Page 27 - November 2017

That is one lucky prairie boy. John Gillespie Magee Jr Click the book cover to ORDER YOUR COPY NOW!
certainly had it right when he penned his epic poem
“High Flight.
Since 1983 prairie spectators have been awed by the
power and maneuverability of Canada's annual CF-18
solo demonstrations. In 2017 the show was flown by
RCAF pilot Capt Mat Kutryk to help celebrate
Canada's 150th birthday.
Dan Dempsey is a former Canadian Forces fighter pilot
who flew two tours with the Snowbirds, the first as
one of the team’s two solo pilots in 1980-1981 and
the other as commanding officer/team leader in 1989-
1990. He was also a demo pilot on the “Hawk One”
Golden Hawk F-86 Sabre from 2009-2012, flying
airshows across Canada.
profiles by Canada’s leading aviation artists. Together, this unique
Photo of Hawk One being flown by Dan. Aerial shot by Katsu Tokunaga
Dan currently flies for
Discovery Air Defence
Services in support of
the RCAF and RCN. His
highly acclaimed book,
“A Tradition of
Excellence - Canada's
Airshow Team Heritage”
Dan at the 2012 Prince Albert chronicles the history of
Centennial of Flight Air Show Canada's airshow teams
while performing with Hawk One.
(Photo by Tim Munro) in considerable detail
Canadas Airshow Heritage
768 pages, over 1,800 photographs
The Largest Aviation Book in Canadian History
For the first time, the extraordinary history of Canada’s airshow
teams is recorded in its entirety. Meticulously researched by
former Snowbird team leader Lieutenant Colonel (Ret’d) Dan
Dempsey, “A Tradition of Excellence – Canada’s Airshow Team
Heritage” documents the scores of Canadian military air
demonstration teams that have thrilled millions of airshow
spectators for over 85 years. From the Siskins to the Golden
Hawks to the Golden Centennaires and Snowbirds, every
Canadian demonstration team is represented in the book.
Relive this unique historical journey through the author’s in-depth
investigation and personal accounts from dozens of team
members who performed with the teams in Canada, the United
States and Europe. Theirs is a story of pride, professionalism and
perseverance – a true reflection of the Canadian aviation spirit
which helped build a nation. This high quality production features
768 pages of history, the largest aviation title ever published in
Canada. Some of the world’s finest aviation photographers have
contributed more than 1,800 photographs, hundreds published
here for the first time. Also presented is a collection of stirring
airshow paintings and specially commissioned full colour aircraft
collection portrays a legacy of aerial excellence.
“The Canadian aviation blockbuster of the year; a spectacular
presentation”…Airforce Magazine
“Magnificent…Clearly a labour of love”
Mary Lou Finlay - As it Happens CBC Radio
“There is NOTHING like this in existence. Anywhere. Period…An
absolutely magnificent accomplishment…”
Christopher J. Terry
President & CEO Canada Science and Technology Museum
Corporation.
“Former Snowbird Lieutenant Colonel Dan Dempsey's thorough
compilation of the history of Canadian military and civilian air
teams is collected in 768 pages that are rich in detail of text and
enlivened with 1,800 fabulous photographs that make this hefty
book a page turner as well as a collector's item ... ”
The Toronto Globe and Mail