The city of Waterloo had their eyes to the sky this past weekend for the third annual Waterloo Air Show. This years flying show seems to have grown in quality and reduced in quantity and that is a good thing. Four military demonstration teams showed their skills with the SkyHawks, CF-18 Demo, F-16 Viper East Demo, and the venerable Snowbirds, each showcasing their mastery of the sky. On the civilian side were performances from Kent Pietsch, Mike Wiskus, Canadian Harvard Aircraft Association, Jet Aircraft Museum (CT-133), Vintage Wings of Canada (P-40N & F-86E), and Wayne Hadath (F1 Rocket).
While the flying acts were a marked improvement over past shows the static display seemed on par with last years offering, though lacking access to performing aircraft. Visitors were able to get up close with numerous planes and their flight crews including a USAF C-130H, CT-133, de Havilland DHC-2, de Havilland Vampire Mk.55, two North American T-28 Trojan’s, multiple planes from the Vintage Wings of Canada “Yellow Wings” tour and aircraft from the Dunnville Museum.
With such an amazing show for only their third year running the future of the Waterloo Air Show looks very bright.
Top Five Performances
5. A rare show from Capt. Erick O’Connor doing a full demo in a CF-18B due to his demo jet being down for repairs.
4. The first ever full performance by the Jet Aircraft Museums CT-133 Silver Shark Piloted by William “Turbo” Tarling who has well over 7500hrs on the T-33.
3. Mike Wiskus was in top form with an incredible display on Sunday.
2. Capt. Ryan “Rider” Corrigan’s demo on Sunday was off the chart thanks in part to moisture laden skies that Rider took full advantage of.
1. The Canadian Forces CF-18 Demo in full effect with Capt. Erick O’Connor at the controls of his demo jet.
