August 27 marked the kickoff of the Brant United Way Fundraising campaign which is hoping to raise over $1 million for the needy in the City of Brantford, ON, Canada.  With numerous politicians from various levels of Government on hand, the show was kicked off by Canada's newest acquisition, the CC-177 Globemaster III, which performed 3 solid passes before returning to 8 Wing Trenton to run final checks before an overseas deployment.  The Syracuse ANG F-16 Vipers then made two passes, one in formation and another with each plane pounding the sky with the thunder we've all become so accustomed to hearing.  When the thunder had cleared, the Canadian Forces Skyhawks took to the sky, freefalling in groups of 2 and 3 with select personnel carrying the US and Canadian flags as the respective national anthems were played.

  The Canadian Warplane Heritage from Hamilton was very well represented as a DC-3, a PBY, a B-25, and a Fairey Firefly Mk 5 graced the skies over Brantford's regional airport.  Along with the ever popular Warplane Heritage aircraft was the Canadian Harvard Team in their vintage, brightly colored warbirds which harkened all back to the sounds of a forgotten time.  This was then followed by the sweet sound of a Supermarine Spitfire, courtesy of the Russell Group and pilot Dr. Rick Volker.  The civilian acts concluded with a demonstration by Third Strike Wingwalking and Carol Pilon who pulled off some unique configurations while being strapped to the upper wing of the diminutive Stearman, a WWII trainer for the United States.

  The military presence then showed up to close out the show, with "Ritz" and "Wild" flying the USAF F-15E Strike Eagle demonstration in from Hamilton.  Needless to say, with their burners lit during the entire demo, the air became quite heated and the thunder was pounding and echoing from what appeared to be every direction to the spectators on hand.  On its dedication pass, one could clearly see the vapor pouring off the Strike Eagle as Ritz and Wild came very close to breaking through the sound barrier.  The CF-18 demonstration, piloted by Capt. William “Billy” Mitchell out of 425 Squadron located in Bagotville, PQ, then took to the skies with a thunderous dirty roll.  This years demonstration, worked on for over a month by 2007 CF-18 Demo pilot Crank along with Billy, is much tighter than those from years past with repositions that take place in the form of dirty rolls and more acute angles during the turn ins from stage left and right.  The most jaw dropping combination was easily the 9G minimum radius turn which then quickly flowed into the 7G square loop without any turnaround what so ever.  The show came to an inspiring conclusion, with Billy and Dr. Volker flying together in Canada's Heritage Flight, a unique formation which showed aircraft from our past and our current Air Force gracing the skies in front of the enormous mid week crowd.

  One of the main highlights of the static display was the NYANG LC-130 Hercules; a specially modified Herc that comes equipped with ski's to allow for landing and JATO capabilities for takeoff in severe arctic conditions.  The crew was great, and long lines were the norm as people walked through the interior and were explained the complexities of the 20 year old aircraft.  There were more than a few youngsters who took the time to enjoy being in the Captains chair and flying that plane to faraway lands that only their imagination can reach.

  It was a great show, and a fabulous time was had by all.  Let's all not forget the main purpose behind this air show - to help those who need it the most.