Pathway to the Stars: 100 Years of the Royal Canadian Air Force

by Michael Hood, Tom Jenkins

Overview

Pathway to the Stars takes readers on a remarkable journey spanning one hundred years of the Royal Canadian Air Force.

This beautifully illustrated book shares the rich history of the Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF) on its 100th anniversary. Produced in partnership with the RCAF Foundation, Pathway to the Stars tells the story of the people, the technologies, and the events that shaped the RCAF from 1924 to 2024. Presenting 100 stories to align with 100 years of the RCAF, the book explores the many ways in which the RCAF contributed to advances in aviation over the past century, from the invention of the G-suit to the development of the first helicopter landing system on a naval ship to the design of the first flight-safety organization for investigating crashes.

As we look forward to the next generation of the RCAF, Pathway to the Stars brings to light an inspirational story about Canada and its place in the world over the past century. Proceeds from this book support the ongoing programs of the RCAF Foundation, a Canadian charity that works to celebrate Canada's rich aviation history and future.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781487547714
Publisher:	University of Toronto Press
Publication date:	11/13/2023
Sold by:	Barnes & Noble
Format:	eBook
Pages:	264
File size:	81 MB
Note:	This product may take a few minutes to download.

About the Author

Michael Hood joined the Canadian Forces in 1985 and trained as a Navigator on the CC-130 Hercules in the Tactical Airlift Role. He is a retired Lieutenant-General and the former Commander of the Royal Canadian Air Force, now resident in Kelowna, British Columbia. He is also a proud co-founder of the RCAF Foundation, to which this book’s proceeds are dedicated.

Tom Jenkins has been affiliated with the Royal Canadian Air Force for more than 50 years. He began his career with the RCAF as a Royal Canadian Air Cadet at CFB Trenton in 1972. He has chaired a report on defence procurement for the Canadian government and is currently a member of the RCAF Commanders Advisory Council.

Table of Contents

About the Authors
Foreword
Acknowledgements

1. The Origin Story of the RCAF: The First World War through to 1938
2. The Crucible of War: The RCAF and the Second World War, 1939–1945
3. The Cold War Deterrent Force: 1946–1991
4. Unification: Maintaining Canadian Sovereignty
5. Expeditionary Operations
6. Search and Rescue and Humanitarian Operations
7. The RCAF Today and Tomorrow
8. Reflecting on the Impact of the RCAF: Canada and the World

Appendices
1. List of RCAF Commanders and Command Chiefs
2. RCAF Victoria Cross Recipients
3. List of Aircraft (Current and Historical)
4. RCAF Organization and Ceremonies
5. Timeline of the RCAF
Bibliography
Photo Credits
Index

What People are Saying About This

Honorary Colonel Kendra Kincade

"This comprehensive retrospective on the storied 100-year history of the RCAF is an outstanding resource for the amateur and enthusiast alike. Most importantly, Pathway to the Stars serves as an exceptional resource for young Canadians and educators, offering a glimpse into the past and future of this essential Canadian institution."

General Paul David Manson

"Pathway to the Stars is a treasure-house of history, stories, photos, biographical sketches, facts, and recollections of a great Canadian institution, the Royal Canadian Air Force. An excellent contribution to the RCAF's centenary celebrations, readers will find it hard to put this book down."

Kevin Newman

"Detailing the earliest days of Canadian military flight, Pathway to the Stars celebrates the bravery of pioneers who set the standard for 100 years. From the tentative early years to a future with stealth and more, the proud tradition of the RCAF soars in this anniversary celebration."

Editorial Reviews

“[Pathway to the Stars] is a splendid new book … Over 250 pages, it is lavishly illustrated with photographs and covers the story of the RCAF from its origins to its future.”—John Chalmers, Canadian Aviation Historical Society
“Pathway to the Stars is a must for anyone interested in the story of Canadian aviation and the proud military accomplishments of the RCAF.”—Kenneth Favrholdt, The British Columbia Review

"Detailing the earliest days of Canadian military flight, Pathway to the Stars celebrates the bravery of pioneers who set the standard for 100 years. From the tentative early years to a future with stealth and more, the proud tradition of the RCAF soars in this anniversary celebration."

—Kevin Newman, Journalist

" Pathway to the Stars is a treasure-house of history, stories, photos, biographical sketches, facts, and recollections of a great Canadian institution, the Royal Canadian Air Force. An excellent contribution to the RCAF’s centenary celebrations, readers will find it hard to put this book down."

—General Paul David Manson, OC, CMM, CD (Ret’d)

"This comprehensive retrospective on the storied 100-year history of the RCAF is an outstanding resource for the amateur and enthusiast alike. Most importantly, Pathway to the Stars serves as an exceptional resource for young Canadians and educators, offering a glimpse into the past and future of this essential Canadian institution."

—Honorary Colonel Kendra Kincade, 417 Combat Support Squadron

From the Publisher

“[Pathway to the Stars] is a splendid new book ... Over 250 pages, it is lavishly illustrated with photographs and covers the story of the RCAF from its origins to its future.”

Canadian Aviation Historical Society - John Chalmers