A Day in the Life of The SkyHawks!

Parachute Demonstration Team
The SkyHawks are Canada’s only military parachute demonstration team. And, the editors of LearnToFly.ca were invited to spend a day with this precision parachute jump team. It was at the 2011 Waterloo Air Show that Greg McKay and Geoff McKay met up with the SkyHawks. We were given full ‘behind the scenes’ access, allowing us to compile a complete video of the experience.

The SkyHawks perform incredible aerobatic parachute formations before crowds across North America. With 33 shows this season, the SkyHawks represent Canada and the Canadian Forces with great pride.

71 Million Spectators
This elite team of skydivers puts on a spectacular show. Over 71 million spectators worldwide have enjoyed watching the SkyHawks as they perform their dangerous and thrilling manoeuvres before the crowds.

A Day in the Life of the SkyHawks!
Have you ever wondered what it would be like to jump from an airplane? Follow along as we meet the SkyHawks, prepare for take-off, and then perform before tens of thousands of spectators at the Waterloo Air Show.

Video: A Day in the Life of the SkyHawks!

Watch a Day in the Life of the SkyHawks at the Waterloo Air Show!

SkyHawks Base
The Canadian Forces SkyHawks are based out of Warfare Centre, Ontario. Team Members are specially selected from the Army, Navy and Air Force to showcase the professionalism, dedication and team work of Canada’s military.

Voice of the SkyHawks
Captain Indira Thackorie, Public Affairs Officer for the Canadian Forces Parachute Team, is the “Voice of the SkyHawks”.

Captain Thackorie is the Announcer for the SkyHawks at the many air show performances. It’s her energetic voice you hear as she gives a detailed and exciting “play-by-play” of what’s happening in the skies above. As the SkyHawks jump from the airplane overhead, often two miles above, Captain Thackorie narrates the action and explains all their amazing and dangerous manoeuvres. She also provides some history of the SkyHawks, as she keeps you focused on the action above.

Canopy Relative Work
The SkyHawks team builds beautiful formations in the sky. The team members come in close proximity to each other and link together to assemble into formations. You see two, three, four or more SkyHawks members  and canopies connected as one. Their canopies may be stacked on top of each other, or sometimes they connect via their arms and legs in a side-by-side formation. It takes incredible skill and courage to accomplish this death defying Canopy Relative Work (CRW).

40th Anniversary
The 2011 season marks the 40 anniversary of the SkyHawks. This is an amazing milestone and accomplishment for this talented team of skydivers. The SkyHawks perform 33 shows across North America during their 40th anniversary season from May to October 2011.

The SkyHawks are easily recognized by their Signature Canadian Flag Canopies. The red and white Canadian Flag Parachutes are a trademark icon at Air Shows and Performances throughout North America.

Canadian Flag Parachutes
This SkyHawk has the signature Canadian Flag Canopy overhead, and he has also unfurled a 450 square foot Canadian Flag trailing from his foot.

In addition to the Canadian Flag Parachutes, the SkyHawks usually have at least one large Canadian Flag and one large U.S. Flag displayed on a member’s foot. A provincial flag is also attached to a team member during a performance.

Very Colourful
The SkyHawks performance is always very exciting and also very colourful. With the large Canadian Flag parachutes and trailing flags, the sky is filled with brilliant and colourful images.

Tandem Jumps
Our Day in the Life of the SkyHawks video shows both single jumpers and tandem jumpers. The tandem jumpers are strapped together, and jump out of the aircraft as a pair with a single parachute. In Tandem parachuting, the guest skydiver is securely connected to a tandem instructor by a harness. The experienced tandem instructor guides the guest through the entire jump. The two remain connected as they exit the aircraft, freefall, open the parachute, pilot the canopy, and safely land in the designated landing zone.

Two Miles High
During our ride with the SkyHawks, there was a team of 13 members jumping, and two additional “guests” were part of the tandem jumps. Along with LearnToFly.ca, the Discovery Channel was also invited, and they performed several scientific experiments involving coloured water during the jumps.  Most of the team jumped (@ 9:20 in the video above) from 6,000 feet  (over a mile in the sky), and the tandem jumpers jumped (@ 10:30 in the video above) from 12,500 feet. (over two miles high in the sky)

VIP Tandem Jumpers
On the aircraft with us were two VIP Tandem Jumpers. Todd Cowan, the Mayor of Woolwich, and 96.7 CHYM FM Producer Ryan Mahn took to the skies, and tandem jumped with the SkyHawks from 2 miles above. (You can see their terrified faces in the video above @ 10:30)

Signature Formations
The Canadian Forces Parachute Team have several Signature Formations they perform before the crowds. Pictured to the right are two SkyHawks with their chutes side-by-side and their legs locked to hold them together.

Dangerous Canopy Work
This is very dangerous canopy work as they must ensure their parachutes do not become entangled or collapsed as they set-up and maintain these tricky formations. (TIP: Click on the picture to enlarge)

Parabatics
Parachute Aerobatics, or “Parabatics” are often performed by the SkyHawks. Two SkyHawks will form a Bi-Plane (2-stack) and then transition into a leg lock. They will fly their parachutes side by side and perform aerobatics in the sky.

Three SkyHawks
Many of the formations include three SkyHawks linked together. There’s the “Tri-By-Side” where three SkyHawks form a 3-stack and then transition into a horizontal circle with their parachutes forming the outer ring. There’s also the “Three Stack Drag” where three SkyHawks form a 3-stack. They then transition into opposite ends with two jumpers on one end, and the bottom jumper locates at the bottom of the stack and inverts, flying upside down!

Canadian T
The SkyHawks Signature “Canadian T” Formation pictured here also involves three jumpers. Three SkyHawks form a 3-stack and then transition into a formation in the shape of a “T”. You can see the jumper at the bottom has the large, trailing, 450 square foot Canadian Flag at the bottom of the formation.

Parachute Equipment
For our Day in the Life of a SkyHawk video, we were introduced to the SkyHawks team, and then provided a tour of the aircraft and the equipment was demonstrated and explained. We then joined the team as they flew to the skies, and jumped out of the SkyHawks aircraft. The parachute equipment is carefully checked before every flight.

Multiple Parachutes
Each SkyHawk has multiple parachutes. There’s the large Canadian Flag Canopy main Parachute you typically see above each SkyHawk. (This is attached to a small drone chute that first deploys to help the Main chute deploy correctly) But, each jumper also has a smaller Reserve Parachute as a back-up. If the main parachute gets tangled or fails, the jumper will then release the main chute, and open the smaller reserve chute. It’s a back-up or “safety” chute just in case the primary parachute fails to deploy properly. Each SkyHawk packs their own mains, but one of the four parachute riggers on the team must pack the reserve parachute.

Corporal Johann Reimer
Our Day in the Life of the SkyHawks video features Corporal Johann Reimer. Corporal Reimer is pictured here after safely returning to earth after the SkyHawks Waterloo Air Show performance.

Corporal Reimer is from Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, and he joined the SkyHawks this year as part of their 40th anniversary season. Johann has the lowest jump numbers of any of the SkyHawks on the team with about 300 jumps to date.

Corporal Reimer demonstrates great enthusiasm, expertise and professionalism for the SkyHawks as he guides us through a typical day as a member of the Canadian Forces Parachute Team – the SkyHawks.

Parachute Training
The SkyHawks training camp is located in Perris, California. Training Camp lasts five weeks, and members jump about ten times each day. Corporal Reimer explains they have the best training with the greatest instructors.

SkyHawks Parachute Team
The Canadian Forces SkyHawks Parachute Team assembles for a group photo just before take-off. Pictured at the far left is Captain Indira Thackorie, and Corporal Johann Reimer is at the far right in the photo. You also see the guest tandem jumpers Todd Cowan and Ryan Mahn in the black jump suits.

