Abbotsford International Airshow Options

[dream431ca]

Hi Ken,

Just want to say I really enjoyed the Airshow. It was my first one in about 9 years, so I had a blast!

I will be at Abbotsford next year. My whole family is coming along!

See you next year!

[Freddd]

Attended all three days (apart from missing the Snowbirds on Saturday, 'cos I was cold & wet)

The Airshow & performers were great - I loved watching Kent's deadstick routine. Truly an example of poetry in motion......

The organization of traffic on Friday morning bordered on farce - the pre-paid group at Queens Rd got re-routed into the general "pay at the gate" lines. Why did we pre-purchase??

Really appreciated the quantity and quality of the washrooms. Wonder if next year you could mimic Lethbridge & have complimentary water coolers & sunscreen on hand ?

Was REALLY ticked off at the thoughtlessness of the T-Bird ground crew, someone from the CF-18 demo team and their "security" motorcyclist on Friday - all 3 abandoned/parked themselves (and their equipment & vehicles) in front of Section 3 of runway seating. I got to watch an old biker in a yellow jacket and a rental Crown Vic instead of the Thunderbirds............. at least the T-birds moved their equipment for Saturday & Sunday (maybe that was partially due to the large lake that had formed in their previous stopping point )

Overall the show itself was very good - I could watch the Skyhawks canopy work forever and seeing the Snowbirds for the first time was excellent. A bit of a shame that some of the logistics coloured my first visit to Abbotsford.

Attached thumbnail(s)

 

[JA Boomer]

Well...here's my report from this year's Abbotsford Air Show.

After our 9 hour drive, got to the airport at about 2:30...just in the nick of time to park and check out the Strike Eagle, Super Hornet, and the Thunderbirds. All were amazing, it's nice to view these performances from off show-center and without music and commentary every once in a while. Also got to see when the Thunderbirds were going to scare the crowd...twice, so I was prepared for the Sunday show. Thunderbird 5 passed so low and fast over us that afternoon, that there was an intense turbulent wake following it. Loudest thing I've ever heard .

Got to the Sunday show early as usual. Made my static rounds. The C-130J crew was very nice and eager to answer questions. The MH-65C and Sea King crews were up early as well. I wanted to talk with some fighter crews this year, but none were around when I was...next year. I was disappointed that the 8 F-16's and 2 Super Hornets failed to show up for the static display, but I figured the events in Georgia and the Middle East that week may have had a hand in that. Overall I thought static was good on the heavy side, and OK on the light. Would have been a fantastic static had all of the fighters shown up, oh well.

Got to my runway seat at 10:30. Ken, if you or any other air show administrators read this, my one complaint was with the runway seating. First, there was a large lake at the entrance to the east side runway section. The two staff at the booth laughed at my family for asking if there was another way into the runway section, or if they could move the entrance to the other side of the booth (where there was no water). Not very professional and actually kind of rude...was disappointed by this. Also, there was not enough staff to take each person to their section and seats as in years passed. Which was fine by me...except that the signs for the sections were kind of confusing this year, especially because I was told section 10 would be the first section of the east side. I noticed several people who had trouble understanding the signage, which was quite easy to follow once you understood it. I don’t mean to bitch and moan, but I thought these comments could come in handy to you organizers.

There was no remote airplanes to start the show this year (I think it may have been too windy), pity...as I was hoping to see how to correctly launch my P-51 into the air. As for the show...one of, if not the best I have ever seen. The Strike Eagle and Super Hornet TAC demos were awesome (and aside from the F-22A, they are probably the best demos going). The Strike Eagle was just as good as I remember from 2 years ago, and the Super Hornet had a few new tricks added in from last year. The CF-18 had a strong performance as well which is always a treat. I also enjoyed a little F-15C action as the static display aircraft headed to Portland for a little air show action (anyone have any idea what kind of show he put on down there?) and extra CF-18 Hornet time with the CF demo (which I really enjoyed!). Nice tribute to our fallen soldier with the missing-man formation as well. The Thunderbirds were absolutely flawless and my highlight of this year's show, and the Snowbirds seemed to step it up a notch as well...giving the Thunderbirds a run for their money with only 8 of the 9 Snowbirds in the air. Music was WAY better than last year; although the Super Hornet didn't have any...shame. Also, nice job from the announcer’s tower Ken!

