The following review of Aviation in Canada: the Pioneer Decades appeared in the January 2010 issue of the Royal Aeronautical Society's publication The Aerospace Professional.

Read on for a great review of Aviation in Canada: The Formative Years that appears in the January, 2010, issue of Aviation News!

If Aviation in Canada: The Pioneer Decades is "a rather curious book", as Aeroplane Monthly "reviewer" Philip Jarrett proclaims in AM December 2009, his own effort certainly amounts to "a rather curious book review".

To begin, PJ boils down the entire book to being nothing more than "a vehicle" (yuk) for my views "on pioneer priorities", apparently an attack on the Wright brothers, and some bogus sort of case regarding Gustave Whitehead. His first claim is close enough, the others childish, especially as the Wright-Whitehead mention takes 1/2 of one page in a book of 176 pages. What gets into a fellow's head, one wonders! Right off the top, he's wandered away and is no longer a book reviewer. Just not a thing otherwise to fill in his day, I guess.

A "rather" stupid comment from PJ is that the entire book "leans heavily on the researches and writings of previous chroniclers". Hog wash. The record of CANAV Books is nothing if not about originality. It has published 30 titles, all of which have been praised since 1981 for (of all things, PJ) originality. Many of our titles were the first to cover their subjects: The Avro CF-100, The Canadair North Star, Woody:A Fighter Pilot's Album, The De Havilland Canada Story, Canada's Air Forces on Exchange, etc., so from whom would CANAV have been filching info regarding those books?

Meanwhile, one wonders where PJ obtained the information for his books The Colour Encyclopedia of Incredible Aeroplanes and Leading Edge Technology Since 1945. Guaranteed … 99% of his info was filched from "the researches and writings of previous chroniclers". Had to have been! So judge not, old boy, lest ye also be judged. (One hopes that PJ's filching rate was less for his biography of Percy Pilcher.)

It's the CANAV style to deal with new subject matter using original sources; or with well-known general topics giving fresh insights derived from solid sources not previously used in any book. Failing all else, for a very general book such as ACPD, the object is to provide accurate information in an enjoyable-to-read, good-looking format, making sure to credit sources as per the bibliography, photo credits, etc. The Royal Canadian Air Force at War 1939-1945 or Typhoon and Tempest: The Canadian Story are other typical such CANAV titles — old topics newly treated from start to finish. Being absolutely world-class books, each, naturally, was widely acclaimed internationally. Anyone familiar with the aviation press knows this. For PJ (who appears never before to have heard of CANAV or me) to make such a criticism is ignorant and suggests a lack of historical empathy. And how poor for a fellow to make blanket criticisms without giving clear, irrefutable examples. Talk about a lack of professionalism.

PJ also might consider that ACPD was created as an unpretentious, general, little Canadian aviation history. It's for the enjoyment of children, young adults and any ordinary grown-ups who have a simple curiosity about aviation history. How could a reviewer not see that from Page 1? Where in the Preface do I claim that this book is for the PJs of this world or his cronies, whom he alludes to as "hardcore" enthusiasts. PJ reviews a book considering himself "hardcore", so why did he chose an obviously non-hardcore book upon which to pour his sarcasm, bile and innuendo? Why not review Dick and Jane next? One also might wonder about how the editor at AM went along with this goofy "review", elevating it to "Book of the Month" status. Can you believe that! Surely there must have been some decent book to review for the edification of AM's first- class supporters? Why waste ink, Mr. Editor? It can't have been that slow a month, that some simple little book from the colonies required an air strike to liven things up.

PJ roars about ACPD including colour photos of airplanes he disapproves of, and of having insufficient treatment of Billy Bishop. Doesn't he know that all the Bishop books have been written? That controversy went on for 40 solid years, but it is dead and buried now. PJ/AM are the only ones in aviation who don't seem to realize this. Space in ACPD is much better used getting something new into print (such as some nice photos of the marvellous WWI flying replicas at the Great War Flying Museum).

Oh well, since 1981 CANAV has never had a negative book review from any of the world's great (or not so great) journals and magazines. Never until Aeroplane Monthly of December 2009. Meanwhile, ACPD has been beautifully reviewed across Canada and the world (by a bunch of nincompoops, PJ likely will say). AM, coming in about a year late, is the sole dissenter. Well, failing all else AM certainly now has book review "attack dog" status. Parting suggestion … before he gets into his next book, perhaps PJ might try a strong laxative. Might improve his disposition and the quality of reading material in that otherwise ace of a read — Aeroplane Monthly.

Check out this great new book in the Booklist.

Introducing ... Canadian Aircraft of WWII, By Carl Vincent

Here is Vol.1 of a new series from AviaDossier and you'll really be wanting this book.

At 72 pages, softcover, large format, Canadian Aircraft of WWII (AviaDossier I) features an eclectic selection of 19 RCAF WWII types from the Blackburn Shark to the Bolingbroke, Delta, Hudson, Kittyhawk, Lysander, Mustang, Stranraer and Sunderland. Each chapter is rich in photos, colour profiles and the written word. Modelers will especially appreciate this handsome production.