Additional Equipment
In addition to the jump suit, main parachute, reserve parachute and helmet, the SkyHawks members have some important additional equipment they take with them on every jump.

Audible DYTTER
Tucked inside the helmet of each SkyHawk is an audible device called a DYTTER. This beeps key altitudes that have been pre-programmed into the small device to make the Skydiver aware of key altitudes as they descend. (@ 1:39 in the video above)

Each SkyHawk also has a skydiver altimeter gauge they wear that displays altitude above the ground, and the jumper ensures this is correctly “zero’d” before they take-off. They also have an Automatic Activation Device (AAD) that will automatically deploy the parachute based on an algorithm of altitude and vertical velocity. If the jumper is unconscious or unable to deploy their parachute for any reason, the AAD is pre-programmed to intervene and automatically deploy the main chute.

SkyHawks Candy-Cane Formation
One of the really beautiful displays you’ll see at a SkyHawks performance is the “Candy-Cane” formation. A SkyHawk spirals downwards with several coloured smoke canisters attached below their feet. In this picture, you can see the six smoke trails generated by the canisters strung together on a line below the jumper.

Thrilling Display
The SkyHawks team is comprised of highly professional, skilled, and experienced soldiers from the Canadian Forces. The SkyHawks are renowned for their signature Canopy Relative Work (CRW) parachute performance.

The SkyHawks Parabatic CRW performance is amazing. These aerial demonstrations visually captivate spectators at every performance. Their performance highlights the technical expertise of the SkyHawks as they demonstrate thrilling and dangerous parachute formations.

Fun Experience
It was a really fun and exciting experience to spend the day with the SkyHawks. After meeting the team, and seeing all the equipment, it was time to board the airplane and take to the skies.

Tethered
We were fitted with a harness, and then tethered into the aircraft. This provided us the opportunity to access the ramp at the back of the airplane while in the air. It’s an excellent vantage point for shooting incredible photographs, and we could also video tape the SkyHawks as they jumped from the airplane.

CASA C-212 Aircraft
The SkyHawks jump plane is a medium transport STOL (Short Take-Off and Landing) CASA C-212 Aviocar aircraft. Before we took to the skies, you can see the team’s parachute equipment laid out and ready for the SkyHawks to board.

Medium Transport
The CASA 212 is a medium transport, twin engine plane that holds the entire team and a few guests inside. On each side, there is bench seating where the SkyHawks sit during take-off and ascent. The centre aisle has room for jumpers to stand and walk to the front of the airplane (Cockpit) or the back of the plane where you see the jump ramp.

Jump Ramp
The Jump Ramp was at the back of the CASA 212 folds down for boarding. For take-off and climb to altitude, the ramp was partially raised, but the back was still left open to provide an awesome view. Once we got to 6,000 feet, the first group of jumpers moved to the back of the airplane and prepared to jump. The jump ramp was levelled, and it makes for a great, unobstructed platform for exiting the aircraft. Next to the ramp you see the small red and green lights used to signal the jumpers.

CASA C-212 Cockpit
You can see the SkyHawks Pilots in the cockpit of the CASA C-212 Aviocar as the team airplane ascends during the performance. It takes quite a few minutes as the airplane circles around the jump zone and climbs to the jump altitude. The pilots need to consider the wind velocity and wind direction to help determine the best exit location for the jumpers. The wind will cause the jumpers to drift, and the drift amount needs to be calculated carefully.

Streamers Away
To help determine the amount of wind drift that will be experienced, the SkyHawks first drop some colourful streamers when they are directly over the drop zone. (@ 8:40 in the video) These streamers are made of colourful crepe paper and the crowd below watches these streamers float to earth. The distance they blow from the intended drop zone is measured, to determine the exact adjustment needed before the SkyHawks begin their jump.

SkyHawks Signature Salute
As the SkyHawks jump from the aircraft, many will use their Signature Salute. (@ 9:27 in the video) They stand on the jump ramp with their backs to the opening. As they salute the rest of the members in the airplane, they simply fall backwards to exit the airplane. It’s very graceful, and amazing to see!

Canadian Forces Parachute Team – The SkyHawks
It was amazing to spend the day with the SkyHawks. Thanks to the entire team and especially to Corporal Johann Reimer for his video interview. Through this video, you can now experience a Day in the Life of a SkyHawk!

Thanks for reading.

F-1 Rocket Homebuilt Airplane – “Little Bit”

Wayne Hadath
The 2011 Waterloo Air Show was another great adventure. It was at this air show, that LearnToFly.ca Editors Greg McKay and Geoff McKay met up with Wayne Hadath of Kitchener, Ontario. Wayne built his very own TeamRocket F1 Rocket Sports Wing Racing Aircraft. And, Wayne built his F-1 Rocket from parts, not a quick-build kit!

Pictured here, you can see Builder/Owner/Pilot Wayne Hadath in his F1 Rocket with Geoff in the rear seat (Tandem seating) preparing to take-off. In the background, you can see the Canadian Forces CF-18 military fighter jet also preparing to take-off. (Think of Wayne’s “F1″ as a “younger brother” to the larger F-Series aircraft like the “F-16″ or the “F-18″ in the background!)

The air-space was very busy with F-18′s, Viper F-16′s, the Canadian Forces Snowbirds, the RCAF Golden Hawks F-86 Sabre, the Jet Aircraft Museum (JAM) Mako Shark T-33 Jet, and Wayne’s F-1 Rocket Racing Aircraft all jockeying for position. (Watch for the Mako Shark T-33 overhead in the video below (@ 3:45) as Wayne taxis to the runway before take-off)

Fast! Fast! Fast!
Wayne’s F1 Rocket was the 2011 winner of the prestigious EAA AirVenture Cup Race. Wayne flew his homebuilt F-1 Rocket in the 400 mile competition from Wright Brothers Airport (MGY) in Dayton, Ohio into Oshkosh with an average speed of approximately 250 mph – placing first in the competition! Geoff was given the rare opportunity to join Wayne as he demonstrated what it’s like to fly at 250+ mph in the F-1 Rocket! The Harmon F1 Rocket is well known for its unbelievable speed!

Pilot Interview and Cockpit Video – F1 Rocket!
Wayne Hadath gives you a personal tour of his high performance F1 Rocket Homebuilt Racing Aircraft.

F1 Rocket: Pilot Interview and Awesome Cockpit Video!

Watch Wayne Hadath in his F1 Rocket at the Waterloo Air Show!

Fully Aerobatic!
The F1 Rocket is fully aerobatic, and an incredibly fun aircraft to fly. It feels like F-16 performance, but in a homebuilt F-1 aircraft. With a top speed of 275 mph (442 kmh), and a fantastic climb rate of 3,500+ feet per minute (fpm), the F-1 really does feel like a rocket when you take-off. It felt like we climbed almost straight up, to an altitude of 4,500, feet within seconds. The F1 Rocket is rated to Plus 6 G’s and Minus 3 G’s.

Steep Turns!
From this picture, you can see the F1 Rocket is amazing at very Steep Turns! With a bank angle of almost 90 degrees, you can see the zebra striped black and white left (port) wingtip pointed almost directly at the ground. Watch the video (above) as we complete two full revolutions (720 degrees) in a left turn with a steady bank angle of nearly 90 degrees as we maintain altitude. The little Rudder on the back of “Little Bit” is used like an Elevator to maintain altitude in these very steep turns.

Watch the Video: Count Two Revolutions
In the video (@ 7:45), you can see the lake below as we begin the steep turn to the left. In only 45 seconds, we have completed two full circles. After sustaining 4 G’s (3.8 Peak G readout during the flight), you really begin to appreciate the amazing performance of this homebuilt racing aircraft. The F1 Rocket has set many speed records, but it also has superb manoeuvrability, and it is fully aerobatic.

