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Canadian Centennial of Flight
350 Terry Fox Drive, Suite 104
Kanata, Ontario K2K 2W5
+1 613 591 8787
MEMBER ORGANIZATIONS
Aerospace Industries Association of Canada
Air Cadet League of Canada
Air Force Association of Canada
Air Transport Association of Canada
Canada Aviation Museum
Canada’s Aviation Hall of Fame
Canadian Aeronautical Preservation Association
Canadian Aeronautics and Space Institute
Canadian Airports Council
Canadian Aviation Historical Society
Canadian Aviation Maintenance Council
Canadian Business Aviation Association
Canadian Owners and Pilots Association
Department of National Defence
Nav Canada
Silver Dart Centennial Association
Vintage Wings of Canada
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BACKGROUNDER
The year 2009 marks the 100th Anniversary of the first powered, heavier-than-air, controlled flight in Canada by J.A.D. McCurdy in the Silver Dart.
Very few nations in the world owe more to flight than Canada. Aviation opened up the country and remains a lifeline to many remote and northern areas. The significance of aviation today and what it has done for Canada can be compared to what the Canadian Pacific Railway did for Canada in the years after Confederation. Today, aerospace activity makes up a larger component of our industrial base than any other nation.
The Canadian Centennial of Flight Project was envisioned as a way to provide support to Canadians who want to make the 100th Anniversary of the first flight in Canada an opportunity to celebrate not only the historical event of February 23rd, 1909 when the Silver Dart took flight, but also Canadian accomplishments in civilian and military aviation in the decades since then, at home and abroad.
Canadian Centennial of Flight celebrations will encompass the history of aviation and space activities; the education of youth; the technological and commercial aspects of aerospace; development and careers; and most of all – connecting with Canadians.
The national Headquarters of the Centennial of Flight Project is located in Ottawa. Its role is to act as a clearinghouse for all activities and events that will take place throughout the land in 2009, and to assist with their coordination, planning, promotion and staging.
Many of the activities will highlight achievements of the past 100 years, and will increase Canadians’ understanding of the importance of aviation and space endeavours to their country.
The Canadian Centennial of Flight Project is governed by a board of directors comprised of key players in the aviation industry, including representatives of associations and organizations that share an appreciation for aerospace, are active in preserving its heritage and look towards shaping its future.
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