by Jane Abramson, Founder and National Administrator
The prestigious 2022 DCAM (David Charles Abramson Memorial) Flight Instructor Safety Award was presented to Mr. Dale Nielsen, of Chinook Helicopters, Fixed Wing Division, Abbotsford, British Columbia by Mr. Adam Wright at Air Transport Association of Canada’s Annual Canadian Aviation Conference and Tradeshow on November 16 at the Westin Bayshore Hotel, Vancouver.
Mr. Nielsen has contributed and given back to the industry for many years. Dale’s career has spanned over fifty years, amassing 19,000 plus hours. His experience and accomplishments include an air force career, commercial operations, being responsible for maintenance, charter flying (Lear Jet Medevac), line flying with 703, 704, and 705 operators, and flight instruction. He wrote flight safety columns for many years that were published in the COPA monthly newspaper and a complete line of training manuals that were also published. This has endowed him with wide-ranging experience and skills. A great mentor to our next generation of pilots.
To preserve the historical record of the award, the recipient’s name is engraved on the trophy and entered in the official logbook, both of which are on permanent display at the Canada Aviation and Space Museum, Ottawa. Thanks was given to the museum for their custodianship of the trophy.
Acknowledgement was given to the DCAM sponsors and supporters: Air Transport Association of Canada; Essential Turbines; FlightSafety International; Hamilton Watches/Swatch Group Canada; Helicopters Magazine; Seneca College; Wings Magazine; Lost Aviator Coffee Co.; Canadian Forces Snowbirds; COPA; all flight schools/colleges; and Aviation Solutions.
Nominations can be made at any time throughout the year.
Our mission: Raising the profile of flight instructors by recognizing and honouring exceptional instructors in Canada who have made a significant contribution to the advancement of Canadian aviation safety.