Remembering Wings & Wheels 2, Southwestern Ontario's Biennial Air Show!
No Show in 2010 - Look For Us In 2011! - St. Thomas, Ontario, Canada
A TV - Century Hornet.
Provided by atv.ca - Victoria
News
No Show in 2010 - May 25, 2010
Just a reminder that Wings & Wheels St. Thomas is a biennial show and therefore there is no show in 2010.
If there is enough interest and support please look for us again in 2011!
2009 Photo Gallery Open - July 1, 2009
We have been and will continue to add photos as they become available. Please check back from time to time.
http://wingsnwheels.ca/photos/
The Perfect Traffic Storm - June 22, 2009
Due to the heavy rains Saturday soaking our main parking field, Saturday crowds delaying because of the rain and coming Sunday and the Snowbirds appearance on Sunday only, traffic overwhelmed the St. Thomas Airport area on Sunday.
Simply put , there were tens of thousands more cars than our MTO/OPP - approved traffic plan could ever handle.
To those who were disappointed we apologize.
The Golden Centennaire and the F-86 "Hawk One" Sabre landed in St. Thomas and participated in a heritage flight with the Century Hornet on Saturday and Sunday.
The Snowbirds arrived and gave us a wonderful performance on Sunday.
We really appreciate all of those who worked so hard to get them here!
Saturday - We Had Quite an Air Show! - June 20, 2009
After a soggy start to the day and a delay of the air show until 2pm the rain cleared and the sun made an appearance. The Golden Centennaire Tutor and F-86 Sabre joined the Century Hornet for a "100th Anniversary of Flight" heritage flight. The Century Hornet gave us the full demonstration of the CF-18's power. The F-86 Sabre "Hawk One" was graceful as it glided between the clouds.
The Harvard Aircraft Association flew the "missing man" formation as a tribute to Charlie Fox. They are a reminder of the RCAF and of the veterans of the Second World War.
We had a large variety of aircraft that put on an exciting show! The F-16's gave their afterburners a good test and the C-17 from Alaska wowed the audience. Bill Carter tore up the sky and American Barnstormer and Double Trouble showed us their wing walking prowess. The CH-146 Griffon Helicopter demonstrated it's versatility and the HH-65C Dolphin Helicopter Search and Rescue(SAR) Demonstration reminded us of the welcome sight they are for so many on our great lakes. The A-10 Thunderbolts made sure the audience was in hog heaven.
We continue to have a huge ground display with static aircraft, classic cars, antique military wheels and impressive Canadian Forces displays.
It was great! It will be even better Sunday!
All Systems Go - Wings & Wheels 2 - June 20th & 21st, 2009
Organizers of Wings & Wheels 2 are now in the final countdown to an air show that will be unrivalled anywhere in North America.
From all aspects, spectators and performers raved about the the 2007 show and the St. Thomas Municipal Airport being, as some said "the perfect air show airport".
Aircraft are flying in from places as distant as Alaska to participate. You may hear a roar overhead as the world famous Canadian Forces Snowbirds arrive.
The up-close and personal spectator viewing area is being prepared, and our flight operations are gearing up-ground ops too as the Canadian Forces set up an unbelievable display. The Snowbird Simulator will arrive and put you the cockpit of a Snowbird aircraft for a thrill you won't forget.
Vendors are ready to satisfy your hunger and souvenir needs. Classic car owners are shining up their wheels for you to admire.
Come early, bring your hat, comfy lawn chairs and sunblock and get ready to witness something very special - Wings & Wheels 2 - June 20/21.
Happy Father's Day Dad!
Red Bull Air Race - June 13 & 14, 2009
The Canadian debut of the Red Bull Air Race will be held this weekend in Windsor - June 13 & 14, 2009. It promises to be an exciting event.
2007 Wings & Wheels performer Pete McLeod will be competing in the event in Windsor.
Canadian International Military Tattoo, Hamilton - June 13 & 14, 2009
This year the Canadian International Military Tattoo will celebrate the 100th Anniversary of Powered Flight in Canada—the 85th Anniversary of the RCAF—and the 60th Anniversary of NATO. They will honour the achievement of Canada’s military tradition through music and perfomances that are, at once, entertaining and educational. They will pay special tribute to the young heroes and veterans of service in Afghanistan and Bosnia who will form the 2009 Tattoo Veterans Guard of Honour. Tattoo 2009 is taking place in Hamilton, Ontario, Canada on June 13 at 7:30 p.m. and June 14 at 2:30 p.m., 2009.