Great Visibility
The F1 Rocket is a low wing airplane, providing great visibility from the glass canopy just above your head. The view is spectacular!

Smoke On Board
This year, Wayne added “Smoke” on board to his F1 Rocket for Air Show performances. This adds a few extra pounds to the airplane, but it looks great as the F1 Rocket flies past the adoring crowds. You can see the streamlined look of the F1 Rocket. Even the tail-wheel has a “Wheel Pant” (Wheel Fairing) to minimize drag for best performance. Every “Little Bit” helps when you want to set speed records.

“Little Bit”
Wayne named his homebuilt F1 Rocket “Little Bit”. As he was building his homebuilt aircraft, family and friends always asked when he would be finished. Wayne’s reply was: In a “Little Bit”. Wayne also notes that to come in first place during a speed race, you only need to win by a “Little Bit” to take the cup. Wayne also notes the airplane came in many pieces, and he built it a “Little Bit” at a time. Additionally, Wayne understands that in performance and fuel economy, every “Little Bit” counts. Wayne also compares flying his airplane to a “Little Bit” of heaven.

Primer Paint Job
I love the black and white “Zebra” paint scheme used for “Little Bit”. But, what you are seeing is actually just the “primer”, and not even paint. The few extra pounds of weight, from applying “paint” to the aircraft will make it heavier and slower. Every “Little Bit” of weight matters, so Wayne leaves the airplane with just the primer, and he has the World Speed Record to prove it.

F1 Rocket Cockpit
Take a look inside the F1 Rocket Cockpit. When you climb inside the F1 Rocket, you have a five-point restraint harness to hold you securely in place. The five belts include: 2 Lap Belts, 1 Crotch Belt, 2 Shoulder Belts.

Stick
Instead of a “Yoke”, you have the “Stick” centered in front of you to control the airplane. Pull the stick back, and the F1 Rocket accelerates quickly upwards. Push the stick forward, and you are diving to the ground. Left and Right movement of the stick will bank the F1 Rocket to either side. Your right hand is on the stick, and your left hand is used to control the throttles mounted to the left side-wall of the cockpit fuselage. Light control inputs are all you need to coax the F1 Rocket where you want to go.

Rudder Pedals
There is not too much adverse yaw experienced with this high performance airplane, but the rudder pedals are on the floor straight out in front. Down in front, on the floor, you can see the two rudder pedals controlled by your feet. Sitting in the tight cockpit, reminds you of the small motorized go-karts you may have driven as a young person. It feels like a high-performance aircraft, even when you are just sitting on the ground. The cockpit surrounds you, and you are almost sitting flat on the bottom of the fuselage with only a thin cushion for your seat.

Tandem Seating
The F1 Rocket features Tandem Seating. The airplane seats two, but instead of sitting side-by-side, you are positioned front and back. There is a control stick in both compartments, providing the rear passenger access to the controls. You can see the similar five-point restraint harness in the rear seat. (FYI, in the background of this picture, you can see another Canadian Forces F-18 Jet)

Utilitarian
When seated in the back, your feet extend straight forward along both sides of the front pilot’s seat. It’s all very cozy and tight. The aircraft is built for speed, and not comfort. The inside of the fuselage is very basic, and appears almost utilitarian. It’s designed for function over form.

Comforting Notice?
Inside the rear compartment, there is a decal affixed to the inside of the fuselage wall. It’s may not be the most reassuring or comforting notice, but it’s an important disclaimer prominently mounted that reads as follows:

IMPORTANT NOTICE:
YOU FLY IN THIS AIRCRAFT AT YOUR OWN RISK. THIS AIRCRAFT DOES NOT COMPLY WITH INTERNATIONALLY RECOGNIZED STANDARDS.

IMHO, I think this just adds to the excitement and drama of flying in this unbelievably fast F1 Rocket!

Speed Records
Another decal inside the rear passenger compartment proudly boasts about the record breaking speed of this F1 Rocket. The decal highlights the 2006, 3rd place finish in the Rocket 100 Air Race – TeamRocket – with an official speed of 229.2 mph.

Since 2006, this F1 Rocket has accumulated many more wins including the coveted first place finish in 2011 at EAA AirVenture with an average speed of nearly 250 mph.

Accomplishments
Wayne Hadath has achieved many incredible accomplishments with his homebuilt F1 Rocket “Little Bit”.

Built for speed, this F1 Rocket was even awarded the title of “The Fastest Rocket in the Known Universe” in 2008.  It has also earned the First Place Award for fastest in the Overall Sport FX Class. In short, this F1 Rocket is very fast, and it has the awards to prove it! (Translation: It’s Fast!)

September 2005
Wayne completed building his homebuilt F1 Rocket in 2005, and the first flight was logged on September 28, 2005. The first test flight was flown by Gerry Younger, an Unlimited Aerobatic Champion.

Waterloo Air Show
I previously met Wayne Hadath at the 2010 Waterloo Air Show, But, it was especially exciting to fly with Wayne, in his F1 Rocket “Little Bit”, at the 2011 Waterloo Air Show this year.

Wayne Hadath
Wayne is a really great guy. He’s flown over 500 hours in “Little Bit”, and he has been flying since 1989. He began by flying Cessna 172′s, but now his passion is for flying his homebuilt F1 Rocket “Little Bit”.

Look Up
If you see a “Zebra Striped” black and white Racing Aircraft soaring through the skies, chances are it’s Wayne Hadath in his F1 Rocket “Little Bit”, and he is travelling at almost 250 mph.

Thanks to Wayne Hadath and the Waterloo Air Show for a great flying experience!

Thanks for reading.

Saturday August 20 & Sunday August 21, 2011

Canadian Forces Snowbirds
Don’t miss the Canadian Forces Snowbirds at the 2011 Waterloo Air Show! The Waterloo Aviation Expo and Air Show is always a great family event. One of the highlights of the air show is always the Canadian Forces Snowbirds, and they are back again for another spectacular show this year.

The Snowbirds are usually the grand finale for the show, and everyone loves the excitement, precision, noise and thrill of the Snowbirds. In addition to the Snowbirds, there are many other exciting performers and acts already scheduled.

Don’t Miss the 2011 Air Show!
The 2011 Waterloo Air Show promises to be another great event. The 2010 Waterloo Air Show was very exciting, and many visitors attended both days of the weekend event. The 2011 Line-up of performers is very exciting again, and you don’t want to miss this show.

Weekend Event
Saturday August 20, 2011
Sunday August 21, 2011
Gates 0pen at 10:00 am
10am – 5pm Daily

Show Times
Static Displays open 10am – 5pm Daily
Air Show begins at 1:00 pm Daily

Show Location
Region of Waterloo International Airport
Waterloo (Breslau), Ontario

Kent Pietsch – Interstate Cadet
One of the family favourite performances will be Kent Pietsch (sounds like Peach) with his Jelly Belly Interstate Cadet.

As editor of LearnToFly.ca, I was introduced to Kent at the 2010 Waterloo Airshow, and he is an incredible pilot. Kent has over 33,000 hours as a pilot, and of those hours, over 7,000 hours as Pilot In Command (PIC) in his Interstate Cadet. He’s performed in over 400 air shows, and with his performance, he’s always a star of the show.

Jelly Belly – Generous Sponsor
Kent Pietsch’s sponsor is Jelly Belly, and his yellow Interstate Cadet airplane is wonderfully painted with the Jelly Belly logo, and many Jelly Belly jelly-beans plastered along the sides of the airplane and his R.V. Winnebago. In addition, Kent sometimes shares Jelly Belly Jelly-Beans with children in the audience. A nice treat for young, future pilots.

