CAAA Membership Awards

The CAAA presents six annual awards to members who meet the qualifications. A CAAA member must be nominated to receive an award. Awards are presented annually at the CAAA’s annual general meeting.

To nominate someone for an award, fill out the Award Nomination form HERE.

*Membership must be current as of February 28th of the year prior to the award.

Award of Excellence

Recognizing an individual’s contribution to the betterment of agricultural or forestry aviation in Canada.

Past Recipients: 2023 Jeff Farr, 2022 Jon Bagley, 2018 Jim Wood, 2016 Clairon Seib, 2015 Dave Davies, 2014 Ken Kane, 2013 Jim Stonehouse, 2012 Brent Lange, 2011 Bruce Gair, 2010 Ralph Tiede, 2009 Jack Appleton, 2008 Wayne Stier, 2006 Clark Oberholtzer, 2005 Peter Hansen, 2004 Fran de Kock, 2003 John Bodie, 2002 Lloyd Good, 2001 Lorin Rubbert, 2000 Bob Morse/Peter Funk, 1999 Peter Funk, 1998 Jon Bagley, 1997 Bob Morse, 1996 Brian Kinniburgh, 1995 Garry Reusch, 1994 Gary Moffat, 1993 Murray Palmer, 1992 Dale Gross

Wings of Agriculture Award

For outstanding professionalism in agricultural or forestry aviation by an active member* of the association.

Past Recipients: 2018 Benoit Tetreault, 2017 Jeff Farr, 2016 Nicolas Girard, 2015 John Bodie, 2014 James Pottage, 2013 Paul Zimmer, 2012 Nelson Almey, 2009 Peter Hansen, 2008 Michael Yaholnitsky, 2007 Tom Kinniburgh, 2006 Bob Martindale, 2005 Matt Bestland, 2004 Brent Lange, 2003 Ted Anderson, 2002 Fran de Kock, 2001 Jon Bagley, 2000 Lorin Rubbert, 1999 Larry McDonald, 1998 Al Hein, 1997 Peter Funk, 1996 John Bodie, 1995 Cheryl and Allan Denesowych, 1994 Ian Dutton, 1993 Bob Morse

The Ace Award

Presented to a pilot with five years or less experience who demonstrated great tenacity and willingness to accept “any position around the hangar that may lead to a flying job”, in their quest to become a professional Ag-Pilot.

Past Recipients: 2024 Markus Seitter, 2023 Derek Smith, 2022 Dan Robb, 2021 Mark Westwood, 2020 Ryan Gidych, 2019 Justin Farr, 2018 Darwin Penner, 2017 Aaron Sadler, 2016 George Giesbrecht, 2015 Tanner Denesowych, 2013 Keith Paetkau, 2012 Clayton Rempel, 2011 Denver Craig, 2010 Nathan Goertzen, 2008 Davide Colosimo, 2007 Ryan Tomcala, 2006 Matt Hughes, 2005 Devan Yaholnitsky, 2004 Greg Flowitt, 2003 Jean-Luc Andre, 2002 John Floyde, 2001 Steven Toth, 2000 Jay Cummings, 1999 Jeff Dean, 1998 Johnny Bestland, 1997 Kevin Mooney

George Esau Memorial Award (previously The Jumpseat Award)

For an individual, group or allied member who through personal effort and dedication has made a substantial contribution to the agricultural or forestry aviation industry and the CAAA.

Past Recipient: 2024 SOPFIM, 2021 Turbine Conversions, 2020 Covington Aircraft, 2018 Queen Bee Air Specialties - Chip Kemper and Joy Hancock, 2017 Jonair – David Frisch, 2016 Farm Credit Canada, 2015 Kevin Chorney – Bayer CropSciences, 2014 Battlefords Airpsray, 2013 Univar Canada, 2012 Bayer Crop Sciences Canada, 2010 Allan Bakke, 2008 Stephen Nicholson, 2006 Dwight Willoughby, BASF, 2005 Vivianne Servant, Alberta Environment, 2004 Chip Kemper, Queen Bee Air Specialties Inc., 2003 Duane Feely, Manitoba Conservation – Fire Program, 2002 Tony Mrak – United Agri Products, 2001 Monsanto Canada, Inc., 2000 Cheryl Denesowych – Yorkton Aircraft Services, 1999 Jock McIntosh & Janet McLean – Alberta Environmental Protection, 1998 Dow AgroSciences Canada Inc., 1997 George Esau - Oldfield Kirby Esau

The M.V.P. Award

For a non-flying individual support staff person of a CAAA member who demonstrates an outstanding contribution to the teamwork approach of an aerial application operation in Canada.

Past Recipient: 2024 Pamela Seeley, 2019 Mario Morales, 2018 Christine Frisch, 2017 Bryan Dion, 2016 Ken Alarie, 2015 Bonnie Brotherston-Bagley, 2014 Ryan Lecoq, 2013 Arlene Almey, 2012 George Scott, 2011 Carman Dixon, 2010 Brenda Kinniburgh, 2009 Denny Striga, 2008 Patricia de Kock, 2007 Don Ingham, 2006 Robert Chenard, 2005 James Spence – Bonnyville Air Services (1980) Ltd., 2004 Carri-Ann Hansen – West Wind Airspray Ltd., 2003 Joan Tiede – Target Airspray Ltd., 2002 Shirley Bodie – Jonair Ltd., 2001 Susan Molberg – Westman Aerial Spraying

The CAAA Pilot of the Year Award

Presented to an active CAAA individual member* who is a pilot with more than 5 years experience and has demonstrated dedication and professionalism throughout their career as an agricultural or forestry pilot.

Past Recipients: 2024 Fran de Kock, 2023 Levi Wiens, 2022 Walter Dyck, 2021 Robin Coupal, 2020 John Lepp, 2019 George Giesbrecht, 2018 John Floyde, 2017 Rick Kornelson, 2016 Curtis Burke, 2015 John Dornian, 2014 Gord Boklaschuk, 2013 Jack Appleton, 2011 David Frisch, 2010 Paul O’Carroll, 2008 Kevin Mooney, 2007 Ralph Johnson, 2006 Bruce Gair, 2004 Matt Bestland, 2003 Clairon Seib