All this comes great material comes from the renowned Carl Vincent, the Canadian pioneer in publishing major aviation profiles — his 1970s era books on the Shark and Liberator/Flying Fortress in RCAF service, which have been sought-after collectors items for decades. Carl's publisher, Terry Higgins, has produced the beautifully complementary colour profiles.

Get your hands on this beauty and you'll be chaffing at the bit for Vol.2, whenever it appears. Specs: 72 pages, biblio, glossary, appendix & index. Regularly $29.95, CANAV's mailorder price (Canada only, others enquire by email): $25.00 + $9.00 post + GST = $35.70. You can order by PayPal -- just email us at larry@canavbooks.com and we'll make that happen for you via a PayPal invoice.

PayPal Option
Should you wish to order using PayPal, drop an email to Larry. We'll email back with a PayPal invoice showing the cost of your order, shipping included.

Here it is, the great new Chipmunk book. See it in New and Revived.

Four very important new books have been added under New & Revived ... have a look and you'll be impressed!

Introducing Aviation in Canada: The Formative Years and Re-Introducing The Great CANAV Book Launch!

It's been 5 books & 5 years since CANAV has had a book launch party. Time now to renew a good old tradition. Since we kicked off our CF-100 book at artist Pete Mossman's Toronto pad and CFB North Bay back in '81, we've welcomed many a book anywhere from Timmins to Ottawa and Dorval.

This time we'll be welcoming the aviation book of the year — Aviation in Canada: The Formative Years, Vol.2 of our Centennial of Flight series. If you're a fan, you'll sure have a good time if you can make it. Have a beer and some nibblies and see who's around.

Where? A good spot -- Royal Canadian Legion Branch 527 (tel. 416-633-0345). Easy to get there: 948 Sheppard Ave. W., north side of Sheppard a stone's throw east of Allen Rd. opposite Toronto Fire Stn.143. You'll see a sign pointing you up the lane to the Legion. Public transit? Branch 527 is a short walk east from the Downsview subway station.

When? Thursday August 13 from 2:00 to 8:00, so drop by, kick a few book tires and check out the aviation crowd. Feel free to double check the arrangements on the blog, lest there be any last-second news.

CANAV Books
416-698-7559
larry@canavbooks.com

Attention Avro fans: Marc-Andre Valiquette has just released his new book "Destruction of a Dream: The Tragedy of Avro Canada and the CF-105 Arrow".

This is Vol.1 of a 3-part series and you'll notice right away what a very good job Marc-Andre has done. First of all, this 96-page, large format soft cover is extremely attractive. Nice lay-out and a top-notch production job. You'll find many new photos and new takes re. the well-worn Avro Canada story. Marc-Andre starts in National Steel Car days in 1938. So you'll see something about Lysanders and Ansons, then Lancasters. A nice Jetliner section follows, then lots about the CF-100 and into the Arrow era. Various stillborn projects also are covered, including the CF-103. You'll read about CF-100 topics that I never even heard of while researching my own CF-100 book 30+ years ago, e.g. a photo of a CF-100 carrying a Genie rocket (which later armed the F-89 and F-101). This is really a decent effort all 'round and is even in both official languages for your edification (this in no way detracts from the book's appearance, so not to worry). On top of all this, the book is only $20.00! So order today from CANAV. Send your cheque for $20.00 + $10.00 for Canada Post + GST for a total of $31.50 (CANAV Books, 51 Balsam Ave., Toronto ON M4E 3B6). If you follow Canada's great aviation heritage, let alone the Avro saga, you'll be happy you did this for yourself. Have fun!

Larry Milberry, publisher

Aviation in Canada: The Formative Years

Following right behind Volume 1 Aviation in Canada: The Pioneer Decades, CANAV is excited to introduce you to Volume 2 – Aviation in Canada: The Formative Years. Here is another "must have" book for any sincere fan of Canada's great aviation heritage. Make sure you have a copy of each of these incomparable books to enjoy in the years ahead! And don't buy into all the babble about the book being dead … you'll know that civilization is on the brink when the anti-book internet yahoos win you over with that bolony! Start up or add to your personal aviation library just to stick it in their corporate face.

So what's with Formative Years? This lovely assemblage of paper, ink and glue picks up where Pioneer Decades finishes: 1918 — the end of WWI. No sooner are Canada's wartime airmen back home than they start carving out niches in the peacetime aviation environment. You'll read how they start by barnstorming in war surplus JN-4s and how, when planes start crashing, Ottawa gets wise to the need for air regulations.

Chapter 1 features the exciting 1919 New York – Toronto air race, organized to get Canada - US aviation interests moving. More than 50 wartime planes take part, flown by such huge figures as W.G. Barker, VC. Chapter 2 is an overview of global developments, where Canadians needed to be informed. Ottawa watched events by the day, making very careful notes. The first aerial crossing of the Atlantic is made by the airship R.34, then the US Navy NC-4 stages through Halifax and Newfoundland on a successful Atlantic trip. Disastrous British attempts follow, two airmen are rescued at sea after being given up as lost, then Alcock and Brown complete their incredible flight from Newfoundland. The 2005 re-enactment of that great event, the first trans-Canada flight in 1920, and other important events are all covered.

