The second RCAF Today annual from Canadian Skies, an aviation industry magazine, is flying the flag for the entire Royal Canadian Air Force.

The 2013 special edition will expand its scope beyond the usual media-facing personnel. "It's not just pilots, we're doing snapshots of different people like mechanics and electronic technicians," said publisher Mike Reyno. "There will be pilots included as well, but we're trying to pick a cross-section of the lesser-known areas of the air force."


Along with the "Day in the Life" profiles, the issue will include an interview with Lieutenant-General Yvan Blondin, the commander of the RCAF; a look at the Air Cadet League of Canada; and a drop-in at the new Air Mobility Training Centre at CFB Trenton.

The content is independently produced and fully funded by MHM Publshing/Canadian Skies; the mag is not in partnership with the RCAF. "The support that comes from the air force is that it provides us with access, whether in obtaining stories or flying on board aircraft to get photography," Reyno said.

The mag's supportive editorial fosters a good relationship. "[The RCAF] see it as a win/win, because we're putting some good publicity out there for it," Reyno said. "If there are negative things going on in the military, we'll let the newspapers cover that. This is about focusing in on the positive side of the air force."

The 2013 RCAF Today annual, with a circulation of 13,000, will be released May 29 at the CANSEC defence and security trade show, and will also be available at other air shows and events throughout the year. It will be free for trade show attendees, and will be mailed to Canadian Skies subscribers and Canadian embassies around the world. It will also sell on newsstands for $13.75.

Canadian Skies launched in 2011 and expanded with RCAF Today the following year. Strictly aviation-focused, MHM Publishing also puts out Vertical, a civilian helicopter mag now in its 11th year, and its sister publication Vertical 911, which covers the 'copter beat specifically for readers in uniforms.