New Home For 1st Hussars Museum - June 7, 2009
The 1st Hussars Museum will be reopening at their new location at 1 Dundas St. (at the forks of the Thames River) - June 7, 2009.
Join the 1st Hussars regimental family in celebration of this event. The activities will start at 12:30 p.m. The regiment will be on parade, there will be vintage military vehicles on display and a ribbon cutting ceremony by veterans. After the ceremonies, tour the museum, examine the vehicles and talk to the soldiers and veterans.
Fleetwood Country Cruize-In This Weekend - June 5 & 6, 2009
Fleetwood Country Cruize-In will be this weekend (June 5 & 6, 2009) at the Plunkett Estate west of London. This year there is a special salute to 45 years of the Mustang, the grand opening of the New Cadillac's of the 30's Museum, dinners, entertainment, vintage aircraft aerobatic show and much more.
Tickets are available at the Centennial Hall box office.
Free Tickets for Serving Canadian Forces Personnel
All serving Canadian Forces regular, reserve personnel and immediate families are admiltted to Wings & Wheels 2 at no charge thanks to the generosity of General Dynamics Land Systems Canada.
Tickets can be obtained at the Military Family Resource Centre at Wolseley Barracks and for Navy personnel at HMCS Prevost Orderly room.
Organizers are asking that tickets be presented rather than ID at the gates.
Leukemia Bottle Drive This Weekend (May 23-24, 2009)
Donate your empty beer, wine and spirit containers this weekend at The Beer Store!
On the weekend of May 23 and 24, 2009, "The Beer Store" customers will be invited to donate all or a portion of their empty bottle refund to the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society of Canada. 100% of the funds they contribute will go directly to the charity.
Pie in the Sky!
Domino's announces that starting May 20 every pizza served or delivered in London & St Thomas will have an exclusive $2.00 - off adult admission coupon to Wings & Wheels 2 (while supplies last).
Get the door. It’s Domino’s®
In Memory of Kaitlin Vanderhoek
Wings & Wheels 2 is dedicated to the memory of Kaitlin Vanderhoek, 7, daughter of Gerry and Christine Vanderhoek who went to fly with the angels on May 16, 2009. Wings & Wheels 2 will also be supporting the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society of Canada this year.
15 Wing - Armed Forces Day Begins Air Show Season
On May 2, 2009, 15 Wing (home of the Snowbirds) successfully began the 2009 air show season in Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan with their Armed Forces Day.
They have given us a preview of some of what we hope to see at Wings & Wheels 2 as they flew special centennial flights. Ric Peterson, the announcer at Wings & Wheels 2, has provided the above video preview from the event in Moose Jaw.
New Double Trouble Team Member
American Barnstormer has added a new team member.
Aviation author and photographer, Tyson V. Rininger will be joining veteran pilot Walt Pierce and accomplished wing walker Jenny Forsythe for the 2009 season.
He will be replacing Nicole Hansen for this season. Their site features video of some of his training. Looks like quite an experience to be on the other side of the camera lense.
Helicopter Rides
Central Helicopter Training Academy will be offering helicopter rides at Wings & Wheels 2. They are expecting to charge approximately $50 per person.
Central Helicopter Training Academy is based at the St. Thomas Municipal Airport and will be flying the Robinson R-44 helicopter.
There will also be vintage aircraft rides before the air show starts so arrive early.
2009 Photo Tour
The 2009 Photo Tour is a great opportunity to gain special access to the show.
The photo tour pass not only gets you into the show on both days but also during arrival and departure days. You will be able to experience the excellent sight lines of the "Photo Pit" and shelter from the sun.
Please see the Photo Tour page for more details.
Wings & Wheels Facebook Group Created
The Wings & Wheels Facebook Group has been created for those using the popular social networking site.
Thank You volunteer admins Mike and Jake.
You may also be interested in joining the Canadian Centennial of Powered Flight Facebook Group as well.
