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“National Monuments Plaque to be dedicated”
May 18, 2010 - The Alberta Aviation Museum and the Edmonton Aviation Heritage Society are proud to be hosting a National Monuments Plaque being dedicated to George William “Grant” McConachie, Bush Pilot, Pioneer and Visionary.

DATE: May 20th
TIME: 10:00am
LOCATION: Alberta Aviation Museum
11410-Kingsway
Edmonton, AB.

“It is an honour for our facility to become home for this National Plaque dedicated a truly great Canadian, Albertan and Edmontonian”, says Executive Director Tom Hinderks.

As a Bush Pilot in the early 1930’s, McConachie’s heroic exploits and rescues became legendary; pioneering scheduled service from Edmonton to the North in the late 30’s brought regular transportation to isolated areas often cut-off from services. In the 40’s and 50’s, his vision sold the airlines on the over-the-pole routes, shortening flight durations and for a time made Edmonton “Cross Roads of the World”. Even today those same routes pass over Edmonton connecting North America to Asia and Europe.

This National Monuments Plaque recognizes someone that changed his home, his country and the world by changing the way we travel.

The ceremony will begin at 10:00 AM sharp, with Member of Parliament Laurie Hawn making the announcement on behalf of Canada’s Environment Minister and Minister responsible for Parks Canada, the Honourable Jim Prentice.

A short coffee and light snack to follow, next to the Barkely Grow Twin engine airliner, an aircraft once owned by Grant McConachie.

Visuals will be outstanding as the event is being hosted in front of the Noordynn Norseman Bushplane, similar to the types flown in McConachie’s early career.

Tom H

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Alberta Aviation Museum
Edmonton Aviation Heritage Society