My Favourite Act!
Kent’s performance was my personal favourite act of the 2010 Waterloo air show, and I was very, very happy to see that he is returning for the 2011 Waterloo Air Show. The spectacular nature of the jet performances, including the Canadian Forces Snowbirds, are truly wonderful, but I still found Kent’s performance to be my absolute favourite of the show! You really feel the airmanship of his performance as he performs steep banks only inches from the ground. On several occasions, a wingtip almost made contact with the ground. It takes incredible skill and precision to fly an airplane like Kent controls his Interstate Cadet.

1941 Interstate Cadet
Kent Pietsch’s airplane is an Interstate Cadet built in 1941 by Interstate Aircraft and Engineering Corporation based in El Segundo, California. Kent purchased it from his uncle in 1973, and he has been flying it ever since. The Interstate Cadet is a two-seat tandem, high wing, single engine aircraft. Approximately 320 Interstate Cadet aircraft were manufactured, and these were all built in 1941 or 1942.

Interstate Cadet Specs
Kent’s Jelly Belly sponsored Interstate Cadet has a 90 h.p. engine, a 36 foot wingspan, and it’s about 25 feet long. With a top speed of 100 m.p.h., it can fly for about 5 hours on a single tank of fuel providing the Interstate Cadet a range of about 500 miles.

Interstate Cadet Airplane lands on moving R.V. Winnebago!
Watch Kent Pietsch land his Jelly Belly Interstate Cadet Airplane on a moving R.V. Winnebago. His performance also includes a spectacular Dead Stick Landing, and some amazing stunt flying as his Interstate Airplane appears to be falling apart before your eyes!

Interstate Cadet: Lands on moving R.V. Winnebago!

Watch Kent Pietsch land his Interstate Cadet on the top of a moving R.V. Winnebago at the Waterloo Air Show!

30 Foot Runway?
Kent performs a three act comedy routine with his Interstate Cadet, but the highlight of his performance is when he lands his airplane on the top of a moving R.V. Winnebago. That’s a like a 30 foot runway just slightly longer than his airplane. It may take several tries, but Kent will land his Interstate Cadet on this moving target right before your eyes

Canadian Harvard Aircraft Association
The Canadian Harvard Aircraft Association (CHAA) is also scheduled to perform at the 2011 Waterloo Air Show. The Harvard Aircraft are always a popular sight and sound at any air show. The Harvard is one of the best known training aircraft in the world.

CHAA operates out of the Tillsonburg Airport, and they keep a fleet of restored Harvard and Yale aircraft in top flying condition for performances such as the Waterloo Air Show.

Propeller Tips
The Propeller Tips on a Harvard Aircraft spin so quickly, that they can break the sound barrier! When you see the Harvard aircraft flying by at the Waterloo Air Show, you will immediately hear the distinctive drone associated with these iconic aircraft.

Famous Colleges
These early training aircraft were named after Ivy League Colleges such as “Harvard”, “Yale” and “Cornell”. The Harvard aircraft will be a great sight (and sound) at the Waterloo air show.

Harvard Pilot
Harvard Pilot Edward Soye of the Canadian Harvard Aircraft Association (CHAA) spends a few minutes with LearnToFly.ca Editor Geoff McKay at the Waterloo Air Show. Edward was a former instructor at the Brampton Flight College.

You can see the massive engine and propeller on the Harvard in the background. Watch for the fleet of Harvard aircraft at the 2011 Waterloo Air Show. You can’t miss these huge, yellow, training aircraft with their distinctive drone.

Formation Flying
One of the great parts of the Harvard display is the precision formation flying including formation fly-bys and formation take-off and landings.

The Harvard Formation Take-off Photo above captures the precision and skill needed by these amazing Harvard pilots to perform their aerial display. In addition to the Harvard aircraft, you can expect many other performances at the Waterloo Air Show.

Scheduled Air Show Performers (Subject to change)

• Canadian Forces Snowbirds
• Kent Pietsch – Jelly Belly Interstate Cadet
• Canadian Forces SkyHawks Parachute Team
• Canadian Forces CF-18 Hornet
• US Air Force F-16 Viper East
• Canadian Harvard Aircraft Association (CHAA)
• Mike Wiskus – Aerobatic Stunt Pilot
• Vintage Wings: F-86 Sabre
• Vintage Wings: Curtiss P40-N Kittyhawk
• Wayne Hadath – F-1 Rocket (Little Bit)
• Jet Aircraft Museum (JAM) – T-33 T-Bird
• Aerobatic Acts
• Historical Aircraft
• Warbirds

Other Attractions

• Aviation Trade Show Exhibits
• Kids play area and children’s activities
• Performer Autographs
• Food Vendors
• Beer Tent

RCAF F-86 Sabre Jet
Vintage Wings of Canada has an amazing fleet of historical warbirds including some of the fastest and best known fighter jets. This Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF) F-86 Sabre Fighter Jet owned and operated by Vintage Wings is scheduled for the Waterloo Air Show.

Vintage Wings
Vintage Wings of Canada in Gatineau, Quebec will be flying their RCAF F-86 Sabre Jet known as “Discovery Air Hawk One”.

The F-86 Sabre was a predecessor to the Snowbird jet flown by the Canadian Forces, and the F-86 Sabre aircraft were flown by the Golden Hawks Aerobatic Stunt team. You can see the Gold colour, and the Hawk emblem on the side of this Vintage “Golden Hawk” Jet.

Vintage Wings and their aircraft are always crowd favourites. You’ll be amazed at the awesome speed and power of these vintage jets flown as they are flown at very low altitudes for great photo opportunities during the Waterloo air show.

Air Show performers will be coming from far away locations, many miles away, to impress you with their aircraft and their precision flying skills. But, there is one local hero who you will definitely want to see.

Wayne Hadath F-1 Rocket
Wayne Hadath is a local pilot and family man from Kitchener, Ontario. You’ll love his very fast, black and white zebra striped, F-1 Rocket called “Little Bit”.

Little Bit
Wayne’s F-1 Rocket is a custom built, hand-made, home built airplane project. Friends and family continually asked Wayne when he would be finished building his aircraft, and he would always reply “just a little bit longer…”.

When Wayne finally finished his home built F-1 Rocket, the name ”Little Bit” naturally seemed to be the perfect choice.

Speed!
Wayne’s F-1 Rocket is fast. Back in 2006, this F1-Rocket placed third in the Rocket 100 Air Race earning it recognition for its amazing speed!

Don’t miss Wayne’s F-1 Rocket “Little Bit” or any of the other great performances at the 2011 Waterloo Air Show.

Waterloo Air Show 2011
Don’t miss the 2011 Waterloo Air Show.

Parking and Shuttle
Parking costs $5 per vehicle (cash only) in the off-site parking lot, and a shuttle is then available to the show grounds.

Show Dates
Saturday August 20, 2011
Sunday August 21, 2011

Hours
10am – 5pm Daily
Air Show begins at 1pm Daily

Region of Waterloo International Airport
Waterloo, Ontario, Canada

Tickets
Tickets to the Waterloo Air Show may be purchased online in advance, or at the gate on the day of the show.

General Admission: $20 (ages 10-64) (Gate price)
Kids under 10: Free
Seniors (65+): Free
Veterans: Free

Website:
www.WaterlooAirShow.ca

See you at the 2011 Waterloo Air Show!

Related Articles:

1. Waterloo Aviation Expo and Air Show
2. Snowbirds at the Waterloo Aviation Expo
3. Hamilton Air Show June 2011

Learn To Fly Helicopters

Waterloo Airport – Ontario
Great Lakes Helicopter is located at the Region of Waterloo International Airport in Breslau, Ontario. They provide helicopter flight training in Southern Ontario.

Transport Canada Approved
Great Lakes Helicopter is a Transport Canada Approved Private Career College Flight Training School. Helicopter Flight Training is provided year round with flexible start dates to meet student schedules.

Student Pilots may choose from full-time flight programs, or fly part-time to earn their Helicopter Pilot License. Great Lakes Helicopter provides great choices for enjoyable flight training in Southern Ontario.

