Canada's Aviation Hall of Fame
Profile of Members
Agar, Carlyle Clare Archibald, William Munroe Armstrong, Neil J. Audette, Julien Joseph Austin, John Alexander McDonald
Nickname: "Carl" Agar
Birthdate: November 28, 1901
Birth Place: Lion's Head, Bruce County, Ontario
Death Date: January 27, 1968
Year Inducted: 1974
Awards: AFC
"His perseverance in designing new applications for rotary wing flight, and his expertise in training both civil and military organizations alike to the highest standard of competency, have been of outstanding benefit to Canadian aviation."
Carlyle Agar first gained recognition during the Second World War as a flight instructor. However, his lasting legacy to aviation came later as he revolutionized helicopter flying manoeuvres. His techniques for high altitude landings and takeoffs from inaccessible locations became the accepted world wide standard. He also pioneered the use of helicopters in spraying orchards and forests, and for transporting materials and personnel to areas that could not otherwise be reached by vehicle. The Palisade Lake Dam in British Columbia stands as a lasting reminder of his exquisite mastery of vertical flight.
William Munroe Archibald
Birthdate: February 23, 1876
Birth Place: Truro, Nova Scotia
Death Date: November 10, 1949
Year Inducted: 1974
"His efforts to have Canada's northern mineral resources explored by air resulted in new air harbours being located that have substantially benefited Canadian aviation."
William Archibald established that aircraft could be of great advantage to mining exploration. He established Cominco Flying Service at Rossland, B.C. to train young engineers. He commuted to work by plane daily from Creston, B.C., and became the first person to fly into the British Columbia interior. Archibald inaugurated the first air route to Stewart, B.C. and Ketchikan, Alaska in 1935, and his numerous cross-Canada flights earned him the title of "Canada's Flying Businessman".
Neil J. Armstrong
Birthdate: April 15,1920
Birth Place: Alvinston, Ontario
Death Date: November 23, 1994
Year Inducted: 1974
"His combination of piloting ability, technical knowledge, navigational skills and dedication to purpose, despite adversity, have resulted in outstanding benefit to Canadian aviation."
Neil J. Armstrong is known as the first helicopter pilot/geologist in North America. During the 1960's he helped in the mapping of a 100,000 square mile area in the Barren Lands where he made the first helicopter contact with the Eskimo. He then assisted in pioneering the two-phase, electro-magnetic system for detecting mineral conductors in the earth, from an aircraft in flight. His knowledge of airborne devices and engineering allowed him to develop and patent a helicopter hover sight, now used worldwide as a cost saving shortcut in airborne surveying.
Julien Joseph Audette
Birthdate: June 6, 1914
Birth Place: Radville, Saskatchewan
Death Date: October 28, 1986
Year Inducted: 1989
"His dedication to the development of the art of soaring has been of outstanding benefit to Canadian aviation."
Julien Audette made his major contribution to Canadian Aviation in the field of non-powered flight. During his aviation career he established several Canadian soaring records and became the first Canadian to break 9144m (30,000 feet) in a sailplane. He was the only Canadian to hold all eight competitive soaring awards available, six simultaneously. Some of the feats he was awarded for included the longest Distance to Goal and Return and the longest Distance to Goal, which were 322 km and 380 km respectively (1958). He also completed the 200 km Triangle in 1961 at the speed of 72.6 kph, and in 1962 completed the 300 km Triangle at 65.0 kph. During his soaring at Cowley, Alberta, Audette worked closely with the Federal Meteorology Department. At this time he recognized that the soaring prospects in Pincher Creek could be enhanced by a better knowledge of the climatology, and so he initiated a data collection program. The "Audette Project" later provided the foundation for studies by others, including the University of Calgary's Environmental Science Centre.
John Alexander McDonald Austin
Birthdate: September 30, 1912
Birth Place: Renfrew, Ontario
Death Date: December 1, 1984
Year Inducted: 1976
"During a forty-year career he was actively engaged in commercial aviation as a pilot, engineer and administrator. His dedication to purpose resulted in Austin Airways bringing responsible air service to many communities adjacent to James Bay and Hudson Bay, without government assistance and despite adversity, contributions which have been of outstanding benefit to Canadian Aviation."
John Austin formed Austin Airways with his brother Charles in 1934. Austin Airways provided invaluable services to Canada's north. Austin's aerial survey along both shores of James Bay and Hudson Bay resulted in air service to a number of isolated communities. In 1955, he was named chairman of the operating committee for the construction of the mid-Canada Defence Line and some years later was elected director of the Air Industries and Transport Association. During his career, Austin flew many aerial surveys and reconnaissance flights for the government. Austin Airways and Aircraft Industries of Canada Ltd. jointly developed the first water-bombing kit for Canso aircraft used in firefighting.© Copyright in the portrait drawings of the honoured members of the Aviation Hall of Fame, which were prepared by Mrs. I. Coucill are the property of Mrs. Coucill.