The Lancaster will take to the skies during Hamilton’s airshow.
Superman won’t be in the skies this weekend but the aerobatic displays of aviation will draw more than 40,000 people to Hamilton’s International Airport.
The Canadian Warplane Heritage Museum will host its third Hamilton Airshow on June 15 and 16 after a 10-year hiatus. It originally began in 1975.
The airshow event draws people from all over the world, from Europe to New Zealand, said Al Mickeloff, marketing and advertiser of the Hamilton Airshow.
“We always have a large gathering of vintage aircraft because we are a vintage aircraft museum,” he explained. “One highlight this year is the Mosquito, which is making its first airshow appearance in North America and we’re getting it here in Hamilton.”
Originally built in Toronto during the Second World War, the Mosquito is unique because it is wooden.
Used as a fighter plane or a bomber, it was a very fast aircraft compared to most bombers that were typically slow.
“This particular aircraft has been under restoration in New Zealand for an American owner for several years,” said Mickeloff, noting it’s supposed to be the restoration of all restorations. “We have people coming in from all over the world to see this particular aircraft because this is the only one in flying condition and there hasn’t been one around in many years.”
Hamilton-born “Super Dave” Mathieson, whose claim to fame was being voted #1 aerobatic pilot in Canada . . . by his mom, will also perform at the airshow.
Designed for plus or minus 16Gs with a roll rate of 500 degrees per second, Mathieson will be flying the world’s most advanced aerobatic aircraft called the MX2 – its top speed is 300 miles per hour.
On the ground, there will be more than 30 aircraft and crew, with some aircraft open for tours. The Museum’s flagship Second World War bomber, the Avro Lancaster, one of two in the world that is still capable of flying, is another attraction. Rare German planes, such as the FW190 and ME 262, an appearance from the Royal Canadian Air Force’s Snowbirds, and a reenactment of a WWII Aircraft dogfight, are also scheduled.
Unfortunately, there will be no rides during the event.
Residents are encouraged to purchase tickets prior to the event through its website. Advanced tickets sales ($27 for adults 16 +, $18 for children age six to 15) will close at 5 p.m. on Friday, June 14.
Adult tickets at the gate are $30, and $20 for children. Gates will open for the Hamilton Airshow at 8 a.m. on Saturday, June 15 and Sunday, June 16.
Originally posted in Your Hamilton Biz.
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