First, Ai began with Canadian aviation pioneer Russell (Russ) Bradley, who started his pilot training centre and flying school in Ottawa in 1946. From the outset, Russ proved an innovator. He and legendary pilot and partner Weldy Phipps revolutionized Arctic flying capability by developing the large balloon-like “tundra tires” in response to the Geological Survey of Canada contract awarded to Bradley Air Services in the late 1950s.
