In Alberta, many of the optimistic predictions that had been
forecast at the end of the Second World War became reality with
the increasing economic activity in the province. Ongoing oil
exploration brought the discovery of oil in Leduc in 1947.
Companies like the Hudson Bay Company, pipeline companies and
those working in the production of oil and gas, were flying
their own aircraft and using commercial airlines.
The development of flight in Alberta was also assisted by the
availability of surplus aircraft from the British Commonwealth
Air Training Plan. Many private pilots bought Tiger Moths, while
companies like Pacific Western purchased Avro Anson aircraft,
which they used in projects like the construction of the
DEW
Line.
Another example of the developing economy in Alberta was seen
in the resourcefulness of Leigh Britnell, who had successfully
operated Aircraft Repair Ltd. during the war. He reorganized
his facilities in Edmonton, changed the name to Northwest
Industries, and manufactured Bellanca 31-55 Senior Skyrockets,
planes made for the rugged bush. The Senior Skyrockets were
manufactured from 1946 to 1949 when the all-metal Beaver
aircraft replaced them.
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