MILAVIA > Air Shows > Airshow London 2019 Last updated: 28 November 2021
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Air Show Report : Airshow London 2019

2019 Airshow London – Ontario, Canada

Ron Cembrowski provides a look back at the 2019 Airshow London covering all five days of the event and the early access photo tour.



Airshow London International Airport (CYXU), Ontario, September 12-16, 2019

This was the fourth year for the Airshow London since its rebirth in 2016. Although the participant numbers were smaller than in previous years, with cancellations due to last minute operational commitments or maintenance issues, the organizers still presented an outstanding show with some great flying performances and an interesting static line-up.

The flying schedule included three air force demonstration teams, the RCAF Snowbirds (CFB Moose Jaw), the RCAF CF-18 Demonstration Team, supported by 3 Wing (CFB Bagotville) and 4 Wing (CFB Cold Lake) and the USAF A-10 Thunderbolt II Demonstration Team from the 355th Fighter Wing (Davis-Monthan AFB).

Other scheduled performers included the Canadian Forces SkyHawks parachute team, a pair of RCAF CT-155 Hawks flown by two former CF-18 Demo Team Pilots, an F-35C from VFA-125 in NAS Lemoore, Jet Aircraft Museum’s (JAM, London) CT-133 Silver Star (RCAF Red Knight colour scheme), Red Star Aero Services’ T-33AN Silver Star (CAF 414 Sqn Black Knights colour scheme), Jerry Conley’s DH-115 Vampire, and civilian aerobatic acts Mike Tryggvason in his Giles 202 and Pete McLeod in his Red Bull Extra 300.

Static displays from the USAF included numerous fighters, tankers, and trainers, plus a B-52H not seen at a London air show for a very long time, as well as one aircraft from the US Marines and one from the US Coast Guard. Canadian static participation included a RCAF CT-156 Harvard II, KF Defence Programs contracted Bell 412CF helicopter, C-90B King Air and Grob G120A trainer, a Canadian Coast Guard Bell 429 helicopter, and aircraft from the Fanshawe School of Aviation Technology and the International Test Pilots School, both based in London, ON. As an aside, despite a very decent static line-up it was disappointing to see a reduction in RCAF participation this year. In past years the show has included one or more of either a CC-130 Hercules (H and/or J models), CT-142 “Gonzo”, CH-146 Griffon, CC-115 Buffalo or a fly-by from a CC-177 Globemaster III or CC-150 Polaris. This year was much leaner.

KC-135R 60-0347
KC-135R 60-0347
Grob G120A C-FPFM
F-15E 92-0366
F-15E 92-0366
F-15E 92-0366
KC-135R 63-8028
C-90B C-FMFY
C-90B C-FMFY
C-130H-3 94-6701
F-16C 87-0311
F-16C 87-0311
F-16C 86-0239
F-16C 87-0311
F-16C 86-0239
MH-65D 6572
MH-65D 6572
MH-65D 6572
MH-65D 6572
KC-135R 57-1469
B-52H 60-0007
B-52H 60-0007
KC-135R 57-1469
KC-135R 57-1469
Bell 412CF C-FYZK
KC-135R 57-1469
B-52H 60-0007
B-52H 60-0007
A-10C 81-0962
A-10C 81-0980
A-10C 81-0962
C-5M 86-0024
C-5M 86-0024
C-5M 86-0024
C-5M 86-0024
C-5M 86-0024
C-5M 86-0024
C-5M 86-0024
KC-135R 57-1469
KC-135R 57-1469
F-15E 91-0300
KC-135R 60-0347

On Friday the gates were scheduled to open to the public at 4:00 PM for the “Friday Night Hour of Power”, with flying scheduled to begin at 5:00 PM. Unfortunately, due to the threat of severe thunderstorms the organizers made the tough decision to cancel the Friday evening show. It was certainly the correct thing to do to help ensure public safety.

On Saturday and Sunday gates opened to the public at 9:00 AM, with the flying scheduled to begin at 12:00 PM.

Flying highlights of the show included an impressive display by the Air Combat Command A-10 Demonstration Team “Warthog” showcasing the aircraft’s combat maneuvering capabilities along with several simulated attack passes.

The RCAF Demonstration CF-18 Hornet (2019 theme: Ad Astra / #WEARENATO) once again teamed up with the JAM CT-133 “Red Knight” (see also Airshow London 2018 report for info) for the RCAF Heritage Flight.

