far as I can remember. Looking at the history of
CF-LLX on Neil Aird’s Beaver sight the history recorded has the aircraft flying for A. Fecteau
when it was involved in an accident while operating on skis on December 30, 1971.
The next entry in the history is May 1975 with Superior Airways when the C of A was renewed.
How and when CF-LLX got to Superior Airways after the accident I do not know.
The following statement has nothing to back it up other than hear say.
In the early 1970’s there was a rumour or talk at the Severn Enterprise base that Mr. Wieben
had traded or swapped one of the Beech 18’s he had parked in Armstrong for a damaged
Beaver that was in Quebec. Records indicate that Superior Airways Beech 18 CF-AUP that
was stored in Armstrong was ferried out of Armstrong to Quebec in 1973 by A. Fecteau Air Transport.
This Beech 18 became CF-JIR. It’s possible that the damaged Beaver mentioned in the rumours
was CF-LLX. Again, there is nothing to back up this paragraph other than recalling talk about
such a trade that may or may not have ever taken place.
Superior Airways / Severn Enterprise operation from late 1960’s to 1974.
This photo is from the Dave Brooks Collection and is posted here with permission.
Dave took this photo when he was working for Superior Airways / Severn Enterprise
in the summer of 1975.
Beaver C-FLLX undergoing repair in the hangar in Thunder Bay. LLX was not flying
when I was working for Mr. Wieben as far as I can remember. Looking at the history of
CF-LLX on Neil Aird’s Beaver sight the history recorded has the aircraft flying for A. Fecteau
when it was involved in an accident while operating on skis on December 30, 1971.
The next entry in the history is May 1975 with Superior Airways when the C of A was renewed.
How and when CF-LLX got to Superior Airways after the accident I do not know.
The following statement has nothing to back it up other than hear say.
In the early 1970’s there was a rumour or talk at the Severn Enterprise base that Mr. Wieben
had traded or swapped one of the Beech 18’s he had parked in Armstrong for a damaged
Beaver that was in Quebec. Records indicate that Superior Airways Beech 18 CF-AUP that
was stored in Armstrong was ferried out of Armstrong to Quebec in 1973 by A. Fecteau Air Transport.
This Beech 18 became CF-JIR. It’s possible that the damaged Beaver mentioned in the rumours
was CF-LLX. Again, there is nothing to back up this paragraph other than recalling talk about
such a trade that may or may not have ever taken place.
Re: Superior Airways
I very much enjoy your historical recollection and photos. I have shared them with Gary Wieben (Mr. Wiebens grandson),One of our pilots at WestJet.I call him Porky whenever I cross his path.
Re: Superior Airways
August 07, 2021
Superior Airways / Severn Enterprise operation from late 1960’s to 1974.
This photo is from the Dave Brooks collection and is posted here with permission.
Dave took this photo when he was flying into Pickle Lake in a Cessna 180 in the
summer of 1975.
The first dock with aircraft is the Severn Enterprise dock and it appears there is
a Beech 18, an Otter that could be either CF-GBX or CF-DDX (red and white),
yellow Beaver should be CF-ODD and a Cessna 180 tied up.
The summer operation took place at this dock with Cessna 180, Beaver, Otter and
Beech 18 aircraft. The winter operation would be off the ice in front of the base
and have the same aircraft. DC-3's would also fly off the ice in the winter.
The next dock over is the Hooker Air dock that has a Beech 18, a Cessna 180 and
what looks like possibly a Norseman tied to it.
Pickle Lake was an important and busy base summer and winter for all the flying
companies that operated there.
Superior Airways / Severn Enterprise operation from late 1960’s to 1974.
This photo is from the Dave Brooks collection and is posted here with permission.
Dave took this photo when he was flying into Pickle Lake in a Cessna 180 in the
summer of 1975.
The first dock with aircraft is the Severn Enterprise dock and it appears there is
a Beech 18, an Otter that could be either CF-GBX or CF-DDX (red and white),
yellow Beaver should be CF-ODD and a Cessna 180 tied up.
The summer operation took place at this dock with Cessna 180, Beaver, Otter and
Beech 18 aircraft. The winter operation would be off the ice in front of the base
and have the same aircraft. DC-3's would also fly off the ice in the winter.
