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MRO
G. S. (GERRY) WOLFE
Gerry Wolfe started his aviation career with the Royal Canadian Air Force in 1940. He was posted to the RCAF Technical Training School in St.Thomas, Ontario for Aircraft Maintenance Training were he graduated as the Gold Medal Student. In late 1941, after various Canadian postings, he volunteered for overseas service and was posted to the RCAF 405 Bomber Squadron in England which operated Wellington, then Halifax, and Lancaster Aircraft.
July 8, 2008 By administrator
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G. S. (GERRY) WOLFE
KITCHENER, ONTARIO |
In June 1944 he was honoured by King George VI with the following Award
“By the King’s order the Name of Sergeant G. Wolfe, Royal Canadian Air Force
Was published in the London Gazette on 8th June 1944
As mentioned in dispatch for distinguished service
I am charged to record His Majesty’s High Appreciation
Archibald Sinclair, Secretary of State”
Gerry was employed by Trans Canada Airlines (now Air Canada) from 1945 to 1982. His first duties were to service and maintain the modified Lancaster Bombers operating from Dorval (Montreal). He received his Air Engineers Certificate in June 1948 from the Department of Transport. He continued in the technical role assisting with mechanical problems for the Airline covering such aircraft as the North Star, Lockheed Super Constellation, Viscount, Bristol Freighter, Vanguard, Douglas DC-3 and DC-8.
In 1961 he assumed responsibility for the training of aircraft maintenance personnel. During this period of time he started the development of the apprenticeship program for the 18 technical trades employed by the Airline. This led him to become a member of various committees, both in Canada and the United States, to advise on AME regulations, training and examinations. As older aircraft became surplus he initiated a program to donate such items as engines, propellers and avionics equipment to the colleges. Today the colleges may receive a complete aircraft for training purposes.
In 1981 he was called to advise the Air Transport Association in matters of aircraft maintenance for the Dubin Commission which was looking into Aviation Safety. In 1982 he and Mr. Gordon Dupont, an AME from the West Coast of Canada, jointly produced a report of 34 recommendations for Transport Canada in regards to the AME license. Over a period of time Transport Canada adopted 28 of these recommendations. The major and significant benefit to AME’s in the Wolfe/Dupont report is the requirement for all AMO staff with signing authority to hold a valid Transport Canada AME’s license. His life of dedication to the aviation maintenance industry has led to many improvements of the regulations and policies governing those holding Aircraft Maintenance Engineers Licenses.
