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In 1927, three brothers from Belleville,Ontario made
their first commitment to Canadian aviation. That year
Art Leavens learned to fly and brought a Jenny home
to the family farm. With this they began a barnstorming
business that ranged across Canada from the foothill
of the Rockies to the East Coast. For 10 years, using
a diversified fleet of biplanes and a Pitcairn autogyro,
they attracted business wherever they went, summer and
winter, offering thousands of Canadians their first
opportunity to see their town from the air.
In 1937, recognizing that the days of the barnstormer
were numbered, the three brothers established a fixed
base operation at Barker Airport on the northern outskirts
of Toronto. Soon they were operating the largest flying
training school in Canada, along with sales, repair
and overhaul facilities for light aircraft. Between
1937 and the second World War, besides operating the
flying training school, they engaged in forest spraying,
aerial sign towing, aerial photography and charter.
During World War II they were actively engaged in the
Commonwealth Air Training Plan, operating No. 4 Air
Observers School in London, Ontario. Following WWII
the Leavens brothers returned to Barker Airport where
they reactivated their flying activities and expanded
their repair and overhaul facilities. The company also
became active in the distribution of aircraft parts
and supplies.
In 1953 Barker Airport was sold, although the company
continued to operate from the same location. That year
marked a major change in the direction of the company.
Most of the company's efforts were now directed to the
three principal areas; overhaul of engines, propellers
and accessories; distribution of aircraft parts and
supplies; and manufacturing and sub-contracting.
In 1972 a new plant of over 30,000 sq. ft. was built
on the north side of Lester B. Pearson International
Airport. This plant contains a parts distribution warehouse,
overhaul facilities, manufacturing and subcontracting
facilities, as well as the general offices of the company.
More than 60 years after a simple beginning, Leavens
Aviation Inc. is still a family based business that
continues to grow and serve Canada's aviation and aerospace
community.
To provide our customers with the highest quality aeronautical
products, supplies and services available. We will strive
to ensure that these goods are in stock and delivered
promptly. Our sales and technical staff will be knowledgeable
and well-trained and process customer requests in the
most cost-conscious manner possible. |
