Air Force Association of Canada
Encyclopedia
The Air Force Association of Canada (AFAC) is a not-for-profit community service organization of Royal Canadian Air Force
(RCAF) veterans and aviation enthusiasts. The AFAC's main goals are to advocate for a well-equipped, professional air force for Canada; interest Canadians in Canadian aerospace
issues; and to make Canadians more aware of Canada's air force history. The association is also active in advocating for veterans rights and with community service, aviation heritage and youth projects, especially those supporting the Royal Canadian Air Cadets.
in May 1948. This organization advocated for the Royal Canadian Air Force
(RCAF) and was a means of connecting air force veterans who were members of air force clubs, squadron organizations and air force reunion groups. Postwar, there was also a perceived need to keep track of skilled airmen and airwomen who were active during the Second World War. During the Cold War
the RCAFA was able to locate and facilitate the re-recruiting of many aircrew and ground crew for active service during Korean War
and for NATO duty. The RCAFA also supported community endeavours and groups such as the Royal Canadian Air Cadets
, and published Wings magazine which focused on Canadian military aviation history.
With the unification of the Canadian Armed Forces in 1968, the RCAF ceased to exist and was eventually replaced by the newly-formed Air Command
in 1975. The need for an advocacy role in support of the air force declined. The RCAFA needed to fulfill the needs of veterans who were never associated with the RCAF, and so the association's name was changed to the Air Force Association of Canada in 1994. Its mission changed to better reflect the needs of the time and become involved with modern issues. The AFAC advocates and supports Canadian civil
as well as military aviation. The association sponsors air cadet squadrons, provides fellowship through the air force clubs, or "wings", and supports Ident-a-Kid - a program that is concerned with child safety. The association's regalia includes distinctive two-tone blue wedge caps and Air Force tartan neckties. The association's official publication Wings magazine was renamed Airforce in 1978.
Royal Canadian Air Force
The history of the Royal Canadian Air Force begins in 1920, when the air force was created as the Canadian Air Force . In 1924 the CAF was renamed the Royal Canadian Air Force and granted royal sanction by King George V. The RCAF existed as an independent service until 1968...
(RCAF) veterans and aviation enthusiasts. The AFAC's main goals are to advocate for a well-equipped, professional air force for Canada; interest Canadians in Canadian aerospace
Aerospace
Aerospace comprises the atmosphere of Earth and surrounding space. Typically the term is used to refer to the industry that researches, designs, manufactures, operates, and maintains vehicles moving through air and space...
issues; and to make Canadians more aware of Canada's air force history. The association is also active in advocating for veterans rights and with community service, aviation heritage and youth projects, especially those supporting the Royal Canadian Air Cadets.
History
The Air Force Association of Canada began as the Royal Canadian Air Force Association (RCAFA), which was formed by a government order-in-councilOrder-in-Council
An Order in Council is a type of legislation in many countries, typically those in the Commonwealth of Nations. In the United Kingdom this legislation is formally made in the name of the Queen by the Privy Council , but in other countries the terminology may vary.-Assent:Although the Orders are...
in May 1948. This organization advocated for the Royal Canadian Air Force
Royal Canadian Air Force
The history of the Royal Canadian Air Force begins in 1920, when the air force was created as the Canadian Air Force . In 1924 the CAF was renamed the Royal Canadian Air Force and granted royal sanction by King George V. The RCAF existed as an independent service until 1968...
(RCAF) and was a means of connecting air force veterans who were members of air force clubs, squadron organizations and air force reunion groups. Postwar, there was also a perceived need to keep track of skilled airmen and airwomen who were active during the Second World War. During the Cold War
Cold War
The Cold War was the continuing state from roughly 1946 to 1991 of political conflict, military tension, proxy wars, and economic competition between the Communist World—primarily the Soviet Union and its satellite states and allies—and the powers of the Western world, primarily the United States...
the RCAFA was able to locate and facilitate the re-recruiting of many aircrew and ground crew for active service during Korean War
Korean War
The Korean War was a conventional war between South Korea, supported by the United Nations, and North Korea, supported by the People's Republic of China , with military material aid from the Soviet Union...
and for NATO duty. The RCAFA also supported community endeavours and groups such as the Royal Canadian Air Cadets
Royal Canadian Air Cadets
Royal Canadian Air Cadets is a Canadian national youth program for persons aged 12 to 18. It is administered by the Canadian Forces and funded through the Department of National Defence with additional support from the civilian Air Cadet League of Canada...
, and published Wings magazine which focused on Canadian military aviation history.
With the unification of the Canadian Armed Forces in 1968, the RCAF ceased to exist and was eventually replaced by the newly-formed Air Command
Canadian Forces Air Command
The Royal Canadian Air Force , formerly Canadian Forces Air Command, is one of three environmental commands of the Canadian Forces...
in 1975. The need for an advocacy role in support of the air force declined. The RCAFA needed to fulfill the needs of veterans who were never associated with the RCAF, and so the association's name was changed to the Air Force Association of Canada in 1994. Its mission changed to better reflect the needs of the time and become involved with modern issues. The AFAC advocates and supports Canadian civil
Civil aviation
Civil aviation is one of two major categories of flying, representing all non-military aviation, both private and commercial. Most of the countries in the world are members of the International Civil Aviation Organization and work together to establish common standards and recommended practices...
as well as military aviation. The association sponsors air cadet squadrons, provides fellowship through the air force clubs, or "wings", and supports Ident-a-Kid - a program that is concerned with child safety. The association's regalia includes distinctive two-tone blue wedge caps and Air Force tartan neckties. The association's official publication Wings magazine was renamed Airforce in 1978.