Chapter 3 gets into the rise of commercial aviation, as the airplane finds more sophisticated roles. The first airliner visits Canada in 1921, then forestry becomes the catalyst for the rise of important Quebec and Ontario operations, especially Laurentide Air Service. The strange case of the Keng Wah flying school (training Chinese nationals in Saskatoon) is told. Further chapters detail the earliest plans for air service down the Mackenzie Valley and the famous Imperial Oil expedition to Fort Norman in 1921.

Chapter 6 deals with the famous 1926 McKee-Godfrey trans-Canada flight, the Red Lake gold rush, the rise of Western Canada Airways and other air carriers. War surplus planes give way to newer types, especially the revolutionary Fairchilds, Fokkers and Junkers. The first great Arctic expeditions are described in fresh detail, including the 1929 MacAlpine Expedition missing for weeks on the tundra, then rescued by air. Many key personalities and companies are covered as never before, using new data from log books and diaries. Typical are the biographies of such mammoth aviation figures as W.J. McDonough and J.P. Culliton, airmen about whom few so far have heard. A chapter is set aside for McDonough, whose archive recently surfaced after decades in the shadows – his career is described from WWI to postwar days on the US Air Mail, trail blazing in the Arabian desert, pioneering in UK civil aviation, air racing and, finally, making his mark over Canadian bush and tundra. Another chapter deals with the achievements of the Ontario Provincial Air Service so, if great flying boats like the HS-2L appeal to you, here's a chapter in which to revel.

Formative Years deals with every other facet of the rise of aviation in post- WWI Canada — the first airports, such great companies as Canadian Airways, General Airways, Mackenzie Air Service, Spence-McDonough and Wings Ltd., the impact of the Depression, the ups and downs of the air mail, all the famous aircraft including such giants of the day as the Ford Trimotor and Ju.52, and the ever-present dangers — harrowing crashes, strandings and rescues from James Bay to mountainous BC.

You have come to expect only the best from CANAV, and Formative Years maintains the standard. Besides its vast text with lists, maps, bibliography and index, the book is a vibrant gallery of 450 photographs — aircraft, people, incidents and places galore. Anyone with the remotest appreciation of Canada's astonishing past will revel in this unique Centennial of Flight publication. See the Booklist to order your copy of Formative Years … a real Centennial of Flight treat!

Now it's on to Aviation in Canada Volume 3 — The Royal Canadian Air Force 1924 - 1945. Earliest date for it looks like February-March 2010. If you have any interesting photos that might fit in for this CANAV project, please send them along. They'll be far better here and in circulation, than collecting dust and totally inaccessible in some museum or archive.

Larry Milberry, publisher
July 2009

Here is a recent editorial about Larry Milberry and CANAV Books, written by Nick J. Wolochatiuk. Nick, Larry and a few other Toronto area high school kids comprised a little clique of "aviation hounds" beginning back in the late 1950s. They hung out at the airports taking photos, making and comparing notes, scrounging plane rides and just having the greatest fun. Today, Nick is a freelance columnist based in Williamstown, Ontario. He's one of Canada's great aviation "characters", e.g. having flown in something like 300 different flying machines from homebuilts to blimps. He's a versatile photographer, a naturalist, canoeist, educator, you name it! His column, which is so good that it needs to be syndicated one of these days, appears regularly at cornwallseawaynews.com. Have a look!

On December 5, 2008 Peter Anthony Holder of CJAD Montreal interviewed Larry Milberry about Aviation in Canada: The Pioneer Decades. If you've got about 20 minutes, tune in and get some of the gen about aviation book publishing in Canada.

The Book Review Biz

In years long gone "Aviation Literature" was a recognized publishing category, and book reviewers always were keen to get their hands on the next new title. These old pros knew their stuff, such writers as Ron Lowman at the Toronto Star, Ken Orr at the Edmonton Journal, Fred Cleverley at the Winnipeg Free Press, Dave McIntosh at the Ottawa Citizen, and Mike Filey at the Toronto Sun. Then there were our skilled aviation editors -- such masters as Robert Halford of the Canadian Aircraft Operator, Bill Wheeler of the Canadian Aviation Historical Society Journal, Doug Stubbing at the RCAF Association and freelancer David Godfrey. As reviewers, they would dissect any book, giving the reader the solid "inside gen".

By now most such knowledgeable people have retired or passed on, and there's little interest in "aviation literature". Matter of fact, the very term, if used, can bring an ignorant sneer from today's know-nothings.

Today's big names on the newspaper book review pages (if a paper even has such any more) wouldn't even know about such a genre. These are the folks who get all excited about Celine Dion's biography or Jane Fonda's latest sexersize book, not over Canada's Centennial of Flight -- guaranteed. Pretty well the most an aviation publisher can get these days from a daily is a few lines that, if one is lucky, are lifted verbatim from the flap copy.

All this is too bad, but indicative of how the love for and knowledge of good Canadian history is fading. For this there is no complicated explanation: think "dumbing down" and you've got it. And what could be dumber than carting your book collection down to the curb on recycling day, then going back inside to play a video game. Think it doesn't happen?

