Canada’s Aviation Hall of Fame Inspiring
2024 Induction Ceremony

by Gord McNulty
Photos by Gus and Clara Corujo
posted November 2024
Six leaders in Canadian aviation and aerospace were honoured as Canada’s Aviation Hall of Fame (CAHF) held an impressive 2024 Induction Ceremony on September 14.
 
The prestigious event, at the Sheraton Toronto Airport Hotel and Conference Centre, showcased the significant contributions of the inductees to the rich history and excellence of Canadian aviation.
Jean Menard
John McKenna
Attendees enjoyed a warm reception and networking among the aviation community. John McKenna, Chair of the National Board of Directors for CAHF, delivered the opening remarks. Jean Menard, Master of Ceremonies, introduced the new CAHF members:
JN Armstrong
John Binder
Mary Cameron-Kelly
Laura Money
Roberta Lau
J. Neil Garfield Armstrong, for his contributions to the intersection of critical care and flight; John Binder, for his contributions to aviation business and maintenance, spanning more than five decades; Mary-Cameron Kelly, in recognition of her pioneering work as a female aviator - a trailblazing pilot with 8,600-plus CP-140 Aurora hours and 42 years of military service; Ken Money, for his work as an astronaut and scientist which significantly advanced both aerospace medicine and Canada’s space program; and Robert and Tommy Wong for their perseverance and business acumen in promoting and building early aviation in Canada.
 
Laura Money, daughter of Ken Money (1935-2023), accepted the Belt of Orion Award on behalf of her father. Roberta Lau, daughter of Robert Wong, accepted on behalf of Robert and Tommy Wong, the first Asian Canadians to be inducted into CAHF.
Evelyn Wong
Ready to Fly is an inspiring true story that will dare young readers to test their limits and set their eyes beyond the horizon.
Another highlight came when Evelyn Sue Wong, Roberta’s sister, took to the stage and described her new book, Ready to Fly: The Incredible First Flight of Robert Shun Wong. Beautifully illustrated by artist Sarah Ang, and written for young readers, the book details the story of how Robert and Tommy Wong built a Pietenpol Sky Scout, CF-BAA, in 1935-1936 as teenagers in Vancouver.
 
The September 2023 issue of the newsletter outlined the remarkable discovery of CF-BAA in Saskatoon after more than 30 years in storage at Saskatoon and plans to restore it by vintage aircraft enthusiast Cam Harrod of the Guelph Tiger Boys.  This amazing story continues, as CTV News Toronto sent a videographer to Guelph to produce a report on CF-BAA which nicely coincided with the Induction Ceremony.
 
Special thanks are due for Roberta and Evelyn, who generously donated tickets to the ceremony to a large number of extended family and friends, including my wife Angie and I.  Evelyn sold numerous copies of Ready to Fly and generously donated proceeds to CAHF. 
Roddy Mackenzie
Keynote speaker, Roddy Mackenzie of West Vancouver, gave an overview of Bomber Command during the Second World War.  His father’s service in Bomber Command inspired Roddy to write a new book Bomber Command: Churchill’s Greatest Triumph, published in 2023.
 
A memorable evening ended with heartfelt congratulations to all the 2024 inductees. The CAHS joins in the accolades for high achievers who represent the best in Canadian aviation.
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