PEI

WW I replica planes to make stop in P.E.I.

Four of the First World War replica biplanes that flew over the Vimy Monument during the anniversary ceremony last month will be on P.E.I. for the long weekend in May.

Planes used in Vimy anniversary will be on display May 21 and 22

One of the First World War replica planes that were showcased in the Vimy anniversary in France last month. (Dale Erhart/Facebook)

Four of the First World War replica biplanes that flew over the Vimy Monument during the anniversary ceremony last month will be on P.E.I. for the long weekend in May.

The planes were recently shipped to Nova Scotia from France. Brian Pound, president of the PEI Flying Association, arranged for them to visit P.E.I. before they fly back to their final destination in B.C.

The pilots are all ex-military fighter pilots with extensive knowledge of the planes, Pound said.

The First World War replica planes will fly home to B.C. after stops in the Maritimes. (Submitted by Larry Ricker)

"They're highly informed and we're going to be able to have a hands-on discussion about what it is and how they work and what it was like to fly in the First World War and this sort of thing."

Summerside and Charlottetown

The planes will be accessible to the public in Nova Scotia first, at the Stanley airport on May 19 and then at the Debert airport May 20, before flying to Charlottetown. They will visit Summerside May 21 and will be back for a public event in Charlottetown May 22.

Pound said the visits are all weather dependent, given these are open cockpit planes.

The replica aircraft, two Sopwith "Pups" and four Nieuport 11s, were loaded into a Boeing and flown from France to Nova Scotia. (Dale Erhart/Facebook)

With files from Laura Chapin