St. Thomas Lions Club Autofest Teams Up With Wings & Wheels
We are happy to announce that the St. Thomas Lions Club as part of their popular Autofest Weekend will be showing a variety of some of the world’s most exciting classic cars at Wings & Wheels 2.
St. Thomas Lions Club Autofest Weekend starts on Friday night with Ken Chaplin's Thank You Cruisers Dance at the North American Railway Hall of Fame. Designated parking for cruise cars.
Saturday night is Nostalga Nite Downtown. Talbot St. will be closed for the parking of 300+ cruise cars, music, 50/50 draw, food and activities.
Sunday at Pinafore Park will be their 12th annual Father's Day Car Show on June 21, 2009 in St. Thomas. 400+ cars are expected. Beautiful Pinafore Park, music, food and the 9th annual Car Raffle Draw - a 1970 Buick GSX.
Please visit St. Thomas Lions Club web site for more details.
Silver Dart Replica Test Flight Success
The Star reports a successful flight of the Silver Dart Replica built by members of the Aerial Experiment Association 2005 at the John C. Munroe Hamilton International Airport on February 6, 2009. It was piloted by Bjarni Tryggvason, a University of Western Ontario engineering professor and former astronaut.
They will now disassemble the Silver Dart, ship it and then reassemble it in preparation for a centennial flight scheduled for Feb. 23rd, 2009, in Baddeck, NS. Visit the story for a short video clip of the event.
Double Trouble at Wings & Wheels
American Barnstormer is bringing "Double Trouble" in the form of two wing walkers to Wings & Wheels.
Pilot Walt Pierce has his hands full with double the work to maintain controlled flight while TWO wing walkers move about the wings of Ol’ Smokey. Fighting the winds while flying at 70-140 mph, these daredevils cover plenty of turf on the wings of the 450 Stearman.
We look forward to the excitement Jenny Forsythe, Nicole Hansen, Walt and of course Ol' Smokey will bring to the air show.
Silver Dart Replica Test Flight Planned
The members of the Aerial Experiment Association 2005 have dedicated themselves to building and flying a replica of the Silver Dart in a centennial flight scheduled for Feb. 23rd, 2009, in Baddeck, NS. They are preparing for a test flight at the John C. Munroe Hamilton International Airport. The Silver Dart replica will be re-assembled in hangar space donated by the Canadian Warplane Heritage Museum, located at the airport. The flight test is scheduled for between Jan. 29 and Feb. 2, depending on weather.
Snowbirds Pre Site Visit Feb 18, 2009!
The Snowbirds are honoured to announce their upcoming performance at the St
Thomas Wings and Wheels Air Show in 2009. As part of the preparation for
this event, the team coordinators, Captain Eric Willrich and Captain Steve Thompson, will be
conducting a pre site visit at St. Thomas Municipal Airport. This pre site visit is
scheduled for the 2:30pm on the 18th of February 2009.
Hawk One Heritage Flight Helps Celebrate 100 Years of Powered Flight in Canada!
We are very excited about Hawk One and the efforts of Vintage Wings of Canada to celebrate 100 years of powered flight in Canada. It is an F-86 Sabre jet fighter painted in the colours of the RCAF Golden Hawks aerobatic team which flew from 1959 to 1964.
Announcing Wings & Wheels 2 to be held June 20 & 21, 2009!
For over 30 years Southern Ontario was renowned for hosting one of the most
exhilarating and best - attended air shows in North America.
Aircrews from around the world wanted to be a part of it. So did spectators!
It is estimated that, through the years, over one million spectators witnessed some of the
most spectacular flying ever seen, and have been "up close and personal" with these
spectacular aircraft and their crews at the ground displays.
We are proud to announce that this great biennial event is back and is continuing to offer even
more excitement with the addition of a spectacular car show!
The skies above St. Thomas will again be filled with the thunder and spectacle of some
of the world’s most advanced and exciting aircraft. Next to them on the runway at St.
Thomas Municipal Airport visitors will be impressed by a fabulous display of some of
the world’s most exciting cars - historic, classic, modern and military.
We are proud to theme Wings & Wheels as "A Salute to the Canadian Forces",
Featuring Canadian Forces personnel, displays, and “Wings & Wheels”
highlighting the contribution Canadian Forces make world wide.
Organizing Committee
Wings & Wheels
