For Immediate Release

Contact Ian Macaulay 250.744.7931

A Tradition of Excellence
Canada’s Airshow Team Heritage – A Call to Action

A Tradition of Excellence – Canada’s Airshow Team Heritage is a story of pride, professionalism and perseverance – a true reflection of the Canadian aviation spirit which helped build a nation. A ‘must have’ for anyone who has thrilled to Canada’s Snowbirds in flight, A Tradition of Excellence is also a call to action to ensure that this cherished national symbol will continue to live on.

Notes to Editors & Producers at the end of this release:

Reviews:

“The quality of Dempsey’s book lives up to the Snowbirds’ tradition of excellence… A monumental book sure to gladden the heart of any aircraft buff…” Sidney Allinson…Victoria Times Colonist

“Magnificent…Clearly a labour of love…” Mary Lou Finlay…As it Happens CBC Radio

“The Canadian aviation blockbuster of the year; a spectacular presentation…” Airforce Magazine

“Outstanding…Highly recommended to our listeners…” Sterling Faux…Corus Radio Network

“There is NOTHING like this in existence. Anywhere. Period…An absolutely magnificent accomplishment…” Christopher J. Terry…President & CEO Canada Science and Technology Museum Corporation.

Comments from readers from across Canada and from the United States are available at http://www.macaulaygroup.com/campaigns/index.htm

Victoria BC, December 3, 2002: For the first time ever, the history of Canada’s airshow teams is recorded in its entirety. Meticulously researched by former Snowbird team leader Lieutenant Colonel (Ret’d) Dan Dempsey, A Tradition of Excellence – Canada’s Airshow Team Heritage documents the scores of Canadian military air demonstration teams that have thrilled millions of airshow spectators for over 80 years.

The author of A Tradition of Excellence watched his first airshow as a youngster at RCAF Station Rockcliffe in Ottawa in 1959, spellbound by the RCAF’s flashy F-86 Sabre aerobatic team, the Golden Hawks. From that early exposure grew a passion for airplanes and airshows which led to a 23-year air force career, including two tours with the Snowbirds. In the fall of 1979, he was selected to fly with the team for the 1980 and 1981 seasons as Snowbird 9, one of the team’s two solos. He subsequently returned to command the team in 1989 and 1990, leading the Snowbirds through their 20th anniversary and 1000th official performance.

This high quality production features 734 pages of history. Some of the world’s finest aviation photographers have contributed more than 1,700 photographs, hundreds of which have never before been published. Also presented is a collection of stirring airshow paintings and specially commissioned full colour aircraft profiles by Canada’s leading aviation artists. Together, this unique collection portrays a legacy of aerial excellence.

Browsing the pages of this magnificent production one discovers why over 100 million spectators have watched a performance by Canada’s aerial ambassadors since 1971 – and why the Snowbirds are today regarded as one of Canada’s most enduring and cherished national symbols. Readers will relive this unique historical journey through the author’s in-depth investigation and personal accounts from dozens of team members who performed with the teams in Canada, the United States and Europe.

Dempsey’s book on Canada’s airshow team heritage has taken almost seven years to produce as he pursued sources across Canada, the United States and Europe in his quest for historical accuracy. These sources have been many and varied, from the wealth of photographs at the Canadian Forces Joint Imagery Centre to the historical archives at the Directorate of History at National Defence Headquarters, National Archives and National Library of Canada. The most important research, however, has been in the endless hours spent locating and interviewing dozens of former team members about their experiences.

With its rare collection of interviews, photographs and artwork, A Tradition of Excellence represents a most deserving tribute to a unique Canadian legacy, a very special Christmas gift for flight enthusiasts – and a call to action for the millions of Canadians who enjoy airshows in general and the Snowbirds in particular. In tracing the development of this wonderful Canadian heritage, the author reveals an uncertain future for Canada’s aerial ambassadors, making a strong case for the provision of a new aircraft for the team, the CT-115 Hawk, the Canadian Forces current advanced jet trainer:

“In carrying on the legacy of their predecessors, the Snowbirds have become part of Canada’s national fabric and identity, their universal appeal a force for national unity, its members role models for the youth of the nation as they demonstrate the skill, professionalism and teamwork that have earned them, and Canada, worldwide recognition. It is a legacy that simply must be preserved for future generations of Canadians to experience, not through movie documentaries or history books, but first-hand, in person, in the skies of the nation from coast to coast. Canada, and Canadians, deserve no less.” Dan Dempsey

NOTES TO EDITORS: ISBN 0-9687817-0-5

For further information and to book interviews please contact:

Ian Macaulay – 250.658.5332 or 250.744.7931 – ian@macaulaygroup.com

Media coverage of A Tradition of Excellence has been extraordinary. Sales have already now exceeded 1500 copies. A Tradition of Excellence is in major bookstores across Canada and we are receiving orders from independent booksellers and book retailers in markets across Canada.

Regional and local television stations – CBC, CTV and Global Networks have interview material and Snowbirds B roll on hand. CHUM owned stations - interview material is available from News Pulse 24 Toronto and The New VI Victoria. CBC and Corus radio networks have interview material on hand.

High resolution photos, a biographical sketch of Dan Dempsey, a book synopsis, publisher’s book up-date and the Foreword by Lieutenant General Fred R. Sutherland CMM, CD, can be found at - http://www.macaulaygroup.com/campaigns/index.htm