Canadian International Air Show

4 September 2006

 

            Though the Great Lakes area was threatened by Tropical Storm Ernesto, and indeed rain fell in large amounts, horizontal visibility was good and the show did go on and aircraft, including high performance types, flew each of the three days.

   Its unique exhaust nozzles and stealthy shape are seen here against a dark sky as this 1st Fighter Wing Lockheed Martin F-22A accelerates with the use of a little afterburner.  It was the first appearance at the air show by the Raptor and was much anticipated by the audience which was not disappointed.

   Not to be outdone, the pilot of this Rockwell B-1B Lancer from the 7th Bomb Wing at Dyess AFB, Texas lights the 'burners on a high speed pass along the show line.

   The last flypast of the USAF Heritage Flight ends as F-16C 90-0725 and F-15C 81-0022 break away from Ed Shipley's Sabre.  The Fighting Falcon is from Air Combat Command's F-16 West Coast Demonstration Team/388th Fighter Wing at Hill AFB, Utah while the Eagle is with the ACC F-15 East Coast Demonstration Team/1st Fighter Wing at Langley AFB, Virginia.

   A search and rescue Bell CH-146 Griffon from 8 Wing CFB Trenton exits after a short demonstration.  The crew of 146491 had, in fact, been out on a real-life rescue mission in the Hamilton, Ontario area earlier and returned in time for the show.

   A Bombardier Q400, C-GLQB, from the newly established Porter Airlines demonstrates the extremely low noise produced by the latest generation of airliners developed from the de Havilland Canada DHC-8 Dash 8.  Porter will fly initially between Toronto/City Centre Airport and Ottawa, Ontario with service beginning in late October 2006.

   At the other end of the air transport spectrum, C-17A Globemaster III 03-3115 from the 172d Airlift Wing, Mississippi Air National Guard completes a flypast demonstrating the aircraft's maneuverability and providing a glimpse of what can be expected when the Canadian Forces takes delivery of four such aircraft for use in the strategic airlift role.

   Giving the audience a look at a bomber from another era, B-25J N1042B Pacific Prowler also lets them hear the distinct sound of radial reciprocating engines as it takes the stage for its performance.

   Making it look easy, Julie Clark keeps her Beechcraft T-34A, N134JC, low over Lake Ontario on the pull-out.  There can be no doubt that she is one of the pre-eminent aerobatic performers of the last two decades with a patriotic routine that has entertained millions.

   The Starfighters' CF-104D, N104RB, caught in a flypast at considerably less than maximum speed but looking sleek nonetheless.  The team's show is reminiscent of the days when CF-104s often participated in the CIAS, though in Royal Canadian Air Force or Canadian Forces markings. 

   Showing its own high speed capabilities, Lockheed CP-140 Aurora 140101 from 405 Maritime Patrol Squadron at 14 Wing CFB Greenwood, Nova Scotia enters the air display 'box' for its demonstration. 

   The Canadian Harvard Aerobatic Team demonstrates some very nice formation work as they reach the vertical point in one of their show's maneuvers. 

   Captain William "Fat Daddy" Radiff of 425 Tactical Fighter Squadron, the 2006 CF-18 demonstration pilot, brings his aircraft, 188781, out of a slow speed roll with landing gear and tail hook extended.  It is in this configuration that the Hornet bears somewhat of a resemblance to its entomological namesake in flight.

   The Snowbirds demonstrate one of the most difficult formations to fly well even with only two aircraft.  The Nine Aircraft Line Abreast pass is the last of the 2006 Snowbirds' show and pays tribute to the men and women of the Canadian Forces at home and overseas.

 

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