2023

NICOLA EASTWOOD GODFREY of SENECA COLLEGE, SCHOOL OF AVIATION, ONTARIO

Nicky  is an accomplished Flight Instructor.  The number of  years and flying hours she has dedicated to flight instruction is impressive.  She has the ability to modify her teaching techniques to the students she is mentoring – a great mentor to all. Always upgrading an already remarkable record.  A strong supporter of the ‘SMS’ Safety Management System culture.  Her leadership, motivation, inspiration and passion for flying have been sought after.  An ‘Honorary Snowbird’ for a day, she participated in a Snowbirds Formation Flight.

A senior Flight Instructor at the School of Aviation, Seneca College and a First Officer with Air Canada.

A quote from this year’s recipient

An excerpt from her acceptance speech:

“I am so grateful to be here today to accept this prestigious award.

Although I never had the opportunity to meet David, it is with great pride that I accept this award, and I pass on my sincere condolences to Jane & her family.  My heartfelt thanks go out to you for your strong commitment to the promotion of safety and the continuous improvement that is always needed in this industry.  Recognizing the dedication and hard work of the Flight Instructing community is a great way to keep promoting and encouraging new and aspiring pilots to strive to become a part of our amazing team.”

2022

DALE NIELSEN, CLASS 1 FLIGHT INSTRUCTOR AT CHINOOK HELICOPTERS FIXED WING DIVISION, ABBOTSFORD, BC

Dale’s career has spanned over fifty years, amassing over 19,000 plus hours.

His experience & accomplishments include an Air force career, Commercial

Operations, a Person Responsible for Maintenance,

Charter Flying (Lear Jet, Medivac) line flying with 703, 704, & 705 Operators & Flight Instruction.

He wrote flight safety columns for many years that were published in the COPA monthly newspaper & a complete line of training manuals that were also published.

This has endowed him with wide-ranging experiences and skills.

A great mentor to our next generation of Pilots.

A quote from this year’s recipient:

The following is an excerpt from his acceptance speech:

“It is a great honour to be selected for the DCAM Award. I commend Mrs. Abramson & her selection committee for their continued promotion of flight safety. Over the years, I have noticed a continual improvement in flight safety, especially in the attitude of companies and their executives.” Dale Nielsen

2021

No Award given out due to pandemic.

2020

No Award given out due to pandemic.

2019

The seventeenth recipient of the annual DCAM Flight Instructor Safety Award was:

 JACK PROCTOR of SENECA COLLEGE, SCHOOL OF AVIATION, ONTARIO

 November 19^th Jack Proctor of Seneca College, School of Aviation, Ontario.

Jack has contributed and given back to the industry for many years.

His commitment to safety is second to none.

He leads by example, a great communicator and mentor.

His dedication to instructing is unsurpassed.

His wealth of experience as a Captain with Air Canada, he has flown over 20,000 hours of flight time, having worked as an Instructor and Check Pilot while also continuing to instruct at the College level thus allowing him to provide students with a wider viewpoint for today’s ever changing world.

A Canadian Publication, “Canadian Flight Notes,” for Flight Instructors, formerly known as “The Proctor Notes,” was authored by him.

A quote from this year’s recipient:

“THE GOAL OF THIS AWARD IS TO RECOGNIZE THE IMPORTANT ROLE FLIGHT INSTRUCTORS PLAY IN MAKING FLYING SAFER.”

L to R, Jack Proctor receiving his Certificate of Recognition from ATAC, presented by Darren Buss, Vice-President

Gail Greenwood FlightSafety International Sales Mngr, Toronto, presenting their contribution.

Jane Abramson presenting Hamilton Watches, Aviator Watch Jack Proctor

Jane Abramson presenting the Snowbirds contribution to Jack Proctor

Jane Abramson presenting Essential Turbines cheque to Jack Proctor

Presenting Jack with the two trophies; ‘DCAM’ & ‘Keeper-Trophy.’

