Royal Canadian Flying Corps

Royal Canadian Air Force Aviation royale canadienne
Badge of the Royal Canadian Air Force
Founded	1 April 1924; 94 years ago (1924-04-01)
Country	Canada
Type	Air force
Role	Aerial warfare
Size	Regular Force personnel: 14,500 Reserve Force: 2,600 Civilians: 2,500
Part of	Canadian Armed Forces
Headquarters	National Defence Headquarters, Ottawa, Ontario
Motto(s)	Latin: Sic Itur ad Astra "Such is the Pathway to the Stars"Latin: Per ardua ad astra "Through Adversity to the Stars" – (1924 to 1968)
March	"RCAF March Past"
Anniversaries	Armed Forces Day (first Sunday of June)
Engagements	Second World War Battle of Britain Battle of the Atlantic Battle of the St. Lawrence European Bombing campaign Western Front Korean War Gulf War Operation Friction Operation Deliberate Force Kosovo War Operation Echo War in Afghanistan Intervention in Libya Operation Unified Protector Operation Mobile Military intervention against ISIL Operation Impact
Website	www.rcaf-arc.forces.gc.ca
Commanders
Commander-in-chief	Elizabeth II, Queen of Canada, represented by Governor General, Julie Payette
Commander of the Royal Canadian Air Force	Lieutenant-General Al Meinzinger
Insignia
Ensign
Roundels
Fin flashes
Aircraft flown
Fighter	CF-18 Hornet
Helicopter	CH-124 Sea King, CH-139 JetRanger, CH-146 Griffon, CH-147 Chinook, CH-148 Cyclone, CH-149 Cormorant
Patrol	CP-140 Aurora, CP-140A Arcturus
Reconnaissance	CU-170 Heron,
Trainer	CT-114 Tutor, CT-142 Dash-8, CT-155 Hawk, CT-156 Harvard II
Transport	CC-115 Buffalo, CC-130H Hercules, CC-130J Super Hercules, CC-138 Twin Otter, CC-144 Challenger, CC-150 Polaris, CC-177 Globemaster III

The Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF; French: Aviation royale canadienne, ARC) is the air force of Canada. Its role is to "provide the Canadian Forces with relevant, responsive and effective airpower". The RCAF is one of three environmental commands within the unified Canadian Armed Forces. As of 2013, operating 258 manned aircraft and 9 unmanned aerial vehicles, the Royal Canadian Air Force consists of 14,500 Regular Force and 2,600 Primary Reserve personnel, supported by 2,500 civilians. Lieutenant-General Al Meinzinger is the current Commander of the Royal Canadian Air Force and Chief of the Air Force Staff.

The Royal Canadian Air Force is responsible for all aircraft operations of the Canadian Forces, enforcing the security of Canada's airspace and providing aircraft to support the missions of the Royal Canadian Navy and the Canadian Army. The RCAF is a partner with the United States Air Force in protecting continental airspace under the North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD). The RCAF also provides all primary air resources to and is responsible for the National Search and Rescue Program.

The RCAF traces its history to the Canadian Air Force, which was formed in 1920. The Canadian Air Force was granted royal sanction in 1924 by King George V to form the Royal Canadian Air Force.

In 1968, the RCAF was amalgamated with the Royal Canadian Navy and the Canadian Army, as part of the unification of the Canadian Forces. Air units were split between several different commands: Air Defence Command (interceptors), Air Transport Command (airlift, search and rescue), Mobile Command (tactical fighters, helicopters), Maritime Command (anti-submarine warfare, maritime patrol), as well as Training Command.