Great lakes Helicopter is also a Charter Company and they provide charter flights, helicopter rides and sightseeing flights. They will also offer their helicopters for other services such as aerial spraying.

Helicopter Pilot Training
Learn to Fly Helicopters at Great Lakes Helicopter. You will love the view from the Cockpit as you train to be a Helicopter Pilot.

Choose from a variety of flight training options designed to help the student pilot learn the necessary skills to safely and proficiently operate a helicopter.

Great Lakes Helicopter offers advanced flight training where you may earn your Helicopter Pilot License including various type ratings, night rating, and instructor rating. If you are already a licensed airplane pilot, Great Lakes Helicopter offers complete conversion training to help you to quickly learn to fly helicopters.

Conestoga College
Great Lakes Helicopter and Conestoga College have joined forces to offer students an incredible aviation opportunity. Students may enroll in their 2 Year General Arts and Science Diploma and earn their Commercial Helicopter License at the same time.

Students will have classes at both Conestoga College (Kitchener campus) and also at the Great Lakes Helicopter Flight School. During the two year program, the students will earn both their Diploma and also their commercial helicopter pilot license.

As a student in the combined Conestoga College and Great Lakes Helicopter Commercial Helicopter Pilot program, the aviation enthusiast will be awarded a valuable college diploma at the successful completion of the program.

Graduating students will have 105 hours of flight time logged, and they will be ready to earn a living as a Helicopter Pilot in the fun and exciting world of Aviation.

Commercial Helicopter Pilot License
Your flight training at Great Lakes Helicopter will provide you with everything you need to acquire your Commercial Helicopter Pilot License.

Age and Medical Requirements
You must be minimum 18 years of age, and have a valid Category 1 Medical. Your training will include a minimum of 80 hours of ground school, and you must also pass the knowledge exam.

CPHEL Knowledge Exam
The Transport Canada Commercial Pilot Helicopter (CPHEL) Knowledge Exam consists of 100 multiple choice questions. To pass the exam, successful candidates must earn a score of minimum 60% on the overall exam and also in each of the four subject areas covered by the CPHEL exam.

CPHEL Minimum Flight Training Experience

• Minimum 100 hours Total helicopter time
• Minimum 55 hours Dual flight time
• Minimum 35 hours Solo flight time

Dual Flight Time
The Dual Flight Time must include a minimum of 10 hours (5 hours may be simulator) of instrument time and 5 hours of cross-country flight time.

Solo Flight Time
The Solo Flight Time must include a minimum of 10 hours of cross-country flight time. At least one solo cross-country flight must be minimum 2 hours of flight time from the point of departure, and it must include 3 full stop landings at points other than the point of departure.

Before earning their Commercial Pilot Helicopter License, the student pilot must pass a flight check ride of approximately 1.5 hours. During this flight exam with a Transport Canada examiner, the student pilot must demonstrate the necessary skills to safely operate and manoeuvre the helicopter.

Helicopter Pilot Training

Helicopter Private Pilot License
Instead of your Commercial Pilot License, you may choose to earn only your Private Pilot License to fly helicopters. The reduced cost and time makes this a great option for the helicopter pilot who wants to fly for just fun or recreation.

The Private Pilot Helicopter License may be earned is a little as 45 hours of flight time, and 5 hours may be in a simulator. Of these hours, a minimum of 17 hours must be dual flight time.

The Ground School for the Private Pilot Helicopter License is only 40 hours. The student pilot must also pass a Transport Canada 100 question multiple choice Knowledge Exam and also pass the Flight Exam (Check Ride) with a TC Examiner.

Great Lakes Helicopter Fleet
Great Lakes Helicopter maintains of fleet of helicopters for all your training needs.

The fleet includes:

• Three Robinson R22 helicopters
• Two Robinson R44 helicopters
• One Bell 206B JetRanger helicopter

Robinson R22 Helicopter
The Robinson R22 is the world’s most popular training helicopter.

The R22 is a two-place, piston engine powered helicopter with an empty weight of 855 pounds.

The R22 is ideal for Helicopter Flight Training. It is widely used in Canada, and around the globe. In addition to flight training, the R22 is also used extensively for commercial and private use.

When you begin to fly helicopters, you will find the Robinson R22 is ideally suited for your flight training needs.

Robinson R44 Helicopter
The Robinson R44 is the R22′s big brother. It is a larger four-place version of the helicopter with an empty weight of 1,506 pounds.

The R44 is the world’s best selling helicopter for both the private and commercial sectors. The R44 is a single engine helicopter that is very reliable and popular around the globe.

After training in an R22, the student pilot will want to accumulate some hours in the larger (four seat) R44 to prepare them for their career as a helicopter pilot.

Both the R22 and the R44 Robinson Helicopters are great for learning to fly helicopters!

Bell 206B JetRanger
The Bell 206B JetRanger is the safest single engine helicopter in the world!

The JetRanger is a five-place helicopter with seating for four passengers plus the pilot. It’s a turbine engine powered helicopter that is very versatile and it is highly utilized throughout Canada.

Students Pilots will definitely want to accumulate some hours in the Bell 206B JetRanger, as it is likely to be the most common type of helicopter to be flown in their commercial aviation careers. The Bell 206B is extensively used by law enforcement agencies, for medical and emergency flights, and for fighting forest fires.

The Bell 206B JetRanger is fast, comfortable, reliable and loved by everyone who flies it!

Imagine Flying a Helicopter!
Great Lakes Helicopter is located in the heart of Southern Ontario, along the beautiful Grand River. They offer both full-time and part-time flight training for all your Helicopter Training needs.

Discovery Flight
Book an exciting Discovery Flight with Great Lakes Helicopter. This is a great way to experience flying in a helicopter, and your Introductory Flight will help you learn more about becoming a Private or Commercial Helicopter Pilot.

Introductory (Discovery) Flights are available in both the Robinson R22 and the R44.

• $300 plus Tax for a Discovery Flight in an R22
• $400 plus Tax for a Discovery Flight in an R44

Great Lakes Helicopter
Region of Waterloo International Airport
P.O. Box 300,
Breslau, ON   N0B 1M0

Telephone: (519) 648-3732
Toll Free: (877) 648-3732
Fax: (519) 648-2816

CFI: Nick Booth
ICAO: CYKF

Email: info@greatlakeshelicopter.ca
Website: www.GreatLakesHelicopter.ca

Business Hours
Monday – Friday, 8:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.

Related Articles:

1. Central Helicopter Training Academy
2. Learn to Fly Helicopters – Toronto
3. National Helicopters, Bolton (CNB2)

Rick Volker at the Waterloo Aviation Expo

Rick and his Sukhoi SU-26M
It was great to spend a few minutes with Rick Volker at the Waterloo Aviation Expo and Air Show. Before Rick’s amazing aerobatic performance, he gave me a quick introduction to his Russian built Sukhoi SU-26M.

Sukhoi SU-26M
The Sukhoi SU-26M was designed and built in Moscow by the Sukhoi Design Bureau. Founded by Pavel Sukhoi in 1939, the Sukhoi Design Bureau is a major Russian Aircraft Manufacturer famous for its fighters. In fact, Sukhoi is the principal supplier of fighters, bombers and attack aircraft to the Russian military.

The Sukhoi SU-26M has a titanium airframe, and it’s powered by a huge 360-400 HP nine cylinder radial engine. This incredible combination of excess power with a strong, but light airframe results in an aircraft capable of hovering in place! Watch the Video of Rick’s aerobatic performance – it’s towards the end of this article. You will see Rick make his Sukhoi SU-26M actually hover in place!

How Fast?
The Sukhoi SU-26M can easily attain speeds in excess of 300 mph in a dive and maintain 210 mph in level flight.