2018

The sixteenth recipient of the annual David Charles Abramson Memorial Flight Instructor Safety Award for the year 2018 was:

WAYNE L. CAVE OF CHINOOK HELICOPTERS, ABBOTSFORD, BC

Nov.14th Wayne L. Cave of Chinook Helicopters fixed-wing division, Abbotsford, B.C.

Mr  Cave has been an Aviator since the age of seventeen.  Flight instruction quickly became his passion, his dedication & superior teaching skills clearly shine through.      

His tenure of fourteen years with Coastal Pacific, B.C. enabled him to develop & update a variety of post-secondary curriculum for the Bachelor of Business Administration Aviation Degree Programs (BBAA.)  He has personally influenced the safety training of a large portion of Pilots who have trained at Abbotsford & is now working at Chinook Helicopters, Abbotsford, B.C. where he started up their fixed-wing division.  His work ethic & commitment to safety are second to none.

A quote from this year’s recipient:

“THE IMPORTANCE AND BENEFIT OF THIS AWARD IS TO RECOGNIZE THOSE WHO ARE PASSIONATE ABOUT FLIGHT INSTRUCTING AND WHO WORK TOGETHER TO IMPART THEIR CUMULATIVE KNOWLEDGE ONTO STUDENTS ACROSS THE COUNTRY.

TO HAVE AN AWARD THAT ACKNOWLEDGES THE INDIVIDUALS WHO ARE TRAINING THE NEXT GENERATION OF PILOTS IS A BENEFIT TO THE ENTIRE AVIATION COMMUNITY.”

Last year’s recipient 2018 – Wayne Cave being presented with his congratulatory letter and signed lithograph from Canadian Forces Snowbirds, by Cathy Press, CEO & Owner of Chinook Helicopters, BC.

Presentation of the 2018 DCAM Flight Instructor Safety Award to Wayne Cave, Chinook Helicopters, BC by Adam Wright, Captain, Air Transat, (in the absence of founder Jane Abramson)

Past recipients of the ‘DCAM’ who were in attendance along with Wayne Cave.

Adam Wright presenting Essential Turbines cheque to Wayne Cave.

Wings & Helicopters presentation by Adam Wright, to Wayne Cave

Flight Safety’s presentation by Gail Greenwood, Sales Manager, Toronto to Wayne Cave.

Seneca College’s presentation by Lynne McMullen, Director Business Development, School of Aviation, to Wayne Cave.

Wayne Cave’s presentation by Adam Wright, Cpt. Air Transat, of an aviator’s watch, from Hamilton watches.

All photos courtesy of Mike Doiron.

2017

The 15th recipient of the annual DCAM flight instructor safety award for the year 2017 was:

LUKE PAUL PENNER OF HARV’S AIR WINNIPEG, MB

A TRUE AVIATOR, AN ACCOMPLISHED PILOT; A CLASS 1 FLIGHT INSTRUCTOR & A CLASS 1 AEROBATIC INSTRUCTOR IT IS HIS STRONG BELIEF THAT EVEN SOME AEROBATIC EXPERIENCE CAN MAKE A PILOT MORE COMPETENT AND MUCH SAFER.

HE STATES, “ I PERSONALLY HAVE PUSHED MYSELF TO FULLY EXPERIENCE THE FLIGHT ENVELOPE THROUGH MY COMPETITIVE AEROBATIC FLYING, TO PURSUE DISCIPLINED PRECISION FLYING WITH THE HOPES OF INSPIRING OTHERS TO REACH FOR THEIR TRUE POTENTIAL, AND ULTIMATELY BECOME SAFER PILOTS.”  THIS FLIGHT INSTRUCTOR FINISHED FIRST IN HIS CATEGORY AT THE US NATIONAL AEROBATIC CHAMPIONSHIPS IN 2016.

LUKE PENNER:  “JANE & RIKKI, I WILL CONTINUE TO WORK AS HARD AS I CAN TO UPHOLD THE LEGACY OF THE DAVID CHARLES ABRAMSON MEMORIAL FLIGHT INSTRUCTOR SAFETY AWARD, AND TO BE A BRIGHT REFLECTION OF YOUR SON’S COMMITMENT TO SAFETY.”