Lamentable as this is to an author or publisher, there still is hope. While Canada's aviation trade magazines consider books out of fashion, and like to explain how book reviews don't help sell subscriptions (how dumb is that!) or how "nobody reads books any more", one still usually can count on a review from the Air Force Association's Air Force Magazine, and the Canadian Owners and Pilots Association COPA Flight monthly paper. Both recently have covered our new title, Aviation in Canada: The Pioneer Decades. Now all we need is for readers to drag themselves away from their computer screens and settle down for a pleasant time with a lovely book! Well ... why not go nuts and give it whirl!

In its Fall 2008 issue, AFM describes ACPD as "a treasure for anyone with an interest in Canada's wonderful heritage in the air", then adds: "The wartime chapters deliver in-depth coverage of the rapid advances engendered by world conflict at the dawn of modern aviation."

Best known among Canada's aviation book reviewers in recent years has been Bob Merrick, a former CF-100/CF-101/RF-4 back-seater with a special interest in aviation history, especially books. Bob consistently turns out an excellent review, commenting not just about the obvious stuff, but even about book production qualities. And he doesn't wander "off message", rambling absurdly about what is not in a book, how such and such should have been included, how he spotted a typo, and such drivel. He sticks to his job of professional analyst.

In COPA Flight for January 2009, Bob has a go at ACPD, outlining the general contents, then spicing things up with such comments as, "The abundant black and white photographs on virtually every page are astonishing ... the colour gallery ... in itself is worth the price of the book. The spectacular pictures perfectly supplement the tight, well-written, heavily researched narrative ..." You can learn more about becoming a member of the Air Force Association and COPA by looking them up on the web at airforce.ca and copa@copanational.org.

Special CANAV 2009 offer. Order CANAV's acclaimed Leslie Corness and Wilf White propliner books (each normally $40) at the special combo price of $65.00 and receive a free copy of Henry Tenby's just released $17.95, 176 page Air-to-Air: Ultimate Airline Photography covering the world's great airliners from DC-3 to C-46, Bristol Freighter, C-97, CL-44, Constellation, Electra, DC-8, 747 and a host of others as surprising as the B-17 and Sunderland. Jump on this great opportunity to add to your aviation library or pick up three great books for the aviation fans on your gift list. All 3 books $65.00 A (outside Canada US$65.00 + 15% for shipping).

Attention U.S. and overseas customers. Due to the recent fall in the Canadian dollar, the shipping surcharge on your orders is now 15%. Please disregard the higher rates noted on any of CANAV's printed brochures.

CANAV’s 100th Anniversary Book Project ... Introducing Aviation in Canada: The Pioneer Decades by Larry Milberry (ISBN 978-0-0921122-19-0)

Aviation in Canada: The Pioneer Decades, Volume 1 of CANAV's 100th Anniversary tribute to Canadian aviation (1909-2009) will be off the press on October 31 and soon on its way to our subscribers and to booksellers in the know. This extra-special title will be a treasure for all with an interest in Canada's wonderful heritage in the air. This will be a book that you'll be spending a lot of time with and ... if you're in the aviation biz, a premier gift item when it comes to impressing the heck out of aviation-minded employees, customers, suppliers, retirees and other VIPs.

Aviation in Canada: The Pioneer Decades begins with ballooning in the 1840s, then proceeds to powered airplane flight culminating with the Silver Dart at Baddeck. All the efforts of Alexander Graham Bell and the Aerial Experiment Association are included, e.g. Baldwin's first powered flight at Hammondsport, NY in 1908, and McCurdy's historic flight at Baddeck in 1909. Then comes a flood of developments. Baldwin and McCurdy demonstrate their airplanes to the military at Camp Petawawa, other Canadians get "the flying bug", the first great aviation meets occur at Montreal and Toronto in 1910, then the airplane gradually makes its way to cities and towns all across Canada.

The wartime chapters (1914-18) deliver in-depth coverage of the rapid advances engendered by world conflict at the dawn of modern aviation. They also emphasize the carnage wrought in the air, and the raw heroism that became frighteningly "normal" (Canada's three iconic Victoria Cross airmen are testimony to this). Special emphases are given to the great Royal Flying Corps (Canada) air training plan of 1917-18, and to Canada's nascent aeronautical industry which, with exactly zero experience, would produce nearly 3000 airplanes for the war effort in less than 2 years.

The book features more than 100 WWI airmen, most of whom have remained in the shadows over the generations. Besides all the true heroics, the wartime chapters tell many a heartbreaking story -- this first great air war was not a pretty thing. Aspiring young pilots die while training at Camp Borden and Camp Mohawk, whole Zeppelin crews are sent plunging to certain doom by Canadians like Robert Leckie, bomber crews ditch hopelessly at night, and airmen leap without parachutes from flaming planes so they can have "clean" deaths.

Volume 1 ends with the return of peace. Squadrons disband, factories close and airmen go home to resume normal lives, at least as far as that is possible. The last few pages lay the groundwork for Volume 2 – the interwar years 1919-1939. Altogether, Volume 1 will knock you out with its written coverage (100,000+ words), then with its treasury of 300+ beautifully reproduced photos, many never before seen in any Canadian book.

