Gordon Cooper, alumni of Royal Canadian Air Cadets No. 43 Squadron, North Battleford, was chosen to fly one of five First World War bi-plane replicas over Vimy Ridge on April 9.
His 13-year-old daughter, a member of a Toronto squadron, was with him.
Cooper achieved his glider pilot licence while with No. 43 squadron. In Manitoba he qualified for his fixed-wing licence.
Cooper joined the military and flew many different aircraft with different squadrons. He ended his military career on the F18 Hornet where he earned the coveted "Top Gun" award.
He is now a senior captain with Air Canada on the fully computerized 787 on trans-Atlantic flights to China, Tel Aviv and other destinations.
“It all started with No. 43 squadron, which has helped many young people over the years achieve their goals in life,” Cooper’s mother Shirley says.
“The many people who give of their time and expertise, those who support with donations and in any manner of ways over the years can be so proud of their efforts and results.”
