The view as we begin our sightseeing flight aboard Otter C-FHAA, with the Vancouver cruise liner terminal behind. The Beavers are C-FWAC, C-FEBE and C-FFHA, the Caravan C-GIGO

First delivered to the US Army as U-1A 55-3273 in 1956, this Otter saw service in Vietnam before being rebuilt in Canada as CF-BEU. After service with a range of Canadian operators, it became N81FW on floats with Fresh Water Adventures in 2005 before acquisition by Harbour Air in 2006. That winter they converted it to Vazar DHC-3T standards at Vancouver airport and it joined their growing fleet in 2007 as C-FHAD, initially in the then-current yellow colours but without titles, which weren't added till 2010.

Acquired from Air Madagascar (5R-MVC) in 2018

This 1969 Twin Otter joined Harbour Air in January 2022, using a registration previously allocated to an Aero Commander

Harbour Air has two Caravans but only this one carries their standard colours

Backed by Queen Elizabeth, C-FHAJ began life in 1961 on delivery to the Union of Burma Air Force as UB-657 as one of nine shipped to Burma in crates. Six were repatriated to Canada in 1989 and this one was purchased by the Aros Parachute Club of Sweden after conversion to Vazar turbine, becoming SE-KOX. Next registered N406H to Wipaire in 2005, it joined Harbour Air next year as floatplane C-FHAH in their yellow-trimmed colour scheme. In 2007 it became 9H-AFA with Harbour Air (Malta) to operate between Valetta and Gozo, then shipped home by sea to rejoin the main fleet in 2012, now as C-FHAJ

New with Seair in 2013

Resplendent in special national colours, this is the oldest Otter still flying. As the third DHC-3 to come of the line in 1952, it was delivered in December to Arthur Fecteau, a veteran French Canadian bush pilot based in Senneterre, Québec. After eventually passing to Harbour Air, it entered their Vancouver airport facility in 2000 for turbine conversion, and despite its grand old age, with its modern avionics and power-plant it is one of the best equipped Otters still flying.

Looking smart in its latest colours as it returns to its berth, this is one of around a dozen Beavers that have recently been in service with Harbour Air

In a fleet dominated by DHC floatplane types, two Cessna Caravans also operate, this one in non-standard colours

Arriving as "Air Nauru (RON) 811" this evening from Honolulu. It cleared customs and took on fuel before departing for Winnipeg. A long way from home on the tiny island of the Republic of Nauru. Routing for this one was BNE-TRW (Tarawa, Kiribati)-HNL-YVR-YWG.

Appropriately sombre weather to mark the last flight for this 1955 built Convair 580. It has just arrived at the B.C. Aviation Museum from its former base at Abbotsford (CYXX). I first saw it as Convair 440 OO-SCS of SABENA on 1 February 1964. Behind is Douglas Invader CF-BMS which is also an ex Conair fire bomber.

Built in 2006 and here arriving from Jackson Hole/WY (KJAC) on a NetJets flight.

Arriving from Scappoose/OR (KSPB) is this 1978 built Tiger.

Arriving from its Courtenay (CAH3) base is this 1994 built S-76 registered to The Property Centre Inc. They also have LongRanger C-GRMH in the same livery.

Currently based here and returning from a sortie. Call-sign "Moggy 01" which was a new one - usually "Brusr 01 or 02".

Built in 2021 and here arriving on a NetJets service from Van Nuys (KVNY).

"American 1719" taxiing down Juliet on departure to Los Angeles. Another one of the AA Heritage liveries I was looking to catch. I think all I have left now is Allegheny (A319), US Airways (A321), TWA and Reno Air (737s).

Wearing the "jetBlue Vacations" livery. On arrival as B6603 from New York (JFK) this evening.

Wearing the American Heritage livery on pushback for Chicago (ORD) as AA1717. The best American livery in my opinion. A shame that it is no more.