G Forces
Rick’s Sukhoi SU-26M can handle G-Forces in the range of Plus 12 G’s to Minus 10 G’s. It’s capable of handling more G-Forces than an F-16 fighter jet. G-Forces, or ‘Gravitational Forces’ can be very destructive on aircraft, and also pilots. A standard 1g force applies to all objects at rest on the earth. This is known as ‘Standard Gravity’. At 12g’s (positive), the forces and ‘weight’ of an object becomes 12 times its actual weight. For the average human, with a weight of 170 lbs, that would be like weighing over 2,000 lbs. In other words, at plus 12 g’s, you would effectively weigh over one ton!

Pilot vs. Plane
With the Sukhoi SU-26M, the pilot becomes the limiting factor. The Pilot will break, before the Aircraft breaks. This makes the Sukhoi the single most sought-after competition aircraft in the world.

Rick Volker – High Performance
Rick Volker is an International Aerobatic Club pilot. He’s rated in the unlimited category with a surface waiver. This gives him special permissions and extended privileges when performing at air shows. This special rating allows Rick to perform unlimited aerobatic manoeuvres, and he can also fly close to the surface with death defying stunts.

Many air show demonstrators are required to fly at certain altitudes, above the surface, for extra safety. However, Rick has earned a surface waiver allowing him to perform his acrobatic routine very close to the surface, and close to the crowd.

Athletic Performance
When you meet Rick, you can’t help but notice his excellent physical condition. Extreme physical conditioning is required to fly the types of routines in Rick’s performance. His acrobatic manoeuvres test the limits of human endurance. With Rick’s stunt flying, his body is subjected to alternating G-Forces ranging from plus 11 G’s to minus 9 G’s, and often these punishing G-force extremes are in the same manoeuvre. Acrobatic Pilots in the Unlimited Category must continuously train for this type of extreme flying.

Competition
Rick Volker has won many regional competition events including the Can-Am, Henry Haigh and Kathy Jaffe Challenges. In addition to Rick’s flying competitions, he was a former competitor in athletic events such as swimming, speed skating, bicycle racing, cross-country skiing and also body building.

Aircraft
Rick’s performance in his Sukhoi SU-26M is truly amazing.  However, Rick has also competed in aerobatic competitions for many years in various different high performance aircraft.

Rick’s Piloting Demonstrations have included such aircraft as the Pitts Biplanes (Two Wings) and Sukhoi acrobatic Monoplanes (Single Wing). In addition, Rick Volker also flies the Extra 300L, and the truly spectacular and well known W.W. II Supermarine Spitfire MK IX.

CF-18 Formation Flight
Rick Volker was asked by the Canadian Forces to join their exclusive Heritage Flight team. Rick was honoured to fly in close formation with a CF-18 Jet Fighter. Rick also instructs other pilots, as he teaches advanced aerobatics and warbird emergency training.  Rick is both a warbird and High Performance aerobatic ACE (Aerobatic Competency Evaluator).

Rick Volker Aerobatics Performance

Watch the Video of Rick Volker’s Acrobatic Performance in his Sukhoi SU-26M

Video: Rick Volker – Waterloo Aviation Expo
This video of Rick’s performance gives you a personal look at the performer. He talks about his high performance aircraft, and his high performance routine. Then you see Rick climb in the cockpit, and dazzle the crowds at the Waterloo Aviation Expo and Air Show. This was Father’s Day weekend, and the video you are watching was from Rick’s performance on Saturday June 19, 2010.

High Speed Fly-By
Rick Volker performs an incredible High Speed Fly-By down Runway 26 at the Waterloo International Airport. The air show crowd is thrilled when they see Rick Volker in his Russian built Sukhoi SU-26M.

This High Speed Fly-By gives the crowd a demonstration of the speed and power of Rick’s high-performance, ultimate aircraft. Rick immediately then pulls straight up to climb high above the crowd. At the top of his vertical climb, Rick allows the airplane to ‘hang’ on its propeller, and virtually hover!

Air Show Performances
Rick’s Air Show Demonstrations include performances in both state-of-the-art and legendary vintage aircraft. When Rick performs in his Sukhoi SU-26M, you will see precision aerobatics filled with dizzying gyroscopic tumbling and gravity defying hovering.

Rick’s performance includes the most extreme tumbling manoeuvres including:

• Knife-edge spins
• Flat spins
• Mulleroids
• Cravats
• Hovering
• Cartwheels
• Lomcevaks (forward and backward)
• Rolling loop and giant cartwheel

Rick and his flying capabilities have also been featured on TV including Discovery’s Science Channel, AviatorTV and OLN.

Rick’s Day Job?
What’s Rick’s day job? When he isn’t practicing his aerobatic flying, he’s practicing dentistry! Rick (Dr. Richard Volker) is a Dentist in Niagara Falls, NY.

Rick’s upcoming Air Show Performance dates are available at: www.RVAirShows.com

Rick Volker and his Sukhoi SU-26M. Truly Amazing.

Related Articles:

1. Brantford Air Show 2010
2. Snowbirds at the Waterloo Aviation Expo
3. F1 Rocket Sport Wing Racing Aircraft

Canadian Forces Snowbirds

Eleven Snowbirds
The Snowbirds have arrived in Waterloo. The 11 Snowbird jets are parked in a perfect line before the big event.

The Waterloo Aviation Expo and Air Show is Father’s Day Weekend!

Don’t miss this incredible event, and the opportunity to see the Snowbirds in full force.

Waterloo Aviation Expo and Air Show
Saturday June 19
Sunday June 20, 2010
Show Hours: 9am – 5pm Daily
Air Show begins at 1:00 pm Daily

Snowbirds – 40th Anniversary
2010 is the 40th anniversary of the Canadian Forces Snowbirds. Celebrate this incredible milestone by watching the exciting Snowbirds performance at the Waterloo Air Show this weekend.

Eleven Snowbird Jets are in Waterloo for the Air Show, and nine will be performing an awesome aerobatic formation display. The Snowbirds team is based in Moose Jaw, SK. Former Snowbird pilot, and women aviator Maryse Carmichael is the new Commanding Office of the team.

An Amazing Sight!
It’s a truly amazing sight to see the Snowbirds get ready for an Air Show. The editors of LearnToFly.ca were in Waterloo today (Friday June 18, 2010), and they enjoyed the great opportunity to meet the Snowbirds team. The pilots took the time to explain their upcoming performance, and they gave us a personal tour of the aircraft.

Air Show Performance
Today was setup and practice for the big Air Show event on the weekend. The Pilots performed a practice run of their entire performance, and they gave the media a chance to ask questions and visit.

Ready for Take-Off!
From our close vantage point, we were only feet away from the action. The ground crew team were positioned in front of each Snowbird as the Pilots lit the Jet engines. The noise and feel of the jet engines is fantastic. The smell of jet fuel filled the air, and the Snowbird Pilots prepared for take-off.

It was like a symphony as each Jet closed its canopy, and then taxied to the runway in order. From the flight line, you could see the precision and organization of the display.

Up Close and Personal
LearnToFly.ca Editor, Geoff McKay, meets the Snowbirds team at the Waterloo Air Show. The Snowbirds team was ready to answer questions, and discuss their Weekend Air Show plans. As the jets were being readied for the show, the pilots and crew explained what it is like to be part of such a high performance, and high visibility, iconic team.

CT-114 Tutor
The Snowbirds have flown the two-place CT-114 Tutor jet since 1971. The aircraft was designed and built in Canada and was used by the Canadian Forces as its basic pilot training aircraft until 2000. The Snowbirds are symbols of Canada, and they are painted in a distinctive red and white paint scheme symbolic of Canada’s national flag.

The CT-114 Tutor Jet weighs approximately 7170 lbs (3260 kgs) and is powered by a J-85 jet engine. The engine produces an awesome 2,700 pounds of thrust. Top speed of the CT-114 aircraft, with smoke tanks attached, is 412 knots (470 mph or 750 km/h).

