The 2008 Brant United Way Air Show

By Dave Robbins

Once again its that time of year and the annual Brant United Way Air show has arrived. This year I decided to take the trip a little earlier then I have done previous years to be able to take some pictures of aircraft on the flight line before they closed it off.

Upon arrival the first three aircraft in the flight line was one LC-130 Hercules and two CAF Hornets with one CF-18 sporting a paint job celebrating the 60th anniversary of the formation of NORAD. It also sports marking celebrating the 400th anniversary of the founding of Quebec.

While I was doing that the CWH (Canadian Warplane Heritage) aircraft started to show up. Unfortunately the Lancaster upon inspection had developed a crack in the tail wheel and was grounded so it could not attend the show.

Also two small private helicopters landed. The whirlybirds I can best describe as in the same category are small home build aircraft kits that a lot of people seem to be doing these days.

speaking helicopters the OPP (Ontario Provincial Police) helicopter was there also. Nice paint job.

Also landing for the day was an Aero L-29 Delfin (NATO code name Maya) jet trainer in unusual camouflage and sporting Russian markings. I couldn’t find out who owned it but I assume it was privately owned.

After the opening ceremonies of the playing of the American and Canadian anthems the show began. And what a beginning it was.

There was a surprise visit from the newly purchase cargo plane sporting CAF markings. The C-17 is a huge plane as it came roaring down the air field. And its turning radius is impressive. It did a 360 degree turn while still within the confines of the airport and keep well within the view of the spectators. I tell you I was mighty impressed with this plane.

Next on the list was two F-16 from the 174th squadron, The Boys from Syracuse, from New York State Air National Guard. They were scheduled to pass through the area so the USAF had them do a quick flyby and show off their stuff on their way through.

Next up was a surprise I found waiting for me in an open hanger. Ladies and Gentlemen I was found facing a genuine authentic Mark IX Spitfire. (And yes I did get picture of it and they will be found in the walk around section of this site courtesy of LSP Randy‘s cyber magic and myself) It put on a delightful show and the sound of that Rolls Royce Merlin was sweet music to my ears let me tell you. Man in flight or on the ground she was one gorgeous aircraft.

Next up was the performance by a woman wing walker, Carol Pilon and her Boeing Sterman from Three Strikes Wing Walking. Let me tell you that it was not the warmest of day for this air show and as you can see she was not wearing much.

Next was an aerial display by the Harvard club based not too far from the Brantford Airport. You know it’s a Harvard by the sound if makes and even as old as the plane is it still does an outstanding job doing aerobatics.

Next came another surprise in the form of an F-15E Strike Eagle of the US air force demonstration team. The plane was from the familiar 4th fighter wing, Sycamore Johnson air force base. Talk about raw power. As you can see as it came over the airfield at 600 mph it was forming vapor contrails. It was loud and exciting to see. Unfortunately it could not land at the airport because it was too large for the runways. Its landing and takeoff was longer then the CF-18’s and the F-16 that have landed there.

Next program the flight display of the CF-18 which was just as raw and powerful as the Eagle’s display but with one add feature. It did a heritage flight with the Spitfire which closed off the show with something unique and something that was only done here at this air show and no where else.

All in all it was a great day and had not only a chance to see the C-17 and the Eagle but to be able to get up close and take picture of a Mk IX Spitfire made it more the worth while going.

The 2008 Brant United Way Air Show

By Dave Robbins

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