"His application of outstanding skills and dedicated perseverance, in those demanding areas of flight he chose to conquer, despite adversity, have resulted in outstanding benefit to Canadian aviation.”
John Reilly
"His application of outstanding skills and dedicated perseverance, in those demanding areas of flight he chose to conquer, despite adversity, have resulted in outstanding benefit to Canadian aviation.”
John Hardisty “Jack” Reilly grew up on an airport running errands and refueling planes for many members since named to the Hall of Fame. He joined the RCAF in 1940 and was promoted to the captaincy of Coastal Command flying boats carrying out anti-submarine duties on Canada's west coast and in the European Theatre of Operations.
Before retiring from the service as Flight Lieutenant in 1946, he completed the most advanced military instructor's course available, the senior administration course, earned his navigator's certificate and the most senior military pilot's license. Later on, aircraft under his control blazed new frontiers in Canada's north, often without the benefits of radio communication or navigational aids and during extended periods of darkness.
