2018 Atlantic Canada International Air Show

USPA NEWS - For Aviation enthusiasts living in the Maritime Provinces the Atlantic Canada International Air Show has been the highlight of many summers. Since the early 1980's there have been 35 air shows held at various airports throughout the region. The 2018 Atlantic Canada International Air Show was held at the former Canadian Air Force base in Summerside, Prince Edward Island.

Upon arrival at the Air Show site one could not help but feel the excitement of the thousands of spectators who had gathered witness heart pounding air displays and fascinating ground exhibits.
The first thing the spectator saw upon entering the Air Show grounds was the impressive static ground display which includesd both military and civilian aircraft. This was the opportunity for the general public to have up close and personal access to aircraft that would normally be restricted to the average person. There were many planes that one could board and have a hands on tour. Such aircraft included a US Air Force KC-135 Stratotanker, a Royal Canadian Air Force Polaris CC-150 transport plane and a Royal Canadian Air Force CH-149 Cormorant helicopter. Just to name a few.
There were various civilian aircraft with some of the highlights being the Emergency Health Services Beechcraft Super King Air plane and the EHS Sikorsky S-76c+ helicopter. Also there was an RCMP AS-350 helicopter along with the RCMP PC-12 plane.

Another fascinating part of the Ground Display is the Performer's Hot Ramp. This area is not opened to the general public, but is fully visible from the spectator's area.This is the area where behind the scenes operations take place and is a busy spot throughout the entire day. One could see aircraft maintenance and fueling prior to performance. Also  aircraft could be seen taxing in and out of the area before and after their performance. It was a remarkable sight to see the entire Royal Canadian Air Force Snowbird Squadron and the CF-18 Demo parked side by side. The theme of the  CF-18 Hornet demo for 2018 is the 60th Annivrsary of NORAD and is flown by Captain Stefan "Porcelain" Porteous.

When the time came for the air display all eyes were looking to the sky for what would be exciting performances of precision acrobatics, military power and historical military aircraft. Demonstrations included: The Canadian Armed Forces Parachute Team "Skyhawks", a Pitts S-2 Biplane, a DH-1 Vampire, a World War I Biplane replica, a RCAF CP-140 Aurora and a RCAF CH-146 Griffon Helicopter. Other demonstrations included Gary Ward's MX2 aircraft performing gravity defying acrobatics. It should be noted that the Pilot, Gary Ward is 77 years old. If that was not enough there was also a heart pounding performance by the iconic Canadian Forces "Snowbirds" and the 2018 CF-18 Hornet demo jet. The Snowbirds and the CF-18 Hornet demo have become crowd favorites and never disappoint! For aviation fans, it does not get any better than this.

With the successful 2018 Atlantic Canada International Air Show now in the past, all eyes are on Greenwood, Nova Scotia where the 2019 Air Show will be held. The show will take place at 14 Wing CFB Greenwood on August 31st and September 1st. With the United States Navy's Blue Angels scheduled to perform, much  anticipation is building within the Air Show community.