Autographed Copies of Dan Dempsey’s Book at the 2025 Mess Dinner!
We are honoured to announce that Dan Dempsey, our 2025 Mess Dinner Guest of Honour, will have personally autographed copies of his book available for purchase at the event.
About the Book
Dan Dempsey’s acclaimed work captures the rich legacy of Canadian aviation with vivid storytelling, rare photographs, and deep insight into the people and missions that shaped our history. It is a must-have for aviation enthusiasts, veterans, and anyone who values the heritage of flight.
Special Event Price
Autographed Copy: $95 (Regular retail: $125)
Available exclusively to attendees of the 418 Squadron Association 2025 Mess Dinner.
When & Where
Books will be available for purchase and signing during the dinner on Saturday, November 15, 2025, at the Alberta Aviation Museum. Buy your tickets before November 1st!
Reviews
See reviews below for what readers are saying about this exceptional book:
“As far as Canadian aviation history books go, there is nothing to rival Dan Dempsey’s A Tradition of Excellence – Canada’s Airshow Team Heritage … If you don’t yet have this magnificent publication in your library, put it at the top of your list. In every way, this lovely tome is the model for aviation book publishing.”
Larry Milberry, Author and Publisher, CANAV Books; Member – Canada’s Aviation Hall of Fame; Airforce Magazine – October 2015
“There is NOTHING like this in existence. Anywhere. Period… An absolutely magnificent accomplishment…”
Christopher J. Terry, Past President & CEO, Canada Science and Technology Museum Corporation
“For aviation enthusiasts, nothing matches the thrill of an airshow: the precision flying, the daring aerobatic manoeuvres and the powerful machinery have drawn thousands of people to Canada's airshows for over 80 years. Of course, the Snowbirds are a household name, but their excellence is drawn from a long tradition of other Canadian teams, from the RCAF's Blue Devils, Golden Hawks and the Golden Centennaires. Former Snowbird Lieutenant Colonel Dan Dempsey's thorough compilation of the history of Canadian air military and civilian teams is collected in 768 pages that are rich in detail of text and enlivened with 1,800 fabulous photographs that make this hefty book a page turner as well as a collector's item…”
The Globe and Mail
“It’s a wonderful book… A Tradition of Excellence is a well-researched, well-written, beautifully illustrated book to delight all those who have thrilled to the flawless aerial ballets at countless air shows. For older readers, it will bring back some stirring memories of fast, noisy aircraft doing incredible things close to the ground. For younger readers, it will be an opportunity to delve into the past to see how the air force established those traditions of air show excellence…”
Bob Merrick, Canadian Owners and Pilots Association Flight Magazine
“This book is unarguably the definitive history of Canada’s airshow demonstration teams… Dempsey has left no stone unturned researching this book, and the
collective stories are all backed up with hundreds of gorgeous illustrations and photographs… This book goes a long way towards promoting the continued tradition of aerial demonstration in Canadian aviation and is an essential addition to the library of any Canadian aviation aficionado…”
Aviator Magazine
“The aerobatic history of Canada is chronicled in this magnificent book that follows military and civilian performers from the Siskins through to the Snowbirds... The book is packed with first-hand accounts and recollections from pilots and crews that breathe life into the historical facts… meticulously researched and a must-have for any aviation enthusiast, A Tradition Excellence provides a compelling reason why an aerobatic team such as the Snowbirds is essential to the Canadian military…”
Murray Hill, The StarPhoenix
“Rich in spectacular photography, wonderful illustrations, and detailed research, the book is exceptional in every way. It’s a collector’s item for young and old alike… Dempsey should be commended. He could not have done better in describing the enduring legacy of the pilots whose dazzling aerial performances have enriched Canada’s identity, promoted a sense of national pride, and helped to unite Canadians from coast to coast …”
Gord McNulty, The Hamilton Spectator
“The quality of Dempsey’s book lives up to the Snowbirds’ tradition of excellence… A monumental book sure to gladden the heart of any aircraft buff…”
Sidney Allinson, Victoria Times Colonist
“Magnificent… Clearly a labour of love…”
Mary Lou Finlay, As it Happens, CBC Radio
“The Canadian aviation blockbuster of the year; a spectacular presentation…”
Airforce Magazine
“Outstanding…Highly recommended to our listeners…”
Sterling Faux, Corus Radio Network