Air Show Atlantic 2023 Warbirds Over Debert

USPA NEWS - Since 2017, I have had the opportunity to be able to cover 7 Air Show Atlantic productions at various locations throughout Atlantic Canada. Each year, I have been able to attend Media Day which allowed me to conduct some fascinating interviews with some amazing performers. One of the most exciting interview was back in 2019 when I had the absolute privilege of speaking with Lt. Commander, James Haley, Pilot #2 of the Blue Angels in Greenwood, Nova Scotia.

The 2023 Air Show Atlantic Warbirds Over Debert Media Day did not disappoint! In fact, the 2023 Media Day exceeded anything that I could have imagined. Along with having the opportunity to interview several incredible demonstration teams, I was invited to join some other media professionals for a flight on a Beechcraft C-45 Expeditor "Canadian Queen".

Upon our arrival at the Debert Air Airport myself and the other media that were invited to partake in the flight participated in a preflight briefing. At this time we were introduced to the pilots, Dave Hewitt and Glenn Goldman, who would be flying the classic aircraft that we would be boarding. The briefing included safety information along with some of the aircraft capabilities and the flight plan. Once onboard the vintage aircraft,which seated 5 passengers and the the 2 pilots, we fastened our seat belts and tested our headsets. After everyone was settled and the pilots conducted their pre departure checks we departed for what would be a once in a lifetime flight. It was a perfect clear and sunny day for our 30 minute flight adventure which took us over the Masstown Market, Old Barns, Truro, Salmon River , and back to the Debert Airport. The views were absolutely stunning allowing us to see for miles. There was even a window removed so the photographers on the flight could enjoy a spot to shoot clear, breathtaking, and stunning images. It was not just the beautiful landscapes below that was captured through my camera lens, but I also photographed two vintage Warbirds that made an appearance next to us. The pilot was gracious and gave us the heads up as to when they would be coming so we could prepare to capture some jaw dropping images of these classics. We were graced by the presence of a P-40 Warhawk " American Dream and a P-51 Mustang "Swamp Fox". Again, once in a lifetime captures. After a safe landing at the Debert Airport we were able to capture a few images of the pilots along with the aircraft.

For the remainder of Media Day, I remained busy conducting interviews with several demonstration teams which were scheduled to perform over the weekend. This involved traveling to Halifax Stanfield Airport(CYHZ) where the Canadian Forces Snowbirds and the CF-18 Demo Team were staging while awaiting their weekend performances at the Air Show Atlantic Warbirds Over Debert production. The Snowbirds and CF-18 Demo teams were generous with their time and gave fascinating interviews which I will cover in my next two articles. I will also cover an interview with Carol Pilon with Third Strike Wingwalking in a future article.

It should be noted that my highly productive Media Day would not have been possible without the help from Air Show Atlantic-Media and Public Relations Director Tracy Morgan Boudreau and my Camera Assistant and Logistical Coordinator Al Cyples. It is my hope that I will be able to document more exciting stories created by Air Show Atlantic for many years to come.