Since the first year I moved to Vancouver, I wanted to see the Abbotsford Airshow, but I kind of forgot about it and only remembered to sign up when I saw the airplanes flying around. This year, I put in my calendar very early, and I was able to buy the tickets, and for the first time, we went to the Abbotsford airshow.
As it was my first time, everything was new. I didn’t know how this should work much, just that there were airplanes and some demos.
The sun was relentless, and the temperature soared to a sweltering 30°C. I was glad that we had a beach umbrella and some chairs in the trunk so we could stay out of the sun a bit.
The schedule contained planes like C-17 Globemaster/KC-46 Pegasus, F-35 Lightning II, CF-18 Hornet, MiG-17 Fresco, EA-18 Growler Demo, and the Canadian Snowbirds.
It was really better than expected. I was able to see really nice fighting planes like F-35 flying, and the best thing is to hear the roar of the engines. They are so powerful machines, that’s incredible. It is really nice how humans can build something like that.
F-35 Flying in low speed
One thing that caught my attention a lot was the condensation trails (a new term for me), which are those stunning, temporary clouds of vapor that formed as the jets performed high-G maneuvers. It was really amazing to see it.
F-35 condensation trails
There was a nice and colourful plane which was not on schedule, but it was beautiful to see.
Plane with smoke and Mount Baker
The CF-18 Hornet was really nice as well. There were 2, so it was good to see them flying together
CF-18 Hornet
Another fighting jet that made the event special was the EA-18 Growler, which was also powerful and with very good maneuvers. There were two in the demo, which made it even better.
EA-18 Growler
Another surprise was the wing walking. I never saw this before, and it was crazy. I was so impressed by the craziness (or courage) of the person to stand in an airplane like that. I know they are tied to it, but I wouldn’t do it anyway.
Person Wing walking with Mount Baker at the background
And the last attraction was the most beautiful one. It was the Canadian Snowbirds in a choreographic flight.
Canadian Snowbirds in formation
It is amazing how they can be so precise during maneuvers like that. This kind of expertise required for doing this is something that impresses me.
Canadian Snowbirds in formation
The airshow was also the perfect opportunity to test out my new camera and lens. I was trying to capture some shots of the airplanes against the sky, and I think I managed to get a few good ones. I’ll let you be the judge!
I’m already looking forward to going back next week and seeing what they will have.
Cheers.