We’re in the prime of summer. The days continue to get hotter, and back-to-school shopping still lies far ahead, but it’s not too early to start planning your Labour Day Weekend.
Mark your calendars, because on Aug. 31st and Sept. 1, the Air Show Atlantic returns to Greenwood.
Headlining the event this year are the prestigious US Navy Blue Angels. This will be the first time since 2004 the group has flown in Nova Scotia. Colin Stephenson, the executive director for the Atlantic Canada International Air Show, is thrilled the Blue Angels have accepted their invitation.
“Coming back to Greenwood was a big part of how we got the Blue Angels to agree to come,” Stephenson said. “Their aircraft require a lot of maintenance and support, and Greenwood can provide all this. It’s important their team feels secure, especially performing as foreign military.”
The event is taking place at the Greenwood Airport, 14 Wing Greenwood. The starting times depend on the weather, but generally the shows will start at about noon and finish before supper.
“The site is also equipped with an 8,000-foot runway and mobile arrestor gear. This is the tripwire that goes across the runway in case an aircraft is having difficulties and needs to make an emergency landing. This same equipment is found on aircraft carriers.”
Gates are open from 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Stephenson recommends people show up early, but says the delays won’t be anything like they were in 2017.
“The great thing is we’ve learned a lot from our first production of this event at Greenwood. The most significant change is the way guests get in and out of the venue. The first time around it was quite backed up, but this time we’re going to utilize the RCMP and the Department of Transportation to control nearby intersections and manage the traffic.”
Aside from the Blue Angels, Stephenson says there are plenty of other demonstrations lined up.
“I think what people will be most excited about is the RCAF’s CF-18 Hornet demonstration and the Skyhawks Parachute demonstration team. As well, Mike Goulian will be attending, who is a Red Bull Air Race series winner and one of the best aerobatic pilots in the world.”
That’s not all.
“We also have Canada’s first fighter jet, the de Havilland Vampire, which flew for Canada in the late 1940s. It is the first single-engine jet in the world.”
And if your neck starts getting cramped from staring up all day, there’s lots to look at on the ground, too.
“There’s a ton to watch other than the flying display itself, which lasts about three hours. We also have static aircraft on the ground such as the new Cyclone helicopter for the Canadian Navy. People will have the chance to go inside, talk to the crew, and see what the aircrafts are made of. There will be lots of other Canadian and American planes on display.”
For a complete list of the lineup, directions, and further information on the aircraft can be found at www.airshowatlantic.ca.