Ken Bell Photography - Air Show Gallery

Alberta International Air Show 2008 - Lethbridge AB

In July I went with Dan Swift to see the air show in Lethbridge. We got there early, around 9:30. It took a while to get into the parking area, and then through the checking where they made us show what was in our backpacks. Once we got inside we came to the first plane of interest, a US Navy F-18 Tomcat, in combat colors. The captain told us it was one of the newer ones that had just been produced. Near it was a Canadian Search and Rescue plane, a bright yellow DHC-5 (CC-115) Buffalo. We walked over to a restricted area where we could see the exhibition planes that would fly in the show Tora, Tora, Tora. Behind them we could see two A-10 Warthogs and two CF-18s. To the right there was the massive C-17 (CC-177) Globemaster, one of four Canada has. All these planes were involved in the four best demonstrations of the day. There was also a Mitchell bomber that was taxing up to start its demonstration.

   DHC-5 Buffalo        Japanese Zero         Mitchell B-25              CF-18                  CC-177

There were many good flying demonstrations by acrobatic pilots, including one who flew a bright red and white home built plane that really performed. When he was done the next attraction was a demonstration by the Canadian combined forces, showing a simulation of a ground attack on a vehicle convoy that could happen in Afghanistan. As the vehicles were under fire the two CF-18s came in and dropped (simulated) bombs, a helicopter circled and deployed two sets of troops and there were two artillery barrages. It was quite a demonstration. Following that the CC-177 Globemaster took off to show how it could fly. I was amazed at how short a takeoff it could do, and how maneuverable it was in the air. You can see the size comparison of this plane to the CF-18 sitting on the tarmac waiting for it to take off. It was absolutely huge. The A-10 Warthog flew next, and it was the most impressive bit of flying I saw all day. I would guess several of the stunt planes that flew would have been very hard pressed to keep up to that plane. Whoever the pilot was he sure knew how to put it through its paces.

    A-10 Warthog         Super Skybolt        Mitchell flying      CF-18 on mission        CH-146

The last demonstration we watched was the re-enactment of the bombing of Pearl Harbor. Six Japanese Zero fighters and two bombers, along with a large ground crew, staged this exhibition. The planes were actually built for the 1970's movie Tora, Tora, Tora. The team is all part of the Commemorative Air Force and they have done these demonstrations for years. It was extremely well done, and really made you think you were watching the actual battle. I could not believe how they flew pass after pass, seemingly at random, yet knowing full well it was all orchestrated. It was definitely the highlight of the show.

       CC-117                 A-10 flying           Dive Bomber         Zero attacking           Bomber

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