The day after a spectacular night event, Aéro Gatineau-Ottawa welcomed aviation enthusiasts but also families to the event, which has the motto “Legends Take to the Sky”.
Everything went smoothly on this early sunny afternoon, which promised to be perfect for the air show that would be taking place over our heads.
Police, security guards and an army of volunteers directed people to the various parking lots and despite some excitement among the organizers, we felt like they were in control.
On the asphalt
The first moments on the site allow you to familiarize yourself with the different attractions on offer.
We were able to see many aircraft up close and even climb aboard, as was the case with the gigantic A400M Atlas of the Luftwaffe – the German Air Force – as well as the Challenger CC-144 of the Royal Canadian Air Force.
We were also able to see a CF-18 up close as well as several aircraft, including many vintage aircraft including the P51 Mustang, Supermarine Spitfire, Hawker Hurricane, Corsair and P40 Warhawk, among others.
In flight
The event is primarily an air show and the local people got their money’s worth.
We were treated to some top-class aerobatics with the Skyhawks, the Canadian Armed Forces parachuting team.
There was also this pilot who did aerobatics with his glider. When we discover that this plane has no engine, we must be aware that the pilot in question, Mario Hamel, is something quite exceptional.
There are also the “wing walkers” Joseph Bender and Kelly Garvin from Carol Pilon’s team, who evoke admiration. During her performance, the audience shouted “Wow” several times.
The forest fire demonstration by the crew of a SOPFEU CL-415 was also impressive. We appreciated the pilot’s skill and the precision of his two drops.
The passages of the Provost T4 piloted by Graham Rawlinson also caused a stir, as did the low-altitude flights of the Boeing 737.
Quite a show
Finally, the demonstration by Major Justin King, originally from London, Ontario, aboard the Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF) CF-18 Hornet was worth the trip alone. Low-altitude, high-speed passages with thunderous afterburners gave most spectators goosebumps. The power emanating from this fighter aircraft is terrifying.
We were also invited to fly in formation with the Spitfire, piloted by David Hadfield, and the CF-18.
In addition, the three legends of military aviation, the Spitfire, the Hurricane and the Mustang, put on a beautiful show by roaming the runway several times.
The highlight of the day was undoubtedly the performance of the audience favorite: the Snowbirds. The RCAF aerobatic team’s visit to Gatineau is their only presence in the skies over Quebec this year. Also lots of fun.
The event continues this Sunday, with doors opening at 10am. The air show is scheduled to start at 12:00 p.m. and end around 4:30 p.m.
On Saturday, organizers announced a sold-out day with between 8,000 and 10,000 people in attendance. There are still tickets left for Sunday, but you have to act quickly. Find out everything on the event website (aerogatineauottawa.com).