Record-setting 2022 CFB Borden, Ontario Air Show

Report and photos by Gord McNulty,
CAHS National Vice President
posted August 2022

Sunny skies and a desire to beat the COVID-19 blues prompted aviation fans to turn out in droves for the Canadian Armed Forces Day and Air Show at CFB Borden 18-19 June. The first show held at the base since 2018, it surpassed expectations in many ways. In fact, Base Commander Col. Daniel Riviere told CTV Barrie that a record crowd estimated at 54,000 people attended the event this year.

Spectators enjoyed an impressive lineup featuring strong RCAF participation including the 2022 CF-18 Hornet Demo, the Snowbirds and the Skyhawks among others. Trevor Rafferty in a Pitts Model 12, with a 400 horsepower Russian-built radial engine, and Manfred Radius in a Salto sailplane were among civilian performers. The A-10C Thunderbolt II demonstration team represented the U.S. Air Force.

The 2022 CF-18 Demo Hornet with a grey palette scheme, flown by Capt. Jesse Haggart-Smith on 19 June.

Poster for the 2022 CFB Borden Air Show featured an image of the 2018 Demonstration Hornet

Static displays included a RCAF CH-147F Chinook, a Tutor in Golden Centennaires colours, and the resplendent Beech Expeditor 3NM in “Canadian Queen” markings among other aircraft. The twin Beech, (s/n 1552/C-FTLU) served in the RCAF from 1952 until 1967 when it went to multiple owners in the U.S. Dave Hewitt of Woodstock, ON acquired the aircraft from a museum in Arkansas and repatriated it to Canada in 2015.

Beech Expeditor ‘Canadian Queen’ owned by Dave Hewitt of Woodstock, ON was on static display at CFB Borden

Static Tutors at CFB Borden illustrate different schemes on the CT-114 during its service as the RCAF’s basic jet trainer

Aircraft on display (click any image to enlarge).

Static displays included a RCAF CH-147F Chinook, a Tutor in Golden Centennaires colours, and the resplendent Beech Expeditor 3NM in “Canadian Queen” markings among other aircraft. The twin Beech, (s/n 1552/C-FTLU) served in the RCAF from 1952 until 1967 when it went to multiple owners in the U.S. Dave Hewitt of Woodstock, ON, acquired the aircraft from a museum in Arkansas and repatriated it to Canada in 2015.

CF-188 Hornet Demonstrators through the years (click any image to enlarge).

Base Borden provided attendees with a complimentary 46-page program that featured a tribute to the RCAF CF-18 Hornet Demo Teams, from the first appearance in 1993 to 2022. An illustrated three-page section, providing a comparison of the various paint schemes created each year, was especially appreciated. The 2009 finish, highlighting the colour gold as its base to ‘fit’ with the Golden Centennaires and the Golden Hawks, celebrated the 100th anniversary of powered flight in Canada and ranks as a personal favourite.

Old Gold – CT-114 Tutor 114153 in Golden Centennaires colours on static display at the 2022 CFB Borden Air Show

A long row of bleacher seats, ideal for spectators who didn’t bring chairs, was also much appreciated --- especially given the size of the crowd. It was a thoughtful event in many ways, as Base Borden will plant 2,000 red pine trees to offset carbon emissions generated by the show.

In addition, spectators donated 4,000 pounds of non-perishable food items for area food banks. Full kudos to CFB Borden and all of the generous sponsors and participants for a tremendous event.

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