Cessna 180 Skywagon
The Cessna 180 Skywagon is a four or six seat, fixed conventional gear, tail dragger general aviation airplane which was produced between 1953 and 1981. Though the design is no longer in production, many of these aircraft are still in use as personal aircraft and in utility roles, such as bush flying.
The Cessna 180 here at KF is HLB. HLB was bought new in 1954 and flown to Kelowna from Wichita, Kansas. It was owned and flown by Cliff Renfrew of Hold Renfrew & Co., one of Canada’s oldest companies. HLB has been dedicated as “Spirit of Cliff”. Kelowna has been HLB’s only home. She has resided here for 68 years!
Cliff was an Okanagan aviation pioneer. It is believed he was the first person to land on the “new” Ellison Field, now YLW International. He also built the first private hanger on the then-named Ellison Field.
Barry and Cliff made a deal that KF would restore the aircraft to airworthy condition and keep her here, in Kelowna, forever. The restoration was completed by KF staff in 2000. We continue to maintain HLB in airworthy condition.
