Clennell Haggerston "Punch" Dickins was a pioneering Canadian aviator and bush pilot. Northern Indigenous Canadians called him "Snow Eagle", northern Europeans called him "White Eagle", while the press dubbed him the "Flying Knight of the Northland".
Dickins c. 1927
C-FGYN Adlair Aviation Ltd. de Havilland Beaver (DHC2) Mk.I on floats
Dr. Joe Anderson of the Historic Sites and Monuments Board of Canada and Mayor of the Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo Don Scott dedicate a commemorative plaque and monument to aviation pioneer, C. H. "Punch" Dickins in Fort McMurray, AB
Bush flying refers to aircraft operations carried out in the bush. Bush flying involves operations in rough terrain where there are often no prepared landing strips or runways, frequently necessitating that bush planes be equipped with abnormally large tires, floats, skis or any other equipment necessary for unpaved runway operation. It is the only viable way of delivering people and supplies into more difficult to reach, remote locations.
Noorduyn Norseman float plane in Alaska, 1950
Preparations for take off in the Namib Desert (2018)
Refuelling an aircraft in the field at Simplon, Namibia (2018)