Darrell Greer
Northern News Services
Wednesday, July 5, 2017
RANKIN INLET
The pilots participating in the Canadian Arctic Aviation Tour (CAAT) wowed the people of the Kivalliq region with their flying skills this past week.
The travelling event, led by its core group of 15 pilots, is bringing some of the world's best aerobatics to air shows in 97 communities across the North from June 2 to Aug. 4.
The tour covers 31,000 kilometres, making stops in Nunavut, the Yudan, NWT, Northern Manitoba, Northern Quebec and Labrador.
Performing in Rankin Inlet on June 26 were pilots Ken Fowler, Ross Granley, Drew Watson, David Watson, Jim Hrymark and Kyle Fowler.
The CAAT marked Canada Day 150 by performing in Baker Lake.
In addition to the air shows, there is a large educational component aimed at students to both teach them about aviation and inspire them to reach for their goals.
In support of the tour, partnerships have been formed with social activism organization WE, the air show industry's Ryan Poe Foundation, the Literacy Legacy Project, and renowned Metis speaker, author and educator, David Bouchard.
The Rankin Inlet stop on the aviation tour saw hundreds of people cheering the efforts of the pilots and the event was a tremendous hit with the community.
Transportation programs officer Jason Todd said the CATT is a big undertaking and he's impressed with how smoothly the tour has progressed so far, especially the low-flying stuff they performed in Rankin.
"The spirals and loops they did are typical of an air show, but seeing a smaller plane come down so low to the sea ice was pretty neat," he said.
"It was also pretty impressive how close they got to each other when they were flying in unison. It did make me a little nervous when they'd fly straight up almost to the point of stalling out and you'd be like, 'whoa, okay' before they'd continue with their maneuver."
Todd said he was happy with the size of the crowd that came out for the show.
He said an annual air show in Rankin, or anywhere in the North, would become hugely popular.
"People would love it because it's exciting and something different for here," he said.
"The reality is that everything is flown in or flown out, so it's kind of neat to see planes up there for show and enjoyment, and not just a work thing. It's a hobby for these guys.
"The announcer (Gavin Lee) did a pretty cool job rockin' it all out and he went over well with the crowd, especially the kids.
"It was especially cool when he had the kids talking to the pilots. They really had a blast doing that."
