![International Context](/web/20061029152933im_/http://www.warmuseum.ca/cpm/courrier2/images/cpmcci07.gif) |
Winter Flights - Part I
![Freight and dogsled near a Fairchild FC-2W-2.](/web/20061029152933im_/http://www.warmuseum.ca/cpm/courrier2/images/mcpcc38a.jpg) |
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Freight and dogsled near a Fairchild FC-2W-2.
Bags from the plane were often taken to the post office by dogsled.
Courtesy of National Aviation Museum, 2706
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In 1930, people in some of Canada’s northern regions could only communicate with
the rest of the world by way of dogsled.
Aerial postal service changed their lives
drastically. It meant that in places like Fort Providence, Fort Good Hope and Aklavik,
they could receive all that they needed: parcels, letters, fruits, vegetables,
tools, dynamite, medicine and even doctors. This priceless service became essential.
![Airplane skis were lifted up overnight to avoid having to cut them out
of the snow and ice should they freeze overnight.](/web/20061029152933im_/http://www.warmuseum.ca/cpm/courrier2/images/mcpcc82a.jpg) |
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Airplane skis were lifted up overnight to avoid having
to cut them out of the snow and ice should they freeze overnight.
Courtesy of National Aviation Museum, Graham Collection
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For flying mailmen like Stanley Ransom McMillan and Maxwell William Ward, winter
meant trouble. These pilots had to learn to deal with the hazards of the cold and
blizzards, as well as fluctuations in temperature from one place to another. Another
challenge of the job was to master landing on windy makeshift strips. They also had
to be able to free the plane’s skis when they sank into a slushy surface.
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