Presentation of the 2017 DCAM Flight Instructor Safety Award to Luke Penner CFI, Harv’s Air, Winnipeg, by Founder Jane Abramson

Presentation of the 2017 DCAM ‘Legacy’ Award to winner Janet Keim, Flight Instructor, Mitchinson Flight Centre, Saskatoon

Jane Abramson presenting Essential Turbines cheque to Luke Penner

FlightSafety’s presentation by Gail Greenwood, Sales Manager, Toronto to Luke Penner.

Past recipients of the DCAM who were in attendance along with Luke Penner & Janet Keim

Luke Penner & Janet Keim receiving aviator watches from Thomas Sandrin, Brand Manager, Hamilton watches.

2015

The 13th recipient of the annual DCAM Flight Instructor Safety Award for the year 2015 was:

Catherine Lynn Press of Chinook Helicopters, BC

Catherine holds both fixed wing and helicopter licences; was the first woman in Canada to hold a helicopter instructor rating and is the only Canadian helicopter pilot to hold a Chinese licence.

Her contributions to aviation over the years, especially in the helicopter training sector has been significant; in the capacity of Instructor, Pilot Examiner and Business Leader.

It It is felt by many that the good safety record in commercial helicopter operations throughout Western Canada is in many ways attributable to the high quality of training offered by Catherine Press and her team at Chinook Helicopters.

Cathy Press: “It is very important for the aviation training industry to have recognition such as the DCAM Flight Instructor Safety Award. This Award encourages  Instructors to constantly upgrade their skills and professionalism  & those they work with, in the Aviation industry. ”

“The great thing about aviation is, it constantly is challenging one’s personal development.  My job is to help other people to realize their potential for their own paths in aviation while maintaining safety.  The DCAM Award has made me want to work even harder.”

L to R – Rikki Abramson Co-founder, Catherine Press Recipient, & Jane Abramson Co-founder. Photo courtesy of Mike Doiron

L to R – Wayne Gouveia, VP General & Commercial Aviation, ATAC ; Clayton Reid, Heli-Pilot, Chinook Helicopters, ( husband of C. Press, holding her Keeper-Trophy,) Catherine Press Recipient, Jane & Rikki Abramson Co-founders. Photo courtesy of Mike Doiron.

photo courtesy Mike Doiron

2014

The twelfth recipient of the annual DCAM Flight Instructor Safety Award for the year 2014 was:

SHERRY COOPER OF SKY WINGS AVIATION ACADEMY

Sherry Cooper is a mentor and role model for women in the flight training industry who is totally committed to promoting aviation in the central Alberta community and beyond.  Her contributions to aviation within the industry have been numerous throughout the years, serving on various Boards.

Her enthusiasm for flying and her wish to share this fulfilling experience with others are an essential part of both her professional and personal life. She comments, “being chosen as this year’s recipient, is a validation of my life in aviation, my philosophy of education and is easily the pinnacle of my career.”

Sherry Cooper:  “This award is an important hallmark for instructors and has elevated the profile of the profession, Flight Instructors, in Canada.  The recognition has been influential in other areas of our industry, as strong beginnings make for a safer industry.”

“When I reread the bios of some of the previous recipients of the award, it shows how people across Canada have embraced this facet of aviation.”     

Sherry Cooper 2014 DCAM recipient along with Keith (KO) Ostertag, 2014 DCAM ‘Legacy’ Award winner, also present in the photo are some past recipients of the DCAMAWARD who were present at ATAC’s AGM & Convention. Anchored at each end by L. Adam Wright, Pilot Air Transat, representing Jane Abramson, and at other end Wayne Gouveia, VP Commercial General Aviation, ATAC. (courtesy of Mike Doiron)

 ATAC’S AGM & Convention; presentation of the 2014 DCAM Flight Instructor Safety Award

Photos courtesy of Mike Doiron

2013

The eleventh recipient of the annual DCAM Flight Instructor Safety Award for the year 2013 was:

CHRIS WALSH, of MONCTON FLIGHT COLLEGE

Chris made a significant contribution to the development and management of Moncton Flight College’s Approved Training Organization and the subsequent launch of the Multi-Crew Pilot License MPL.  Both of these are a first in Canada. 

