Air Force Museum of Alberta

Dr. Wendy Clay

Dr. Wendy Clay, a doctor, qualified for her pilot's wings in 1974, six years before the pilot classification is opened to all women.

Dr. Wendy Clay

Dr. Wendy Clay, a doctor, qualified for her pilot's wings in 1974, six years before the pilot classification is opened to all women.

Dr. Wendy Clay

She became the first woman to receive training as a Canadian Forces flight surgeon and subsequently became base surgeon at Canadian Forces Base Moose Jaw, Sask., where she completed basic flight training. She was raised on Canada's west coast and earned her medical degree in 1967 through the Medical Officer training Plan of the Canadian Armed Forces. Her military career is a long line of achievements.

She was the first female officer cadet in the Royal Canadian Navy and the first medical officer in the Canadian Armed Forces. She was also the first Canadian woman to receive her degree in aviation medicine. She was the first Canadian woman to graduate from the military's basic pilot training in 1972 and the first female to earn her military wings (non operational) in 1974. She retired from her successful military career as Major- General in 1998.

Born: 27 Sept 1942, Fort St. John, BC
Awards: CMM, OStJ, CD, QHP, MD, MHSc, PhD

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