Aerial Performers

Known for their flawless synchronization and split-second precision, the Frecce Tricolori have become synonymous with excellence in aerobatic displays. Audiences can expect a thrilling performance that combines skill, speed, and a touch of Italian flair. The team’s signature maneuver features nine aircraft flying in close formation, trailing plumes of smoke in the green, white, and red hues of the Italian flag.

The inclusion of the Frecce Tricolori in 2024 adds an international touch to the event. Being able to see the team in Cold Lake is a rare treat, to say the least. This will be their only air show in western Canada for the 2024 season, and will mark their first North American dates in over 30 years!

See more here.

First flying in 2006, the F-35A Lightning has been in operation in the United States since 2016, and with its new technologies, is considered the world’s most advanced multi-role fighter aircraft.

Piloted by Captain Melanie “Mach” Kluesner, the F-35A II Demonstration aircraft will showcase the unique capabilities of this phenomenal aircraft!

The Cormorant can carry up to 12 stretchers or a load of 5,000 kilograms. Its advanced systems provide a stable hover for critical hoisting operations. It has helped rescue mountain climbers, lost hikers, ship crews and more. 

The aircraft would cement its place in the history books after famously attacking the Ruhr Dams in 1943 and successfully sinking the battleship Tirpitz in 1944.

As of today, only 17 Lancasters remain in existence, and only two of those are still flyable examples. One of those is the Canadian Warplane Heritage Museum’s Mynarski Memorial Lancaster. This Lancaster Mark X was built at the Victory Aircraft plant in Ontario in 1945 and served the Royal Canadian Air Force until 1963. After a complete restoration in 1988, this aircraft was named after Canadian Pilot Officer Andrew Mynarski VC, who received the Victoria Cross in 1944 after bravely attempting the rescue of a crewmember while being shot down over France, with disregard for his own safety, while flying with 419 Squadron.

On July 20th and 21st , The Cold Lake Air Show invites you to join us in a celebration of this history-making aircraft and the brave veterans it represents, as we welcome to the skies, the Mynarski Memorial Lancaster!

See more here.

After leaving the military, Hrymack continued with aviation, flying humanitarian missions in Africa with the United Nations and instructing pilots of the Royal Saudi Airforce. Jim takes to the skies in his Harvard Mark IV, a trainer used by many pilots in Canada during the British Commonwealth Air Training Plan days of the Second World War. This aircraft is powered by a 1340 Pratt and Whitney radial engine that produces 600 horsepower and can reach speeds of up to 258 miles per hour.

By the 1980’s, this aircraft had been privately purchased and has since had an almost two-year restoration. The P-40 is best remembered as the aircraft of General Claire Chennault’s American Volunteer Group – the Flying Tigers, defending China against Japan. During the Second World War, The P-40 was operated by England, France, China, Russia, Australia, New Zealand, Canada, South Africa, and Turkey as well as the United States.

Read more on this aircraft here. 

Drawing on their heritage as veteran RCAF pilots, Brent Handy, Todd Farrell and Greg Hume-Powell are the Northern Stars. Flying the classic Pitts Special in tight, precision formations and wringing it out with exciting freestyle maneuvers, the Northern Stars are getting great reviews!

The show starts off with a dramatic opposing pass followed by Brent’s fast paced, surface-level aerobatics before being joined by Todd & Greg for precise loops, rolls and much more in tight, military style formation with billowing airshow smoke.

See more here.

Previously a pilot for the CF-18 Demonstration Team, Captain Haggart-Smith will showcase the capabilities of Canada’s multi-role fighter through an impressive aerobatic routine.

Serving as Canadian ambassadors, the Snowbirds demonstrate the high level of professionalism, teamwork, excellence, discipline and dedication inherent in the women and men of the Air Force and the Canadian Forces.

See more here.

Bringing our parachutes in close proximity to build formations in the sky, the team puts on a spectacular show. Performing these aerobatic parachute formations requires a high level of skill and courage; and is known as Canopy Relative Work.

Supported by the Canadian Army, the SkyHawks are based out of Trenton, Ontario, at the Canadian Army Advanced Warfare Centre. There, they train alongside soldiers who help defend our territory and sovereignty through a wide variety of domestic and overseas missions. From both Regular and Reserve Forces, the team members are from various occupations of the Army, Navy, and Air Force and bring a wide range of experience to their performances.

It is with great pride that we continue to showcase the professionalism, dedication and teamwork it takes to be part of Canada’s military.

See their website for more information.