Abbotsford International Airshow 2018

[JA Boomer]

I wrote the show and they said they have tons coming and I hope they're right.

Sounds promising! I wonder if they'll ever get back to splitting the statics into 'light' and 'heavy' on two ramps and revive the center spoke for static displays.

It's been awhile since the 'heavy' ramp was packed with big transports and refuelers. Looking forward to the announcements to come!

[Bingofuel]

Bingofuel, do you have any hints for us this year as you did last year?

Sorry fellas I've been working too much this year to be in the loop! But I'll see what I can muster here soon.

[theairshowdude]

I wrote the show and they said they have tons coming and I hope they're right.

Sounds promising! I wonder if they'll ever get back to splitting the statics into 'light' and 'heavy' on two ramps and revive the center spoke for static displays.

It's been awhile since the 'heavy' ramp was packed with big transports and refuelers. Looking forward to the announcements to come!

I remember that in 2012. That was a great year. I'm hoping this year is similar.

[theairshowdude]

Bingofuel, do you have any hints for us this year as you did last year?

Sorry fellas I've been working too much this year to be in the loop! But I'll see what I can muster here soon.

No worries bud! Work obviously comes first but I look forward to anything you can possibly muster.

[Frenetic Enigma]

On the Abby Facebook page, they've posted a throwback to the F-15s and their pending static display this year. However, in the comments, they seem to drop a hint that the Eagles may fly at the show - something connected to NORAD's 60th anniversary. Hopefully more than a teaser!

[JA Boomer]

On the Abby Facebook page, they've posted a throwback to the F-15s and their pending static display this year. However, in the comments, they seem to drop a hint that the Eagles may fly at the show - something connected to NORAD's 60th anniversary. Hopefully more than a teaser!

A F-15C / CF-18A NORAD formation would be very much appreciated!

[Bingofuel]

An F-15 flying in the show would be welcomed...Been too long!

Interesting tidbit from last year, there was scheduled to be a NORAD flyby with the Oklahoma ANG F-16's, but there arose a last minute issue with getting their jets the proper engine oil inspection. Apparently the Air National Guard insisted that they undergo a Spectrometric Oil Analysis Program (SOAP) before participating in any flybys, which came as a surprise to both the Airshow organizers, and the F-16 pilot who was to fly in the show (an Ex-Thunderbirds pilot). It was strange because the F-16 demo team gets a waiver to allow them to fly in shows without providing this SOAP sample every day. I believeI heard the Airshow used to send SOAP samples to NAS Whidbey island for aircraft flying in the show that required it...But since the departure of the EA-6B prowler from Whidbey their SOAP machine was no longer available.

The F-16 pilot was audibly upset at the bureaucracy...

Understandable though on the Air National Guard's side, as a Tulsa F-16 from the same unit crashed in Houston on takeoff I believe, about 2 months before the 2017 Abby show. They suspected an engine failure so they were just being cautious.

[JA Boomer]

So this new Grandstand Seating area this yea .. is that on the west side of Runway Seating? I know it's where the Flight Club used to be, but I always get the Flight Club mixed up with the Photo Pit.

[AirshowHawk]

So this new Grandstand Seating area this yea .. is that on the west side of Runway Seating? I know it's where the Flight Club used to be, but I always get the Flight Club mixed up with the Photo Pit.

To my knowledge the Grandstand will be set up in the center, right on top of the paved area that at one point hosted the light static area. Here is a reference picture of the runway seating which shows the Grandstand positioning. Unfortunately the picture is cropped so only the part of the venue on the west side and center side is showing. If you are familiar with the layout of CYXX and the show set up, it should be informative enough to answer your question. I do recall seeing a full map of the 2018 show venue somewhere but unfortunately at this point I am unable to find it.

Figured I should also edit this on another note to point out that the airshow does tease a lot on Facebook. Who still remembers the post from a few months ago when they acknowledged Airbus was a sponsor of the show and commented saying that they were working on Fly-bys and statics?

[Chris Smallenberg]

Based on that image of the show site, it would appear that the grandstand, which is advertised as 3 storeys tall, will significantly block the sightlines from the general admission viewing area as aircraft approach from the side.