As more Royal Canadian Air Force aircraft are continually added to the lineup planning to attend the Comox Air Show, several vintage and historic flight organizations have announced their intent to visit the Comox Valley as well.
"We will have aircraft from organizations like Vintage Wings of Canada, Historic Flight Foundation from Washington State, and the Cascade Warbirds from across the Pacific Northwest," said air show director Maj. Dwayne Kerr.
"These organizations are renowned for their commitment to keeping historic and vintage aircraft flying, and we're thrilled that some of their airplanes will grace the skies of Comox on Aug. 17."
Among the Second World War-era aircraft expected is a Spitfire, three Harvards, a P-40 Kittyhawk, a B-25 Mitchell bomber and a DC-3.
The DC-3 was the civilian model of the famous Second World War transport plane, the C-47 Dakota. During the war, Comox served as a training base for aircrew learning to fly this aircraft before going overseas.
"As we celebrate 70 years of Air Force history in Comox, we hope the inclusion of these historic aircraft will remind our visitors of the dedication and sacrifices made by our veterans — many of whom will be in attendance at the air show," said Col. Jim Benninger, 19 Wing commander.
Before the air show, the Historic Flight Foundation will offer flights from the Comox Valley Airport in their immaculate Pan-Am DC-3 and B-25 Mitchell, nicknamed Grumpy.
Join the pilot-performers for a briefing, local flight, and full post-flight photo opportunity. The experience spans an hour, with about half of it in the air.
Patrons may include children accompanied by an adult and anyone in reasonable health as determined by the pilot. The discounted early-bird prices for the Comox show are $425 for the B-25 and $295 for the DC-3.
Flights are available hourly Aug. 16 beginning at 8 a.m. and continuing until 2 p.m. For reservations, contact 425-348-3200 or visitorservices@historicflight.org.
To make this Air Show a reality, it takes the support of organizations and businesses in our community such as Sunwest Auto and RV Centre, Thrifty Foods, Royal Lepage, WestJet, the Westerly Hotel and Convention Centre, Holiday Inn Express and Suites, Harbour Air Seaplanes, Re/Max Ocean Pacific Realty, Pacific Coastal Air, Old House Village Hotel & Spa, CTV, Comox Valley Record and 97.3 The Eagle. The Comox Air Show thanks all sponsors and patrons who have contributed to making this event a success.
Visitors are reminded to "Ride the Bus to the Comox Air Show!" BC Transit will provide two artery routes to and from the event.
For those who live far from the main bus routes in the Comox Valley, buses will service two 'park and rides' at North Island College and the Comox Valley Exhibition Grounds.
For more information on the 19 Wing Armed Forces Day and Air Show, visit www.comoxairshow.ca or follow it at www.facebook.com/comoxairshow.
— Comox Air Show