Legendary vintage war planes, advanced military fighters, and more than 50,000 people are expected to descend into the municipal airport here from June 24 to 26 for the 2011 Great Lakes International Air Show.
“The thrill of a premier show like this one is that we have some of the world’s most exciting aircraft together for one weekend,” said Gerry Vanderhoek, director of flight operations. “They span almost a century of aviation history but they’re side by side at this event.”
The Air Show will feature an array of performers and aircraft, including the Canadian Forces Snowbird Demonstration Team and their parachute team, the SkyHawks. In fact, more than 30 different aircraft are confirmed to perform.
Included are modern day aircraft like the F-16 Fighting Falcons, A10 Warthogs, KC-135 Stratotankers and F-18 Hornets, as well as many other fighter jets known for their exceptional speed and maneuverability. In addition, there will be rare vintage models such as the last flying SB2C Helldiver, a dive bomber used during World War II. One of the highlights of the three-day event has the Canadian Forces conducting a demonstration with the Army and Air Force. Representative of what soldiers do on operations, during the air to ground battle reenactment CF-188 Hornets and a CH-146 Griffon helicopter will complement a ground assault.
“The reenactment has been enormously popular in Western Canada,” said Vanderhoek. “But it is the first time it is being performed at an Ontario air show. That’s an exciting honour for St. Thomas.”
Participation is not just limited to Canadian Forces. The show is expected to be the biggest air show for the U.S. Navy outside of the United States. Among its fleet at the event will be 20 planes including Coast Guard helicopters and a Hercules, eight trainers, and two jet trainers. This year is special for the Americans because it marks 100 years of naval aviation for the United States Navy.
In addition to the spectacle in the skies, the air show itself offers the surrounding communities an even greater purpose on the ground. As a registered non-profit organization, the Great Lakes International Air Show is dedicated to raising funds for local organizations and charities. Beneficiaries in 2011 include the St. Thomas Elgin General Hospital Foundation, the Military Family Resource Centre (London), the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society of Canada, St. John Ambulance, and the Air Cadets.
Tickets can be purchased at participating Libro Financial locations and at www.greatlakesinternationalairshow.ca. They are also available at the gate during the event.
On the Saturday and Sunday, gates are open from 8am to 5:30pm, and the air show runs between 1 and 4:30pm. On the Friday, considered arrival day for many aircraft, gates are open from 4 to 8:30pm. While there is no public parking at the airport site, parking in nearby off site lots is $5 per vehicle. Free shuttle buses for the five minute ride to the airport run all day.
Visit www.greatlakesinternationalairshow.ca for more information.
