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Thundering skies over Inuvik Operation Northern Reach treats residents to air showDanielle Sachs Northern News Services Published Thursday, July 19, 2012 The Snowbirds dazzled the audience with a series of daredevil manoeuvres.
Maj. Wes Cromwell said it's rare the Snowbirds get to fly this far North.
"Last time they were due this far, only two of them were able to make it because of the weather," he said. "They're older, short-range planes and there are only so many paved runways for them to land on up here and refuel. That's why it's so special."
Eric Francey, 10, was busy looking out for planes long before the Snowbirds arrived.
"I hear a helicopter," he said, long before the Sea King started hovering over the Mackenzie River.
A CF-18 Hornet, Canada's fighter jet, flew over Inuvik to start the show.
The streets were filled with people craning their necks upward, trying to find the jet roaring overhead.
"It was so fast, and really loud," said Francey.
Operation Northern Reach is a project run by the Royal Canadian Air Force, Joint Task Force North and the Canadian Forces. It's designed to demonstrate the reach of Canadian aircraft.
"We find in the smaller communities the turnout is great," said Cromwell. "The numbers may not be as high because, well, there's just not as many people. But the engagement is fantastic."
Demonstrating the use of a search-and-rescue aircraft, a CC-115 Buffalo dropped two members of a parachute team to land in the middle of the gathered crowd.
Narrowly missing power lines, each one landed safely while the crowd cheered and snapped photos.
"I almost got hit by the parachute," said Francey.
Standing on the edge of a barge, 10-year-old Gabrielle Nogasak was sprayed with water as the Sea King arrived. Waves were whipped up and spray hit those lucky enough to be nearby while it hovered above the Mackenzie River.
"This is so cool," Nogasak said. "It's just awesome."
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