A three-ship formation of former RCAF aircraft types that included two ex-RCAF/CAF CT-133s (JAM – Red Knight and Red Star T-33AN – Black Knights) along with Jerry Conley’s DH-115 Vampire provided a unique RCAF Commemorative Flypast.

The Red Star T-33AN (N133CN) is an ex-CAF CT-133 (133052). The “Black Knights” colour scheme that it wears is a reproduction of the original colour scheme previously worn in 1999 by CT-133 (133119) from 414 (Combat Support) Sqn, 19 Wing (Comox, BC). The aircraft had been specially painted for the 75th anniversary of the CAF/RCAF in 1999.

There were at least 55 aircraft (military, warbirds, and civilian), by my count, at the air show on both the static and hot ramp (consider placing a link to the 2019 Participants list here). See the table below for a complete list of participating aircraft.

UH-1N 18277
F-15C 80-0004
F-15C 80-0004
F-15C 78-0474
F-15C 80-0004
F-15C 78-0474
F-15C 78-0474
T-38A 63-8133
C-23B N567WW
T-38A 62-3722
T-38A 62-3722
T-38A 62-3722
T-38A 63-8133
CT-155 155214
C-130H-3 94-6701
A-10C 81-0962
T-38C 67-14929
T-38C 65-10457
T-38C 65-10457
T-38C 65-10457
CF-188 188787
CF-188 188787
CF-188 188787
CF-188 188787
F-35C 168160
F-35C 168160
F-35C 168160
F-35C 168160
F-16CM 89-2051
CF-188 188787
CT-133 C-FUPP
T-33-AN (CT-133) N133CN
DH-115 N23105
KC-10A 82-0191
KC-10A 82-0191
F-35C 168160
F-35C 168160
F-35C 168160
CT-133 C-FUPP
KC-10A 82-0191
KC-10A 82-0191
DH-115 N23105
CT-133 C-FUPP
DH-115 N23105
T-33-AN (CT-133) N133CN
T-33-AN (CT-133) N133CN
KC-10A 82-0191
RCAF Commemorative Flt DH-115 & CT-133s

Airshow London Photo Tour

As with the last few years the 2019 Airshow London offered the 5-day Photo Tour pass, including Thursday and Friday arrivals, the Saturday and Sunday air show days, and Monday departures. The total cost with taxes was $378.00 (CDN). Thursday and Monday access are only available to those who have purchased the full 5-day pass.

The photo pit was in the same area as all the previous London air shows. Situated at the north-west corner of the main taxiway (paralleling Rwy 15-33) and south of Rwy 09-27, the photo pit area provides a first-class view of aircraft movements (arrivals and departures) and the air display which runs along Rwy 15-33.

The photo tour pass also provides early access on all 5 days: check-in 8:30 – 9:00 AM on Thursday, Friday, and Monday and check-in 6:30 – 7:00 AM on Saturday and Sunday show days.

An additional benefit of early access on Saturday and Sunday, depending on the weather, is the potential to get some beautiful early morning sunrise shots of the aircraft on the hot ramp. Even with the aircraft initially backlit the warm red-orange morning light, pre-sunrise illumination moving through full sunrise, provides a unique opportunity for the aviation photographer.

A-10C 81-0980
CT-155 155203
CT-155 155214
CT-133 C-FUPP
T-33-AN (CT-133) N133CN
T-33-AN (CT-133) N133CN
CT-133 C-FUPP
CT-155 155214
CT-155 155203
T-38C 65-10457
T-38C 65-10457
CT-156 156117
F-15E 91-0300
F-15E 91-0300
F-15E 92-0366
DHC-7-102 C-GVWD
F-16C 87-0311
F-16C 86-0239
Falcon 10 Fanshawe
F-15C 80-0004
F-15C 78-0474
Grob G120A C-FPFM
C-90B C-FMFY
Bell 412CF C-FYZK
B-52H 60-0007
T-38A 62-3722
F-16CM 89-2051
Bell 429 C-GCIQ
MH-65D 6572
UH-1N 18277
Albatross N7025J
L-39C C-GTOZ
KC-135R 57-1469
KC-135R 57-1469
KC-135R 60-0347
KC-135R 60-0347
KC-135R 60-0347
C-130H-3 94-6701

2019 CF-18 Demonstration Team Hornet

CF-188 (188797) was chosen as the 2019 Demonstration Team Hornet. It was the first year, in many years, that a demonstration CF-188 Hornet was not given an overall commemorative paint scheme. This year only the tail of the aircraft was painted in a commemorative motif, with the addition of some special markings on the aircraft (colour roundels, special “futuristic style” font used for the aircraft serial number on nose and tail lettering, #WEARENATO on the LEX fence, 70th NATO/OTAN decal on fuselage).

