Ron Duholke at 92 becomes Canada’s oldest pilot, reunites with historic RCAF Harvard aircraft after seven decades

At 92, Ron Duholke soared back into the skies and history on Tuesday(August 12) in a vintage Harvard aircraft, the very same type of plane he first flew as a Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF) pilot nearly seven decades ago.

Duholke’s return to the cockpit was more than a flight; it was a heartfelt reconnection with a pivotal chapter of his life and Canada’s aviation heritage. The Harvard, often dubbed the “pilot maker” or “Yellow Peril,” was the premier training aircraft for the RCAF during World War II, guiding over 130,000 Canadian and allied troops in their journey to become pilots, gunners, and navigators.

His opportunity came unexpectedly while chatting with Brock Allison, a fellow pilot and owner of one of the few remaining Harvard planes still flying in Alberta. Recognizing Duholke’s history, Allison invited him for a flight at Cooking Lake Airport.


“People like Ron are a connection with history,” Allison told CTVNews. “He still remembers the power settings that he would use for takeoff, climb, cruise, and aerobatics. He remembers that from 70 years ago. I was just amazed that his mind is so sharp.”

Once airborne, Duholke took the controls, reliving memories of rigorous instrument training and aerobatics. Though he declined to try a loop this time, he fondly remembered the thrill of flying maneuvers he learned as a young pilot in 1956.

The vintage Harvard remains a rare sight, with only about 20 to 25 still flying across Canada and roughly five in Alberta. Aviation enthusiasts treasure the aircraft for its pivotal role in training generations of pilots and preserving Canada’s wartime legacy.