Al Lilly has made an outstanding contribution to Canadian aviation. In the 1930s, he was a bush pilot with the RCMP. During the Second World War, as chief test pilot for the Royal Air Force Ferry Command, he prepared allied bombers for air transfer to Europe, including identifying and correcting serious mechanical problems. Following the war, he played a key role in positioning Canadair as one of the largest producers of aircraft in the world by conceptualizing, designing and marketing numerous planes, including the F-86 Sabre jet. Throughout his distinguished career, he used his expertise to improve the safety and efficiency of our aircraft.