Amazing Snowbirds Video

Don’t miss the Snowbirds at the Waterloo Aviation Expo and Air Show!

CT-114 Tutor Cockpit
Here’s a glimpse inside the CT-114 Tutor Cockpit. The basic Tutor is only slightly modified for use by the Snowbirds. Modifications include: a smoke generating system, a unique paint scheme for added crowd appeal, and a highly tuned engine to enhance engine response in low level flying.

The CT-114 Tutor has extremely high manoeuvrability and relatively slow speed. This makes the Tutor ideally suited for the formation aerobatic flight used during the Snowbirds Performances.

Don’t miss this exciting opportunity to see and feel the excitement of the Canadian Forces Snowbirds performance. The Air Show is held in Waterloo on Saturday and Sunday of Father’s Day Weekend.

Bring the Family
The entire family will enjoy this spectacular show, and the Snowbirds will be the highlight of a memorable weekend. Fathers will love sharing their special weekend with their families, as they watch the Snowbirds perform at this event.

Snowbirds Team
The elite team of Snowbirds Pilots at the Waterloo Aviation Expo and Air Show.

Show Dates
Saturday June 19
Sunday June 20

Show Hours
9am – 5pm Daily

Air Show begins at 1:00 pm daily

For more information, visit www.WaterlooAirShow.ca

See you at the Show!

Related Articles:

1. Waterloo Aviation Expo and Air Show
2. Waterloo Air Show 2011
3. Brantford Air Show 2010

Professional Pilot Training | Flying Club

WWFC
The Waterloo Wellington Flight Centre (WWFC) is a non-profit organization with over 75 years dedicated to pilot training.

K-W Flying Club
Originally known as the Kitchener Waterloo Flying Club, WWFC has grown from a small grass strip into a first class aviation facility. The flight centre is registered with the Ontario Ministry of Training, Colleges and Universities, as a Private Career College.

WWFC is located at the Waterloo Regional Airport (CYKF). The airport has paved runways 4,100 and 7,000 feet in length, and multiple instrument approaches. The airport also has a Control Tower making this an ideal location for professional pilot training.

Watch the WWFC Video!

Watch this exciting video to learn more about the Waterloo Wellington Flight Centre

WWFC is one of the Top Flight Schools in Canada. The training centre has hundreds of members and a large group of qualified and helpful instructors. The Flight School is modern and fully equipped for professional and private pilot training. The classrooms utilize the latest state of the art presentation equipment for ideal training. The facility also includes both individual study rooms and pre/post flight briefing rooms for private feedback and instruction from your flight instructor.

WWFC’s new building offers students three classrooms, instructional aids, briefing and study areas, on-site computers with Internet access to obtain aviation weather, and a pilot supply shop stocked with aviation books, aviation gear, charts, maps and aviation clothing.

WWFC Fleet
The Waterloo Wellington Flight Centre operates a modern and well maintained fleet of 25 aircraft including 18 Cessnas and two twin engine Piper Seminoles and also a certified Flight Simulator.

The WWFC aircraft fleet is ideal for your private pilot and professional pilot needs. From the 2 place Cessna 152 up to the Piper Seminole multi-engine Twin, you will have the opportunity to fly the best airplane suited to your flight training needs.

In addition, WWFC operates a certified Elite Flight Simulator. This is great for IFR training without the cost of aircraft time. Students can log their hours, and benefit from advanced training in the flight simulator. The hourly cost is much less than it would cost the student to log the same hours in the air.

Aircraft Fleet:

• 2 Piper Seminoles
• 8 Cessna 172s (N and S model)
• 7 Cessna 152s
• 3 Cessna 172RGs
• 3 Diamond Katana DA-20s
• 1 Certified Elite Simulator

The Flight Centre and airport facilities provide:

• Rental Car Services
• Hotel Reservations
• Complete Maintenance Facilities
• Full Service Restaurant (Runways Cafe)
• New Modern Building and Training Facility
• Nav Canada Tower Operation
• Multiple IFR approaches including RNAV
• VOR on the field
• Runway Lighting
• Convenient access from a large Parking area
• Direct Access from the Ramp
• Maintenance Hanger
• Pilot Flight Planning area
• Passenger Waiting area

The Waterloo Wellington Flight Centre facility is designed for your advanced flight training needs.

WWFC Career Programs
Waterloo Wellington Flight Centre offers various programs for students pursuing an Aviation Career as a Commercial Pilot.

Students may choose between a 2 year Diploma program, or a 4 year Degree program. Students may also choose a 16 month Fast Track Program.

Fast Track
For students who already have a post-secondary diploma or degree, the 18 month professional pilot Fast Track Program is a great way to earn your Commercial Pilot license complete with Multi-Engine and Instrument Ratings (MIFR).

Conestoga College and WWFC
The Science and Aviation program is a collaboration between Waterloo Wellington Flight Centre and nearby Conestoga College. Students in this 2 year Diploma program will take classes at Conestoga College as well as at the Waterloo Wellington Flight Centre. Graduates of the program will acquire a Commercial Pilot’s Licence as well as a diploma in General Arts and Science (Aviation).

The Science and Aviation Program is designed to provide a strong science and technology base for exciting careers in a very diverse range of aviation and aerospace industries. Students will receive advanced flight training leading to a Commercial Pilot Licence complete with Multi-IFR ratings. Learn without Limits with Conestoga College and WWFC.

University of Waterloo and WWFC
Consider the advanced 4 Year U of W accredited degree program in Geography or Science. In the U of Waterloo classes, students will learn how to interpret weather patterns, identify land formations, read multi-layer maps, and use a range of technical programs as a geographer. The students may focus in either Earth Sciences or Physics, or choose the more broadly based non-specialized program.

Graduating students will earn their Commercial Pilot’s Licence with Multi-Engine and IFR Ratings (MIFR). In addition, graduates will receive a Bachelor’s Degree in Environmental Studies (BES) or a Bachelor of Science (BSC) Degree from the University of Waterloo. 

Transport Canada Approved
The WWFC Commercial Pilot Training Program is Transport Canada Approved. Graduates of the Conestoga or U of W Aviation Programs will gain approximately 215 hours of flight time, in addition to their College Diploma or University Degree, and their Commercial Pilot’s Licence with additional ratings.

Region of Waterloo International Airport (CYFK)
The Waterloo Wellington Flight Centre is conveniently located at the Region of Waterloo International Airport in Breslau, Ontario, Canada.

In addition to the various Aviation Career Programs, WWFC offers Flight Training for Personal (Private) Pilots and International Students.

Personal Pilot Training:

• Recreational Pilot Training
• Private Pilot Licence
• Night Rating
• Instrument Rating
• Multi-Engine Rating
• VFR “Over the Top”

WWFC offers training and aircraft rentals to qualified individuals enjoying aviation as a hobby. The Waterloo Wellington Flight Centre has a team of qualified and dedicated Flight Instructors with a vast amount of aviation experience. The experienced flight staff include instructors with experience as airline pilots, corporate pilots and air-taxi pilots with thousands of hours of experience in all levels of flight instruction.

Introductory Flying Lesson
Interested in Aviation? Have you always dreamed of Earning Your Wings?

Take a Discovery Flight at WWFC and experience your first Flight as a student pilot. Your Introductory Flight Lesson will start you on your path to becoming a pilot. If you want to learn to fly for recreation or you want to to pursue a career in aviation, your discovery flight will start you on one of the most exciting and enjoyable experiences of your life!

Sign up for a half-hour Introductory Flight Lesson with a qualified Flight Instructor and learn what flying is all about. You actually fly the plane!