He consistently demonstrates high levels of professionalism, commitment and acute understanding of the complexities of operating a flight training unit in a safe and productive environment.

 Chris Walsh: “As we move forward with the promoting of safety in our industry, this Award allows for the education of safety through acknowledgement. This Award, which memorializes David’s efforts on that fateful day are ever apparent. My nomination for this Award acknowledges a career of promoting a safety culture, an acknowledgement I truly appreciate.”

L to R. Patrick Coulter, Centre Manager, FlightSafety International, Toronto; Chris Walsh, recipient, Director of Flt. Training & Mngr. of Safety & Quality, Moncton Flight College, Jane Abramson Co-founder. (photo: courtesy Mike Doiron)

L to R. Wayne Gouveia, ATAC, VP Commercial General Aviation, VP Prairie & Northern, Chris Walsh, recipient; Orville Hewitt, Chief Flight Instructor, Cooking Lake Aviation Academy, AB, winner of the DCAM ‘Legacy Award.’ (photo: courtesy Mike Doiron)

L to R. Thomas Sandrin, Brand Manager, Hamilton Watches; Orville Hewitt, Chief Flight Instructor, Cooking Lake Aviation Academy, AB, winner of the DCAM ‘Legacy Award.’ (photo: courtesy Mike Doiron)

Jane Abramson (left) presents the cheque from our Sponsor, Essential Turbines to 2014 recipient Chris Walsh (right).

2012

The tenth recipient of the annual DCAM Flight Instructor Safety Award for the year 2012 was:

PAUL HARRIS, of PACIFIC FLYING CLUB

An innovator in the field of flight instruction, he has spent over twenty years accumulating over twelve thousand hours. His greatest contribution to aviation safety will be the next generation of flight instructors that he has trained. He is an individual who believes strongly in demonstrating leadership and in cultivating leadership in his students. He is intolerant of average goals believing, as I do, the safest pilot is one who is trained to the highest possible standard and one who seeks to excel in his discipline. Beyond instructing students he believes that to have a lasting impact he must also direct his efforts to the task of training the people who teach people to fly.

Paul is Manger of Flight Operations at Pacific Flying Club.

L to R, Clark Duimel, PFC recipient 2005, Paul Harris, PFC recipient 2012; Kathleen Fox, RFC recipient 2011; Bob Henderson, MFC recipient 2008.

L to R, Paul Harris, being presented with Hamilton watch, by Clark Duimel.

L to R, Wayne Gouevia, VP Commercial General Aviation & VP Prairie & Northern, ATAC; Paul Harris, recipient; & Rikki Abramson.

Some DCAM sponsors & recipients.

 Paul Harris: “Your award brings a focus to excellence in flight instruction. It affirms the value that flight training plays in creating aviation safety. In doing so, it also affirms the value of the work that those who choose to spend their careers in some element of training. That act alone assures continuing and renewed efforts of excellence in aviation training and thus aviation safety.”

2011

The ninth recipient of the annual DCAM Flight Instructor Safety Award for the year 2011 was:

KATHLEEN (KATHY) FOX, of ROCKCLIFFE FLYING CLUB.

“Aviation, safety & teaching are threads that have intertwined throughout my life and career; I am an educator at heart,” states our 2011 recipient who celebrates all the best in general aviation. Her long and distinguished career has resulted in having many honors bestowed upon her; including the Queen Elizabeth II Anniversary Medal for contributions to sport parachuting in Canada & being inducted into the Quebec Air & Space Hall of Fame.

A particularly impressive honor that she has received is the FAA having named an approach fix after her (“KFOXX,”) at Massena, New York, an unprecedented step in recognition of the FAA’S respect for her services at NAV Canada.

As a Board Member of the Transportation Safety Board of Canada, she passes on lessons learned from published investigation reports to her peers and students at Rockcliffe Flying Club, Ottawa, where she provides a safety leadership in her role of flight instructing. She is described by all as being someone who is not only a great teacher but remains a great student, striving to learn more.

