'bout time....eh Jon...
Proposal to rename TCCA to the Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport
Canada is currently celebrating its 100th anniversary of powered flight.
The TPA Board of Directors would like to commemorate this occasion by renaming
the TCCA after one of Canada's most celebrated figures, the fighter pilot and
First World War hero Air Marshal William Avery "Billy" Bishop, VC, CB, DSO &
Bar, MC, DFC, ED.
"The Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport would recognize both the past and
the future of Toronto's downtown airport," Mr. McQueen said. "As Canada's
greatest air 'ace', Mr. Bishop is a Canadian hero for the ages, and his ties
to our airport and harbour are strong."
After the First World War, Mr. Bishop and another Victoria Cross
recipient, Billy Barker, ran a flight service from the Toronto harbour to
Ontario's cottage country. During the Second World War, Mr. Bishop also helped
recruit soldiers at the newly built Port George VI Island Airport, and flew
military aircraft in and out of what would become the TCCA.
"I hope that our men and women in uniform will know that by honouring
Canada's most enduring military hero, we are also acknowledging the service of
every Canadian who has worn a military uniform," Mr. McQueen said.
The TPA has advised Transport Canada of the proposal, and has requested
that appropriate steps be taken to effect this name change. Although the Owen
Sound airport is formally termed the "Owen Sound Billy Bishop Regional
Airport" (CYOS), there are currently no commercial carriers operating from
that location, and the addition of the words "Billy Bishop" to the TCCA name
is not expected to confuse pilots. The Toronto City Centre Airport will retain
its CYTZ moniker for use by pilots.
"I am excited by the idea, and our family is honoured by this
recognition," added Arthur Bishop, son of Billy Bishop. Arthur Bishop, a
Toronto-resident, is a best selling military writer. In 1999 he was awarded
the Bear Hickle Award for his contribution to Canadian military history. In
2003 he was named a Guardian Commander of the Canada Veterans Hall of Valour
for his outstanding contributions to the history of Canada's heroes in WWI,
WWII and earlier.
