Canadian Xpress® Royal Canadian Air Force Tribute Tour
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The Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF) is a part of the
Department of National Defence and the Canadian Armed Forces. It defends and protects Canadian and North American airspace in partnership with the United States. The RCAF also contributes to international peace and security. The RCAF is one of three environmental commands within the unified
Canadian Armed Forces.
The Royal Canadian Air Force is responsible for all aircraft operations of the Canadian Forces, enforcing the security of Canada's airspace and providing aircraft to support the missions of the
Royal Canadian Navy
and the
Canadian Army. The RCAF is a partner with the
United States Air Force
in protecting continental airspace under the
North American Aerospace Defence Command (NORAD). The RCAF also provides all primary air resources to and is responsible for the
National Search and Rescue Program.
The RCAF traces its history to the
Canadian Air Force, which was formed in 1920. The Canadian Air Force was granted royal sanction in 1924 by King George V to form the Royal Canadian Air Force. In 1968, the RCAF was amalgamated with the
Royal Canadian Navy
and the
Canadian Army, as part of the
unification of the Canadian Forces. Air units were split between several different commands:
Air Defence Command (ADC; interceptors)
Air Transport Command (ATC; airlift, search and rescue)
Mobile Command (tactical fighters, helicopters)
Maritime Command (anti-submarine warfare, maritime patrol)
Training Command (TC)
In 1975, some commands were dissolved (ADC, ATC, TC), and all air units were placed under a new environmental command called simply Air Command (AIRCOM; French: Commandement aérien). Air Command reverted to its historic name of "Royal Canadian Air Force" in August 2011.
The Royal Canadian Air Force has served in the
Second World War, the
Korean War, the
Persian Gulf War, as well as several
United Nations
peacekeeping missions and
NATO
operations. As a NATO member, the force maintained a presence in Europe during the second half of the 20th century.
The Canadian Xpress® Royal Canadian Air Force Tribute Tour consists of 23 legs and covers 8,240 nautical miles that must be flown in order. Starting at the most northern airport of Canada, Alert(CYLT), you will work your way towards the west coast first, then travel eastbound all the way to Newfoundland, before completing the tour in Ottawa, home of the National Defence Headquarters (NDHQ).
All Canadian Xpress® pilots that successfully complete the tour will receive 25 bonus hours as well as the Canadian Xpress® Royal Canadian Air Force Tribute Tour Award that will appear in their Pilot Details section of the Pilot Roster. To view the current statistics for the Canadian Xpress® Royal Canadian Air Force Tribute Tour Award, click the Statistics link that is available via the Operations menu.
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