The 2019 theme commemorated the RCAF’s “pathway to the stars” and the 70th anniversary of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO).
AD ASTRA - Taken from the RCAF’s motto “Sic Itur Ad Astra”, which is Latin meaning “such is the pathway to the stars”, the 2019 CF-18 Demonstration Team celebrated both the history of the RCAF and recognized the innovation and drive of Canadians that have helped shape the modern day RCAF.
#WEARENATO - The 2019 air show season also provided the opportunity for the RCAF to celebrate the 70th anniversary of NATO (1949 – 2019) highlighting the RCAF’s operational role within the organization, which is a cornerstone of Canada’s international security policy.

The pilot for the 2019 CF-18 Demonstration Team was Captain Brian “Humza” Kilroy, a four-ship lead and qualified Electronic Warfare instructor with 410 Tactical Fighter (Operational Training) Sqn at 4 Wing Cold Lake.

CF-18 Demo 2019 - CF-188 188797
CF-18 Demo 2019 - CF-188 188797
CF-18 Demo 2019 - CF-188 188797
CF-18 Demo 2019 - CF-188 188797
CF-18 Demo 2019 - CF-188 188797
CF-18 Demo 2019 - CF-188 188797
CF-18 Demo 2019 - CF-188 188797
CF-18 Demo 2019 - CF-188 188797
CF-18 Demo 2019 - CF-188 188797
CF-18 Demo 2019 - CF-188 188797
CF-18 Demo 2019 - CF-188 188797
CF-18 Demo 2019 - CF-188 188797
CF-18 Demo 2019 - CF-188 188797
CF-18 Demo 2019 - CF-188 188797
CF-18 Demo 2019 - CF-188 188797
CF-188 188797
CF-188 188797
CF-188 188797
CF-188 188797
CF-188 188797
CF-188 188797
CF-188 188797
CF-188 188797
CF-188 188797
MV-22B 166719
MV-22B 166719
MV-22B 166719
CF SkyHawks
CF SkyHawks
DH-115 N23105
CT-133 C-FUPP T-33-AN N133CN
CT-133 C-FUPP T-33-AN N133CN
RCAF Commemorative Flt DH-115 & CT-133s
RCAF Commemorative Flt DH-115 & CT-133s
RCAF Commemorative Flt DH-115 & CT-133s
DH-115 N23105
DH-115 N23105
CT-133 C-FUPP
CF SkyHawks
CF SkyHawks
CF SkyHawks
CF SkyHawks
CF SkyHawks
CF SkyHawks
CF SkyHawks
CF-188 188797
CF-188 188797
CF-188 188797
CT-133 C-FUPP
CF-188 188797
CT-133 C-FUPP
RCAF Heritage Flt CF-188 & CT-133
G202 C-GXGS
EA-300LC N26AM
EA-300LC N26AM
EA-300LC N26AM
EA-300LC N26AM
EA-300LC N26AM
EA-300LC N26AM
CF-188 188797
T-38C 65-10457
A-10C 81-0980
A-10C 81-0980
A-10C 81-0980
A-10C 81-0980
A-10C 81-0980
A-10C 81-0980
A-10C 81-0980
A-10C 81-0980
CF-188 188797
KC-135R 63-8028
KC-135R 63-8028
KC-135R 63-8028
KC-135R 63-8028
T-38C 67-14929
T-38C 67-14929
T-38C 65-10457
T-38C 65-10457
KC-135R 63-8028
CT-155 155214 & 155203
CT-155 155214 & 155203
T-38C 67-14929
T-38C 65-10457
T-38C 67-14929
T-38C 67-14929
T-38C 65-10457
T-38C 65-10457
T-38C 65-10457
CT-155 155214
CT-155 155214
CT-155 155214
CT-155 155203
CT-155 155203
CT-155 155203
Snowbirds CT-114 114032 SB1
Snowbirds CT-114 114149 SB2
Snowbirds CT-114 114032 SB1
Snowbirds CT-114 114131 SB4
Snowbirds CT-114
Snowbirds CT-114
Snowbirds CT-114
Snowbirds CT-114
Snowbirds CT-114
Snowbirds CT-114
Snowbirds CT-114
Snowbirds CT-114
Snowbirds CT-114
Snowbirds CT-114
Snowbirds CT-114
Snowbirds CT-114
Snowbirds CT-114
Snowbirds CT-114
Snowbirds CT-114
Snowbirds CT-114
Snowbirds CT-114
Snowbirds CT-114

