The KF Centre for Excellence

The KF Centre for Excellence Discover the Wonder of Aviation at the KF Centre for Excellence!

A one-of-a-kind aviation exhibit and events centre in Kelowna, inspiring curiosity, connection, and future careers through interactive experiences and a legacy collection.

06/01/2026

A fresh coat of paint can do more than transform an aircraft, it can help preserve a story.

Every detail of the Odyssey 86 DC-3 livery was carefully recreated to honour the aircraft that carried a Canadian crew around the world in 1986 to promote Expo 86.

A special thank you to Amberyl's Auto Art and everyone involved at KF Aerospace in bringing this historic aircraft back to life. Their talent, craftsmanship, and attention to detail have helped ensure this remarkable piece of Canadian aviation history can continue to inspire.

Ninety years after the first DC-3 took flight, the legacy of this legendary aircraft continues to connect people through stories of adventure, innovation, and determination.

See the KF Centre's DC-3 up close and hear the incredible story behind the Odyssey journey at Odyssey 86 – 90 Years of the DC-3 on June 9.

Your ticket includes:
• Documentary premiere
• New DC-3 exhibit unveiling
• Complimentary beverage and charcuterie
• Opportunity to meet members of the original Odyssey crew
• A special evening celebrating 90 years of aviation's most iconic aircraft

Reserve your seat today: https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/odyssey-86-90-years-of-the-dc-3-tickets-1988862247521

05/22/2026

For 90 years, the Douglas DC-3 has connected communities, carried history across continents, and become one of the most iconic aircraft ever built.

Today, we’re proud to share the official trailer for Odyssey 86 - a new short documentary celebrating the legendary aircraft and the extraordinary 1986 around-the-world flight created to honour Canada’s Expo 86.

Featuring Barry Lapointe, KF Aerospace Founder and Chaiman, and original crew members of the Odyssey journey, the film reflects on adventure, innovation, and a uniquely Canadian aviation story that deserves to be remembered.

🎬 Odyssey 86 – 90 Years of the DC-3
📅 Tuesday, June 9, 2026
🕕 6:00–8:30 PM
📍 5800 Lapointe Drive | Kelowna, BC
🎟️ Tickets: $35

Join us June 9 at the KF Centre for Excellence for the documentary premiere and unveiling of the new Odyssey DC-3 exhibit feature.

On May 22, 1946, the de Havilland Canada DHC-1 Chipmunk first took flight, ushering in a new era of postwar pilot traini...
05/22/2026

On May 22, 1946, the de Havilland Canada DHC-1 Chipmunk first took flight, ushering in a new era of postwar pilot training.

Developed as a modern replacement for the de Havilland Tiger Moth, the Chipmunk quickly became one of the most respected primary trainer aircraft of its time. With its responsive handling, enclosed cockpit, and aerobatic capability, the DHC-1 helped train generations of Royal Canadian Air Force, Royal Air Force, and civilian pilots throughout the postwar decades.

For many aviators, the Chipmunk was where it all began - first takeoffs, first stalls, first solo flights, and the foundation of a lifelong aviation career. Thousands of pilots who would later fly military aircraft, commercial airliners, and bush planes first learned the fundamentals of flying from the cockpit of a Chipmunk.

Eighty years later, the sound and silhouette of the DHC-1 still evoke nostalgia and admiration across the aviation community, standing as a lasting symbol of Canadian innovation and pilot training excellence.

Today, we’re also honoured to recognize Dave and Karen Gillespie of Oliver, BC, whose passion for preserving Canadian aviation history continues to inspire. Their beautifully restored 1956 de Havilland DHC-1B-2-S5 Chipmunk (RCAF 18023 / C-FOAV) recently returned to its original RCAF yellow training livery following a meticulous restoration completed between 2022–2024.

80 Years of the de Havilland ChipmunkOn May 22, the KF Centre for Excellence is proud to celebrate one of Canada's most ...
05/21/2026

80 Years of the de Havilland Chipmunk

On May 22, the KF Centre for Excellence is proud to celebrate one of Canada's most iconic aircraft and the generations of Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF) pilots who first learned to fly in the legendary de Havilland Chipmunk.

