"Her firm dedication to aviation from youth, her ability to impart knowledge and encouragement to students and her determination to succeed, have all been of benefit to Canadian aviation.”
Marion Orr
"Her firm dedication to aviation from youth, her ability to impart knowledge and encouragement to students and her determination to succeed, have all been of benefit to Canadian aviation.”
Marion Alice Orr began her flying career with the Air Transport Auxiliary where she ferried military single and twin-engine aircraft within the British Isles. After the war, she became a pioneer in women's aviation as she performed many 'firsts'. During her career as an aviator, she became the first woman to operate the St. Catherines Flying Club and Aero Activities Limited, both in Ontario.
Orr was also the first woman to fly and instruct with helicopters and later became the first woman to participate in bush flying. Back problems shortened her career, but she still amassed over 21,000 hours as a pilot. Amazingly, over 17,000 of these hours were in the role of instructor on single and twin engine aircraft, on wheels, skis and floats, and in helicopters.
Born: 25 June 1918, Toronto, ON Died: 4 Apr 1995 Awards: CM