02 February 2023
The Webster Memorial Trophy Competition has opened the application period for the 2023 competition, which is set to take place August 21-26 at the Waterloo Wellington Flight Centre, in Waterloo, Ontario. To be considered for this year’s National Finals, applications must be submitted, and completed before 2359 ET, 15 June 2023.
2022 saw the return of the competition following the global pandemic, with a high level of competition at all stages. 2023 promises to be a fierce competition as the Webster Judging Team is once again creating its bespoke tests to determine Canada’s Top Pilot. Bob Connors and the team at Waterloo Wellington are anticipating a memorable year for the Webster Team and Finalists, “We’re delighted to host the prestigious Webster Memorial Trophy Competition this year and look forward to welcoming the finalists and Webster Team to WWFC.” says Mr. Connors, General Manager of the Waterloo Wellington Flight Centre.
This year also sees further updates and modernizations that will continue to honour John Webster’s memory and the traditions of the competition, while bringing more opportunities to our community to participate in this storied event. “By working through our operational pause during the global pandemic and collecting feedback from our 2022 qualifying and competition processes we have identified more ways to develop the competition to reach a more a contemporary audience while continuing to honour our traditions. The 2023 rulebook will be released shortly, reflecting these changes,” says Laura Matheson, Webster’s National Administrator for 2023, “We appreciate the feedback and ongoing support of our competitors, partners, sponsors, and the community at large as we work to make 2023 Webster’s biggest year yet.”
The annual Webster Memorial Trophy Competition is committed to identifying Canada’s Top Pilot. It has operated since its inception in 1932, interrupted only three times (first by World War II, again in 1954 due to rising administrative costs, and most recently in 2020 and 2021 because of the COVID-19 pandemic). The competition is named after John C. Webster Jr., a civilian pilot who participated in the 1931 Trans-Canada Air Pageant. In July 1931, John flew his Curtiss-Reid Rambler representing Canada in the King’s Cup Air Race in England. A month later, while in St. Hubert, Québec practising for an aerobatic display as part of the pageant, John was involved in a fatal aircraft accident. John’s father (Dr. John C. Webster, of Shediac, New Brunswick) established the John C. Webster Memorial Trophy Competition to perpetuate his son’s memory.
For the most up to date news on this year’s competition, including application information and deadlines, visit the Webster Memorial Trophy Competition website at www.webstertrophy.ca or @webstertrophy on Instagram and Facebook.
Canadian Aviation News 
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