News
2011 Abbotsford Air Show

Aug. 15, 2011 - YXX Ground: “Skyraider, hold your position until the outhouse passes the taxiway.” Skyraider: “I never thought I’d say this, but I have the outhouse in sight.”

August 15, 2011 By Paul Dixon

Aug. 15, 2011 – YXX Ground: “Skyraider, hold your position until the outhouse passes the taxiway.”
Skyraider: “I never thought I’d say this, but I have the outhouse in sight.”

USAF A-10 Warthog paired with the A-1 Skyraider. Photo by Paul Dixon.

Specifically, that was Paul Stender’s Port-O-Jet Outhouse, powered by the back half of an old Boeing 502 turbine, making his way exit after completing his show. Stender also performed in his School Time “world’s fastest school bus,” powered by a GE J79 jet engine rescued from an F-4 Phantom.

Otherwise, the rain held off and unseasonably cool temperatures in the mid-20s rewarded the crowds that flocked to the Fraser Valley for the three days of the 49th annual Abbotsford International Airshow. Heading a strong Canadian Forces contingent was Lt. General Andres Deschamp, commander of CF Air Command. The show was opened each day by the arrival of the CF Skyhawks, parachuting into show centre. Daily CF demonstrations included the tactical assault demo by 39 Brigade Group, supported by Griffon helicopters and 2 CF-18 Hornets.

There was a strong rotary presence, with flying displays from the Griffon, SeaKing, Cormorant and USCG HH-65, and static displays of RCMP AS350 Air 2 and an S-76 from BC Ambulance.

Aerobatics were provided by long-time Airshow favourites such as Bud Granley and son, Ross, flying their Yaks, Kent Pietsch in the Jelly Belly and Julie Clark in her T-34 Mentor.

As always, the closing act was the Canadian Forces Snowbirds, with the exception of the Friday show which closed with the 17:00 departure of WestJet YS488, piloted by ex-Snowbird Capt. Dan Miller which departed through the last hint of smoke from the Tutors.

CC-115 Buffalo of 442 Squadron (Comox) made a surprise visit to the show on Saturday.

CF-18 – 2011 Hornet Demonstration Jet makes a high speed pass.


CF Skyhawks – Dropping in to start the show.	CF Tactical Demo – Tactical demonstration by infantry, supported by armour, artillery, Griffon helicopter and 2 CF-18 Hornets.