History Of The Namao Flying Club

Canadian Flying Clubs

Civilian Flight Training in Canada has a long-standing history with the Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF) & The Department of National Defence (DND). In 1927, in an effort to grow Canadian Aviation, the Federal Government passed an “Order In Council” to encourage the creation of Flying Clubs across the country. The RCAF loaned each certified school two light aircraft and $100 for each AB Initio Student. The flying clubs became a hub for aviation activity, with many of the members pursuing careers in civil or military aviation. In the early 1940s, the Department of National Defence asked the flying clubs to form civilian companies to rapidly develop and manage Canada’s wartime Elementary Flying Training Schools (EFTS) as part of the British Commonwealth Air Training Plan (BCATP). The staff of the schools were not members of the Royal Canadian Air Force, but were civilians hired under contract by the individual schools.

The Namao Flying Club

1970’s - 1990’s — CYED / Canadian Forces Base Edmonton / RCAF Station Namao

The Namao Flying Club (NFC) was formed at Canadian Forces Base Edmonton as an RCAF Military Recreational Club as part of CFAO-50-20. For liability purposes, these clubs were registered by Armed Forces Members as “Independent Entities” under the Corporations Act. NFC received its certificate of incorporation on May 12th, 1972, though mentions of the club can be found in older documentation.

“recreation programs are organized for military personnel and, where practical, for their dependants and for civilians residing in quarters on the base or unit”

The club started with two Cessna 150 aircraft (C-FTKK & C-GWHE) operating mainly on evenings & weekends. The aircraft had permanent PPR numbers to allow them to operate out of the base. Maintenance was performed under a "Nose Dock" with help from the members. In addition to serving Armed Forces members, the club increased aircraft movement statistics, helping prolong the transfer of the base. Mr. Brian Robertson was the Chief Flight Instructor.

Maj. Culver, Weldon, Gordon (Don), an Instructor & Director at the flying club, was instrumental to the club’s growth & success. During these early days, Don’s wife, Anne Gordon, would help the club with its administrative duties, while their AME son, Bob Gordon, would help with maintenance duties. Don earned his wings on the North American Harvard T-6 & went on to fly the C-130 Hercules at CFB Edmonton. Don was awarded the Order of Military Merit (OMM), the second-highest order administered by the Governor in Council.

Early 1990’s — CYXD / Edmonton City Centre

In the early 1990’s, federal budget cuts forced the command of the air station to be transferred to Land Force Command. The Namao Flying Club moved its operation to the City Centre Airport / CYXD where it shared a hangar with Time Air / Canadian Regional Airlines.

Gordon Welsby was another prominent figure in the club’s history. Gord earned his wings in 1957 at RCAF Station Moose Jaw & went on to fly the F-104 Starfighter, T-33 Shooting Star & CF-101 Voodoo. Gord acquired over 19,000 flight hours throughout his career. After retirement, Gord volunteered his time as NFC’s Chief Flight Instructor (CFI), where he remained until the late 1990’s. Gord helped transform the club into the Flight Training Unit it is today.

Normand Comeau was a successful business owner who took flying lessons at the club. In the early 90’s, Norm was asked to volunteer as the club’s President for a year. Norm went on to serve as President for over 21 years, where he helped steer operational decisions & expand the fleet. The fleet was upgraded to Cessna 172’s in 1995 with the acquisition of C-GVAY, followed by C-GVFW in 1998 & C-GJJL in 2004.

Late 1990’s / 2000’s — CZVL / Villeneuve

In the late 1990’s, NFC relocated to CZVL / Villeneuve Airport, where it remains today. Robert Smits (Bob) took over as CFI, helping deliver safe & affordable flight training until his retirement in 2018. Today, the Namao Flying Club continues to serve its members & students as a registered Not-For-Profit under the CNC Act, a certified Flight Training Unit (FTU) & a licensed Vocational School providing Post Secondary Flight Training in Alberta.

“Today Canada is facing a critical shortage of pilots – industry experts estimate a shortfall of 6,000 professional pilots by 2040. Flying clubs will continue to play a critical role in helping to address this shortfall, building upon the experience and knowledge gained since the clubs graduated their initial classes of novice pilots back in 1928” - Alberta Aviation Museum