Welland Phipps
Encyclopedia
Welland Wilford "Weldy" "Angayuroluk" Phipps (born: July 23, 1922 - died: October 22, 1996) was a military pilot and prisoner of war during World War II
, a pioneer bush pilot, inventor and a territorial level politician.
and became a fighter pilot in World War II
. He was shot down and became a Prisoner of War for 2 years. He succeeded in making an escape from his POW Camp.
after returning home from the war. In 1953 and founded a business called Atlas Aviation. He invented a new type of balloon tundra tire
that allow an aircraft to land safely on Tundra. The type of tire is known as the Weldy Special. Atlas Aviation introduced the first regular scheduled airline service to Canada's most northern communities. He retired from his aviation career in 1972.
The Canadian aviation community recognized Phipps many achievements in aviation. He has earned him numerous recognitions, including the Canadian Order of Flight, Order of Polaris and being inducted to the Canadian Aviation Hall of Fame. He was also awarded the Trans Canada McKee Trophy twice for excellence in aviation.
. He served a single term in office before retiring in 1975.
World War II
World War II, or the Second World War , was a global conflict lasting from 1939 to 1945, involving most of the world's nations—including all of the great powers—eventually forming two opposing military alliances: the Allies and the Axis...
, a pioneer bush pilot, inventor and a territorial level politician.
World War II
Phills joined the Canadian ForcesCanadian Forces
The Canadian Forces , officially the Canadian Armed Forces , are the unified armed forces of Canada, as constituted by the National Defence Act, which states: "The Canadian Forces are the armed forces of Her Majesty raised by Canada and consist of one Service called the Canadian Armed Forces."...
and became a fighter pilot in World War II
World War II
World War II, or the Second World War , was a global conflict lasting from 1939 to 1945, involving most of the world's nations—including all of the great powers—eventually forming two opposing military alliances: the Allies and the Axis...
. He was shot down and became a Prisoner of War for 2 years. He succeeded in making an escape from his POW Camp.
Aviation
Phipps moved to the Northwest TerritoriesNorthwest Territories
The Northwest Territories is a federal territory of Canada.Located in northern Canada, the territory borders Canada's two other territories, Yukon to the west and Nunavut to the east, and three provinces: British Columbia to the southwest, and Alberta and Saskatchewan to the south...
after returning home from the war. In 1953 and founded a business called Atlas Aviation. He invented a new type of balloon tundra tire
Tundra tire
A tundra tire is a large low-pressure tire used on light aircraft to allow operations on rough terrain.-History:The tundra style tire has been independently invented at different times and places...
that allow an aircraft to land safely on Tundra. The type of tire is known as the Weldy Special. Atlas Aviation introduced the first regular scheduled airline service to Canada's most northern communities. He retired from his aviation career in 1972.
The Canadian aviation community recognized Phipps many achievements in aviation. He has earned him numerous recognitions, including the Canadian Order of Flight, Order of Polaris and being inducted to the Canadian Aviation Hall of Fame. He was also awarded the Trans Canada McKee Trophy twice for excellence in aviation.
Political career
Phipps was elected to the Northwest Territories Legislature to the High Arctic electoral district in the 1970 Northwest Territories general electionNorthwest Territories general election, 1970
The Northwest Territories general election, 1970 took place on December 21, 1970. This was the 12th election in Northwest Territories history. It took place during the centennial of the territory....
. He served a single term in office before retiring in 1975.