Dominique Prinet has had nothing less of an extraordinary life. His book, Flying to Extremes, shares his adventures as a bush pilot during the ’60s and ’70s in Northern Canada. His stories compel people everywhere, even striking a chord in France, where he published some adventures in an aviation magazine.
The Beginning
France, World War II, a 5-year-old boy. This sets the stage for the beginning of Dominique’s very successful aviation career.
When his family moved after D-Day in 1944 to the East of France, Dominique witnessed aerial combat between Spitfire and Messerschmitt planes near a 12th-century castle occupied by Germans. This sparked some fascination in the young boy. As soon as he was old enough, he learned how to fly gliders even before learning to drive a car—a very telling sign of a blossoming passion.
In January of 1965, Dominique moved to Vancouver when he was 25-years-old. Here, he sought solace in a new start to life, away from his conservative family and rigid expectations. He came to Canada to become a logger, however, when he arrived, the logging camps were closed from the snow. With only $200 in his pocket and no return ticket, he decided to get the equivalence of his French Commercial Pilot and Flying Instructor licenses. He began flying just a month after his arrival.
The Adventure
Between dangerous experiences and inspiring people, Dominique has a wealth of knowledge and memories to share with others.
He has encountered many intense situations: flying without visibility, enduring -50°C temperatures, and making split-second decisions for unplanned landings on unpredictable terrains. He has met each challenge head-on with calmness and expertise—the kind of demeanour you’d want in someone you are trusting your life with.
Adrenaline aside, the people along his journeys have made lasting impressions on him. Many Inuit and First Nations People have taught him to respect, listen, and learn humbly. “They know how to survive from generation to generation without damaging the environment, without destroying the animals on which they rely,” says Dominique. He believes that their philosophy is vital and that everyone should learn about their histories, cultures, and ways of life.
A Career in Edmonton
An integral part of his career as a bush pilot was with Gateway Aviation in Edmonton from 1966 to 1971. During this time, he often flew out of the Edmonton Municipal Airport, previously known as Blatchford Field (opened from 1927 to 2013). Historically, Blatchford Field was the hub for many military operations, notably during World War II and the Cold War. It was also the place that made Edmonton known as the “Gateway to the North.” Bush flying to the North became significant for Canadian aviation because it led to more connections, creating a line of accessibility to supplies from Edmonton, such as medicine and tools.
Dominique often made rounds from Edmonton to the North to transport folks and supplies. Besides a crucial take-off and landing space, the Edmonton airport was the spot in the spring and fall to change plane wheels and skis to pontoons and vice versa.
He has many fond and funny memories of his time in Edmonton with Gateway Aviation—he once accidentally landed on an Edmonton highway, for example. “Those were the best years of my life, flying out of Edmonton to the Northern parts of Canada,” he says. “It was all because of Edmonton that we could operate and work in the North.”
A Message to His Readers
While his unique adventures in Flying to Extremes appeal to learners and adrenaline-seekers alike, he also hopes to reach those who feel a little lost in life. He understands the confusing times of early adulthood—he was in his 20s when he became a bush pilot. Flying was a new chapter that allowed him to leave behind the expectations of his rigid conservative life.
He wants to inspire young people to take a leap. “You can do it,” he says. “Don’t give up, pull up your socks, look ahead, and do whatever it is you want to do—with passion.”
This is a universal message that will be sure to reach you, regardless of your bush flying knowledge. We all get a little lost from time to time.
Dominique’s book is available online and in local Edmonton bookstores, including Glass Bookshop and Audreys Books.
