With a much improved weather situation on Vancouver Island, the traffic count through the restoration hangar took a pleasing increase theses past 2 weeks. Most visitors are well aware of the Spitfire restoration and plan the trip to the hangar. They attend from all points on the Island, from the lower mainland, and it is not uncommon to have weekly visitors from Victoria, Campbell River, Port Alberni, Nanaimo and Powell River> As our project is located adjacent to the Comox Air Terminal, many West Jet passengers are attracted to our hangar by the signs that promote our historic aviation project. These visitors originate from Calgary, Red Deer and other Prairie points. We were pleased to meet 2 visitors from the United Kingdom on April 1st. No matter where you come from we welcome visitors and are thankful for your support. If you're in the area, drop in and see our Spitfire, were open for visits on Saturdays between 10 am and 3 p.m. We are always pleased to see you and enjoy your enthusiasm about what we do.

Our team has finally completed the assembly jig for the horizontal stabilizer and our spars have been mounted. Bonn and Tom were busy fabricating the large number of ribs that will be soon fitted and riveted in place. Dave is still busy machining parts for the tail wheel, assembly, the axel for the tail wheel is next.

Harold Mulder has recently picked up some canopy parts and sent them to us from his new home in Ontario; Harold found them on eBay. When Harold is not working, he's looking for parts on eBay. Good job Harold!

Horizontal stabilizer ribs, under fabrication -- it's simple, the process is as follows: wooden molding block, metal blank, skill and lots of it.	New horizontal stabilizer assembly jig, the forward and rear spars have been mounted. Several new and original ribs have been fitted...the work continues.
Same jig, different angle.	The 'TOUCHE" Limited Edition Print display at the VI Military Museum, located in Rutherford Shopping Centre in Nanaimo. This museum features displays from all 3 services. It's a delightful little museum and the displays are marvelous. It features a Victoria Cross display that makes this museum a "must see". If your interested in Canadian Military history you'll want to visit this museum.

We would like to Thank the Vancouver Island Military Museum in Nanaimo for featuring a very interesting display on our Spitfire restoration. They have hung one of our Limited Edition Prints, “Touche”, in a section of this wonderful museum. The display features several pictures of the restoration and a copy of the print. Don’t forget this print is available for sale. It contains 12 Canadian Spitfire veteran signatures and will grace any den, board room or fireplace. If you have an aviation fan in your family this print will make a wonderful gift. Next time your in Nanaimo drop into the Rutherford Shopping Centre and look for the print in the Museum.

Plans are well under way for the May 21 Open House. With just 7 weeks 'till the big day many events and visitors are yet to be confirmed but here's what we can share with you. We expect at least 7 Spitfire veterans to attend. As you can expect, this will depend on health concerns and travel arrangements as some have to travel from a considerable distance. Aviation author, Wayne Ralph (Aces Warriors & Wingmen), will attend; Shirley Walker who also recently published a book on the Roseland family (From Sailing Ships to Spitfires) will also attend. Shirley will be attending with Hugh Morse who flew Spitfires with 442 Squadron. This will be the first visit that Ralph and Shirley have made to our project and it's the first visit for Hugh as well.

Wayne Ralph, "Aces, Warrior & Wingmen" http://aceswarriorsandwingmen.com/	S/L Donald "Chunky" Gordon, famous RCAF Spitfire pilot. Chunky flew the Y2K Spitfire over 30 times while serving with 442 Squadron.

The Comox Air Force Museum’s historic Military vehicles will be on display. These have always been a popular attraction for all our visitors. If it’s raining the vehicles will stay under cover.

We have also been informed that the brother and nephew of famed Spitfire pilot S/L Donald “Chunky” Gordon will attend. Chunky Gordon flew with several wartime Squadrons and flew the Y2K Spitfire over 30 times. Our team is looking forward to meeting the Gordon family who are traveling from Ontario.

Ron Barnes, son of F/L Arnold 'Rosie" Roseland will also attend from Ontario. Ron has been part of the open house program several times and has entertained hundreds of visitors with the story of his Father, Roseland was killed in action on July 13, 1944.

F/L Arnold "Rosie" Roseland Another famous RCAF Spitfire Pilot. Roseland flew the Y2K Spitfire over 65 times will serving with 442 Squadron, Rosie was killed in July 1944 while flying opperations in support of Canadian ground forces.

We hope to have several more events confirmed soon so watch this space next month.

Thanks again for your time and support.

Pat Murphy
and the Spitfire Volunteers