When I was given the assignment of covering the Fraser Blues aerial performance at this year's Sea Cavalcade, I added it to my story list like any other assignment. Just as I was about to ask my boss if he could recommend a good spot to watch and review the performance, he told me to be at the Sechelt airport at 10 a.m. to learn how it works.
I looked at him curiously.
"You're going up in the flight," he said.
I grinned with sheer delight.
Arriving at the Sechelt airport last Saturday a little before 10 a.m., I parked my car and walked up to the landing strip. I introduced myself to George Miller, Fraser Blues team leader, who then introduced me to Gord Ball, the pilot I would be flying with in the number four position, or line astern.
Having a few minutes before Miller's orientation on flight safety, I strolled around and took photos of the parked aircraft, gaining knowledge on the planes and the history of the team.
Officially formed in 2001, the Fraser Blues Aerial Demonstration Team is composed of five general aviation pilots and four ground crew members. One of the few civilian flying teams in Canada, they perform more than 35 shows per season.
The planes they fly are beautifully reconditioned Navions. Built in North America for the civilian market after World War Two, the Navion was used by the U.S. military and in combat during the Korean War.
After Miller's orientation, Ball and I walked to our plane. Ball said he flew in the Canadian military and is a retired airline pilot.
Knowing I was in good hands, I hopped in the cockpit, put on the headphones, fastened my seatbelt, and was ready to go. On went the engine and we queued up with the other planes. Ball turned to me with his thumb up, which I signalled back. Within minutes we were airborne.
Seeing the Lower Sunshine Coast by air is a view like no other. The ocean glistened under the sun and the copious expanse of trees and greenery made for a perfect landscape. Seeing everybody on the ground getting ready for the Sea Cavalcade's parade made the flight even better.
Returning to the airport after the amazing 20-minute flight, I reluctantly departed the plane, thanking Ball profusely for the experience. As the pilots rushed to get ready for their ride in the parade (in an automobile, of course), I said I heard a rumour 2011 would be the last year they flew in Sea Cavalcade. Both Miller and Ball winked at me.
"That's what we said last year," Ball said.