We're excited to welcome pilot and aviation enthusiast David Gillespie, who will be flying his beautifully restored 1956 RCAF Chipmunk for this special public display honouring 80 years of service.

Visitors will have the opportunity to see David's aircraft alongside the Centre's own Chipmunk and explore a remarkable chapter in Canadian aviation history.

📅 Friday, May 22, 2026
⏰ 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
📍 KF Centre for Excellence
🎟 Admission by $5 donation

Discover the Wonder of Aviation

05/16/2026

Meet Andy Moore – one of our long-time volunteer tour guides at the KF Centre for Excellence.

Andy has a personal connection to aviation history through his father, who served as a wireless navigator during the Second World War and flew aboard the legendary de Havilland Mosquito. That connection brings a deep sense of meaning to the stories Andy shares with visitors every day.

One of the things that makes Andy’s tours especially impactful is the way he can connect with students. During high school tours, he often reminds them just how young many of the men serving during the war really were - helping students see history not as something distant, but deeply human and relatable.

His knowledge, storytelling, and passion for preserving these memories make Andy an incredible part of the Centre. We’re grateful for all he brings to our visitors and volunteer team.

A legendary aircraft. An unforgettable journey. A Canadian aviation story worth celebrating.Join us at the KF Centre for...
05/15/2026

A legendary aircraft. An unforgettable journey. A Canadian aviation story worth celebrating.

Join us at the KF Centre for Excellence for Odyssey 86 – 90 Years of the DC-3: a special evening celebrating 90 years of the Douglas DC-3 and 40 years since the iconic 1986 around-the-world Odyssey flight honouring Canada's Expo 86.

The evening features the premiere of a new documentary short film directed by award-winning filmmaker Ryan Tebbutt of Edge Digital Media, featuring Barry Lapointe, Founder and Chairman of KF Aerospace, and original crew members from the historic journey, along with the launch of our new DC-3 exhibit.

📅 Tuesday, June 9, 2026
⏰ 6:00 PM Doors Open
🎟️ $38 per person
📍 5800 Lapointe Drive, Kelowna, BC

Tickets are now available - reserve your seat and be part of this special evening celebrating one of the most iconic aircraft in aviation history.

https://kfcentre.ca/odyssey-86-90-years-of-the-dc3/

We were honoured to host the 2026 First Nations Forestry Conference at the KF Centre for Excellence this week in Kelown...
05/15/2026

We were honoured to host the 2026 First Nations Forestry Conference at the KF Centre for Excellence this week in Kelowna.

As a mass timber facility built with cross-laminated wood throughout, the Centre provided a meaningful setting for conversations surrounding stewardship, sustainability, innovation, and the future of forestry in British Columbia.

Thank you to the BC First Nations Forestry Council, organizers, speakers, exhibitors, and attendees for bringing such an important gathering to the Centre.

Join us at the KF Centre for Excellence on Friday, May 22, for a special public aircraft display honouring one of Canada...
05/15/2026

Join us at the KF Centre for Excellence on Friday, May 22, for a special public aircraft display honouring one of Canada’s most iconic trainer aircraft.

We’re thrilled to welcome pilot David Gillespie, who will be flying in his beautifully restored 1956 RCAF de Havilland DHC-1 Chipmunk for this special anniversary celebration.

Visitors will have the opportunity to see David’s aircraft alongside the Centre’s own DHC-1 Chipmunk and learn how generations of Canadian pilots first learned to fly in this legendary Canadian-built aircraft.

📅 Friday, May 22, 2026
⏰ 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
📍 5800 Lapointe Drive
🎟 Admission by $5 donation

Come celebrate a remarkable chapter in Canadian aviation history with us.

Address

5800 Lapointe Drive
Kelowna, BC
V1V1S1

Opening Hours

Tuesday 10am - 5pm
Wednesday 10am - 5pm
Thursday 10am - 5pm
Friday 10am - 5pm
Saturday 10am - 5pm

Telephone

+12508075353

Website

https://kfcentre.ca/plan-your-visit/visits-tours/, https://kfcentre.ca/plan-your-vis

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