Superior Airways

[fonzy]

July 07, 2016

Superior Airways / Severn Enterprise operation from the late 1960's to 1974.

Attached photo is from Neil Aird's website.
Photographer information is on the photo border.

DeHavilland Beaver CF-ORC is a Beaver that I never saw operated. I have tried to
find information about this aircraft but no one seems to remember it.

The photo was taken Nov 04, 1967 in Toronto. The aircraft has Superior Airways Ltd.
Ft. William. Ont. painted on the fuselage.

There are a few things about the aircraft that are different from the rest of Mr. Wieben's
Beavers. There is no bottom cowl air intake scoop in the photo. It has the air intake
scoop on the right upper cowling. All the rest of the Beavers in the fleet had the air
intake at the bottom of the lower cowl.

The paint scheme is a bit different from the normal red, white, and black colours.
It's missing the narrow black lines that are above and below the larger black stripe.
Because these additional black lines are missing, this aircraft "might not" have been
painted in the Superior Airways hangar. Aircraft that were painted in the Superior
Airways hangar always had all the required paint scheme details when finished.

Because the photo was taken in November in Toronto it would have to have been taken
after float season.

Haha ! Cool thread i was just poking around the came accross ORC and relazised i sat in her 2 weeks ago , shes alive and well in Saskatchewan

[beech 18]

December 07, 2020

Superior Airways / Severn Enterprise operation from late 1960’s to 1974.

This photo is from the Ed Coates Collection and is posted here with permission.

Superior Airways Cessna Crane CF-BTL. The photo was taken sometime between
1946 and 1950.

CF-BTL was purchase from the Royal Canadian Air Force by Superior Airways in 1945.
It was next operated by Pays Plat Outfitters in Rossport, Ontario. In late 1949 or
very early 1950 the aircraft was withdrawn from service and reduced to spares due
to reported deterioration of the wings. There is a photo of CF-BTL taken at
Winnipeg, Manitoba in 1947 in the Canadian Aviation Historical Society 1967 winter
journal on page 117.

Superior Airways operated a number of other Cessna Cranes.

CF-BLP was purchased from the Royal Canadian Air Force by Superior Airways in 1945.
On April 28, 1948 both propellers were damaged in an landing incident at
Armstrong, Ontario. It flew for Pays Plat Outfitters and then Nickel Belt Airways in
Sudbury, Ontario. In 1952 it was destroyed by fire in Newfoundland.

CF-BRK was purchased from the Royal Canadian Air Force by Superior Airways.
It later flew for Leavens Bros. Air Service. On July 11, 1958 it was written off in an
accident during a spraying run in Quebec. In Larry Milberry’s book
Air Transport in Canada Vol #2 on page 474 there is a photo of CF-BRK parked at
Toronto Island on May 16, 1957.

CF-BTN was another Cessna Crane operated by Mr. Wieben. CF-BTN had a bit of a rough life.
In March 1946 it was involved in a landing accident at Red Lake, Ontario. The right ski was
torn off when attempting to miss an area near a tractor train road. In March 1947 a section
of cowling came loose and contacted the propeller. The left wing tip was damaged during a
forced landing and the right main gear leg failed. The aircraft was again damaged on
March 11, 1955. The aircraft had trouble with the right engine and a forced landing was
carried out. Wing leading edges were damaged, but no other serious damage was recorded
at the time. In the book titled Aviation in Thunder Bay there is a photo of CF-BTN after it
was involved the accident.

The information in this posting has been collected from friends and various sources such as
the Historic CCAR Project, the Canadian Aviation Historical Society, the Air History web
sight and the book titles mentioned. If mistakes are noted please correct. This is not a
complete history of these aircraft.

[beech 18]

January 07, 2021

Superior Airways / Severn Enterprise operation from late 1960’s to 1974.

Photo taken of Otter CF-GBX on the ice in the bay at Sioux Lookout in March 1971.
This photo was taken after the Otter had flown into Sioux Lookout with a load
from Big Trout Lake. CF-GBX was the only Otter in Mr. Wieben’s fleet in 1971.
It flew year round on straight skis in the winter and floats in the summer.

A few things can be seen in this photo. Right behind the propeller a red shroud
can be seen wrapped around the engine gear case. This was a winter accessory
only used while operating on skis to help with engine temperatures.

In the photo the Otter has stopped a little short of the poles that it would normally
have parked on. The poles laying on the ice are just trees with the branches cut off.

Otter CF-GBX flew with Superior Airways until it was sold to Central Air Transport in 1979.
Central Air Transport operated in Sioux Lookout from the old Hooker Air Service base
which at one time was the old Transair base.

This photo was taken looking east into the bay. Under the right wing of GBX can be
seen a number of aircraft. The red Cessna 185 on Federal Wheel Skis is CF-YNS.
YNS was operated by Selco Exploration and flew out of the Severn Enterprise base all
year round.

Behind YNS are two aircraft parked at the original Slate Falls Airways base.
The white Piper PA-12 is CF-VTN and further into the bay is Cessna 180 CF-KJD.
Both of these aircraft flew skis in the winter and floats in the summer for Slate Falls Airways.

[beech 18]

February 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 Superior Airways DC-3 CF-XXT was taken in Winnipeg on July 11, 1973.
This is the colour scheme the aircraft had during its six years of flying for the
company. White fuselage top, gold fuselage stripe, gold tail and polished lower
fuselage and wings. It was a nice looking aircraft.

This DC-3 was built in Oklahoma City in the mid 1940’s. It was flown by the R.C.A.F.
before being sold by crown assets. In late 1970 or early 1971 CF-XXT was purchased
by Mr. Wieben. It became the second DC-3 in the fleet, the first being CF-AUQ.

CF-XXT was fitted with wheel/skis for winter flying operations and flew mainly out of
Wiebenville hauling fuel and freight to the northern communities.

XXT was written off in April 1977 at Wunnummin Lake while taking off on the ice in
the late spring on skis.

[beech 18]

March 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.

DC-3 CF-TTZ parked at the Winnipeg International Airport on April 17, 1973.

Superior Airways was leasing this DC-3 from Alberta Northern in Calgary.
The company operated this aircraft out of Wiebenville. The DC-3 was written off
at Wiebenville after going into the trees while taking off with a load of freight
on March 5, 1974.

TTZ was pulled out of the trees and towed back to the ramp where it became a
parts source for the other DC-3's that were flying in the fleet.

About a year of so after the accident a large piece of the nose section on TTZ
was carefully removed by a maintenance crew from OCA (Ontario Central Airlines)
who used it to repair one of their own DC-3’s that was damaged when it went onto
its nose while landing on the ice.

[SLflyingdoc]

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.

[beech 18]

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

[CensoredLF]

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

[beech 18]

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.

[rxl]

Hi beech 18,
Thank you for doing this thread!

[TeePeeCreeper]

Hi beech 18,
Thank you for doing this thread!

Agreed! I enjoy reading the monthly addition!

Please keep it coming!!!

All the best,
TPC

[beech 18]

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.

[RoverL60]

Excellent review beech 18. Thanks. (Perogy)

[beech 18]

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.

[beech 18]

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.

[rxl]

As always beech, thanks for this!

[squawk]

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.

[beech 18]

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.

[beech 18]

September 07, 2021

entered in error.

[beech 18]

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.

[RoverL60]

Thanks for the memories Beech18. 2 takeoffs from the dolly.

[beech 18]

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.

[beech 18]

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.

[beech 18]

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.

[beech 18]

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.