Pathway to the Stars takes readers on a remarkable journey spanning one hundred years of the Royal Canadian Air Force.

This beautifully illustrated book shares the rich history of the Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF) on its 100th anniversary. Produced in partnership with the RCAF Foundation, Pathway to the Stars tells the story of the people, the technologies, and the events that shaped the RCAF from 1924 to 2024. Presenting 100 stories to align with 100 years of the RCAF, the book explores the many ways in which the RCAF contributed to advances in aviation over the past century, from the invention of the G-suit to the development of the first helicopter landing system on a naval ship to the design of the first flight-safety organization for investigating crashes.

As we look forward to the next generation of the RCAF, Pathway to the Stars brings to light an inspirational story about Canada and its place in the world over the past century. Proceeds from this book support the ongoing programs of the RCAF Foundation, a Canadian charity that works to celebrate Canada's rich aviation history and future.

Michael Hood began his military career in the infantry as a guardsman with the Canadian Grenadier Guards before enrolling in the Regular Force and receiving his air combat systems officer wings in 1988. He served as director general of Air Force development and deputy director general of international security policy before being appointed deputy commander of the Royal Canadian Air Force in 2012. In 2013 he was appointed director of staff, strategic joint staff. He was commander of the Royal Canadian Air Force from 2015 to 2018. He is a retired lieutenant general and the former commander of the Royal Canadian Air Force. He is currently chief of staff at JDS Mining in Vancouver, British Columbia.

Michael Hood's profile page

Tom Jenkins has been affiliated with the Royal Canadian Air Force for more than fifty years. He began his career with the RCAF as a royal Canadian air cadet at CFB Trenton in 1972. He became a squadron warrant officer with the Air Cadets at CFRB Hamilton and later joined the reserves, first as a corporal and then as an officer; he received his commission in 1977 and served at CFB Cold Lake. He has been the honorary colonel of 409 Squadron at CFB Cold Lake and the honorary colonel of the Royal Highland Fusiliers of Canada (RHFC) in Cambridge, Ontario. He has chaired a report on defence procurement for the Canadian government and is currently a member of the RCAF Commanders Advisory Council.

Tom Jenkins' profile page

“Pathway to the Stars is a must for anyone interested in the story of Canadian aviation and the proud military accomplishments of the RCAF.”

<em>The British Columbia Review</em>

“[Pathway to the Stars] is a splendid new book … Over 250 pages, it is lavishly illustrated with photographs and covers the story of the RCAF from its origins to its future.”

<em>Canadian Aviation Historical Society</em>