Canadian International Air Show
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The Canadian International Air Show is an annual air show that has been held at the conclusion of the Canadian National Exhibition in Toronto since 1949. Aircraft from Canada and the United States, as well as other countries, perform over Lake Ontario for three days in September.
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[edit] History
Toronto was the site of numerous air shows as the city developed into a centre of air transportation and aircraft manufacturing in the early twentieth century. The Canadian International Air Show (CIAS) originated in 1946 when the National Aeronautical Association of Canada attracted overflow crowds to a show at de Havilland Canada manufacturing plant at Downsview Airport. Staged annually thereafter, the air show moved to Exhibition Place in 1949, and became a regular feature of the Canadian National Exhibition (CNE) in 1956.[1]
[edit] Present
The CIAS practice session is usually held on the day before the official CIAS, taking place between 10:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m.[citation needed]
The official CIAS takes place over the Canadian Labour Day Weekend, which coincides with the closing weekend of the CNE. The start time for the show is scheduled for 1:00 p.m. with the show ending at approximately 4:00 p.m. each afternoon.
The show is performed over Lake Ontario at the waterfront of the CNE. It can be best viewed from Exhibition Place or Ontario Place, though the show is visible from any other lakefront site, especially Marilyn Bell Park or Coronation Park, on the city’s west side shore. Performers fly in from Pearson, as well Toronto City Centre Airport on the nearby Toronto Islands, and so fly over the downtown area, with staging and holding primarily from Dufferin across to Jarvis and up to Bloor.
The show is admission free, however viewing from the CNE or Ontario Place require paid admission to the Ex.
There is no static display of aircraft.[2][3]
Prince Andrew, Duke of York is, as a member of the Canadian Royal Family, a royal patron of the air show.
[edit] Performers
Regular performers include the Snowbirds, other Canadian Forces aircraft, the United States Air Force (USAF), and the United States Navy (USN).
Past performers have included the Royal Canadian Air Cadets, the Canadian Harvard Aerobatic Team, Vintage Wings Over Canada, as well as private aerobatics teams, and commercial airlines.
Notable aircraft to have appeared include;
- USAF F-22 Raptor
- Canadian Forces CF-18 Hornet
- USN F/A 18F Super Hornet (Rhino)
- USAF F-16 Fighting Falcon[4][5]
- RAF Red Arrows (2003)
- US Navy Blue Angels (2009)
- US Navy F-14 Tomcat (2004)
- USAF F-15 Eagle (2005)
[edit] Accidents
- 1989: Canadian Forces Captain Shane Antaya died after a midair collision when his Snowbird crashed into Lake Ontario. During the same accident, team commander Major Dan Dempsey safely ejected from his aircraft.[6]
- 1995: Seven Royal Air Force crew members were killed when their Hawker Siddeley Nimrod MR.2P stalled during a low alttiude turn and crashed into Lake Ontario.[citation needed]