• Spend half an hour at the controls of a single-engine, 2-seat Cessna 152 for only $79.00 +GST
• For only $89.00 +GST, fly the slightly larger, 4-seat Cessna 172

For all your Aviation needs and advanced Flight Training Programs, visit the Waterloo Wellington Flight Centre.

WWFC – Waterloo Wellington Flight Centre
Region of Waterloo International Airport
Unit 3-4881 Fountain Street North
Breslau, Ontario, Canada
N0B 1M0

Telephone: (519) 648-2213 
Toll-Free: (877) 359-9932 [877 FLY WWFC]
Fax: (519) 648-3102

CFI: Matt Scheben
ICAO: CYFK

Email: info@wwflightcentre.com
Website: www.wwflightcentre.com

Fly into your Future!

Related Articles:

1. Brampton Flight Centre (CNC3)
2. Brampton Flight Centre Open House and Fly-In
3. Toronto City Centre Airport (CYTZ)

Presented by the Waterloo Wellington Flight Centre

The Waterloo Aviation Expo & Air Show is presented by the Waterloo Wellington Flight Centre.

Your entire family will enjoy the awesome thrills of the Waterloo Aviation Expo & Air Show. It’s a spectacular two-day event packed with ground and flying displays. The Air Show promises to entertain, educate and inspire aviation enthusiasts of all ages. You will enjoy the thrill and power of flight, up close and personal.

Father’s Day Weekend
Saturday June 19, 2010
Sunday June 20, 2010
9am – 5pm Daily

Don’t miss this exciting display of aircraft and flight performances at the Waterloo International Airport. You will see civilian aircraft, military aircraft, aviation displays and incredible flying demonstrations.

B-17 Memphis Belle Flying Fortress
This famous and formidable WWII Bomber will be proudly displayed at the Waterloo Air Show.

“Memphis Belle” was the nickname of a B-17F Flying Fortress flown in combat during the Second World War.

This well known aircraft inspired two full-featured motion pictures:

• 1944 documentary film: Memphis Belle - A Story of a Flying Fortress
• 1990 Hollywood feature film: Memphis Belle

25 Combat Missions
The Memphis Belle was the first U.S. Army Air Forces heavy bomber to complete 25 combat missions. The plane and crew then returned to the United States to sell war bonds to help finance the country and the war.

The Memphis Belle is a Boeing-built B-17F-10-BO with the Serial Number 41-24485. This heavy bomber was added to the United States Air Force assets on July 15, 1942.

The Memphis Belle was then delivered to the 91st Bomb Group at Dow Field, Bangor, Maine, in September 1942.

Canadian Forces Snowbirds

Watch the Snowbirds at the Waterloo Air Show

The Canadian Forces Snowbirds will be headlining this year’s aerial display. The Snowbirds perform an incredible 9-plane aerobatic formation flying routine.

For 40 seasons, the Snowbirds have thrilled audiences and demonstrated incredible skill and professionalism. The Snowbirds Pilots and entire team will ensure your visit to the Waterloo Aviation Expo & Air Show is memorable and exciting.

Waterloo Aviation Expo & Air Show – Confirmed Performers and Exhibits

• Canadian Forces Snowbirds
• B-17 “Memphis Belle”
• CF-18 Hornet | Flyby & Static Display
• CH-124 Sea King Helicopter
• F1 Rocket Racer #14 | Kitchener’s Own Wayne Hadath
• Vintage Wings Goodyear | FG-1D Corsair
• Canadian Harvards
• CT-142 Dash 8
• The Tiger Boys | 1937 Thruxton Jackaroo C-FPHZ
• F-86 Sabre
• Rick Volker | International Aerobatic Club Pilot
• Kent Pietsch
• Russian MiG-15 & L29

Russian MiG-15 Jet
WOW! See a Russian MiG-15 up close!

The Mikoyan-Gurevich MiG-15 was a jet fighter developed for the U.S.S.R. by Artem Mikoyan and Mikhail Gurevich.

The MiG-15 was one of the first successful swept-wing jet fighters. The Wings are swept back on an angle for increased speed and performance over a straight-winged aircraft. The MiG-15 became famous in the skies over Korea. The MiG-15 outperformed and outclassed all straight-winged enemy fighters in daylight combat.

The advanced MiG-15 design also served as the starting point for development of the more advanced MiG-17 jet fighter. With over 12,000 built, the well known MiG-15 is believed to be one of the most widely produced jet aircraft ever made. Including licensed foreign production, it is estimated over 18,000 MiG-15 fighter jets were built. It is one of the best fighter aircraft of the Korean War, and one of the best known combat aircraft of all eras.

Visitors to the 2010 Waterloo Air Show will see and experience many types of displays and performances including military aircraft, esteemed warbirds, incredible daredevil civilian aerobatics, and thrilling flight demonstrations. You will even see a plane landing on a speeding motor-home!

Static Displays
Come out early because the tarmac will be covered with static aircraft. These are additional aircraft that don’t fly in the show. Visitors to the show will see these static aircraft up close.

Bring your Camera!
Photograph these amazing aircraft, and talk to the pilots and crew. With some static displays, you and your family are even welcome to climb aboard the aircraft.

Highlighting the static display this year will be the Silver Dart. This is a detailed replica of the very first airplane flown in Canada. The original was flown 101 years ago by J.A. McCurdy. This replica aircraft has travelled across the country to commemorate the 100th anniversary of powered flight in Canada.

Show visitors will enjoy many aviation displays and exhibits, and they will discover and explore military and civilian aviation up close and personal.

Baa Baa Black Sheep
Fans of the TV Show Baa Baa Black Sheep (1976 – 1978), starring Robert Conrad as Major Gregory “Pappy” Boyington, won’t want to miss the Waterloo Aviation Expo & Air Show! Watch for the Corsair!

Vintage Wings Goodyear FG-1D Corsair
The Corsair is widely considered the most capable of all carrier-based fighter aircraft of World War II. The Corsair was designed and originally built by Chance Vought. Later it was manufactured under license by Goodyear. At this show, you can see a Vintage Wings Goodyear Corsair!

This year is particularly exciting, as the Corsair fighter is celebrating its 100th anniversary in the Canadian navy.

Great for Families
The Waterloo Aviation Expo & Air Show will include food concessions, a Kids Zone, a beer tent and autograph signings. Don’t forget to bring along your own chairs, sunscreen, hats and cameras. Don’t miss this unique and exciting family outing! The entire family will enjoy an exciting, fun, educational and memorable day of aviation.

Admission Price
Adults (ages 17 and up):
$15 in advance (0nline) or $18 at the gate

Children (ages 6 – 16):
$7 in advance (online) or $10 at the gate

Children under 6 are free!

Seniors, Veterans and Disabled:
$7 in advance (online) or $10 at the gate

Family Package
$75 (advanced sales only, includes admission up to 6 people, 1 onsite parking)

VIP Package
$75 (advanced sales only, includes 1 onsite parking, VIP tent, catered lunch, cash bar, centre stage viewing, performer autographs. Spaces limited.)

By Advance Tickets Now!
www.WaterlooAirShow.ca

Waterloo Aviation Expo & Air Show

Show Dates
Saturday June 19 and Sunday June 20, 2010
Father’s Day Weekend!

Show Times
Static Display open 9am – 5pm Daily
Air Show begins at 1:00 pm Daily

Show Location
Waterloo International Airport
Waterloo, Ontario, Canada

Parking
Plenty of onsite and offsite parking will be available. (Free shuttle buses from offsite)

Website: www.WaterlooAirShow.ca

Tickets may be purchased online in advance, or at the gate on the day of the show.

The Waterloo Aviation Expo & Air Show is produced by the Waterloo-Wellington Flight Centre and made possible by dozens of dedicated volunteers.

Related Articles:

1. Waterloo Air Show 2011
2. Snowbirds at the Waterloo Aviation Expo
3. Hamilton Air Show June 2011