The next dock over is the Hooker Air dock that has a Beech 18, a Cessna 180 and
what looks like possibly a Norseman tied to it.
Pickle Lake was an important and busy base summer and winter for all the flying
companies that operated there.
Re: Superior Airways
September 07, 2021
entered in error.
entered in error.
Last edited by beech 18 on Tue Sep 07, 2021 12:38 pm, edited 1 time in total.
Re: Superior Airways
September 07, 2021
Superior Airways / Severn Enterprise operation from late 1960’s to 1974.
This photo is from the Dave Brooks collection and is posted here with permission.
Dave took this photo in the summer of 1975 when he was with Superior Airways
in Thunder Bay.
This is either Otter CF-GBX or Otter CF-DDX on the dolly at the Thunder Bay Airport.
Floats were installed on the Otter at the hangar and it’s now being prepared to
depart for the summer to fly from the company bases north of Thunder Bay such as
Pickle Lake, Armstrong and Nakina.
In the photo a large drum can be seen mounted on the front of the truck.
One person rode in the drum and steered the aircraft in a straight line from the
tail during its takeoff run. The truck driver maintained the correct speed as the
aircraft accelerated down the runway. Once flying speed was reached the aircraft
lifted off and flew away. The empty dolly was then towed back to the hangar.
This system of getting float aircraft into the air at the Superior Airways base at the
Thunder Bay airport after the floats were installed was very successful.
I never saw this system work myself, but it was explained to me by people who had
seen it in operation and had either ridden in the can or driven the truck.
Superior Airways / Severn Enterprise operation from late 1960’s to 1974.
This photo is from the Dave Brooks collection and is posted here with permission.
Dave took this photo in the summer of 1975 when he was with Superior Airways
in Thunder Bay.
This is either Otter CF-GBX or Otter CF-DDX on the dolly at the Thunder Bay Airport.
Floats were installed on the Otter at the hangar and it’s now being prepared to
depart for the summer to fly from the company bases north of Thunder Bay such as
Pickle Lake, Armstrong and Nakina.
In the photo a large drum can be seen mounted on the front of the truck.
One person rode in the drum and steered the aircraft in a straight line from the
tail during its takeoff run. The truck driver maintained the correct speed as the
aircraft accelerated down the runway. Once flying speed was reached the aircraft
lifted off and flew away. The empty dolly was then towed back to the hangar.
This system of getting float aircraft into the air at the Superior Airways base at the
Thunder Bay airport after the floats were installed was very successful.
I never saw this system work myself, but it was explained to me by people who had
seen it in operation and had either ridden in the can or driven the truck.
Re: Superior Airways
Thanks for the memories Beech18. 2 takeoffs from the dolly.Re: Superior Airways
October 07, 2021
Superior Airways / Severn Enterprise operation from late 1960’s to 1974.
This photo was given to me by a good friend who was with Severn Enterprise
at Pickle Lake in 1975.
Looking out on Pickle lake with a number of aircraft tied to the Severn
Enterprise dock. The leaves on the trees on the other side of the lake appear
to be starting to turn colour, so this photo looks like it may have been taken
in September.
On the right side of the dock is Beaver CF-FHO serial #50.
Today FHO is flying in Minnesota as N218RD.
The Beech 18 right in front of the Beaver is CF-ZQR.
The Otter is CF-GBX which was later sold to Central Air Transport.
The Cessna 185 is CF-YZC. YZC was a leased Cessna 185.
Superior Airways / Severn Enterprise operation from late 1960’s to 1974.
This photo was given to me by a good friend who was with Severn Enterprise
at Pickle Lake in 1975.
Looking out on Pickle lake with a number of aircraft tied to the Severn
Enterprise dock. The leaves on the trees on the other side of the lake appear
to be starting to turn colour, so this photo looks like it may have been taken
in September.
On the right side of the dock is Beaver CF-FHO serial #50.
Today FHO is flying in Minnesota as N218RD.
The Beech 18 right in front of the Beaver is CF-ZQR.
The Otter is CF-GBX which was later sold to Central Air Transport.
The Cessna 185 is CF-YZC. YZC was a leased Cessna 185.
Re: Superior Airways
November 07, 2021
Superior Airways / Severn Enterprise operation from late 1960’s to 1974.
