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John Armistead Wilson, civil servant, aviation pioneer (b at Broughty Ferry, Scot 2 Nov 1879; d at Ottawa 10 Oct 1954). Trained as an engineer, he became interested in the potential of aviation while in the Department of Naval Services in WWI.
Wilson, John Armistead
John Armistead Wilson, civil servant, aviation pioneer (b at Broughty Ferry, Scot 2 Nov 1879; d at Ottawa 10 Oct 1954). Trained as an engineer, he became interested in the potential of aviation while in the Department of Naval Services in WWI. As secretary of the Air Board (1920-22) and later controller of civil aviation (1922-41), Wilson guided the national policies which led to the use of aircraft in the remote regions of Canada. Later he was closely involved in planning the Trans-Canada Airways, the flying-club movement, air mail service and transoceanic flying. He was director of the selection, surveying and construction of aerodromes used by the RCAF for the BRITISH COMMONWEALTH AIR TRAINING PLAN and other wartime needs.