This is a book for any aviation connoisseur or Canadiana buff. Who knows -- it may even influence one or two among "our dumbest generation" to take a moment away from their flight simulator games and chat lines.

Aviation in Canada: The Pioneer Decades is 176pp, hardcover, 9x12 inches. $50.00 + shipping and (Canada only) 5% GST. If you're familiar with CANAV's efforts over the past 27 years, you'll know what to expect -- no short cuts have been taken to bring you a magnificent historical treasure chest.

Submit your orders (see the booklist) with payment by cheque to CANAV Books, 51 Balsam Ave., Toronto M4E 3B6. Remind me if you want your books autographed.

Good reading to one and all!

Larry Milberry

Patrick Dean's superb new history of the ATL Carvair now is in print. CANAV highly recommends this very special publication, which will be treasured by all who follow the era of the propeller-driven airliner. See the order form for all the info. Good reading ... Larry Milberry, CANAV Books

For sale ... Technical publications:

Collection of 30 original TCA system and N.Am timetables, 1956-1958 editions. Very nice stuff for the airline collector. Good cond'n. Look on eBay ... $15 each and up! VG. Collection only $280.00 + shipping.

Air-Britain Digest The monthly journal of this world-class association. One of the highest-quality sources for in-depth research into a host of world-wide aviation topics. Every issue has loads of great reading for any reader – talk about action packed! This collection is from the 1960s into the 2000s, most years complete. About 40 kg of journals and certainly one of the few A-B Digest collections so complete and for sale at one source. Whole collection (good cond'n) only $500.00 + shipping.

Royal Air Force Flying Review 1958 all 12 issues unbound, good cond'n. $50.00 + shipping.

Royal Air Force Flying Review & Flying Review International These were the monthly journal in the 1950s-60s and here are several hardcover-bound volumes. Highly collectible for their massive info content and incomparably high quality: 1960-61, 1962-63, 1963-64, 1964-65, 1965-66, 1966-67. All in very good condition. Each $60.00 + shipping.

Air Pictorial library ... The great 1950s rival to RAF Flying Review. Here is a one-of-a-kind collection of "Air Pic" 1957 through 1989, 12 issues per annum, all in good condition, 1957 and 1958 bound. More than 25 kg of pure reading pleasure for the aviation fan and collector. Each year $40.00 A, entire library $1000.00 postpaid in Canada (USA and overseas enquire re. shipping cost).

Flying Magazine collector's find! These rare items are in good condition after all these years. Wonderful nostalgic American magazines that will put an added touch of class to your library (Flying was the US mag in those times). Famous for their spectacular cover photos/art, exciting news coverage and feature stories from around the world. 1949 12 of 12 issues, 1950 12/12, 1951 9/12, 1952 10/12. On eBay at $7-$10 each. This collection $220.00 + shipping.

Hawker Typhoon and Tempest Francis K. Mason's equally superb volume (very good cond'n) and the de facto companion for Thomas & Shores. 240pp, hc, lf, photos, lists, index. VG. $35.00 + shipping.

Spitfire:The History Morgan & Shacklady (1989 ed'n). The grandest history to date of the great fighter. Whatever questions you have are answered here. Nice cond'n! 634pp, hc, photos, c-profiles, dia, line art, complete prod'n list, app'x, index. GC. $55.00 + shipping.

Canadian Aircraft since 1909 Molson & Taylor (1982). Good cond'n. Renowned & indispensable source book covering everything about all Canadian projects to the 1980s. 530pp, photos, app'x, charts. VG. $125.00 + shipping.

CF-18 Hornet original air-to-air Kodachrome slides. All different as taken by Larry Milberry on various 1987-2003 photo missions. Take them as is. Sheet of 20 excellent slides $90.00 + shipping.

Contact larry@canavbooks.com

CANAV SPECIAL OFFER (Canada and USA only)

Here's a chance to add some real punch to your aviation library, or to pick up some major bargains for gift-giving.

Special #1 ... Order Air Transport in Canada (reg. $155.00) at the special rate of $130.00 and receive a free copy of De Havilland in Canada (reg. $45.00). Total cost (Canada) $130.00 + $12.50 shipping + 7.12 GST= $149.62. (USA $130.00 + $25.00 shipping = $155.00)

Special #2 ... Order Canada's Air Force at War and Peace (reg. $224.00). All 3 spectacular volumes (1000+ pages) at the special rate of $195.00 and receive a free copy of Fighter Squadron (reg. $75.00). Total cost (Canada) $195.00 + $12.50 shipping + $10.37 GST = $217.87 (USA $195.00 + $30.00 shipping = $225.00) ... See "Ordering" for payment info.

