Sign of the Times

Well, the Canadian International Air Show wrapped up on Monday and some things were noted.  First, the hole left by the elimination of the USAF’s Air Combat Command demonstration teams is noticeable and did not go unreported by media organizations in the Toronto area.  The scheduling of two F-16s to put in an appearance definitely offset the loss but in the end they didn’t materialize and the only ‘afterburner’ effect was provided by the Canadian Forces CF-18 Demonstration Team.  Although aviation enthusiasts and those who like to watch current frontline combat aircraft in their element were somewhat disappointed, there was probably some satisfaction among the very few left wing (socialist), anti-military, anti-American, pro-Occupy Movement types who every year seem intent on pushing for an end to the CIAS which been associated with the Canadian National Exhibition since 1949.

Of special significance was the sharing of acts between the CIAS and the Cleveland National Air Show in Ohio.  Will this be commonplace between geographically close venues in the future as military assets dwindle?

A few images from the 2012 Canadian International Air Show are presented here.

As usual, special thanks go to Ms. Colleen Swider, Manager of Public Affairs and Media Relations, CIAS and all of the media escorts for putting up with us and accommodating our requests.

(above) New to the CIAS this year was a unique duo from California.  Melissa and Rex Pemberton, she in her Edge 540 and he in a wing suit, carry out an interactive display of free-fall parachuting followed by an aerobatic display.  Melissa’s Edge 540, N540SG, was caught as the sun was rising at Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport.

(above) This year was truly ‘The Year of the Harvard’ with no less than seven aircraft in attendance.  Four, including Harvard Mk. II C-FRWN seen here at Billy Bishop Airport with the landmark CN Tower beyond, were from the Canadian Harvard Aircraft Association at Tillsonburg, Ontario.  The other three Harvards were flown by the associated Canadian Harvard Aerobatic Team.

(above) ‘The Year of the Harvard’ continues with this Beechcraft T-6C.  Although it is known as the T-6 Texan II in the US Air Force, the type is flown by the Canadian Forces as the CT-156 Harvard II so it fits the theme.  This example, N3000B, is used by Beechcraft as a demonstrator during marketing tours around the world.

(above) New to the CIAS was this CC-130H(T) Hercules from 435 Transport Squadron at 17 Wing CFB Winnipeg, Manitoba.  The squadron is tasked with airlift and air-to-air refuelling missions and this ‘Herk’ is seen in this flypast with the air refuelling hoses extended.  Trailing is the Canadian Forces CF-18 Demonstration Team aircraft.  Having just finished his display, Captain Patrick “Paco” Gobeil and the CC-130 headed west to perform at the Cleveland National Air Show.  An actual air refuelling was carried out along the way to top up the CF-18's tanks.