Spectacle Aerien International de Bagotville, Quebec June 9-10, 2007

Story and photos by Kerry Newstead

 

Bonjour, et beinvenue au Spectacle Aerien International de BFC de Bagotville.

This year’s show marked the 50th anniversary of the Spectacle Aerien International and it was dedicated to a legend and hero, Honourary Colonel Omer Levesque. He served in WW II, where he shot down several German aircraft. He was also shot down and spent time in a prison camp. Omer served during the Korean War as a Sabre pilot. He scored a victory over a MiG.

The show had a good blend of military and civilian acts, plus a great blend of Canadian and American performers.

From the old to the new, there was something for everyone. One of the youngest pilots on the airshow circuit is Pete McLeod from Red Lake, Ontario. Due to a minor mishap on practice day, Pete was unable to perform for the crowds that came. But the crowds were thrilled with performers such as Team Rocket, featuring Ken Fowler and Eric Hansen. The person who puts the “Belle” in La belle Province is Miss Carol Pilon and her Third Strike Wingwalking Team. The man who is Canada’s Mr. Airshow, Bill Carter was there performing his Mile Long Knife Edge Pass. From south of the border, Mr. Jim LeRoy brought his fast action aerobatic skills to skies over Saguenay region. One his partners in his many shows is Mr. Kent Shockley and the Shockwave Jet Truck. And not for the faint of heart was Mr. Ed Shipley and his Canadair Sabre.

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  The show was opened by the SkyHawks and friends. The friends being some the many SarTechs that make up the 439 Tiger Tiger Search and Rescue Squadron. The 439 showed off their Tiger painted Griffon helicopter and performed a victim recovery. Vintage Wings and Canadian Warplane Heritage were there with their Hurricane and Corsair and B-25 Mitchell, respectively. The Hurricane flew with a 425 Squadron Hornet and did circuits with the Corsair and Mitchell. Jeff “Roadie” Yost was there with his A-10 East Demo machine performing with Ed Shipley for the USAF Heritage Flight. April Zalesky provided pyro for the weekend.

  Capt. Yanick “Crank” Gregoire came packing with his 2007 Demo Hornet. With the Hornet team alternating bases every year, Crank came to the opposing base. He showed his stuff and the 425 had to put up six planes and 2 helicopters from the 430 and 439 to get their revenge. The latter was a demo on how to attack an enemy base, and with April’s pyro, it added some realism. To help put out the flames of the pyro, the Forestry Department provided one of their CL-415 water bombers.

  Some airshows are great because of the acts, some airshows are great because of planes, and others are great because of the crowds. This one is great for the memories.

Je me souviens.