2019 Atlantic Canada International Air Show

USPA NEWS - For Aviation enthusiasts living in the Maritime Provinces, the Atlantic Canada International Air Show has been the highlight of many summers. Since the early 1980's there have been 36 air shows held at various airports throughout the region.
The 2019 Atlantic Canada International Air Show was held at Canadian Forces Base Greenwood which is located in the picturesque Annapolis Valley of Nova Scotia. One of this years headlining performers was the United States Navy Blue Angels. The August 31st and September 1st air show was the Blue Angels only appearance outside of the United States in 2019 and the first time in Nova Scotia since 2004.

On both show days the gates opened at 10am and the flying performances began shortly after 1130 which allowed spectators time to explore the impressive Static Ground Display. The Static Ground display contained a collection of Canadian and United States Military aircraft along with Civilian aircraft. The Canadian Military aircraft on display were a C-146 Griffon helicopter, a CP-140 Aurora, a CH-149 Cormorant helicopter, a CH-148 Cyclone helicopter and a CT-156 Harvard II. The American Military aircraft on display were two USAF F-16 Fighting Falcon jets. The Civilian aircraft on display were an RCMP Pilatus PC-12, an RCMP Eurocopter AS 350B3 ECUREUIL helicopter, a Cessna 340, a DFO Beech Super King Air B200T, a Cessna 172 Skyhawk, a Cessna 182 "Amphibian Skylane", an EHS Super King Air B200 and a Canadian Coast Guard Bell 429 Globalranger. The static display allowed thousands of spectators to closely interact up close with the various aircraft and their crew members. This was a great way to learn about how these aircraft contribute to their various agencies within the aviation community and also made for some great photo opportunities.

The flying displays began shortly before noon with a parachute demonstration by the Canadian Forces SkyHawks. During this performance the Greenwood Military Wives Choir sang both the American and Canadian National Anthem. Flags from both nations where integrated into the SkyHawks display. There were many air demonstrations that followed all leading up to the mighty United States Blue Angels performance which would conclude the air show. These performances included a Canadian Air Force CH-146 Griffon, a Canadian Air Force CC-130H Hercules, a Canadian Air Force CH-149, the Canadian Forces CF-18 Demo, A Canadian Air Force CP-140, a ACM Wardirds of Canada L-29, a Glasflugel H-101 Salto, Extra Aircraft 330C, a Yakolev Yak-55M and the Nieuport XI Bebe Biplane. As the various aircraft performed throughout the afternoon the audience was treated to displays of precision aerobatics along with demonstrations of military  aircraft performance in search and rescue operations. All of these heartpounding  and thrilling performances led up to a spectacular and thundering sixty minute performance by the United States Navy Blue Angels.

I had a chance to speak with Lt. Commander James Haley, who is the  Blue Angels Pilot #2, about the Blue Angels mission and he replied, "The mission of the United States Navy Flight Demonstration Squadron is to showcase the pride and professionalism of the United States Navy and Marine Corps and inspire a culture of excellence and service to country by conducting flight demonstrations and community outreach." After having the privilege of seeing both performances of the Blue Angel's in Greenwood it became very clear that they take their mission very seriously. This could be seen in the brilliant performances that electrified the sky and thrilled fans of all ages.

14 Wing CFB Greenwood did a fantastic job hosting the 2019 Atlantic Canada International Air Show. Air Show Atlantic once again produced an amazing show. It should be noted that there was an incredible group of volunteers that were vital in making sure that everything ran smoothly. The 2019 Atlantic Canada International Air Show, as always, provided great family entertainment along with memories that will last a lifetime.