Richardson was the moving spirit behind the biggest flying organization in Canada at the time.  His vision to use aviation to open up the North prompted his formation of Western Canada Airways in 1926.  A passionate patriot, he formed Canadian Airways in 1930 to prevent the Americans from gaining control of Canada's airways.  He began laying the foundation for a national network and routes "around the world and over the top".  Canada was poised to take the lead in international airway development, when government foolishly clipped Canadian Airways' wings and jeopardized Canada's airway and economic development.

Ordering Info:  ISBN 1550547224.  Hardcover book.  352 pages.  Cost $ 35.

About the author:  Shirley was recently a Member of the Manitoba Legislature, Minister of Consumer & Corporate Affairs. In her "other" life, she is an aviation historian, author of No Place for a Lady, The Story of Canadian Women Pilots, 1928-1992, former President of the Western Canada Aviation Museum, a member of the 99s, EAA, RAA, COPA and a Director of Canada’s Aviation Hall of Fame Board of Directors, a patron of the Bushplane Heritage Centre in Sault Ste Marie and flies a 1948 Luscombe.

This book reveals a part of Canada's forgotten or unknown aviation past, and is a valuable addition to any aviation-enthusiast's library.