Spectacular air show coming to Debert
Success of June’s Snowbirds visit impressed Atlanic Air Show organizers
DEBERT, N.S. – Royal Canadian Air Force Cpl. Matthew Mackenzie is looking forward to returning to Nova Scotia in one of the Snowbirds jets.
Air Show Atlantic is bringing its big show to Debert in August, and Mackenzie, who grew up in Riversdale and is now an aircraft structures technician with the Snowbirds, is thrilled to be part of it.
“There’s going to be a lot for people to see,” he said. “The
F-18 demo is coming and there’ll be old war birds, Snowbirds performing and a lot more. The focus is in the air but there will also be a ground show with presentations.”
A Second World War Spitfire will be there to mark the 80th anniversary of the Battle of Britain. There will also be a P-51D Mustang, FG 1D Corsair, First World War-era Nieuport 11 biplane and a De Havilland Vampire, Canada’s first fighter jet.
The Snowbirds performed in Debert in June.
“Debert was a big success in terms of how many people showed up, especially for a midweek show,” said Mackenzie. “It was one of the most successful mid-week shows I’ve seen.”
Air Show Atlantic executive director Colin Stephenson said more than 4,000 fans attended the afternoon show, demonstrating the community was an ideal spot for the events.
“I really enjoy working with the Snowbirds, they’re such a big piece of Canadian history,” said Mackenzie, whose job includes maintenance and repair of life support equipment, aircraft structures and ensuring gear is in top condition. “I first saw them when I went to a show in Shearwater with my family. I had no idea I’d some day be working on them.”
“Every craft has a technician who travels with it and I’ve also gone up during practices. I had some trouble with airsickness first, but I learned techniques to master that. Working with an instructor pilot, I’ve tried flying, including some practice formation.”
He hadn’t been thinking about becoming a pilot, but now some of his co-workers are encouraging him to train and he said, “Who knows what the future holds.”
Mackenzie feels the military provides great opportunities to learn and see new things, and provides thrilling shows for the public
“It’s going to be one hell of a show and I encourage everyone to get out,” he added.
The Debert show will be held Aug. 29-30. General admission tickets are now available, with premium seating options to follow in the spring, online at www.airshowatlantic.ca
More of Mackenzie’s photos can be seen on Instagram at the7ajet.