In October of 2001 the CHAA Dive Recovery Team was formed under the guidance of Bob Hewitt with the concept of recovering Canadian historical aircraft within the Great Lakes region. Bob along with the assistance of Charley Fox, Len Fallowfield, Bill Scott, Kent Beckham, Everett Hillsdon, Dave Delaney, Martin Hodgson and Murray Manning have contributed their time and extensive energy in researching possible site locations. The initial focus was to recover sunken aircraft with the intention of restoring them to flying condition or for use as static displays.
The team consists of divers and non-divers, that dedicate their time to these projects and have enrolled in the Nautical Archeology Survey Course. This course allows the team to legally survey aircraft locations, of which the CHAA Dive Recovery Team has chosen.
In 2014 the team opened its focus to that of researching, surveying and documenting, land based WWII/BCATP aircraft wrecks within southwestern Ontario. With the widening of its scope the team re-designated itself as the CHAA Aircraft Recovery Team. While the underwater aspects of search and recovery of vintage aircraft are still the main focus, the team has now opened up its options to include sites where land-based aircraft crash sites are now being researched and surveyed.
The team has several resources available due to its networking abilities. It has been able to partner with a number of local companies and research institutes which has lead to several acquisitions; including their own boat, ROV, and sonar equipment.
The CHAA Aircraft Recovery Team is currently reviewing several potential projects and welcomes any members with information that aids in the research related to these, or other missing aircraft. Members can also assist the Recovery Team by contributing their time to research, providing support, or providing materials to this endeavor.