This photo was taken in Pickle Lake by a good friend and is posted here with permission.
The photo was taken in the fall of 1976.
CF-YZC landing at Pickle on what looks like a very nice fall day. This Cessna 185
was leased by Mr. Wieben and the photo was taken from the Severn Enterprise
dock of the 185 landing.
Although they aren’t aircraft operated by Superior Airways or Severn Enterprise
there are a few other aircraft in the photo taken of CF-YZC landing.
There is a Patricia Air Transport (PAT Air) Otter tied to the near dock in the photo.
The Otter at the near dock could be CF-JIK. It looks like some engine work is being
done on the Otter as it appears the left side cowl panel is removed
Otter CF-HAS is a possibility at the far dock.
The Beech 18 has polished engine cowls and black cells over the wings.
Not sure the registration on the Beech. Looks like it has two blade propellers so
that eliminates Hooker Air Beech 18’s CF-TBA or CF-VCC.
This Beech could be CF-TBH. There’s no paint except for red wing tips and black cells.
Superior Airways / Severn Enterprise operation from late 1960’s to 1974.
This photo was taken in Pickle Lake by a good friend and is posted here with permission.
The photo was taken in the fall of 1976.
CF-YZC landing at Pickle on what looks like a very nice fall day. This Cessna 185
was leased by Mr. Wieben and the photo was taken from the Severn Enterprise
dock of the 185 landing.
Although they aren’t aircraft operated by Superior Airways or Severn Enterprise
there are a few other aircraft in the photo taken of CF-YZC landing.
There is a Patricia Air Transport (PAT Air) Otter tied to the near dock in the photo.
The Otter at the near dock could be CF-JIK. It looks like some engine work is being
done on the Otter as it appears the left side cowl panel is removed
Otter CF-HAS is a possibility at the far dock.
The Beech 18 has polished engine cowls and black cells over the wings.
Not sure the registration on the Beech. Looks like it has two blade propellers so
that eliminates Hooker Air Beech 18’s CF-TBA or CF-VCC.
This Beech could be CF-TBH. There’s no paint except for red wing tips and black cells.
Re: Superior Airways
December 07, 2021
Superior Airways / Severn Enterprise operation from late 1960’s to 1974.
This photo was taken in 1976 by a good friend and is posted here with permission.
Beech 18 CF-WYR landing at Pickle Lake.
WYR flew for Superior Airways / Severn Enterprise for many years beginning in the
late 1960’s. Floats every summer and skis every winter. Severn Enterprise was the
company named painted on the aircraft.
After leaving the company WYR flew for Bearskin Airways and then in British Columbia.
WYR returned to Northwestern Ontario and operated out of the Ft. Frances area.
It was there that this Beech 18 was written off in a landing accident while operating on
floats.
The last place WYR was seen was at Kuby’s Aircraft in Kenora. It was parked in the
storage yard with no wings or tail. It had a white fuselage, large blue speed line and
a narrow red speed line at that time.
Superior Airways / Severn Enterprise operation from late 1960’s to 1974.
This photo was taken in 1976 by a good friend and is posted here with permission.
Beech 18 CF-WYR landing at Pickle Lake.
WYR flew for Superior Airways / Severn Enterprise for many years beginning in the
late 1960’s. Floats every summer and skis every winter. Severn Enterprise was the
company named painted on the aircraft.
After leaving the company WYR flew for Bearskin Airways and then in British Columbia.
WYR returned to Northwestern Ontario and operated out of the Ft. Frances area.
It was there that this Beech 18 was written off in a landing accident while operating on
floats.
The last place WYR was seen was at Kuby’s Aircraft in Kenora. It was parked in the
storage yard with no wings or tail. It had a white fuselage, large blue speed line and
a narrow red speed line at that time.
Re: Superior Airways
January 07, 2022
Superior Airways / Severn Enterprise operation from late 1960’s to 1974.
This photo was taken in 1976 by a good friend and is posted here with permission.
Beech 18 off the water in Pickle Lake.
This Beech 18 could be one of a number of Mr. Wieben’s Beech’s. Because it
doesn’t have extended wing tips it eliminates CF-WYR, but it could possibly be
one of three other aircraft. CF-YDV, CF-YQB or CF-ZQR.
