The bustling Toronto harbourfront was the scene for the 2007 Canadian International Air Show. It was a show that would celebrate the 25^th Anniversary of Canada’s CF-18 Hornet, the 60^th Anniversary of the US Air Force and most notably, the debut of the F-22 Raptor demonstration outside of the United States.

  With Canada’s Chief of Defence Staff Gen. Rick Hillier in attendance along with his counterparts from the USAF, it was apparent that this airshow would hold great significance. With both of our countries currently in combat operations in the Middle East, it would be important to see the crowd reaction to the new military hardware of both the Canadian Forces and the US Air Force.

  The CIAS indeed had a great mix of civilian and military performers, but, this show was to be dominated by the public interest of their country’s new purchase of four C-17 Globemaster III’s and the highly touted, next generation fighter, the F-22 Raptor.

  It didn’t take long for the enormous crowds of this 3 day event to gasp in awe as they got their first glimpse of the ominous shape lurking in the distance over Lake Ontario. With one roar of the engines pushing into afterburner, the crowd was greeted by the deafening sound of Major Paul “Max” Moga introducing the F-22 to his neighbors to the north. The full demonstration of this mighty jet was a sight to be seen! Within the audience could be heard various “ooh’s” and “aah’s” as Max showed the incredible power and agility of the Raptor. The ‘Kulbit’, or ‘power loop’, was the highlight for many as the notion of such an aircraft turning on a dime was inconceivable and the sight, stunning.

  Just as high a priority on the list of performers was the massive C-17. With the purchase and recent delivery of the first Globemaster III into service, the CF was very interested in the audience response. With our new aircraft already being put to use, the Mississippi ANG provided a C-17 to demonstrate the capability of the large transport carrier. In spite of its rather short flight profile, the Canadian taxpayers appeared to be happy, if not relieved knowing their men and women serving now have the up-to-date military equipment needed to carry out their tasks.

  The CIAS hosted incredible performances by the Viper East Demo Team, flying the F-16CJ based out of Shaw AFB along with Jim Beasley in his vintage P-51 Mustang, “Bald Eagle”. Keeping in line with Air Combat Command’s Heritage Flight Program, the F-22, F-16 and P-51 joined together to show 3 generations of air power in the USAF. The United States Navy delivered the West Coast Rhino Demo Team from NAS Lemoore, California, flying the F/A-18F Super Hornet. The homegrown talent came in the form of the CF-18 Hornet, otherwise known as a Legacy Hornet next to the Rhino, being flown by Toronto native Capt. Yanick “Crank” Gregoire. Performing in front of his family and friends was a highlight of his year demonstrating the jet. It is also of note, that this is the 25^th Anniversary of the CF-18 in service with the Canadian Forces which was the chosen theme for the paint scheme of the demo jet.

  On the civilian side, the CIAS hosted one of the world’s most notable aerobatic stars, Patty Wagstaff. What she can do in an airplane would make many pilots reach for the airsick bag. Mike Wiskus in his Lucas Oil sponsored biplane wowed the crowd with his flips and spins as did Rick Volker in his ever so familiar purple SU-26M. John Mohr raised the pulse of many airshowgoers in his Stearman barnstorming act and Manfred Radius slowed it down with the majestic flight of his sailpane.

  To bring the show to a finale, the CF Snowbirds took to the sky. Ever since I was a child living in Toronto, I can remember the first sign of the team when it is announced to look straight ahead for the nine twinkling lights just as their opening theme music begins. It’s one of those airshow moments that never goes away in memory and it is always a thrill for me to watch the jets fly their routine for their very supportive Canadian audience.

  The CIAS Team did an incredible job once again hosting a worldclass airshow in Toronto. The weather was incredible, the performances flawless and the crowds appreciative of such a wonderful event.