Christine Whelan, FEO, March 20, 2025, VOL. 6 ISSUE 14
The Royal Canadian Air Force Association 484 (Frontier) Wing has taken on the task of refurbishing the FE T-33 aircraft, which was mounted on a pedestal at Sugarbowl Park, Central Avenue in Fort Erie 24 years ago.
The Royal Canadian Air Force Association (RCAFA) is a not-for-profit community service organization of Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF) veterans, veterans of Air Command, veterans of the post-2011 name change (to RCAF), veterans of army and naval aviation, and aviation enthusiasts.
The Aircraft’s Journey to Fort Erie
The Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF) operated the T-33 from 1953 to 2005 primarily as a jet trainer, but it was also used for targeting, radar calibration, aerobatics/demonstration (Red Knights), and Electronic Warfare.
The Red Knight was an RCAF aerobatic display aircraft that operated from 1958 to 1969. Due to budget considerations and personnel cuts, the program was canceled in 1969.
Red Knight # 21373 was restored to its original condition by the members with the assistance of Fleet Aerospace Corp and Alfred Beam Excavating, then officially dedicated by RCAF Association 484 in May 2001.
The Meeting
I was invited to the Association’s organizational meeting at the Fort Erie Legion on Saturday, March 8, to learn about its plans.
Attending this meeting is Stan Grabstas, who was relatively new to the area and is the coordinator of the refurbishing project. Kevin Lockey, who is also relatively new to this wing and came on board last year, is an ex-Air Force vet, and he says he has a few tasks in the project.
Chuck McCrea, an Air Force Captain who retired 28 years ago, has been with the wing since 1998. Romeo Daley has also been a member for a long time. Romeo is a Korean War vet who spent a year and a half in Korea with Princess Patricia’s Canadian Light Infantry.
Leslie Kinghorn is the secretary and liaison with the Legion. At the end of the pandemic, she joined the Association after asking the president of this wing, Bill Greenwood, if they let girls play.
Bill Greenwood, the group’s president, has been with the wing since 1998. He’s retired from the RCAF and is a retired firefighter. He works with the Rotary Club in Niagara Falls and helps out at the airport on Sodom Road.
The Plan
Grabsta began, “Based on what was done between 1998-2001, several options to refurbish the aircraft have been discussed. In the end, we decided that we are going to refurbish it in place, rather than sending it out, taking it off the pedestal and potentially doing damage.”
They discussed a connection to locating scaffolding, obtaining tarps and hazmat suits, the need for electricity, and contacting the local fire hall about safety issues, such as creating a confined area depending on the paint chosen.
Essentially, they would like to enclose the aircraft during the process, likening it to cocooning.
The group is considering power washing the aircraft to remove the old paint to the point of sanding it before applying new paint and decals. They admit it’s not going to be a simple process, anticipating it will take 2-3 weeks.
The cockpit is bolted down but can be opened. Since the aircraft was put on the pedestal, a dummy has been inside. A new red outfit and helmet will probably be needed, as the sun will have probably faded both.
Fundraising
While working on this needs assessment, Wing 484 has also been busy with the other side of the project — the means to bring this plan into reality. The association has been working towards raising money for this refurbishment in various ways. So far, they’ve raised $3,500 with an elimination draw.
A Pasta Dinner and Silent Auction fundraiser will be held on Saturday, May 31 at the Fort Erie Legion Branch 71 in the Banquet Hall, 130 Garrison Road. A book sale will be included as a part of the event.
Russell Aviation Group at the airport on Sodom Road donated hundreds of pins they found while cleaning out their storage areas to the RCAF Association to help raise a little money. The pins will be on sale at the May 31 event.
They are considering a car wash in May or June, and money raised through bingos and raffles.
The wing will welcome donations from the community—from interested individuals, groups, and businesses. They are looking at getting their own charitable number, which will help tremendously in their fundraising endeavours, as they will be able to provide tax receipts to donors.
Lesley says they have set up donor levels: bronze, silver, gold, and platinum. Each level will be recognized with a plaque.
The wing’s goal is to raise around $20,000.
As stated at the end of the meeting, the first step is to get up to the aircraft and get a good look to see how much work is needed to complete this project. Three months ago, a basic check was performed. A better inspection is now needed.
Start Date
After discussing the options and influencing factors around a start date, looking at a primary date and an alternate date when considering weather issues, the group expected to come up with two dates in mid- to late summer. Two to three weeks of predicted good weather will be needed.
To stay in the loop with the project’s progress, watch for a Facebook Page, which is in the process of being set up. Contact the Page if you are interested in donating to the project. They are also looking for volunteers, Wing 484 members, and anyone who has expertise in refurbishing aircraft.