My biggest disappointment this year actually came on Monday. Lots of action...but only a few aircraft were kind enough to grant the considerable crowd gathered with a fly-past without leaving. Thanks to the two C-130 crews and the F-15C pilot who took the time to do it right! The snowbird who left on Monday, Thunderbirds, and the T-6A also did a fly-past, but I was really disappointed that neither of the Strike Eagle, Super Hornet, or B-52 crews came back for a last goodbye. Anyone know why the flybys were cut down this year? Last year was absolutely amazing!

Anyways...great air show! And an awesome weekend! Thanks to everyone who had a hand in putting this year's show together! I'm already looking forward to next year's Abbotsford International Air Show!

Boomer

[spookythecat]

except that the signs for the sections were kind of confusing this year, especially because I was told section 10 would be the first section of the east side

You were in section 10? That's where I was all three days in the front row.

[JA Boomer]

You were in section 10? That's where I was all three days in the front row.

HAHAHAHAHA, My family was in seats 7-10 in ROW 1...you must've been in the first few seats?

[spookythecat]

HAHAHAHAHA, My family was in seats 7-10 in ROW 1...you must've been in the first few seats?

My dad and I were in seats 4 and 5 on Sunday. 6 was open and then it was you guys. What a crazy small world! We actually had seats 9 and 10 on Friday and Saturday but they were gone for Sunday. I guess now I know who got our seats .

[Impact93]

Thanks for that answer Ken, I always get a little worried for our Airshow when i see a less then stellar crowd on 1 day. I'm glad to know that there is a strategic plan in place. I appreciate the answer.

Great Job in the announcer booth by the way, you sound pretty at home calling out the arty co-ordinates I don't think i got to hear you say anything about Sun screen this year haha.


In your honest opinion, is there anything we the general public can do to help get certain aircraft to the show next year? I spent so much time complaining on here about what isnt at the show, I figgured instead of beakin off like a 10 year old i could do something proactive. I'd still love to see a phantom or.... and yes, i know its a long long long shot... the Vulcan?? I suppose in the end its up to the people that own those aircraft, but i wonder if there is anything we can do to sway them.



As far as the Canadian forces demo went. When i said the explinations that were happening during the live action scene wasnt good. I ment the words were great and the info was great but it just seemed out of place. I liked it better last year when they just stormed the field and did there thing and THEN we got to clap for them and show our appreciation and THEN we got the rundown of what went on. Not only that, but from where i was sitting on all 3 days (General seating/ show right at the end of the pyro burn) i could hardly hear what was being said when the hornets were flying over, which was the whole time.

ANYWAY, it was Friggin awesome, i love the effort and i love how we got all kinds of Canadian forces in there. All we need now is a Herc doing a tank drop after doing a JATO takeoff of course.

Great show, can't wait for next year.

*whispers* Phaaaaaaaaaaantom

[spookythecat]

Next year is gonna rule no matter what thanks to the Canadian Heritage program. Seeing a Golden Hawk Sabre is gonna be awesome!

We should certainly get the Raptor this time as well. They can't just keep sending it to the same places over and over again.

It was cool to actually be able to look in the landing gear and bomb bays of the B-52 this year.

[JA Boomer]

My dad and I were in seats 4 and 5 on Sunday. 6 was open and then it was you guys. What a crazy small world! We actually had seats 9 and 10 on Friday and Saturday but they were gone for Sunday. I guess now I know who got our seats.

Haha, a small world indeed. The runway seating always has a quirk every year. Last year section 10 was the first section on the west side, and this year it was the second last on the east side. Always a good view though

It was cool to actually be able to look in the landing gear and bomb bays of the B-52 this year.

You can certaintly tell they were manufactured in the early 1960's can't you, looked like they were held together with tooth floss and bubble gum. A fine machine to be sure.

[Briget]

Wow! Nice new signature pic, Al!

[Chris Smallenber...]

I'd still love to see a phantom or.... and yes, i know its a long long long shot... the Vulcan?? I suppose in the end its up to the people that own those aircraft, but i wonder if there is anything we can do to sway them.

I know for a fact they tried hard to get the ACC F-4 Phantom Heritage Flight this year though I think it will be extremely unlikely to ever see that outside the U.S. I'm sure they'll keep trying and rest assured that IF it can happen it will. Aside from that, the only hope would be the Collings Foundation F-4 and unless you have countless thousands of extra dollars kicking around, I just don't think it likely we'll ever see it here. It just costs too much to bring those types of aircraft all the way across the continent and also fly them in the show. I shudder to imagine the cost of fuel alone to fly the F-4 here and back plus fly it in the show 3 days. It was that kind of spending that did the Airshow in back in the mid 90s. Every penny is counted these days.

