Last week we began our visit to the Waterloo Airshow in Breslau, Ontario at the Waterloo Regional Airport. This week, we return for Part II and more vintage aircraft, speed and noise.

Rob Mitchell, former Canadian military Snowbirds & fighter pilot, flew the Vintage Wings of Canada F-86 "Hawk One" Sabre in a performance that took you back to the days of the RCAF Golden Hawks aerobatic display team. The gleaming, golden Canadian built 1950s fighter jet, with its graceful lines, flew a solo performance as well as participating in the Heritage Flight with the Vintage Wings P-40 Warhawk and the CF-18 Hornet. Three generations of Canadian fighter planes gracing the skies over the Waterloo region.

Making its first airshow appearance was the Jet Aircraft Museum(JAM)/Hammond Aviation T-33 "Mako Shark" flown by retired RCAF pilot Turbo Tarling. With 7700 hours in the Tbird, Turbo strapped on his parachute then slipped into the cockpit of the "Mako" like it was old home week. Taking to the skies, Turbo flew a series of graceful passes in the former RCAF training jet aircraft. One of several T-33's that JAM and Hammond Aviation are restoring to flight, along with a DH Vampire, the museum welcomes any new members and donations to make that possible.

The Canadian Harvard Aircraft Association provided four Harvard aircraft for several passes offering further history in the skies for the crowds enjoying the show. The Canadian Forces parachute team, the Skyhawks, dropped down for a visit carrying both the Canadian and American flags. Local pilot, Wayne Hadath, demonstrated the speed of his F-1 Rocket. "Little' Bit," performing several passes for the crowd.

Though the weather didn't fully cooperate, there was an airshow both days as well as full flying practices on the Friday before. No matter the weather, the final, closing act for the day, as with so many shows they perform in, were the Royal Canadian Air Force Snowbirds. This formation of 9 aircraft never fails to impress and they proved to be a big hit at Waterloo. From the opposing solo passes, 7 plane formation or the entire 9 plane team, their spectacular manoeuvres thrilled sky-turned heads along the entire airshow flightline, including vendors and other airshow performers. A symbol of Canadian pride, the Snowbirds are a huge draw where-ever they appear and the never fail to impress.

Of course, the draw wasn't just airshow performers but static displays and vendors as well. JAM included their static T-33 display cockpit, another Tbird and the DH Vampire. From the popular TV reality show, Ice Pilots, Buffalo Airways provided their "Buffalo Airways Virtual" tent selling an assortment of their wares such as t-shirts, baseball caps, models and more. Waterloo-Wellington Flight Centre, The Spitfire Emporium, Bingeman's Catering Service and many other providers gave airshow patrons something to eat and do before, during and after the show.

So, mark your calendars next year for June 2 & 3, 2012 and make your way to the Waterloo Region for the next Waterloo Airshow. From the participating airshow acts, to the vendors and, just as importantly, the volunteers that make it all possible, it's one of the best organized and most enjoyable shows on the circuit. Come for the day, enjoy your surroundings and take in Waterloo's Captains of the clouds entertaining you in the beautiful skies above Southern Ontario.

For more information about the Waterloo Airshow: waterlooairshow.com

For more information about the RCAF Snowbirds: snowbirds.forces.gc.ca

For more information about the Jet Aircraft Museum: jetaircraftmuseum.com

For more information about the Canadian Harvard Aircraft Association: harvards.com

For more information about the CF Skyhawks: skyhawks.forces.gc.ca

For more information on Kent Pietsch & Jelly Belly: kentpietschairshows.com

For more information about Michael Wiskus, Lucas Oil Pitts: sportaerobatics.com

For more about Vintage Wings of Canada: vintagewings.ca

For more about F-16 Viper East: acc.af.mil/aerialevents/f16east/index.asp

For more information on the RCAF Demo Hornet: airforce.forces.gc.ca/v2/cf18/index-eng.asp

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