Left to Right: co-founder Jane Abramson, Kathleen Fox & John McKenna President & CEO of ATAC.

2010

The eighth recipient of the annual DCAM Flight Instructor Safety Award for the year 2010 was:

WILLIAM SUTHERLAND, OF MONCTON FLIGHT COLLEGE.

It goes this year to a young man whose achievements so far and whose potential shine full of promise as a beacon for the future of Canadian air safety. His strong leadership, integrity, technical competence and commitment to excellence played a significant role for Moncton Flight College’s approval process to be the first flight training approved training organization in Canada which was required in order for MFC and partner CAE, to conduct the first Multi-Crew Pilot License training in North America.

He is Manager of Corporate Safety and Quality of Moncton Flight College.

Left to Right: Wayne Gouveia, VP Commercial General Aviation & VP Prairie & Northern, ATAC; William Sutherland, Recipient and Jane Abramson, Co-founder.

Left to Right: William Sutherland, & Tim Mell, Business Director, Aviation, Sennheiser Canada.

Left to Right: Alison De Groot Associate Publisher, Wings & Helicopters magazines & William Sutherland.

Left to Right: Tasneem Hashmi, Asst. Centre Manager Flight Safety, William Sutherland, Gail Greenwood, Product Marketing Manager, FlightSafety.

2009

The seventh recipient of the annual DCAM flight instructor safety award for the year 2009 was:

HARVEY PENNER, OF HARV’S AIR

This passionate aviator, extraordinary flight instructor has dedicated his life to nearly forty years to flight training and general aviation. He has done much to successfully guide and expand the horizons of those who walk through the doors of his school. A student comments, “He is an individual who has lived out the ideals that your award embraces.” An approachable icon, he is always willing to discuss and share his vast knowledge.

This year we celebrate our award in recognizing an individual whose passion and gifts to the younger generation of pilots have created a unique legacy and heritage for the future of aviation in Canada and who has established a facility capable of maintaining that heritage.

He is president and chief flight instructor of Harv’s Air, Manitoba: www.harvsair.com.

Left to Right: Harvey Penner, recipient, Jane & Rikki Abramson, Wayne Gouveia, VP., Commercial General Aviation, ATAC.

Left to Right: Jane Abramson, Martin Eley, Director General Civil Aviation, Transport Canada, Harvey Penner, recipient.

2008

The sixth recipient of the annual David Charles Abramson Memorial Flight Instructor Safety Award for the year 2008 was:

ROBERT “BOB” HENDERSON, OF MONCTON FLIGHT COLLEGE

Having five hundred full time students on four different programs; over the last several years to meet the requirements, he has worked with three different government aviation agencies; Transport Canada, Civil Aviation Authority of China and Joint Aviation Authority Training from Europe.

A strong work ethic, a methodical individual, a great mentor, make up the qualities of this exceptional flight instructor. He demonstrates time and again a dedication that is beyond compare. He is Director of Flight Operations & Chief Flight Instructor of Moncton Flight College: www.mfc.nb.ca.

Left to Right: Michael Skrobica, Interim President & C.E,O. of ATAC., Jane Abramson, Bob Henderson, Recipient, Rikki Abramson, Mike Doiron, Chairman of the Board of Directors, of ATAC & Principal & C.E.O. of Moncton Flight College, Wayne Gouveia, VP., Commercial General Aviation, ATAC.

2007

The fifth recipient of the annual David Charles Abramson Memorial Flight Instructor Safety Award for the year 2007 was:

JOHN ROBERTSON, OF SENECA COLLEGE

Having had an extensive career in the Canadian Military where he trained on the Sea King helicopter & the Tutor Jet, one of his many distinguished accomplishments was being the chief flight instructor at the Moose Jaw Military Flight Training Base. “His passion for flight, vast amount of knowledge and enthusiasm for teaching has made him a role model,” quote his students. He is Chief Flight Instructor & Professor of Human Factors & Safety Systems for the School of Aviation & Flight Technology, Seneca College, Toronto.

Left to Right: Rikki Abramson, John Robertson, Recipient, Jane Abramson & Mike Doiron, Acting Chairman, ATAC.