One jet warbird I've got my fingers crossed on perhaps seeing up here one day is the F-104 from the Classic Aircraft Aviation Museum in Hillsboro, OR. Its not fully restored yet but when it is at least the cost of getting it here would be minimal.

[Chris Smallenber...]

Was another successful show. I think we got pretty lucky with the weather (OK EXTREMELY lucky) as Saturday was forecast for showers all day and even Sunday was forecast for morning showers and cloudy skies all day. Sunday's attendance, I imagine could be the highest single day attendance at the show since going to the current configuration. As Ken mentioned, further space was needed for parking after the overflow parking was filled up. I'm not sure that has ever happened before since the move to the center field. On to the pics....

Let's start things off with the Super Hornet. One of the highlights for most people had to be the F/A-18F demo and all the vapour they were producing all weekend. Was pretty impressive....

Attached thumbnail(s)

 

[Ken Hildebrandt]

Nice vapes, Chris!

[spookythecat]

Wow! Nice new signature pic, Al!

thanks! i'm pretty excited about next year!

[spookythecat]

One jet warbird I've got my fingers crossed on perhaps seeing up here one day is the F-104 from the Classic Aircraft Aviation Museum in Hillsboro, OR. Its not fully restored yet but when it is at least the cost of getting it here would be minimal.

Another option is when the Starfighter team decides to bring their show to the west coast. Maybe next year or 2010 would be nice.

[Copperbelt Jack]

What about some warbird bombers like a B-17? Or even some modern military aircraft slated for next year like the F-22 or the Eurofighter? I know the EF200 is a HUGE leap, just wanted to know the odds

...I think we got pretty lucky with the weather (OK EXTREMELY lucky)...

You're right, Chris. That was a huge advantage for Sunday shooting. I'm uploading my shots here and there when I ahve spare time, but most of them are pretty good now that I'm looking at them. Keep up the good work on those Super Hornet shots! I'm loving the tail-end one!

[spookythecat]

What about some warbird bombers like a B-17? Or even some modern military aircraft slated for next year like the F-22 or the Eurofighter? I know the EF200 is a HUGE leap, just wanted to know the odds
You're right, Chris. That was a huge advantage for Sunday shooting. I'm uploading my shots here and there when I ahve spare time, but most of them are pretty good now that I'm looking at them. Keep up the good work on those Super Hornet shots! I'm loving the tail-end one!

A B-17 would be nice to see again. I think "Sentimental Journey" was there my first year (2004).

[Ken Hildebrandt]

I like the idea of the Starfighters - especially being the 100th anniversary next year, they would fit in quite nicely - and the B-17. There's actually potential of having a B-24 Liberator here next year which would be incredible as these airplanes actually flew out of Abbotsford in the 1940's. Not sure where things are at with that now...

See the thing with the Starfighters, and for all warbirdsd for that matter, is $$$. In the case of the Starfighters, unless a sponsor is willing to step up and cover their expenses, we just can't afford them. With warbirds, we try to secure a/c that are putting together a bit of a tour. Chances on a Euro fighter are pretty slim unless they're already on this side of the pond. Always think logistics and cost...

Anyway, just my two cents worth.

[spookythecat]

I like the idea of the Starfighters - especially being the 100th anniversary next year, they would fit in quite nicely - and the B-17. There's actually potential of having a B-24 Liberator here next year which would be incredible as these airplanes actually flew out of Abbotsford in the 1940's. Not sure where things are at with that now...

See the thing with the Starfighters, and for all warbirdsd for that matter, is $$$. In the case of the Starfighters, unless a sponsor is willing to step up and cover their expenses, we just can't afford them. With warbirds, we try to secure a/c that are putting together a bit of a tour. Chances on a Euro fighter are pretty slim unless they're already on this side of the pond. Always think logistics and cost...

Anyway, just my two cents worth.

Which B-24? I'd guess the CAF's since they've already brought aircraft up there and the Collings operation may be a hassle if they're selling rides.

You've gotta pitch the Starfighters and get a sponsor! That'd be so awesome if they could make it.

[Kevin Burrows]

Love the vapor shots on the Super Hornet.