A landmark at the entrance to Centennial Park is being refurbished.
Moncton Director of Parks Dan Hicks says the CF100 aircraft has been there for almost 60 years.
“It showed up in 1966 and has been up on that pedestal. During that timeframe, it has had minimal actual maintenance. With the aircraft frame or skin being aluminum, it doesn’t corrode as easily, but it does get some degradation over time.”
The first step in the project was to ensure the aircraft was structurally sound, and the City of Moncton hired specialists with aircraft maintenance experience to inspect it. Hicks says they went over it inch by inch and gave the City feedback on how to manage the refurbishment.
“We did have to replace a few parts on it, like some tail lights and one of the ailerons needed some refurbishment. I think the tail runner needed some some work on it as well. We did have to replace the windscreen on it too. Once those major structural components were done, then we got into the cleaning, polishing and paintwork,” Hicks says.
The cost of the project was between $350,000 and $400,000. Planning has been underway for a number of years, and the City originally looked at doing the plane, anchor, tank and locomotive all at once but they were unable to due to budget constraints.
“We separated the aircraft. We looked after the tank and the anchor, with our in-house staff, who did a fabulous job, but the last item we have is the locomotive, which will be in the coming years.”
One of the recommendations made for the refurbishment was to remove general access from below the aircraft. The City made the decision to do some landscaping underneath the plane, and the public will be able to walk up to the plane, but not go underneath it. A plaque featuring the history of the aircraft will be mounted as well.
Work is expected to be completed within the next two weeks.
