Canadian Aviation Historical Society (CAHS)

"The Canadian Aviation Historical Society, through the outstanding dedication of its members, has made a major contribution to public awareness and the preservation of Canada's unique and rich aviation history."

In the latter half of 1962, a group was formed calling themselves The Early Birds Association of Canada. The following year they produced and distributed 30 copies of an 8-page publication called The Early Bird Enthusiast, collated and stapled together in the basement of one of the members.

The group's chosen name conflicted with an already established organization and the name was changed to the Canadian Aviation Historical Society (CAHS). Their second publication, printed later in 1963, was named The Journal. Bill Wheeler, one of the founding members, designed the original publications, and has, since the second year of publication, served as editor.

The Journal differs from other aviation publications in that it often emphasizes first person accounts contributed by pioneer civil and military pilots, air engineers and others with direct experience in this country's aviation history.

In 1963, when the original by-laws were formulated, the Society set forth the following objectives:
* to encourage research into aviation, particularly in Canada.
* to publish a journal as a means of recording and disseminating the products of such research.
* to recognize and stimulate interest in the achievements of Canadians in all fields of aviation.
* to bring together those who are deeply interested in the history of Canadian aviation with those who had been active participants.

The Silver Dart silhouette that is part of the CAHS logo is based upon aviation artist Bob Bradford's GA tone-drawing originally created for Aircraft magazine. Jim Bruce later designed the "swash" lettering for the current CAHS logo.

The early years of the CAHS and its publication were a struggle to stay within a limited budget, based on membership fees and an occasional donation. Aviation enthusiasts and historians from across the country provided the results of their years of research and experience. A highly respected publication emerged.

The CAHS has been fortunate over the years to complement its written historical material with high quality art contributed by professional artists and illustrators. Many aircraft, important to Canada's history, have been described in detail with first class mechanical drawings produced by members. For example, Bob Bradford's paintings have appeared on the Journal's covers more than 25 times.

In addition to the quarterly Journal, the Society has undertaken a number of major historical projects. "125 Years of Canadian Aeronautics, a Chronology 1840-1965", authored by George Fuller, John Griffin and Ken Molson, was produced in 1983 under Editor and Society President Fred Hotson. The G-C and CF- Aircraft Registers, compiled by John Ellis and originally presented as installments in The Journal, have proven to be an invaluable research tool for anyone tracing Canadian aircraft histories. A series of war-time articles was combined into a booklet, "I'll Never Forget", and "The First 500 Canadian Pilots" was compiled by Ken Molson.

A group of the Toronto founding members visited the National Aviation Museum in Ottawa in 1963 and the seeds were sown for a Chapter of the Society in that city. As well as the Toronto and Ottawa Chapters, others have been formed in Montreal, Calgary, Vancouver, Regina, Winnipeg, Halifax, and Edmonton. The Chapters receive no funding from the national group and are dependent on membership for financial support. Local chapters hold meetings, engage guest speakers and publish newsletters for their members.

The first official convention was held in Ottawa in 1964. Conventions are held in a different location across the country each year, providing a forum for noted guest speakers and an opportunity for CAHS members to meet, exchange information and conduct the Society's business.

Famous Canadian airman, C.H. "Punch" Dickins was named the Society's first Patron in 1978, followed in 1988 by leading aviation artist, R.W. "Bob" Bradford.

The yearly membership of the Canadian Aviation Historical Society stands steady at around 1300. The CAHS continues in a highly specialized field with the bulk of work handled by a dedicated few volunteers.

The Belt of Orion Award for Excellence was bestowed upon the Canadian Aviation Historical Society in 2001 at a ceremony held in Ottawa, Ontario.