HomeMy WebLinkAboutTimes Advocate, 1999-06-23, Page 29Nednesday, June 23, 1999
Exeter Times–Advocate
29
Visitors at the Grand Bend Air Show get close to the fighter jets including this A-10 Thunderbolt from Battle Creek Michigan.
By Kate Monk
TIMES -ADVOCATE STAFF
HURON AIR PARK — The skies came alive with a
first class performance last Wednesday at the seventh
annual Grand Bend International Air Show at the
Huron Air Park.
Show Chairman Tom Lawson estimated 7,000-
10,000 people attended the free event that included
civilian and military aircraft.
Lawson credited the volunteers, Ontario
Development Corporation, the pilots and crew and
London Air Show volunteers with making the event a
success.
The conditions were ideal for the aerial display with
high, thin cloud and partially clear skies.
The event was free but attendees were asked to bring
a donation for local food banks. Lawson reported the
food banks were very pleased with the contributions.
Lawson said the concept behind the air show is to
break even financially although it would be nice to
build up a small reserve. While official figures aren't
in, Lawson said the show was "on track."
Gates opened at 10 a.m. whit people- viewing the stat-
ic display throughout the day. Lawson said having a
CF -18 Hornet on display and open for people to view
was a highlight. The static display also included an A-
10 Thunderbolt, also known as the Warthog, Harvards,
T-34, P-3, Tutor Jet, HH -65 -U.S. Coast Guard heli-
copter, Griffon helicopter and Sea King helicopter.
Once again, two F-16 Fighting Falcons thundered
over the air field to open the aerial show.
The A-10 Thunderbolt gave an impressive perfor-
mance demonstrating its superior maneuverability
which makes it an important player. in combat situa-
tions.
Also on the loud side, the Hawaiian jet -powered fire
truck made its debut at Huron Park. Billed as the
fastest fire truck in the world, the 1940 truck is pow-
ered by two Rolls-Royce Viper engines.
Aerobatic performances by Bill Carter in. his Esso
Pitts Special S2B, award-winning local pilot Mark
Stuart in his Cessna and two Air Combat Canada air-
craft captured and held the crowd's attention with a
variety of manoeuvres and near misses.
The sight and sound of the Harvard aircraft stirred
memories of the days when Harvards were everyday
birds in the skies over Centralia. There are fewer than
50 Harvards left flying in Canada today and the air
show was fortunate to have the Canadian Harvard
Above:The Snowbirds perform
their sixth show
in the seven-year
history of the
Grand Bend
International Air
Show.
At right Shawn
Yearley, 11 and Chantal Yearley,
10 of Crediton get Elmo "Jiggs"
Lucas' autograph of the
Canadian Harvard Aircraft
Association.
Aircraft Association on hand.
A Harvard, T-33 and Tutor Jet Heritage Flight com-
memorated the 75th anniversary of the Royal
Canadian Air Force, The trio are appearing at air
shows across Canada.
An OPP helicopter was to have been part of the air
show hut on duty at a missing person search in the
Toronto area last week, said Lawson. In its place a
Dolphin helicopter, the same model used on Baywatch,
demonstrated a rescue operation.
The Canadian Sea King helicopter was scheduled to
perform but could not because of an electrical prob-
lem, Lawson explained.
The Snowbirds performed a full routine for the
appreciative crowd. Lawson said it was the most pro-
fessional Snowbird crew he has ever worked with.
On Tuesday the Snowbird crew visited South Huron
Hospital and Grand Bend Public School. The aviation
crews and Snowbirds were guests at a dinner at the
Exeter Legion on Tuesday night as well. The
Snowbirds flew over Grand Bend and Exeter with their
smoke on as they left the area Thursday.
Lawson said the show's organizing committee will
meet in September to wrap up this year's event and
plan for 2000.
Above:Anne McPherson of the Huron Park Army Cadets keeps the crowd at bay
in front of the Sea King helicopter. Because of technical difficulties, the Sea King
was unable to perform in the air show.
Below:The world's fastest fire ,ruck makes its Huron Park debut at the air show.
This 1940 Ford is powered 6y two Rolls-Royce Viper engines with afterburners
and creates 12,000 pounds of thrust. Officials declared the race between the Pitts
Special airplane and the truck a draw.
ti