I’m leaning towards CF-YDV for the following reason. YDV was the only
Beech 18 in the fleet that had a narrow white stripe painted on the inboard side
of the red wing tips. Looking at the photo it looks like there is a narrow white
stripe on the leading edge on each wing.
YDV began its flying career with Superior Airways / Severn Enterprise in 1972.
Most of its flying was done out of Pickle Lake. The aircraft was equipped with
a cargo door.
In 1975 YDV was listed for sale for $42,000.00 with floats and skis. A copy of the
For Sale ad was posted in this thread on July 07, 2018.
I don’t know when the aircraft was actually sold and left the company.
The Beech 18 register indicates YDV was operated by St. Andrews Airways in
Manitoba in 1978.
Superior Airways / Severn Enterprise operation from late 1960’s to 1974.
This photo was taken in 1976 by a good friend and is posted here with permission.
Beech 18 off the water in Pickle Lake.
This Beech 18 could be one of a number of Mr. Wieben’s Beech’s. Because it
doesn’t have extended wing tips it eliminates CF-WYR, but it could possibly be
one of three other aircraft. CF-YDV, CF-YQB or CF-ZQR.
I’m leaning towards CF-YDV for the following reason. YDV was the only
Beech 18 in the fleet that had a narrow white stripe painted on the inboard side
of the red wing tips. Looking at the photo it looks like there is a narrow white
stripe on the leading edge on each wing.
YDV began its flying career with Superior Airways / Severn Enterprise in 1972.
Most of its flying was done out of Pickle Lake. The aircraft was equipped with
a cargo door.
In 1975 YDV was listed for sale for $42,000.00 with floats and skis. A copy of the
For Sale ad was posted in this thread on July 07, 2018.
I don’t know when the aircraft was actually sold and left the company.
The Beech 18 register indicates YDV was operated by St. Andrews Airways in
Manitoba in 1978.
Re: Superior Airways
Feb 07, 2022
Superior Airways / Severn Enterprise operation from late 1960’s to 1974.
This photo was taken in 1976 by a good friend and is posted here with permission.
Beech 18 CF-ZQR taxing into the Pickle Lake dock. The back end of the floats look
like they may be a bit low in the water, so it appears a load is being brought in.
CF-ZQR was based in Pickle Lake during the summer of 1976.
The identity of the aircraft further out on the lake is not known.
Superior Airways / Severn Enterprise operation from late 1960’s to 1974.
This photo was taken in 1976 by a good friend and is posted here with permission.
Beech 18 CF-ZQR taxing into the Pickle Lake dock. The back end of the floats look
like they may be a bit low in the water, so it appears a load is being brought in.
CF-ZQR was based in Pickle Lake during the summer of 1976.
The identity of the aircraft further out on the lake is not known.
Re: Superior Airways
Just found this forum, a great read!
I work in the Operations Division at Minneapolis/St. Paul Intl' (KMSP) have taken on a personal project to document the history of the commuter airlines that served KMSP between the late 1960s and late 1990s. My goal is to provide a short profile of each carrier, along with any relevant photos, route maps, advertisements, etc. that I can find.
I am trying to track down information about Superior Airways and the scheduled service it provided between Thunder Bay and MSP before being purchased by Austin.
Any information or insights any of you have would be greatly appreciated!
I work in the Operations Division at Minneapolis/St. Paul Intl' (KMSP) have taken on a personal project to document the history of the commuter airlines that served KMSP between the late 1960s and late 1990s. My goal is to provide a short profile of each carrier, along with any relevant photos, route maps, advertisements, etc. that I can find.
I am trying to track down information about Superior Airways and the scheduled service it provided between Thunder Bay and MSP before being purchased by Austin.
Any information or insights any of you have would be greatly appreciated!
Re: Superior Airways
ralstonnb
The YQT to MSP service that Superior Airways operated was after I had
left the company so I don't have any information about that service.
Possibly contacting the Northwestern Ontario Aviation Heritage Center
in Thunder Bay may help.
beech 18
The YQT to MSP service that Superior Airways operated was after I had
left the company so I don't have any information about that service.
Possibly contacting the Northwestern Ontario Aviation Heritage Center
in Thunder Bay may help.
beech 18
