Aviators Honoured at CAHF Inductions
By John Chalmers, CAHS Membership Secretary
Photos by Rick Radell, CAHF Official Photographer
At the annual induction ceremonies for Canada’s Aviation Hall of Fame, held on June 4 at the Skyservice business aviation hangar at the Toronto Pearson International Airport, four individuals were installed as Members of the Hall for their contributions to Canadian aviation, and one organization was recognized for its unique accomplishments in flight.
Carol Nicholson, centre, a niece of First World War ace Capt Arthur Roy Brown, receives the certificate of membership for Roy from guest presenter Maryse Carmichael and Hall of Fame board chairman Tom Appleton. Roy Brown is known for his aerial battle involving the “Red Baron”, Manfred von Richthofen. Post-war, Brown established General Airways Limited, which operated from 1928 to 1940. Born in 1893, Brown died at the age of 50 in 1944 after taking up farming near Stouffville ON.
After beginning his career in aviation as an aero engineer for six years with the RCAF, Jim McBride started Midwest Aviation Ltd. in Winnipeg with a single Piper Super Cub. He went on to build the airline that eventually operated 80 fixed wing aircraft and helicopters and employed over 700 people. Later he established Turbowest Helicopters Ltd. in Calgary, operated an 800-acre ranch south of the city, and enjoyed international success as rancher breeding prize beef cattle.
George Miller, O.M.M., CD served 35 years with the RCAF in Canada and overseas, including team leader for Canada’s famed aerobatic team, 431 Air Demonstration Squadron, better known as the Snowbirds, and as base commander of CFB Moose Jaw. Retiring as a Colonel, George then managed the Langley Regional Airport. He continues to fly his own aircraft with the Fraser Blues, and aviation formation team flying Navion aircraft.
Kim Philp accepted her late father’s membership in the Hall of Fame on his behalf. Col Owen Bartley “O.B” Philp, C.M., DFC, CD served nearly 32 years with the RCAF. He flew as a bomber and transport pilot in the Second World War, served in Canada and overseas, and as Base Commander of CFB Moose Jaw. He formed the Golden Centennaires aerobatic team for Canada’s Centennial in 1967 and, while at Moose Jaw, developed the Snowbirds and became known as the “Father of the Snowbirds.”
Todd Reichert, left, and Cameron Robertson founded AeroVelo Inc. and received the Belt of Orion Award for Excellence. With teams of fellow engineers, volunteers, and students at the University of Toronto, AeroVelo developed, and in 2010 flew a human powered ornithopter, an airplane that flies by flapping its wings. In 2013 they won the $250,000 “Sikorsky Prize” for their internationally-recognized success in building and flying a human-powered helicopter.
Retired RCAF LCol Maryse Carmichael CD, served as guest presenter and speaker at the awards ceremonies. She was the first woman to fly as a pilot with the Snowbirds and later the first woman commander of the aerobatic team. In her address to 375 guests in attendance from across Canada, Maryse paid tribute to those who were honoured. She continues in aviation as a simulator instructor for pilot training at 15 Wing Moose Jaw. The shawl she is wearing is the Snowbirds tartan.
Information on any Member of Canada's Aviation Hall of Fame or any recipient of the Belt of Orion Award for Excellence can be found at the Hall's web site, www.cahf.ca. Under "Members" at the top of the home page, click on "Member Profiles" or "Belt of Orion". Then select the name you want. If a video has been produced, the link appears at the end of the information posted.