A fixture in Labrador aviation has been named to the Order of Newfoundland and Labrador to the delight of the thousands of people he’s flown over the past 50 years. Labrador Airways Capt. Lester Powell received his province’s highest honour for an astonishing career that included numerous aircraft types in one of the toughest flying environments anywhere. He delivered thousands of passengers safely and performed many medevac flights to remote communities on coastal Labrador, starting long before there were any airstrips and flights landed on the harbours and ponds,” said Dave Paddon, long-time friend of Powell’s
Powell’s devotion to his craft is evident in his incredible career tallies. He has more than 45,000 hours, 30,000 of them on Twin Otters. In his long career he also flew Cessnas, Beavers and Otters on floats, wheels and skis said Paddon. Almost all of that flight time was in his native Labrador. He was born in Charlottetown, Labrador and one of six brothers who all became commercial pilots.