ABOUT THE PILOTS

First Officer Maurice Quintal

Maurice obtained his private flying license at the young age of sixteen. In 1967 he joined the Canadian Airforce as an Officer Cadet and trained on the Tutor and Chipmunk air craft. For a period he trained and was stationed at the RCAF Base in Gimli, Manitoba. He left the air force in 1968 due to a force reduction

Maurice was with Air Canada from 1973 – ten years at the time of the landing in Gimli. Eight of those years were as a First Officer. Along with French and English he was also fluent in Spanish.

He retired as a Captain on the B767. Maurice flew aircraft 604, The Gimli Glider, numerous times during the 25 years the famous aircraft remained on the line at Air Canada. In his retirement years he and his wife Claudette traveled extensively. Sadly Maurice passed away in the fall of 2015

Captain Bob Pearson

My first flight happened at 16 while firefighting in northern Quebec. I sat on the floor of a small plane, no seats, no seat-belts, and while we were severely jostled around with the rising heat from the fire and risked our imminent departure through a loosely secured door, I found myself hugely excited about the experience, no fear just an enjoyment about the experience. Here began my interest in flying.

I worked at 17 for the British Newfoundland Corporation and lived in a tent for six months. I saved enough money to pay for my Private Pilots License and started on my Commercial License.

By May 18th, 1957 I had met the minimum entrance requirements for Trans Canada Airlines (TCA). By July 1st, I progressed to Link Trainer lessons followed by 30 hours of ‘right seat’ training on DC 3’s.

For the next ten years I flew Douglas DC3, Vickers Viscount, Douglas DC8 and DC9 as the First Officer.

1967 I was promoted to Captain on the Viscount and subsequently I flew DC9, B727, B767, B747-100/200 and finally the B747-400 over my final 28 years of commercial flying. I retired from Air Canada at 58 1⁄2 years of age and finished my career with Asiana Airlines on the 400 on the Seoul-Kennedy-Anchorage-Seoul run. I feel I got into airline flying at the right time and left at the right time, and I still believe that airline pilots should retire at 60.

Interspersed with flying commercially I did quite a bit of glider and ultralight flying along with some float, ski and glider towing. I have always felt that a variety of experiences helps to round out a pilot’s skills. I was active for many years in the Canadian Airline Pilots Association. Since retirement I have done several expert witness assignments in aircraft accident law suits

Special Message From Captain Bob Pearson

We are overwhelmed at the continuing interest in our 1983 Gimli landing. Maurice and I knew that we had pulled off a unique maneuver to salvage the terrible situation we found ourselves in, but never for a moment ever thought that the story would have so much significance and would continue to be interesting to so many people for so long.

We are honoured to be able to contribute what we can to the story and wish the Gimli Glider Exhibit in the wonderful Gimli community much success.

Captain Bob Pearson