Here is a great review of Canada's Air Forces on Exchange that appeared recently in Combat Aircraft:

Canada's Air Forces of Exchange Errata

  p.7/col.2 read Victoria Cross
  p.45/col.2 for Atlanta read Atlantic City
  p.47/col.2 for Anchorage read Fairbanks
  p.54 for credit read Balogh
  p.66 in caption delete "it"
  p.195 James had no kills in Korea
  p.198 top caption for F-89D read F-89J (bigger tip tanks)

Don't miss this one! Former Snowbird Lead, Dan Dempsey, has revised his world-class book A Tradition of Excellence: Canada's Airshow Team Heritage. By far the grandest, most in-depth and magnificently-produced Canadian aviation book ever published, this is a treasure that deserves a place of honour in any aviation fan's library. Full coverage 1918 to 2007 of such great Canadian teams as the Siskins of 1930, the Blue Devils of 1950, such later teams as Gray Ghosts, Golden Hawks and Golden Centennaires, and today's Snowbirds. Many other teams fly across the pages of this astounding publication, whether Canadian or such visitors from abroad as the Red Arrows, Frecci Tricolori, Blue Angels or Thunderbirds. Airshow planes covered include everything from the WWI Fokker D.VII to the Siskin, Seafire, Harvard, Mustang, Vampire, Banshee, Sabre, T-33, CF-100, CF-101, CF-104, Tutor, Musketeer, CF-5, CF-18, Kiowa, even the Argus, Neptune, Tracker and Sea King! Many warbirds (Spitfire, Hurricane, Lancaster, etc.) and other civilian types also pop up as you turn the pages of this masterpiece. Stunning original paintings by the great Peter Mossman and other artists complement the photos, many of which are from the lenses of the world's top aviation photographers. With 1000s of photos and weighing 4 kg, you'll need a sturdy coffee table for this beauty, but you'll revel in every page. Publishing perfectionist that he is, author Dempsey has been sure to include a full appendix, bibliography and index. 766pp, hc, 9.5x12 in. $125.00 CANAV Price $110.00 + $8.50 shipping + GST. (USA US$135pp, Overseas US$165.00pp)

Slightly Used Treasures: An assortment of used books is now available here: Used Books

Grumman Mallard: The Enduring Classic

Reviewed by Robert Merrick in COPA Flight Magazine, Summer 2006

Many years ago, large flying boats seemed to promise an answer to the vexing problem of carrying thousands of passengers relatively quickly across the world's oceans. Many people in widely scattered areas worked on the problem. Among those visionaries was a man called Leroy Randle Grumman, who is today remembered as the man whose company built all those tank-like fighters for the United States Navy during WWII.

But, in his earlier days, Grumman developed amphibious flying boats. His vision didn't really extend to trans-oceanic travel for the masses, but he saw that amphibious flying boats had the potential to move small crowds of people from aerodrome A to Lake B, river C and on to aerodrome D. He worked with an outfit called Loening, whose specialty, judging from pictorial evidence, seemed to be, well, ugly float planes. Loening went the way of many companies in the Depression years and Grumman formed his own company specializing in ugly aeroplanes, one of them being the Duck, of which 645 were inflicted upon the world.

Even in the Depression years, there was a demand for amphibious aircraft that would carry eight to ten people in relative comfort to fishing camps, mine sites and many other exotic or developmental sites. Thus was born the Grumman Goose. Then, as now, there was an aversion to carrying extra seats around the sky, so could Grumman build something a little smaller? Grumman indeed could, and the Widgeon was born.

After the war, the United States Air Force took flight, and assumed responsibility for aviation search-and-rescue (SAR) in the U.S.A. An amphibian was thought to be the ideal SAR aircraft. Grumman was asked to build that, and thus, the SA-16 Albatross took flight. Some members of the business and "general aviation" communities expressed interest in the aircraft "if only it wasn't so big". Well, subtract a few bits here and a few bits there and what you have left over is bigger than a Goose and smaller than an Albatross -- the Grumman Mallard.

All of this, and much, much more is explained in fascinating detail by aviation authors Fred W. Hotson and Matthew E. Rodina, Jr. Hotson, you'll recall, earlier brought us the meticulously researched story of de Havilland in Canada. In an endearing little book called Grumman Mallard, Hotson and Rodina take us back to aviation's adolescence to describe a family of amphibians, many of which worked in Canada for years.

Their collaboration resulted in a fine account that, ahem, covers the waterfront frequented by a versatile aircraft that could be a luxury transport or a hard working trash hauler delivering cargo to some very difficult spots.

The history is thorough, but relatively easy to follow. Fifty-nine Mallards were built, and most of them went through several owners and numerous registrations during their years of service. This could have made for confusing reading, but in the text Hotson and Rodina adopted the practice of always referring to a specific aircraft by the manufacturer's serial number. Thus, the first one off the line is always referred to as J1, regardless of the registration it was wearing at a given time. It's a practice that speeds understanding and makes the reader's task easier.

The Mallard fleet has quite a history, and it is engagingly explained in this well-researched book that has many anecdotal accounts to offer. Hotson and Rodina talked to many Mallard pilots, got letters from many more, delved through piles of moldering records and came up with a book that will enchant many long-ago amphibian pilots and their descendants.

Is it a words-only book that relies solely on the written word to deliver it's message? No, it most emphatically is not. Starting with the front and back dust covers, the photography is marvellous and serves to remind us of the many magnificent destinations open to amphibians. And it's not just the stunning colour or B&W pictures. There are schematics, line drawings, maps and other illustrations to enhance the well-written text.

