Canada’s Aviation Hall of Fame is proud to announce its inductees for 2027 as it honours individuals and organizations whose leadership, courage, innovation, and service have helped to shape aviation in Canada.
The 2027 Induction Gala will take place in Calgary, Alberta, in September 2027, bringing the Hall’s annual national celebration of Canadian aviation back to Western Canada.
For more than half a century, Canada’s Aviation Hall of Fame has worked to ensure that the people and organizations who helped build, protect, advance, and preserve Canadian aviation are remembered. The Hall continues that tradition today.
2027 Inductees
GIORGIO CLEMENTI
During his distinguished career in flight testing and aviation training, Clementi has helped to strengthen flight test education in Canada, notably through his leadership of the International Test Pilot School, Canada’s only civilian test pilot school and just one of eight test pilot schools recognized by the Society of Experimental Test pilots.
BILLIE FLYNN
A highly accomplished Canadian test pilot, Flynn served for 23 years in the Canadian Air Force before becoming a leading civilian experimental test pilot. His career has included command of 441 Squadron during NATO operations in Kosovo and the flight testing some of some of the world’s advanced fighter aircraft, including the General Dynamics F-16, Eurofighter Typhoon, and Lockheed F-35 Lightning II.
GEORGE O. JOHNSON
A First World War flying ace, Johnson went on to a distinguished interwar career in military aviation. He continued to serve Canada during the Second World War, when he led Eastern Air Command’s effort to thwart the Nazi U-Boat menace. He rose to the rank of Air Marshall and served as Air Officer Commanding, RCAF Overseas, in charge of all Canadian air units in Europe. George Johnson died in 1980.
KENNETH PATRICK
An RCAF veteran of the Second World War, wireless radio innovator, and aviation entrepreneur, Patrick founded Canadian Aviation Electronics, now CAE, in 1947. What began in a hangar at Saint-Hubert Airport has grown into a Canadian company now recognized globally as a leader in simulation, training, and aviation technology. Kenneth Patrick died in 2002.
2027 BELT OF ORION AWARD FOR EXCELLENCE
The Canadian International Air Show has showcased the best in aviation in Canada since 1946. Military aircraft, historic warbirds, aerobatic teams, and new aviation technologies have all graced the skies over Toronto’s waterfront, inspiring countless Canadians with the excitement, skill, and possibility of flight.
CANADA'S AVIATION DISTINCTION AWARD
The 2027 Canada’s Aviation Distinction Award will be presented to Captain Robert “Bob” Pearson and the late First Officer Maurice Quintal, for their extraordinary skill and teamwork while handling Air Canada Flight 143 after its fuel ran dry, actions that saved the lives of all on board “the Gimli Glider”.