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Yukon Celebrating a Century of Aviation

Wednesday, 5 August 2020 10:30

The deep hum, almost before we could realize it, was standing directly above our heads. And then, the great dragonfly as if in joyous exaltation of having caused so much excitement among the earthbound mortals, gracefully circled about as if to show its wonderful capabilities and mastery of the air.

The Yukon aviation community is coming together on August 16th to mark 100 Years of Yukon Aviation. Yukon aviators will take to the sky and tip their wings at approximately 1300 hours. This anniversary also marks the Erik Nielsen International Airport’s 100th birthday.

“As a Canadian Air Force veteran and commercial pilot, my father always felt that aviation would play a key role in the betterment of the Yukon Territory and all those who live here,” said Erick Nielsen. “He would be very proud to see where we are today!”

Flight was miraculous to 1920s Yukoners compared to today where aviation is woven into the very fabric of our daily lives. Case in point: a journalist in Dawson City described the August 1920 arrival of the Black Wolf Squadron, Yukon’s first aviation experience:

“The deep hum, almost before we could realize it, was standing directly above our heads. And then, the great dragonfly as if in joyous exaltation of having caused so much excitement among the earthbound mortals, gracefully circled about as if to show its wonderful capabilities and mastery of the air.”

On August 16th, everyone is invited to look to the sky from a variety of suggested public viewing areas: recognize your fellow Yukoners as they mark the close of the first century of Yukon Aviation. The 100 Years of Aviation group are pleased to share our informational resources and planned events for August 16, 2020. We invite you to profile the pilots, passengers, support crews and investors who have created the reliable, safe and affordable winged transportation that we know as we lead up to this important anniversary.

Joe Sparling, Air North President and CEO said in a statement, “Air North, Yukon’s Airline is proud to be part of the celebration of 100 Years of Yukon Aviation. Our territory has come a long way since the Black Wolf Squadron arrived here in 1920 and aviation has played a big part in our growth. Yukon Aviation companies provide safe and affordable transportation within the Yukon and between Yukon and southern gateways. They help our resource and tourism sectors to grow and they make the Yukon a better place to live and work.”

Janna Swales, Yukon Transportation Museum’s Executive Director notes, “Our anniversary plans have been reformed and reborn due to the pandemic and its resulting impact on our tourism and aviation industries. Join us by profiling this exciting history, wearing ‘100 Years of Yukon Aviation' pin and celebrating our aviation community on August 16th at one of the suggested viewing areas or via the live-stream. Please be COVID safe and keep at least one vintage Cessna propeller distance from one another."

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