We are saddened at the loss of former Squadron Leader Art Sager DFC LdeH (France)

The Y2-K Spitfire project lost one of its Spitfire pilots this past month, Art Sager, former Squadron Leader passed away on September 22nd at the Royal Jubilee Hospital in Victoria. Art was well loved and was surrounded by family and loved ones in his final hours. Art Sager served in 416, 403, 421 Squadrons and Commanded 443 Squadron RCAF. He was an amazing man that led an amazing life and he will be missed by our team and the many people that met and shared in the stories that Art passed along to our many visitors over the past 6 years at our annual open house events.

Art Sager was a regular visitor to the Y2-K Spitfire hangar, he spoke to hundreds of people at our annual open house events. He shared many exciting Spitfire adventures with Canadians and was instrumental in our project's fund raising efforts. Art Sagers wisdom and charm will be missed. He said many times to many of our guests he survived many encounters with the Luftwaffe because of the work his Erks. "Look after your Erks and they'll look after you" - Art Sager sitting in a 421 Squadron Aircraft and Art at the 2007 Open House.

God Speed Art Sager DFC. LdeH (France)

Second Lieutenant Scott Davidson checking the rudder parts he just fabricated

Work on our rudder continues, it should be completed by weeks end, our plan is to not cover the rudder until we have the elevator completed then we can complete both pieces at the same time. We have about two thirds of all parts necessary for our elevator from Air Frame Assemblies and many other parts that have been salvaged from the original elevator. We also have some great pattern pieces from the original elevator that will help us fabricate the new version and we got some help from the Malta Air Museum with some drawings, it’s nice to have friends in the world of Spitfires. We were fortunate to acquire the services of Second Lieutenant Scott Davidson to work on the rudder for the past few months; he helped our engineer work on some of the rudders parts and made a very positive contribution towards us getting the rudder completed.

The patterns pieces for the rudder, the leading edge skin and the elevator spar. Soon both these elevator parts will be fabricated from new metal.	Test fiting the new push rod.
The new rudder in place on the tail section.	Some old and some new rudder parts.

Apparently, Parliamentry Secretary to the Minister of Canadian Heritage Jim Abbott likes the Spitfire project. Captain Mike Forbes spent about an hour with Mr. Abbott

The Y2-K Spitfire project hosted another visit from the federal Government this past month. Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Heritage, Jim Abbott, dropped in with John Duncan the former MP for the area. Captain Mike Forbes, project manager showed both men around the restoration hangar and answered Mr. Abbott’s questions. Two Spitfire veteran pilots dropped in to help with the tour. Former Wing Commanders James “Stocky” Edwards and Douglas “Duke” Warren” shared some Spitfire history with the Parliamentary Secretary.

Stocky Edwards waiting to show Jim Abbott some features of the famous Spitfire

Duke Warren shares some Spitfire history with Jim Abbott

The hangar will continue to be open for tour on Saturdays from 10-3 p.m, if you live in the Comox area and would like to become part of our team we need a few good people that can help keep the hangar open other days of the week. If you have the time and would like to become part of Canada’s most significant aviation project drop us an email or come into the hangar on any Saturday and we can discuss your participation.

Thanks for your continued time and interest

Pat Murphy
And the Y2-K Spitfire restoration team.
(Email the Editor)

“The Y2-K Spitfire will Fly Again"