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2008 Air Shows

Quebec City International

Location: Jean Lesage International Airport, Quebec City, Quebec
Admission: $90 for 3 days for a family of 4 in advance from Internet. Single at the gate pricing was $20 for adult, $10 for child (6-12 in age).
Parking: $10 per day
Value: Above average
The flight path for the air show portion provided excellent viewing and photographic opportunities with mid telephoto 200mm or longer lens. Early arrival is a must to secure a good spot for photography.
Since this show is held at a commercial airport, the aerial demonstrations were frequently interrupted to allow for the departure and arrival of commercial flights! For me, the highlight of the three days was opening day, that evening's sunset aerial demonstration put on by the British "Red Arrows". Of course, the other teams, U.S. Navy "Blue Angels", U.S. Air Force "Thunderbirds" and Canadian "Snowbirds" were wonderful as well but they did not have the advantage of a gorgeous sunset. The spectator areas were all grass so it is recommended that ground covers be brought to shows at this venue as it can get pretty muddy if it rains (as it did on day 3). The "jumbotron" gave the show a high quality stage effect and afforded the spectators with an excellent view of the events.
Food and beverage vendors plentiful if a bit on the high side. Facilities were adequate for the crowds and conveniently located. The event staff were courteous and helpful. Reasonable local accommodations were a bit sparse and a 20-30 kilometer drive each way was not unusual for some out of town attendees from their hotels/motels.

The static display was not huge and was anchored by a B-52 and included:

  • (2) F-5N Tiger II Top Gun "enemy plane"
  • (2) F-16 Fighting Falcon
  • (2) F-18F Super Hornet
  • CP-140 Aurora
  • CC-177 Globemaster III
  • C-130 Hercules
  • CT-156 Harvard II
  • (2) Hawker Hunter
  • DC-3 Piedmont Air Lines
  • F-4U Corsair
  • P-51D Mustang

Rating: 8 out of 10
The highlight of the event was the opening evening sunset aerial demonstration put on by the British "Red Arrows".
Review by A. Warren, image by S.A. Chermak.
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