2019 Air Show London - Participating Aircraft

Type Serial / Reg. Unit Base Notes
A-10C 81-0962 355th FW / A-10 Demo TeamDavis-Monthan AFB, AZFlying Display
A-10C 81-0980 355th FW / A-10 Demo TeamDavis-Monthan AFB, AZFlying Display
Albatross N7025J International Test Pilots School (ITPS)London Int’l Airport (CYXU), ONStatic Display
B-52H 60-0007 23rd BS / 5th BWMinot AFB, NDStatic Display
Bell 412CF C-FYZK 3 CFFTS15 Wing KF Defence Programs / Aerospace Southport Airport, MBStatic Display
ex-RCAF CH-146 (s/n: 146404) Transferred to Civil Reg. Jan 26, 2007, Advanced Fleet Helicopter Training
Bell 429 C-GCIQ Canadian Coast Guard
(Fisheries and Oceans Canada)
Parry Sound, ONStatic Display
Fleet #434
C-5M 86-0024 22nd AS / 60th AMW, AMCTravis AFB, CAStatic Display
C-23B N567WW WinWin Aviation Inc.Wake Forest, NCJump Aircraft for CF SkyHawks Friday Sept. 13/19
C-90B C-FMFY 3 CFFTS - 15 Wing
KF Defence Programs / Aerospace
Southport Airport, MBStatic Display
Contracted Flying Training and Support Services - Phase III Multi-Engine Program Aircraft bears commemorative WWII code & mission marks of 419 Sqn (VR R) Lancaster B. MkX (KB722) “Ropey”
C-130H-3 94-6701 169th AS / 182nd AW, IL ANGPeoria Int’l Airport, ILStatic Display
CF-188 188787 425/433 TFS - 3 WingCFB Bagotville, QCStatic Display Initially brought in as a back-up to the Demo Hornet (188797)
CF-188 188797 2019 Demo Hornet “We Are NATO”
3 Wing / 4 Wing
CFB Bagotville, QC / CFB Cold Lake, ABFlying Display
RCAF 2019 CF-18 Demonstration Team Pilot: Captain Brian Kilroy
CT-114 x11 SB 1 (114032), SB 2 (114149),
SB 3 (114089), SB 4 (114131),
SB 5 (114071), SB 6 (114009),
SB 7 (114051), SB 8 (114109),
SB 9 (114054), SB 10 (114143),
SB 11 (114013)
431 (AD) Sqn Snowbirds - 15 WingCFB Moose Jaw, SKFlying Display
CT-133 C-FUPP
"Red Knight"
Jet Aircraft Museum London Int’l Airport (CYXU), ONFlying Display
ex-RCAF CT-133 (s/n:133573) RCAF Heritage Flight w/ CF-18 Demo Hornet RCAF Commemorative Flight w/ T-33AN “Black Knight” & DH-115 Vampy “Too”
CT-133 (T-33AN)N133CN
"Black Knight"
Red Star Aero Services Mobile, ALFlying Display
ex-RCAF CT-133 (s/n: 133052) RCAF Commemorative Flight w/ CT-133 “Red Knight” & DH-115 Vampy “Too” 414 Sqn “Black Knight” Colour scheme originally worn by CT-133 (s/n: 133119) for RCAF 75th anniversary
CT-155 155203 419 Tac (F) Training Sqn - 4 WingCFB Cold Lake, ABFlying Display
CT-155 155214 419 Tac (F) Training Sqn - 4 WingCFB Cold Lake, ABFlying Display
CT-156 156117 2 CFFTS - 15 Wing (NFTC)CFB Moose Jaw, SKStatic Display
DH-115 N23105 Vampire Aviation LLC
Vampire Airshows Jerry Conley
Flying Display
RCAF Commemorative Flight
w/ T-33s “Black Knight” & “Red Knight”
DHC-7-102 C-GVWD Fanshawe School of Aviation TechnologyLondon Int’l Airport (CYXU), ONStatic Display
EA-300LC N26AM Pete McLeod RacingLondon Int’l Airport (CYXU), ONFlying Display
Pilot: Pete McLeod Sponsored by Red Bull
F-15C 78-0474 131st FS / 104th FW, MA ANGWestfield-Barnes Airport, MAStatic Display
F-15C 80-0004 131st FS / 104th FW, MA ANGWestfield-Barnes Airport, MAStatic Display
