Canadian International Air Show 2015 Preview

The military aircraft featured in @CIASToronto annual air show.

 US Navy F-18 Super Hornet buzzing the ramp early in the morning. That'll wake you up!

For over 65 years, the Canadian International Air Show has been a source of awe and inspiration in satisfying the marvel of flight for millions of enthusiasts annually. The sounds of the past and present will again transform the skies over Toronto as we welcome the 66th annual Canadian International Air Show to the shores of Lake Ontario. The 2015 Canadian International Air Show promises to have something for everyone. It is Canada's largest and longest-running air show. Starting in 1948 with over 80,00 spectators and has grown to be the 3rd largest air show in North America with an audience of over 1.4 million people. 

Over the history of aviation, brave men and women went into battle sometimes never to return. On the 75th Anniversary of the Battle of Britain, the Canadian International Air Show would like to honour the sacrifice made by those men and women who took to the skies for our freedom.

The Canadian International Air Show has had a long history of featuring many first appearances, and experiences, of many aircraft from all around the world. In 1952 spectators heard their first sonic boom when an RCAF F-86 Sabre broke the sound barrier on its second pass. The U.S. Navy Blue Angels appeared for the first time in 1956 flying 4  F-9F’s. The Canadian Forces Snowbirds aerobatic team first performed in 1972 and have been part of the CIAS ever since – the Snowbirds have appeared more times than any other act!

Cpt Regan Wickett and Lt. Patricia Brunelle

CT-114 Tutor

Captain Regan Wickett, Snowbird 11

1986 was a banner year featuring 3 jet teams: the Snowbirds, the USAF Thunderbirds and the one and only appearance of the Italian Air Force Frecce Tricolori – the appearance of the 10 plane Italian team, with its spectacular red, white & green smoke trails over downtown Toronto, brought parts of the city to a stand-still. The CF-18 made its first demo appearance in 1983 and has been a frequent and popular performer ever since. In 1997, the USAF B-2 ‘Spirit’ Stealth Bomber made its first appearance at the Canadian International Air Show. In 2006, the USAF F-22 Raptor made its first appearance outside of the U.S. without landing in Toronto and in 2007, the USAF F-22 Raptor landed in Toronto marking its first time on foreign soil.

US Navy F-18 Super Hornet

GTAA Fire performing a water cannon salute welcoming Canadian Forces CF-18 pilot LCol Pletz

Lt-Col. Maryse Carmichael, first female Snowbird pilot and first female Commanding Officer of the Snowbird squadron, officially opened the 2010 air show to celebrate the Centennials of the Canadian Navy and Women in Aviation. The CIAS is not all aircraft: in 2010 HMCS Fredericton and in 2011 HMCS Shawinigan did a sail-past and fired their guns in a salute to the Royal Canadian Navy.

Visiting all the way from Europe, the Breitling Jet Team formation jet flying doesn't get much better than this! Featuring 7, L-39 Albatros jets, the incredible pilots of the Breitling Jet Team will thrill fans at this year's show with their superior brand of, "technique, mastery and style" in the sky.

LCol Pletz "Super Dave" showing Blue Jays Knuckleballer RA Dickey the cockpit of the CF-18

Canada’s icons of the air, the CF Snowbirds will wow air show fans with their high-speed aerial performance of formation feats and incredible aerobatic artistry. The Air Combat Command F-16 Demonstration Team performs precision aerial maneuvers to demonstrate the unique capabilities of one of the United States Air Force's premiere multi-role fighters, the F-16 Fighting Falcon. With the ability to switch from air-to-ground to air-to-air functionality at the touch of a button, its lightweight airframe and powerful General Electric engine can generate 31,000 pounds of thrust and fly at speeds in excess of Mach 2. Also from the United States Navy, two F18's will be making an appearance, along with Canadian Forces Sea Kings and Griffon helicopters. 

Members of the US Air Force F-16 Viper Demonstration Team

Cargo Pods - Everything the pilot needs during his trips. Sure beats checked luggage!

20mm M61 Vulcan cannon on the F-16

The Canadian International Air Show takes place Labour Day weekend, Saturday, September 5th, Sunday, September 6th, and Monday, September 7th, 2015 over Lake Ontario directly south of the Canadian National Exhibition (CNE) grounds. All shows are scheduled to begin at 12:00 p.m. For more info: visit www.cias.org