About a third of the Mallards produced, along with some of the Widgeons, "Geese" and "Albatri" served in Canada for varying lengths of time. Many of them did so on the west coast, where they built an enviable record while serving the many small communities that, in those days of steamships, were quite isolated.

This is not to imply that the steamship service was crummy, but when was the last time you saw a coastal steamer booting along at 150 knots? Aircraft, particularly amphibious aircraft, were a godsend for the people living in the small, remote communities.

The Mallard, Goose, Widgeon and the RCAF's Albatross could all be found on the west coast in the forties, fifties and sixties, delivering supplies, rushing people to medical care in larger centres, and making it possible for people to enjoy some of the "quality of life" that people associate with major centres.

But, aging aircraft, much like aging people have a tendency to gravitate to warmer climes, and so it is with amphibians. Such aircraft are just perfect for taking people from the southern U.S. mainland to the many islands that are scattered around that section of the continent, and there is a nice chunk of the book devoted to the characters and companies that make that happen.

There is one ominous cloud on the horizon, though. On December 19, 2005, one of the dwindling number of Mallards was taking off from the waters near Miami, Fla. A wing failed, the aircraft crashed and all aboard perished.

What will that mean for the remainder of the fleet? Will the proud record of reliable service end there? Or will someone come up with a fix that will allow these delightful workhorses to continue providing aerial transportation for those who live on remote islands, but still need to get back to "civilization" from time to time?

Hotson and Rodina have written a nostalgic book that gives us a look back at what some people believe was a kinder, gentler world where the pace was slower and there was time, for those so inclined, to take the time to "smell the roses." Often, those roses were in out-of-the-way places only accessible by amphibious aircraft, and Hotson and Rodina have given us a splendid written and photographic account of an era that they helped create. They've also included a nice index, a glossary and an appendix that briefly outlines the history of each Mallard. The book is a true keepsake that float pilots will be proud to have in their libraries.

The Wilf White Propliner Collection is CANAV's latest publication. Like The Leslie Corness Propliner Collection, this publication is a photo collection from the CANAV archives. See the Booklist for ordering information.

100th Anniversary Project

Coming up sooner than we think is 2009, the 100th anniversary of powered, heavier-than-air flight in Canada, and a year that will see the grandest celebrations yet of the nation's flying heritage. All this will revive memories of 1909 at Baddeck, Nova Scotia, then of 1959, when Canada got high on the 50th anniversary with such fabulous happenings as coast-to-coast shows by the RCAF Golden Hawks.

With this in mind, what could be a better time for CANAV Books to announce its own plans for "the 100th". CANAV will get several important titles out in the lead-up to 2009, but its biggest plans are to publish A Century of Flight: Aviation in Canada 1909 – 2009. This grand encyclopedia will be the finest, most complete single volume ever dedicated to the topic. Not since Frank Ellis' 1954 Canada's Flying Heritage of 1954 and my own 1979 Aviation in Canada will there have been anything comparable.

A Century of Flight will cover all the main themes with which you are familiar -- the rise of commercial aviation from the HS-2L to the "777", Canada at war in the air, the industry from Silver Dart to Global Express, flying for fun, corporate aviation, rotary flight, etc. There will be all the good history that you've enjoyed over the years, with masses of new, material -- a treasure of a book for the real aficionado. Our only problem will be keeping the project reigned in, so that it doesn't become another Air Transport in Canada! Nonetheless, expect the usual from CANAV with this one.

A Century of Flight is a bit of a chance for you readers to help directly with an important project. For one thing, if you have any dormant aviation photos, whether prints or slides, black-and-white or colour, please mail them along to me. Subject matter can be people, planes or places, ordinary stuff taken by old-timers decades ago, format can range from tiny b/w snapshots to colour slides, official company/air force 8x10s, more recent snapshots, whatever. Pre-WWII/pre-1960 photos are especially sought. Almost any sort of dusty old aviation documents (reports, maps, logs, etc.) also are of interest. Before mailing anything, do what you can to identify subjects by name, location, time-frame, but if you don't have a clue, send the pictures anyway.

So don't trash any old material -- it may help in building this project. You'd be amazed at how much material like this ends in the landfill every day, so invest in a few postage stamps and mail it to the "CANAV landfill" before its too late: Larry Milberry, CANAV Books, 51 Balsam Ave., Toronto, Canada M4E 3B6.

Please specify if you absolutely must have your material returned, since logistics will be a reality and CANAV still is a 1-man operation. Once A Century of Flight is published, I plan to place all such material in some appropriate Canadian archive or museum.

CANAV periodically will give you "howgozit" updates for this vast project, so tune in here once in a while.

Chugging Along ... The Exchange Postings Project

For about a decade I have been researching the topic of RCAF/CanForces exchange postings, an important topic that has never seriously been addressed. Having by now done about 200 interviews and gathered all the photos, my research is done.

