Pioneers, Historian To Join 186 Enshrined In Museum

Canada's Aviation Hall of Fame will soon welcome three new members Wednesday during ceremonies at the Reynolds-Alberta Museum.

Stanley Deluce, Craig Dobbin, and former wing commander Fred Hitchins will join the 186 men and women already enshrined in the Wetaskiwin, Alberta, hall, said Aviation Hall of Fame Chairman Victor Bennett.

Deluce has been a great benefit to aviation in Canada, said Bennett. His small commuter airline in Northern Ontario, Air Ontario, became one of the largest regional airlines in Canada, serving both nationally and internationally. Air Ontario is now part of Air Canada's Jazz discount airline.

Dobbin began helicopter operations in his home province of Newfoundland 25 years ago when he saw the need. Since then, CHC Helicopters become the world's largest helicopter company, providing service to more than 30 countries around the world, said Bennett.

Dobbin, who died in 2006, just seven days after being told he would be receiving the honor, has been of major importance to Canadian aviation on the global stage, Bennett said.

"Canada is not a global operator in aviation, but he was. He was the driving force and he was a great guy."

Hitchins was the main historian of Canada's military aviation history and was well known until his death in the 1970s.

"His specialty was the detailing of the world's aces, and he categorized all the aces of the world," said Bennett.

In addition to the inductees, the Canadian Business Aviation Association will be honored at the ceremonies with the 2007 Belt of Orion Award for Excellence.

"As the voice for Canadian corporate and business aviation, the Canadian Business Aviation Association has, for over forty years, promoted the recognition of business aviation, and safety, security and efficiency among its members, resulting in significant contributions to aviation in Canada," reads the Hall of Fame Web site.

Founded in 1988, the award recognizes organizations, groups, societies or associations that have made outstanding contributions to the advancement of aviation in Canada.

Canada's Aviation Hall of Fame was incorporated in 1973. Since 1992, it has been located at the Reynolds-Alberta Museum.

FMI: www.cahf.ca, www.cbaa.ca, www.machinemuseum.net