RCAF Units and Members – Recommendations for Association awards that are given to RCAF units and individuals are staffed entirely by the RCAF. These awards are:

“IN RECOGNITION OF OUTSTANDING AND MERITORIOUS ACHIEVEMENT IN ANY FIELD OF AVIATION”

This trophy may be presented to any military unit or organization (generally other than those involved in providing air transport or SAR) engaged in military operations which have made a significant contribution to Canada’s security and/or well being over the preceding year.

This award is presented to the most deserving unit, individual or organization making the most significant contribution to air Search and Rescue (SAR) in Canada over the year. All units and individuals involved in providing air search-and-rescue in Canada are eligible to be considered for the trophy.

This award recognizes the outstanding performance of an individual member of the Royal Canadian Air Force, particularly focusing on Non-Commissioned Regular Force Members. This individual will be designated “Airperson of the Year”. Any member of the Royal Canadian Air Force is eligible for this award.

“IN RECOGNITION OF OUTSTANDING CONTRIBUTIONS OR HIGHLY COMMENDABLE ACHIEVEMENTS IN ANY FIELD OF MILITARY AVIATION.”

Any citizen, group or unit/organization engaged in any field of military aviation – specifically to include RCAF air and ground training – is eligible for consideration.

This award recognizes annually the RCAF “Air Reservist of the Year.” Any member of the Air Force Reserves engaged in military air service or support is eligible to be nominated. The achievement(s) of the recommended recipient may include service to the nation in operations, outstanding contributions in support of international taskings or outstanding achievements in community activities, on or off-base.

There are three Association Awards intended for presentation to civilians or to either civilians or military members. These awards are:

“IN RECOGNITION OF OUTSTANDING AND MERITORIOUS ACHIEVEMENT BY CANADIANS IN THE FIELD OF AIR TRANSPORTATION.”

Recommendations of potential military recipients are made by the Commander RCAF. Recommendations for non-military organizations or individuals will be coordinated by the Air Transport Association of Canada (ATAC).

“IN RECOGNITION OF OUTSTANDING AND PRAISEWORTHY ACHIEVEMENTS BY CANADIANS IN THE FIELD OF CIVIL AVIATION.”

Any Canadian citizen, group, unit or organization engaged in the various fields of civilian aviation or its support is eligible to be considered for this award. The Association has enlisted the assistance of the Aerospace Industries Association of Canada (AIAC) to help identify appropriate candidates for this award. Recommendations are also welcome from members of the RCAF Association (including Members-At-Large).

This is awarded annually to the most deserving individual, unit or organization: “IN RECOGNITION OF THEIR CONTRIBUTION TO THE PROMOTION OF THE AIR FORCE MISSION, VALUES AND TRADITIONS.” Any Canadian individual or group, military or civilian, making a significant contribution to air force advocacy, the preservation of air force values, and/or the maintenance of air force traditions, history and heritage may receive this award. The Association has enlisted the assistance of the Canadian Aeronautical Preservation Association (CAPA) in identifying suitable nominations. Nominations may also be submitted by RCAF Association Wings, Groups, the RCAF and individual members of the RCAF Association (including Members-At-Large).

All nominations must be submitted in writing and include a substantiated statement detailing the service or contributions that prompted the nomination.

Each submission should also include a narrative suitable for reading aloud at the presentation ceremony. Please note that narratives must not exceed one page in length.

Nominations must be emailed to rcafassociation@gmail.com with a copy to director@airforce.ca no later than September 1, 2026.