{"id":868618,"date":"2026-08-23T14:28:15","date_gmt":"2026-08-23T14:28:15","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/868618\/"},"modified":"2026-08-23T14:28:15","modified_gmt":"2026-08-23T14:28:15","slug":"winnipeggers-line-up-to-honour-iconic-hercules-aircraft-ahead-of-retirement","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/868618\/","title":{"rendered":"Winnipeggers line up to honour iconic Hercules aircraft ahead of retirement"},"content":{"rendered":"

Hundreds of Winnipeggers lined up this weekend for a chance to see one of Canada\u2019s most recognizable military aircraft up close as the Royal Canadian Air Force\u2019s CC-130 Hercules aircraft prepare to retire this fall.<\/p>\n

The two-day event, a collaboration between the Royal Canadian Air Force and the Royal Aviation Museum of Western Canada, gave members of the public a chance to step aboard the aircraft and learn more about its decades of service.<\/p>\n

\u201cI was really excited to come. And when I first saw the plane I thought it was gonna be way smaller. Like way smaller,\u201d said one young visitor.<\/p>\n

The Hercules has been a familiar sight over Winnipeg for many years and has been used for a wide range of missions, from transporting cargo and personnel to supporting humanitarian operations.<\/p>\n

Major Thom Doelman, a pilot and operations manager with 435 Transport Squadron, said the response from the public has been overwhelming.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe appreciation is very much welcomed, it\u2019s heartfelt. The support has been overwhelming,\u201d said Doelman.<\/p>\n

The event also offered aviation enthusiasts an opportunity to get a closer look at an aircraft that has played a significant role in Canada\u2019s military history.<\/p>\n

\u201cI just love airplanes. I just wanted to see the Hurc. It\u2019s one of the more unique-looking aircraft. I know it\u2019s much older than I am,\u201d said one visitor.<\/p>\n

The Hercules on display at the museum has also been used in recent emergency-response operations, including during last year\u2019s wildfires in northern Manitoba.<\/p>\n

\u201cThis became an opportunity for us to connect with the community as many people here know this aircraft has been in the skies over Winnipeg for many many years,\u201d said Doelman.<\/p>\n

Families were among those waiting to board the aircraft, with many children getting their first close-up look inside a military plane.<\/p>\n

\u201cI see kids here stepping on to the aircraft with the same wow and amazement in their eyes as I had in mine. It could be that this would lead to future Airforce aviators,\u201d said Doelman.<\/p>\n

For some of the young visitors, the experience was already inspiring dreams of becoming pilots.<\/p>\n

\u201cI am dreaming of getting a pilot license and to fly all over the place,\u201d said one young visitor.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe share an interest in airplanes. He loves airplanes,\u201d said another visitor.<\/p>\n

The Hercules display comes as the iconic aircraft approaches the end of its service in Winnipeg, giving residents a chance to say goodbye while celebrating its long history in the community.<\/p>\n

\u201cI was really excited to come. And when I first saw the plane I thought it was gonna be way smaller. Like way smaller,\u201d said another young visitor.<\/p>\n

For the Royal Canadian Air Force, Doelman said events like this are about more than showcasing an aircraft, they can help inspire the next generation of aviators.<\/p>\n

For the hundreds of people who turned out, it was also a chance to honour an aircraft that has been part of Winnipeg\u2019s skies for generations.<\/p>\n

\t\tKeep it Factual<\/p>\n

Add CityNews Winnipeg as a trusted source on Google to see more local stories from us.<\/p>\n

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