The life of Gilles Boily is a story of passion, dedication, and an unrelenting love for aviation

A journey that started in his youth and has spanned decades of flight, adventure, and sharing knowledge. For many years, I have had the privilege of engaging in countless conversations with Gilles, and each one reveals new layers of his fascinating journey through the world of aviation. His story is one that continues to inspire, a testament to how an early spark of curiosity can lead to a lifetime of extraordinary achievements.

Born in Quebec City in the 1950s, Gilles’ early exposure to aviation was far from the bustling air traffic of today’s world. At the time, Quebec City didn’t have the international airport it does now, and planes were a rare sight in the skies above. But as young as five years old, Gilles’ life was forever altered by a single event that would set the course for his future. He was on a beach with his parents when a Taylorcraft float plane made an unexpected landing nearby. A crowd gathered in awe, but Gilles, too small to see the plane up close, felt the stirrings of a fascination that would grow over the years. Though his view of the aircraft was obstructed, the seed was planted that would grow into a lifelong obsession with aviation.

By the age of 10, Gilles had become determined to explore his newfound interest. A friend invited him to pedal his bike to the nearby airport, and it was there that his passion truly took root. The airport became his sanctuary. Despite being a 14-kilometer journey each way, Gilles was undeterred. Day after day, he biked alone to the airport, drawn by the excitement of the planes, their sounds, their presence. He recalls wandering around the grounds, sometimes sneaking into planes and pretending to fly them, living out his dream in the spaces between reality and imagination. The security protocols of that era were far less strict, which allowed him to explore the airport freely, a rare privilege he cherished. Gilles had the opportunity to take pictures with his aunt's camera, images that remain in his possession to this day, a tangible connection to that pivotal moment in his life.

As Gilles grew older, his dedication to aviation deepened. When he became old enough, he joined the Air Force Cadets, eager to get closer to his dream of flying. One memory, in particular, stands out—an unforgettable day when the cadets were treated to a flight in a C45 Expeditor. Though the weather was cold, it did nothing to diminish the excitement of sitting beside the pilots, soaring over Quebec City.

 

As his passion matured, Gilles expanded his horizons, venturing into flying single-engine aircraft and, eventually, gliders. In June of 1983, he embarked on a flight that would become legendary in his aviation career. He flew his glider between St-Raymond, Québec, and Hawkesbury, Ontario—a staggering 519 kilometers round trip. This incredible flight was one of the key legs that earned him the coveted Diamond Insignia, a prestigious award in the gliding community. To achieve this, he needed to gain 5,000 meters of altitude, travel a total distance of 500 kilometers, and cover 300 kilometers toward a predetermined point. The flight remains one of his proudest accomplishments, a symbol of his skill and dedication.

Throughout his life, Gilles became a subject matter expert on gliders in Quebec. His deep knowledge of aviation and his enthusiasm for sharing it led to numerous opportunities. He was a guest on a very popular radio station and appeared on a Radio-Canada television show, where he shared his experiences, technical expertise and passion with a wider audience. His high level of expertise made him a respected figure in the aviation community, and his name became synonymous with excellence in the glider community.

CBC Documentary

Radio show interview

Now, well into his 80s, Gilles’ passion for aviation shows no sign of fading. He continues to be deeply involved in the world of aviation through various hobbies, including model building, flight simulation, and designing airports for Microsoft Flight Simulators. His love for aviation remains as strong as ever, a testament to the power of pursuing one’s passion, no matter where life takes you.

Gilles Boily’s incredible journey is a shining example of how the smallest moments—a fleeting encounter with a plane on a beach—can set the course for a lifetime of adventures. From his childhood curiosity to his many accomplishments in the skies, Gilles’ life story is a remarkable one, filled with dedication, hard work, and an unwavering love for flight. His legacy, both in the aviation world and in the hearts of those who know him, continues to soar.