Llorna de Blicquy , BA / 53

A member of the Order of Canada, Lorna de Blicquy was an aviatrix for more than 50 years. From flying supply planes in the Arctic, to sightseeing tours in New Zealand, to famine relief projects in Ethiopia, Ms. de Blicquy’s career spanned all corners of Canada and many parts of the world. She helped open doors for other women in the field, becoming the first female pilot Civil Aviation Inspector, the first woman commercial pilot in the high Arctic and first Canadian to be inducted into the International Women in Aviation Pioneer Hall of Fame.

Ms. de Blicquy learned to fly at the age of 14, and took up skydiving at the age of 16. She received her private pilot licence in 1948 from Atlas Aviation and her commercial licence in 1953, the year she graduated from Carleton.

Ms. de Blicquy was a recipient of the A.D. Dunton Alumni Award of Distinction.