Canadian Air Force flying high at the CNE air show

By Attila Papp

The CF-18 Hornet, seen flying over Bagotville, Quebec, performs at the Canadian International Air Show in Toronto over the Labour Day weekend. CREDIT:  DND

The Air Force is looking forward to closing out the summer season with a bang at this year’s Canadian International Air Show being held at the Canadian National Exhibition on the beautiful Toronto waterfront. 

This year’s performers include the CF Snowbirds, the CF-18 Hornet Demonstration flown by Captain William “Fat Daddy” Radiff as well as a CP-140 Aurora which will display its submarine hunting capabilities over Lake Ontario during the Labour Day weekend from September 2 – 4th at 1 p.m. each day.  The show is celebrating its 57th anniversary this year.

“The Hornet team is excited to be coming to one of the premier air shows in Canada at the Canadian International Air Show.  Toronto always provides a great venue for the show and there’s always a great crowd,” says Capt Radiff. 

“It’s great to perform a demo in front of a good sized portion of the Canadian public, and hopefully we can bring a smile to their faces during the demo!”

The Snowbirds have been performing at this air show since their inception and always thrill the crowds with their aerial ballets and smoke trails.  The team is, without a doubt, the best recruiting tool the Canadian Forces has in its inventory and always has people talking about the great skill and big hearts that the team has.

The team will be doing its usual round of charity work while in Toronto, visiting the Hospital for Sick Children on Thursday, August 31 in Marnie’s Lounge.  This event, held annually, will give the children at the hospital an opportunity to meet the performers and receive their autographs!

The CP-140 Aurora is Canada’s maritime patrol aircraft and is utilised in many different roles.  14 Wing Greenwood, Nova Scotia is one of two Canadian Forces bases which house our CP-140 Aurora Squadrons, the other being located in Comox, British Columbia.  The crew is proud to display the aircraft’s Search and Rescue manoeuvres as well as its Submarine hunting abilities over Lake Ontario during the show. 

“Everyone at 14 Wing is thrilled to take part in such a great event,” says Colonel Perry Matte, Commander of 14 Wing Greenwood.  “The crew of 405 Squadron can't wait to demonstrate the skills and professionalism of 14 Wing personnel as well as the tremendous capability of the Aurora.”

For more information about the Canadian International Air Show contact Colleen Swider, Manager, Media Relations and Public Affairs, Canadian International Air Show via phone at (416) 263-3650; Cell: (416) 771-7808 or E-mail: cswider@bellnet.ca.