Canadian Xpress® logoCanadian Xpress Virtual Airline®
Pilot ID: Password:
Skip Navigation Links
Home
|Skip Navigation Links
Join Us
|Skip Navigation Links
Pilots
|Skip Navigation Links
Events
|Skip Navigation Links
Fleet
|Skip Navigation Links
Operations
|Skip Navigation Links
Training
|Skip Navigation Links
Downloads
|Skip Navigation Links
Pilot's Forum
|Skip Navigation Links
Help
|Skip Navigation Links
Donate
Canadian Xpress® Royal Canadian Air Force Tribute Tour


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.
Please login to view this content!


Canadian Xpress® is a Trademark of Canadian Xpress Virtual Airline®.
All content on this web site may not be shared, copied, reproduced or used
in any way without prior written consent of Canadian Xpress Virtual Airline®.
© Copyright 2009-2025 Canadian Xpress Virtual Airline® All Rights reserved.