C-17 dazzles locals, kids

Photo: YLW

Canadian Forces C-17 transport plane in Kelowna on June 16.

Another massive aircraft visited Kelowna International Airport, thanks to KF Aerospace. 

A Canadian Forces C-17 touched down at YLW on Friday afternoon, carrying a damaged de Havilland Canada CC-138 Twin Otter in its belly. 

YLW senior manager Phillip Elchitz says the large aircraft made arrivals and departures. 

“There were a lot of plane spotters watching all four movements,” he said. “It was very exciting for the community and the airport to have such a large aircraft land at YLW.”

Elchitz says the military jet is the third largest aircraft to come into the airport. It left Sunday afternoon. 

“The largest aircraft to ever land here was in 2009, and it was the Russian Antonov. In May 2018, a Boeing 747 landed here and then, of course, this past weekend the C-17,” he said. 

All three aircraft were here because of the relationship with KF Aerospace. 

“The Antonov was carrying Russian helicopters that required electronic upgrades, the 747 was, here again, to work with KF Aero, and the C-17 arrived because of maintenance required to the aircraft it was carrying,” said Elchitz. 

Not only did the arrival of the C-17 dazzle Kelowna residents, but a lucky group of 180 children got to witness one of the landings. 

“The most exciting part of it was the second landing on Saturday occurred during the COPA for Kids event,” said Elchitz. “That was quite an experience for the kids.” 

KF Aerospace is Kelowna’s largest private sector employer and recently announced a $3-million expansion bringing in another 75 jobs to the city.