F-15E 91-0300 391st FS / 366th FW, ACCMountain Home AFB, IDStatic Display
F-15E 92-0366 391st FS / 366th FW, ACCMountain Home AFB, IDStatic Display
F-16C 86-0239 195th FS / 162nd FW, AZ ANGTucson ANGB, AZStatic Display
F-16C 87-0311 195th FS / 162nd FW, AZ ANGTucson ANGB, AZStatic Display
F-16CM 89-2051 112th FS / 180th FW, OH ANGToledo Express AP, OHStatic Display
F-35C 168160 (NJ/430)VFA-125NAS Lemoore, CAFlying Display
Falcon 10 Fanshawe School of Aviation TechnologyLondon Int’l Airport (CYXU), ONStatic Display
“FANC-17”
G202 C-GXGS MKT Aerobatics Ltd.London Int’l Airport (CYXU), ONFlying Display
Pilot: Mike Tryggvason
G120A C-FPFM 3 CFFTS - 15 Wing
KF Defence Programs / Aerospace
Southport Airport, MBStatic Display
Contracted Flying Training and Support Services (CFTS) Primary Pilot Training and Selection
KC-10A 82-0191 6th & 9th ARS / 60 AMWTravis AFB, CAStatic Display
KC-135R 57-1469 197th ARS / 161st ARW, AZ ANGPhoenix Sky Harbour Int’l Airport, AZStatic Display
KC-135R 60-0347 145th & 166th ARS / 121st ARW, OH ANGRickenbacker ANGB, OHStatic Display
KC-135R 63-8028 168th ARS / 168th ARW, AK ANGEielson AFB, AKStatic Display
L-39C C-GTOZ International Test Pilots School (ITPS)London Int’l Airport (CYXU), ONStatic Display
MH-65D 6572 CGAS DetroitSelfridge ANGB, MIStatic Display
MV-22B 166719 VMM-162 (YS/09) / MAG-26MCAS New River, NCStatic Display
SC-7 N194WW WinWin Aviation Inc.Wake Forest, NCJump Aircraft for CF SkyHawks
T-38A 62-3722 71st FTS / 1st FW JB Langley-Eustis, VA Static Display
T-38A 63-8133 71st FTS / 1st FW JB Langley-Eustis, VA Static Display
T-38C 65-10457 88th FTS / 80th FTW Sheppard AFB, TX Static Display
T-38C 67-14929 88th FTS / 80th FTW Sheppard AFB, TX Static Display
UH-1N 18277 1st HS / 11th Wing Andrews AFB, MD Static Display
KC-135R 63-8028
A-10C 81-0962
CT-133 C-FUPP
T-38C 67-14929
CT-155 155214
CT-155 155203
KC-135R 63-8028
KC-135R 63-8028
KC-135R 63-8028
MV-22B 166719
MV-22B 166719
MV-22B 166719
F-16C 87-0311
F-35C 168160
F-35C 168160
UH-1N 18277
C-5M 86-0024
C-5M 86-0024
CT-114 114054 SB9
KC-10A 82-0191
KC-10A 82-0191
KC-135R 60-0347
B-52H 60-0007
SC.7 N194WW
CT-155 155203 & 155214
CT-155 155203 & 155214
CT-155 155214

Departure Day

Photo selection of the departing aircraft on Monday September 16, 2019, including the always impressive B-52H Stratofortress bomber.

MV-22B 166719
MV-22B 166719
F-15E 91-0300
F-15E 92-0366
F-15E 91-0300
F-15E 91-0300
F-15E 91-0300
F-15E 92-0366
Bell 412CF C-FYZK
L-39C C-GTOZ
L-39C C-GTOZ
L-39C C-GTOZ
F-16C 87-0311
F-16C 86-0239
F-16C 87-0311
F-16C 87-0311
F-16C 86-0239
F-16C 86-0239
F-16C 87-0311
C-130H-3 94-6701
T-38A 62-3722
T-38A 62-3722
T-38A 63-8133
T-38A 62-3722
CT-156 156117
CF-188 188787
CF-188 188787
B-52H 60-0007
B-52H 60-0007
B-52H 60-0007
B-52H 60-0007
B-52H 60-0007
B-52H 60-0007
B-52H 60-0007
B-52H 60-0007


Report and photos by Ron Cembrowski ( view portfolio )



First Published: 28 November 2021
Last Modified: 28 November 2021

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