Canada's Aviation Hall of Fame, based in the Reynolds-Alberta Museum in Wetaskiwin, Alberta, Canada, commemorates and honours those whose accomplishments in aviation contributed so much to Canada's development as a nation. Founded in 1973, the Hall of Fame has honoured thus far more than 160 aviators, engineers, technicians and administrators.
Due to its size and geographical location, Canada has had to rely upon aviation much more than other countries. With so much territory unsuitable for surface travel, it was up to aviation to unite the country and bring the distant regions the opportunities for social and economic progress that would make them part of Canada. The unique combination of pioneering aviation and pioneering development of the country resulted in many outstanding examples of heroism, skill, tenacity, courage, wisdom, and luck, and many great stories to be told. The best of these stories are described in the Aviation Hall of Fame.
Stories are told on four by eight foot panels with portraits, citations, photographs, and memorabilia. The Hall has an extensive collection of personal items and memorabilia related to inducted members, including such material as licenses, logbooks, uniforms, insignia, medals, trophies and awards, documents, correspondence, scrapbooks and photographs. The reference library contains approximately 2,000 books and over 10,000 periodicals related specifically to Canadian aviation. Items are loaned to other museums in Canada for exhibit purposes, and may be accessed by researchers and visitors, by appointment.
The Hall of Fame also awards the Belt of Orion each year at its annual induction dinner, to an organization notable for its contribution to Canadian aviation.
History
Canada's Aviation Hall of Fame was incorporated August 2, 1973. The 79 original members included all Companions of the Order of Icarus , all who had been awarded the Trans-Canada (McKee) Trophy , all recipients of the Victoria Cross in aerial combat, Alexander Graham Bell and F.W. 'Casey' Baldwin for designing and building the Silver Dart, and Group Captain John E. Fauquier representing World War II Bomber Command and Flight Lieutenant George F. 'Buzz' Beurling representing World War II Fighter Command. A confidential nomination review committee reviews nominations for new members of the Hall of Fame, looking for contributions of major benefit to Canada which have stood the test of time.
The Hall of Fame officially opened on the first day of Klondike Days, July 17, 1974, in the Sportex Building at the Edmonton Exhibition Grounds . During the initial years it moved several times until finally residing in the Edmonton Convention Centre for several years. When the Reynolds-Alberta Museum opened near Wetaskiwin, Alberta, in 1992, the Hall of Fame moved to the Musdeum's aviation hangar, combining merging its exhibits with the Museum's extensive aviation collection.
Belt of Orion
The 'Belt of Orion Award for Excellence was founded by the Aviation Hall of Fame in 1988, to honour organizations, groups, societies or associations who have made outstanding contributions to the advancement of aviation in Canada. Recipients include:
- 1988 Canadian Air Line Pilots Association (CALPA)
- 1989 Air Cadet League of Canada
- 1990 Southern Alberta Institute of Technology (SAIT)
- 1991 Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources Aviation and Fire Management Branch
- 1993 Canadian Owners and Pilots Association (COPA)
- 1994 431 Air Demonstration Squadron (the Snowbirds)
- 1995 Canadian Ninety-Nines (Organization of Women Pilots)
- 1998 Canadian Forces Search and Rescue (SAR)
- 1999 British Columbia Aviation Council
- 2000 Royal Canadian Mounted Police Air Division
- 2001 Canadian Aviation Historical Society
- 2002 Canadian Aviation Artists Association
- 2004 Canadian Aeronautics and Space Institute (CASI)
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