Left to Right: Tim Mell, Aviation Business Director, Sennheiser Canada Inc. & John Robertson, recipient.

2006

The fourth recipient of the annual DAVID CHARLES ABRAMSON MEMORIAL FLIGHT INSTRUCTOR SAFETY AWARD for the year 2006 was:

SIMON GARRETT OF ROCKCLIFFE FLYING CLUB

He leads by example, a strong advocate for promoting and advancing Canadian aviation safety. An accomplished aviator, he is a member of the Canadian Precision Flying Association, winning a Silver Medal at the National Championship 1999 and a Bronze Medal in 2000, also competing in the World Championships the same year in Sweden. Simon is Operations Manager & Chief Flight Instructor at the Rockcliffe Flying Club and also Airport Manager for the Ottawa/Rockcliffe Airport – home of the Canada Aviation Museum.

Jane & Rikki Abramson (left & right, respectively) accompanied by Wayne Gouveia, VP Commercial General Aviation, ATAC (centre left) present the fourth annual DCAM Flight Instructor Safety Award to Simon Garrett (centre right) at ATAC’S AGM & Convention in Victoria, BC.

2005

The third recipient of the annual DAVID CHARLES ABRAMSON MEMORIAL FLIGHT INSTRUCTOR SAFETY AWARD for the year 2005 was:

CLARK DUIMEL of Pacific Flying Club

Exemplary in his commitment to teaching and advancement of Canadian aviation safety, he is highly regarded throughout the industry as one of the most experienced flight training professionals in the country, as well as one of the only Instructors in Canada to have been trained in aircraft maintenance. Clark is Director of Flight Operations at Pacific Flying Club, Vancouver.

Jane & Rikki Abramson present the third annual “David Charles Abramson Memorial” Flight Instructor Safety Award, to Clark Duimel (centre), at Air Transport Association of Canada’s Annual General Meeting & Convention at the Queen Elizabeth Hotel in Montreal on November 7th, 2005.

Clark Duimel is congratulated by Jean Langlais, President of Sennheiser (Canada) Inc., a sponsor of the award

2004

The second recipient of the annual “DAVID CHARLES ABRAMSON MEMORIAL” FLIGHT INSTRUCTOR SAFETY AWARD for the year 2004 was

GRAHAM SHEPPARD OF Moncton Flight College

His commitment throughout the years to the quality of flight training and operational safety has been outstanding. He is Moncton’s Safety Officer, coordinating their Safety Management System and related programs, organizing and chairing safety committee meetings, while being a member of the Canadian Society of Air Safety Investigators. An Instructor who motivates his students through his sincere love of flying, is a Class 1 Instructor, a Class 1 Aerobatic Instructor, obtaining a BA Degree from Mount Allison University, New Brunswick.

We commend him for all he has achieved.

Jane Abramson presents the second annual “David Charles Abramson Memorial” Flight Instructor Safety Award, to Graham Sheppard, at Air Transport Association of Canada’s Annual General Meeting & Convention in Vancouver on November 15th, 2004 (Photo: Heath Moffatt)

2003

The first recipient of the annual “DAVID CHARLES ABRAMSON MEMORIAL”
FLIGHT INSTRUCTOR SAFETY AWARD FOR THE YEAR 2003 was

AARON SPEER of Ottawa Aviation Services

An achiever, goal orientated, enhancing safety and winning numerous awards, Aaron is a Class 1 Instructor, as well as a Class 1 Aerobatics Instructor, holds an ATPL, a glider licence, and a float endorsement. He also doubles as a maintenance coordinator for OAS. He is much involved with the Air Cadet movement. While completing his Commercial Pilot training and Instructor rating, Aaron managed to finish a Degree in Aerospace Engineering Awarded with Distinction at Carlton University in Ottawa. This sums up a truly exceptional Flight Instructor.

Jane & Rikki Abramson (center) with Mr.C. Mackay, President of Air Transport Association of Canada (Left) present the first annual David Charles Abramson Memorial Flight Instructor Safety Award to Aaron Speer (right) in Quebec City on November 3rd, 2003