Results tagged “canadianinternationalairshow2009”

              

Photographer Hamish Grant has been documenting the Canadian International Air Show for Torontoist, and in previous installments, we've explored some Canadian history, featured the U.S. Navy Blue Angels, and offered a closer look at some vintage fighters and contemporary stunt planes. In our final gallery, the planes take flight over Lake Ontario, showcasing mind-boggling aerobatics and cutting-edge technology. For many, it was an exhilarating chance to see big, loud machines do their thing; for some, it was a tacky glorification of weaponry; others are just happy about the return of quiet skies.

                     

Not only is the Canadian International Air Show a spectacular demonstration of piloting skills, it's also a lesson in aviation history. Many of the aircraft have been lovingly restored and refurbished, alluding to their heydays of technology, conflict, and design. Here, stunt planes and vintage fighters sit quietly at the City Centre (Billy Bishop?) Airport yesterday evening as they await this weekend's showcase.

                            

One hundred years ago, on February 23, the first powered heavier-than-air flight in Canadian history took off across Baddeck Bay in Nova Scotia. To celebrate the centennial, some of Canada's most legendary aircraft will be flying the skies over Toronto this weekend. CAF Colonel (retired) and astronaut Chris Hadfield will be piloting "Hawk One," a refurbished RCAF Canadair F-86 Sabre jet. Sabres played significant roles in the Korean War from 1950–1953 and in the Indo-Pakistani War of 1971. Established in 1959 to celebrate fifty years of Canadian flight, the Golden Hawks were a noted Canadian aerobatic team until they disbanded in 1964. "Hawk One" has been restored under the original Golden Hawks livery, and the fifty-five-year-old jet has been appearing across the country this year with its five pilots and ten-person maintenance crew.

                            

Every September, Torontonians are enthralled by the sounds and sights of jet aircraft overhead during the Canadian International Air Show. Hamish Grant will be documenting some of the airborne events for Torontoist over the next few days.