Bracebridge senior flies high with Aviation Hall of Fame nod
Captain Bob Barrett could soon join an exclusive club with his nomination into Canada's Aviation Hall of Fame.
The Bracebridge man has been flying for 56 years and sat in over 20 different aircraft.
The sun has risen and set during the more than 20,000 hours Barrett spent in the air, often navigating by just the stars at night.
The avid pilot said the idea of getting into the Hall of Fame never occurred to him.
"It's something that nobody ever talks about," he said. "You're not ever flying along with your buddies in the cockpit and say, 'Hey, think you'll go in the Hall of Fame someday?' No, that never happens."
Captain Bob Barrett at the helm of one of the various aircraft's he's flown in his storied career. (Courtesy: Regina Barrett)
Barrett's aviation life story includes countless trips to Canada's rugged north bringing life-saving supplies to those who needed them most.
He has flown in cold conditions in a Second World War-era DC-3, affectionately called 'Gooney Bird' because of its ability to carry large loads. Unfortunately, it lacked luxuries like heating.
While Barrett has worn many hats over his extensive career, he said he favours his pilot's hat the most.
The Bracebridge man's Hall of Fame nomination recognizes his role among arctic frontiersmen connecting Canada to Canadians in the north.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
How quietly promised law changes in the 2024 federal budget could impact your day-to-day life
The 2024 federal budget released last week includes numerous big spending promises that have garnered headlines. But, tucked into the 416-page document are also series of smaller items, such as promising to amend the law regarding infant formula and to force banks to label government rebates, that you may have missed.
Which foods have the most plastics? You may be surprised
'How much plastic will you have for dinner, sir? And you, ma'am?' While that may seem like a line from a satirical skit on Saturday Night Live, research is showing it's much too close to reality.
opinion I've been a criminal attorney for decades. Here's what I think about the case against Trump
Joey Jackson, a criminal defence attorney and a legal analyst for CNN, outlines what he thinks about the criminal case against Donald Trump in the 'hush money trial.'
$3.8M home in B.C.'s Okanagan has steel shell for extra wildfire protection
A home in B.C.'s Okanagan that features a weathering steel shell designed to provide some protection against wildfires has been listed for sale at $3.8 million.
Diver pinned under water by an alligator figured he had choice. Lose his arm or lose his life
An alligator attacked a diver on April 15 as he surfaced from his dive, nearly out of air. His tank emptied with the gator's jaws crushing the arm he put up in defence.
Psychologist becomes first person in Peru to die by euthanasia after fighting in court for years
A Peruvian psychologist who suffered from an incurable disease that weakened her muscles and had her confined to her bed for several years, died by euthanasia, her lawyer said Monday, becoming the first person in the country to obtain the right to die with medical assistance.
Mystery surrounds giant custom Canucks jerseys worn by Lions Gate Bridge statues
The giant stone statues guarding the Lions Gate Bridge have been dressed in custom Vancouver Canucks jerseys as the NHL playoffs get underway.
Celebrity designer sentenced to 18 months in prison for smuggling crocodile handbags
A leading fashion designer whose accessories were used by celebrities from Britney Spears to the cast of the 'Sex and the City' TV series was sentenced Monday to 18 months in prison after pleading guilty in Miami federal court on charges of smuggling crocodile handbags from her native Colombia.
Wildfire leads to evacuation order issued for northeast Alberta community
An evacuation order was issued on Monday afternoon for homes in the area of Cold Lake First Nation.