Publishing the exchanges book has seemed "do-able" at times, but then the project gets delayed due to dollar realities. Books are expensive to produce, especially for a small publisher such as CANAV which avoids government grants in favour of publishing the old fashioned way -- hard work and faith in the book selling process. So far so good after 27 books.

Finally, the exchanges book seems near, although plans for something typically "CANAV" keep getting pared to a more modest production. Why so? Books, in general, also are getting harder to sell. Naturally, CANAV has a small core of loyal supporters who can't wait for the next book to roll off the bindery, but then there all the other "supporters", those who complain about some supposed paucity of good Canadian aviation publishing, then spout all the excuses for not buying a book or, even more pitiful, why they deserve a free book! Any and all of these fair-weather readers wouldn't miss the small change required to buy a book. Proudly, however, they give their reasons: "I get all my aviation knowledge off the web ... Books are too expensive ... I don't have any more room for even one more book ... My wife'll kill me if I show up with another book... I'm getting too old for books."

The last excuse is really a laugh. What! Too old to enjoy a lovely new book, to learn something new, to be amazed, even for just one last time? Failing all else, could these fellows not buy a book to donate to the local public or school library, thereby really doing something useful with their pocket change. God forbid, eh! (One of my favourite "loser" stories is about the flier - lets call him Homer - who once boasted to me, "I've never bought a book in my life, and I'm not going to spoil my perfect record now." Imagine making such a moronic boast!)

All the best!

Larry Milberry, publisher

News of the world! See John Wegg's new review of The Leslie Corness Propliner Collection in In The Press. See the Reader Reactions for other comments.

Today brings two updates:

• The Leslie Corness Propliner Collection has been added to the Publications page.
• There is a 441 Squadron Update on the Fighter Squadron page.

Thunderbirds for Peace and The Unknown Navy: Great new prices for these Canadiana gems. See the New and Revived section.

In 1982 Karl Hayes produced one of the most useful books in Canadian aviation history, De Havilland Canada DHC-3 Otter. Before long this 144-page treasure was out of print and people were vying for used copies. Now, Karl has re-released this amazing piece of in-depth research and it is now no less than 830 pages with 300 superb photos. Believe me, you need this mastrerpiece if you have the remotest interest in aviation history. And the great thing about it all is that the book is now on a handy CD-ROM. Order right away from: Karl E. Hayes, Crakaig, Killiney Hill Road, Killiney, Co. Dublin, Ireland. Enclose $28 (Cdn), postage covered. If necessary, contact the man himself.

There are two new entries under In The Press.

The first is the 1999 story, "In the Aftermath of Hurricane Mitch" by Larry Milberry from Aircraft Illustrated. This story features Canada's military Disaster Assistance Relief Team (DART) in action.

The second is a recent review of Fighter Squadron, which appeared in the January, 2005, issue of Combat Aircraft. (Anyone wishing to subscribe should contact subs@ianallanpub.co.uk or check out their web site.)

Reviews of Fighter Squadron have started coming in, and the first is now posted in the Press Section and also under the Publications entry.

There are a few corrections for Fighter Squadron.

The photos from the Toronto and Ottawa book launches, and the production at Friesens, now have captions.

Fighter Squadron: 441 Squadron from Hurricanes to Hornets

At Long Last - Launching the Book

Years in the making, CANAV's history of 441 Squadron finally made it off the press in July 2004. The job was done by Friesen Printers of Altona, Manitoba (photos), the book reaching CANAV on July 23. Two book launches quickly took place, the first on the 24th in Toronto (RCL Branch 527 Downsview), the second in Ottawa on the 27th (RCL Branch 593 Bells Corner).

At the Toronto launch (photos) the squadron was represented by wartime members Bob Hayes (125-Hurricanes) and Sid Bregman (441-Spitfires), and Hornet pilots Dave Burton and Kurt Saladana. The Sabre era was ably represented by John L. Den Ouden of 410 Sqn, while the Starfighter era was covered by Rae Simpson of 439 Sqn (441 where were you?). Otherwise, CANAV's usual crowd of book launch supporters, many with attendance records going back 20+ years, joined in on the fun.

For Ottawa (photos) a much bigger gang showed, including 441 COs Ross Betts, Bruce Burgess, Paul Manson and Marc Ouellet. Others from the Sabre and Starfighter eras attended, and Bob Hayes again showed. Here are a few souvenir photos from our launches.

CANAV Books Announces the 441 Squadron History Fighter Squadron Book Launch Party

On Saturday 24 July Larry will be kicking off the book in Toronto at the Royal Canadian Legion branch in Downsview from 1500 to 2100. The branch (tel. 416-633-0345) is easy to find. From the intersection of Allan Road and Sheppard Ave. W. at Downsview airport one need only go east on Sheppard a stone's throw to the fire hall, then turn north on a cul-de-sac. The Legion is at the top of that street.

On Tuesday 27 July it's the same skit in Ottawa. We'll be at the Bell's Corners Legion. Take the Richmond Rd. exit off the Queensway. The branch is at 4026 Richmond Rd. (tel. 613-829-4609). Same hours 1500 to 2100.

Last night Larry was inducted into Canada's Aviation Hall of Fame. Check out the Hall of Fame.