Air Force Museum of Alberta

13 Wilfred Brintnell

Wilfred Brintnell

"The dedication of his exceptional skills as both airman and operations manager during the inception of this nation's commercial flight operations and airmail services, his pioneer flights across unmapped territories and his self-set standards for perfection that fostered the highest operational standards within those under his command, have been of outstanding benefit to Canadian aviation.”

Wilfred Brintnell

"The dedication of his exceptional skills as both airman and operations manager during the inception of this nation's commercial flight operations and airmail services, his pioneer flights across unmapped territories and his self-set standards for perfection that fostered the highest operational standards within those under his command, have been of outstanding benefit to Canadian aviation.”

Wilfred Brintnell

Wilfred Leigh Brintnell joined the Royal Flying Corps in Canada in 1917. The following year he was posted to instructional duties at the RAF's Central Flying School, Upavon, England. In 1927, Brintnell began working for Western Canada Airways and the next year piloted the first multi-engine flight from Winnipeg, Manitoba to Vancouver, British Columbia and return.

Brintnell was also the first pilot to circle Great Bear Lake by air and completed the first over the mountains flight, from Aklavik, Northwest Territories to Dawson City, Yukon Territory. During the Second World War, Brintnell became the manager of Aircraft Repair Limited in Edmonton, Alberta which was given the task of repairing and maintaining military aircraft.

Born: 27 Aug 1895, Belleville, ON
Died: 22 Jan 1971
Awards: OBE

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