Skip to content

Sopwith Pup, ‘Betty’ to land in Langley Saturday

First World War-era biplane built at the Canadian Museum of Flight expected to arrive at 11 a.m.
web1_170621-LAT-SopwithCancelled_1

A year to the day after they were unveiled at Langley Regional airport, the Canadian Museum of Flight will welcome home one of two Sopwith Pup, First World War-replica airplanes on Saturday, June 17 during a Fly-In at Langley Regional Airport.

‘Betty’ is one of a pair of First World-War era biplanes built at the museum last year to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the Battle of Vimy Ridge.

Together with ‘Happy,’ Betty was flown by cargo jet to France and put on display last April as part of an international ceremony held to honour the soldiers who died in the battle — a victory which served to define Canada as a nation in its own right.

The intent was to have the planes fly from coast-to-coast upon their return, but those plans had to be cancelled.

Since arriving back in Canada, the two aircraft have been undergoing repairs at the airport in Abbotsford.

On Saturday — weather permitting — visitors can greet ‘Betty’ as she flies into Langley, with an anticipated arrival time of 11 a.m.

After a short appearance at the museum, the aircraft will be moved to the west side of the airport grounds, where it will be displayed as part of a Fly-In — an event which Carla Deminchuk, with Museum of Flight described as “a show and shine for airplanes.”

Saturday’s Langley Fly-In is scheduled to take place — again, weather permitting — from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

It is presented by the Township of Langley and Langley Aero Club at Langley Regional Airport.