Beechcraft Musketeer aircraft installed as part of Mount Hope Gateway project

HAMILTON, ON – The Mount Hope Village gateway project is one step closer to completion with the installation of the Beechcraft CT-134 Musketeer aircraft at the south entrance to Mount Hope. Through community input and city collaboration with the Canadian Warplane Heritage Museum, the Mount Hope Village now has the historic Beech Musketeer aircraft as the main feature of its gateway located at Homestead Drive and Highway 6.

The Beechcraft CT-134 Musketeer was a military training derivative of the Sundowner built by Beechcraft for the Canadian Forces. During their 21 years of service, Musketeers trained approximately 5,000 Canadian military pilots and served with three Canadian Forces Flying Training Schools, and the Canadian Forces Flying Instructor School.

The City thanks the Canadian Warplane Heritage Museum for assisting the Mount Hope community create its own distinctive gateway feature through their contribution of the military aircraft.

Quick facts

• The Mount Hope Gateway project serves as an entryway to the community of Mount Hope in Hamilton.
• Mount Hope is home to the Canadian Warplane Heritage Museum and the John C. Munro Hamilton International Airport, which was a Second World War training facility.
• The Beechcraft CT-134 Musketeer #222 was a single engine, low-wing, four-seat light aircraft with fixed landing gear and a limited aerobatic capability.
• The aircraft was delivered to No. 3 Flying Training School, located at Portage La Prairie, Manitoba in 1982. It served there as a primary trainer before pilots transitioned to jets.
• In 1992, the aircraft was retired from the Canadian Armed Forces. The aircraft was then dismantled and put into storage.
• The Canadian Warplane Heritage Museum acquired the aircraft in April 2012.
• The aircraft has been restored to static condition in the exact markings it would have worn when serving in the Canadian Armed Forces.

“This project would not have been possible without the generosity of the Canadian Warplane Heritage Museum (CWHM) and the collaboration between the CWHM, City staff and Ward 11 residents. I am so grateful to community members who shared their vision for the Mount Hope Village Gateway and to CWHM CEO, David Rohrer, for helping to bring this project to fruition. The result is a gateway that highlights our rich aviation history while welcoming both residents and visitors alike to the Mount Hope Village.” -  Brenda Johnson, Ward 11 Councillor

“It was a pleasure to work with the Canadian Warplane Heritage Museum’s CEO David Rohrer and the skilled and dedicated team of staff, volunteers, and contractors at the CWHM without whom this project would not have been possible.” - Carrie Brooks-Joiner, Director, Tourism and Culture Division

“It has been an honour to partner with the City of Hamilton on this Mount Hope Gateway Project. Under the vision of Ward 11 Councillor, Brenda Johnson, and the City team headed up by Ken Coit and Meredith Plant, the Canadian Warplane Heritage Museum is pleased to have contributed to this salute to the Mount Hope Village and their support of the British Commonwealth Air Training Plan (1940-45), RCAF Station Hamilton (1940-63) and the Hamilton International Airport.” - David G. Rohrer, CEO, Canadian Warplane Heritage Museum

Additional resources

• Beechcraft CT-134 Musketeer