Is the Webster Trophy Competition really important?

Avatar for Skies MagazineBy Skies Magazine | August 13, 2013

Estimated reading time 4 minutes, 24 seconds.

In 1932, the first Webster Memorial Trophy Competition was launched to commemorate the memory of a young aviator, John C. Webster, who had suffered a tragic fatality in an aviation accident. That event occurred decades ago, and yet the competition persists here and now in a completely different age of aviation. Back then, the competition was important in a young and struggling aviation environment, as general aviation depended heavily on fly-ins, rallies and competitions to sustain the excitement and an interest in the “sport.”  It was also important to publicize this wonderful and thrilling activity of flying to an often suspicious and uninformed public in order to help aviation grow, especially that associated with pleasure flying and light aircraft.

But it is now over 80 years later, and the question must be asked: In the current modern age of aviation, is the Webster competition still important? Let’s find out.

Over recent years, as the competition grew in scope and exposure, more pilots became interested in competing and many of those actually undertook additional training in their attempt to become a finalist. Most who became finalists returned to their instructors to receive extra training as well, in keeping with their desire to achieve the title of top amateur pilot in Canada. During the national portion of the competition, they were tested meticulously on their flying skills and knowledge, along with being exposed to previously unfamiliar situations. All this contributed to a greater increase in skill and knowledge, and therefore enhanced aviation safety, a point recognized by Transport Canada Flight Training Standards Inspectors. That is important.

For the first time, Nav Canada has introduced a new exam to be given to the Webster finalists this year, based on pilot/controller standardization of communications. Nav Canada has recognized a disconnect creeping in recently and is using Webster as one avenue of addressing the situation. It is hoped that the exam will be expanded next year to include all Webster competitors. Once again, the competition is working in league with one of our staunch supporters to enhance aviation safety. That is important.

A review of the Webster website will reveal close to 40 aviation companies and organizations from within Canada and the United States who support this program. Reviewing this list not only shows that a major Canadian airline, Air Canada, wholly supports the competition as sponsor, but many other airlines, manufacturers, pilot groups and highly respected commercial operations are involved as well. What this means is that a great number of professional aviation people and associated companies care deeply for what happens in general aviation. That is very important.

Not all competitors wish to go on to careers in aviation, but most do. For those who become finalists, opportunities that otherwise would be extremely difficult to receive become available to them. They get to meet their possible future employers, and many are often guided and mentored in subsequent years as they build their experience towards their goals. Our finalists receive instant national recognition for their accomplishments and go home from Webster week with lifelong memories. Some even receive additional financial assistance toward their training. A Webster alumni group exists, and through modern social media many maintain contact with those they competed against, and those they have become associated with via the Webster family. Many will help others in their careers from within this Webster fraternity/sorority and as well, those who instruct will encourage others to compete to better their flying confidence and abilities. That is important.

The Webster Trophy itself is on permanent display at the Canada Aviation & Space Museum and it signifies all those years of general aviation activity in Canada. It is a national historical treasure, and that also is very important.

So, is the Webster Memorial Trophy Competition important after 80-plus years?  Yes. Yes, it is!

Notice a spelling mistake or typo?

Click on the button below to send an email to our team and we will get to it as soon as possible.

Report an error or typo

Have a story idea you would like to suggest?

Click on the button below to send an email to our team and we will get to it as soon as possible.

Suggest a story

Leave a comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *