The Canadian International Airshow will be celebrating its 75th year with demonstrations and performances in Toronto skies over the Labour Day weekend.
The Royal Air Force Aerobatics Team, The Red Arrows, will make its third appearance at the show. Based in England, the group was founded in 1964 and flies in a formation of nine British Aerospace Hawk T.1 aircraft.
Spectators will also enjoy a demonstration from the United States Air Force F-22 team, based in Virginia. The aircraft is a fifth-generation fighter with fourth-generation technology. Other aircraft include the P-51 Mustang “Bald Eagle,” appearing with the F-22 Raptor.
A demonstration team will also show off the capabilities of the twin-engine McDonnell Douglas CF-18 Hornet. The aircraft has been part of Canada’s NATO commitment, defending North American airspace.
Redline Air Shows will show off its aerobatic display in Van’s RV-8 formation during the event, tackling synchronized rolls and loops in this father-and-son pilot team.
Other performances will include demonstrations by the Lancaster and B-25 Mitchell from the Canadian Warplane Heritage Museum collection, and the C-47 Dakota, a military version of the Douglas DC-3.
Some unique aircraft on display include the Long EZ, a small tandem-seating aircraft with a unique delta wing canard design, and the homebuilt Pitts 12, which resembles a biplane but has 400 horsepower and is extremely lightweight.
Crowds will also get to see a show by the BO 105 helicopter. The aircraft is a twin-engine machine developed in West Germany, and was the first of its kind in the world. The BO 105 is capable of inverted aerobatic manoeuvres like loops and rolls.
Some of the performances may also be seen from across Lake Shore Blvd., however according to the website it will be a side view of the manoeuvres and there will be no speakers set up for the narration.
It’s recommended that attendees bring water, a hat, sunglasses, and comfortable shoes for walking. For those expecting to purchase food or other items, bring a credit or debit card as the event vendors do not accept cash.