The Canadian Snowbirds file photo by Jake KislinskyThe Canadian Snowbirds file photo by Jake Kislinsky
London

Airshow London takes off Friday

Fighter jets, helicopters, and other military aircraft will be soaring above London this weekend as part of Airshow London.

The three-day aviation extravaganza kicks off at the London International Airport Friday and continues through Sunday.

Over 70 different airplanes make up the show's lineup. Among those slated to perform are the Canadian Forces Snowbirds Demonstration Team, the CF-18 Demonstration Team led by Captain Stefan Porteous, the F-16 Viper Demonstration Team, the North American F-86 Sabre, and parachute teams from both the Canadian Armed Forces and U.S. Special Operations Command.

"Besides the air display, there are static displays. The United States Air Force C-5 Galaxy is a good example of a plane you can tour completely. You can walk in the nose and walk out the tail. It is one of the largest aircrafts you'll see at 280 ft. long," said Airshow London Executive Director Dave De Kelver. "We also have a kid zone, an area for the kids to climb into a CF-18 cockpit, so they can actually see what it is like to be a pilot. Nearly 20 different vendors will be serving up food and there is a general admission pub. Just lots to do with the family all day long."

Spectators will have an opportunity to chat and get pictures with the pilots, in addition to learning about the aircraft themselves.

In an effort to remove financial roadblocks that can prevent families from taking in the spectacle, there is no cost for children 12 and under to attend.

"We are the only airshow in Canada that has provided kids 12 and under free admission," said De Kelver. "So we hope mom and dad will bring the kids out to see what these aircraft look like. It is really amazing to see, particularly for a youngster and a common thing we hear from pilots is that their love for aviation began when they were kids at an airshow."

Last year’s airshow drew 35,000 people over its three-day run and organizers are optimistic this year's show will match or exceed that number of attendees. As Airshow London is a not-for-profit organization, it relies heavily on people willing to donate their time to make sure the event goes off without a hitch.

"We count on about 700 volunteers throughout the year and on show weekend to help us," said De Kelver. "A lot of them come from Fanshawe College and we are glad to have over 300 students, on just their second or third day of school, helping us to manage the crowds and the parking lots. They help with security and hospitality as well."

Billed as Canada’s largest military air demonstration, Airshow London raises money for the Children’s Hospital Foundation, veteran’s charities, and scholarships and bursaries at Fanshawe College’s Norton Wolf School of Aviation Technology.

For more information or tickets visit airshowlondon.com.

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