The C-5 was Canada's VIP aircraft for many years. This quote taken from Sixty Years; The RCAF and CF Air Command 1924-84, by Larry Milberry. "The C-5 was a one-of-a-kind hybrid, a cross between a DC-4 and a DC-6. For nearly 16 years it had flown kings, queens, presidents and prime ministers over the worlds airways...........".
As a point of interest, the main visible difference between the C-5 and the North Star was the engines. The C-5 was powered by Pratt & Whitney radial engines which ran much quieter than the North Star which was powered by the ear deafening Rolls Royce Merlin engines. Also, the C-5 was serial numbered 10000, our equivalent to the USAF's Air Force One.
During Dief's visit, I was on the catwalk that surrounded the control tower mid-way up the structure with camera poised. The C-5 landed from the GT end of the runway (I have long forgotten the runway numbers) and came to a full stop at the opposite end. It remained there without moving for a few minutes. Then a hatch opened on top of the aircraft, and a hand protruded to place a small Canadian flag atop the aircraft fuselage. Then to the amazement of many viewers - especially me - the C-5 started backing-up, (having spent my 5 years in ADC on fighters, I did not know that some transport planes had reverse pitch propellers and could back-up) made a turn and commenced taxiing back up the runway to the appropriate turn-off.
It then parked so the PM and his entourage could alight to the sound of martial music, an Honour Guard, and a few hundred airmen and officers who "volunteered" to be on parade that eventful day. After the PM inspected the troops, took the salute, and gave a brief talk, we had the largest fly-past of F-86 and CF-100 aircraft that I have ever seen in my military career. This fly-past composed of aircraft from all 4 Wings and was inspiring, to say the least.
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Updated: August 19, 2002