POWER, PRECISON, PAINT & THUNDER
Canadian CF-18 Hornet Demo Is Coming Back to Mather Airport
They’ve arrived at Mather Airport!
Our Canadian friends fly a very distinct demonstration with a one-of-a-kind paint job. Having seen this demo evolve over the last 15 years, I can tell you with confidence that you’re in for a full-tilt treat – just check out that paint job!
2022 CF-18 Hornet Design
This year’s paint scheme honors the Canadian Forces “Fighter Operations at Home and Abroad” with its operational grey palette. The geometric pattern on the jet is a reference to the wings of the CF-18’s namesake – the hornet.
2022 CF-18 Demo Pilot
Captain Jesse Haggart-Smith will wow audiences in this one-of-a-kind CF-18 throughout North America during the 2022 air show season.
Born in Maple Ridge, British Columbia, Capt. Haggart-Smith has logged nearly 1,000 hours in military jet aircraft including 600 hours in the CF-18.
From a young age Capt. Haggart-Smith was interested in becoming a pilot with the RCAF. When he was 12 years old, he joined 583 Coronation Squadron, Royal Canadian Air Cadets, where he would earn his glider pilots’ license before enrolling in the Royal Military College of Canada at the age of 16.
In 2011, Capt. Haggart-Smith was accepted into the RCAF, and was given the opportunity to pursue his dream of becoming a fighter pilot and flying the CF-18 Hornet. Receiving his RCAF pilot’s wings in 2016, Capt. Haggart-Smith attained his goal, completing his initial fighter qualification training at 410 Tactical Fighter (Operational Training) Squadron at 4 Wing, Cold Lake, Alberta in 2018.
“I am looking forward to being a part of this highly dedicated team of professionals, sharing my passion for aviation with everyone as we travel this summer. I hope our team will inspire Canadians, motivating them to reach for their dreams, as I did when I decided to become a fighter pilot, while at the same time demonstrating the capabilities of RCAF fighter aircraft.” Captain Jesse Haggart-Smith, CF-18 Demonstration Team Pilot
About the CF-188 (CF-18) Hornet
A versatile, world-class fighter aircraft, the supersonic CF-188 Hornet, or CF-18 as it is popularly known, can engage both ground and aerial targets. Its twin engines generate enough thrust to lift 24 full-size pick-up trucks off the ground! As the RCAF’s frontline multi-role fighter, the modernized CF-18 is used for air defense, air superiority, tactical support, training, aerobatic demonstration, and aerospace testing and evaluation.
RCAF personnel and aircraft have more than proven that they can fight alongside our Allies — they are battle hardened, and the capabilities of the CF-18s today certainly enable them to effectively serve alongside fighter aircraft being flown by its NATO Allies.
Buy Now & Get Deeper Discounts (NOT Available to the Public)
on 2023 California Capital Airshow Tickets
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* Nominal service fees apply & limited ticket quantities.
Our goal is to provide you with the best airshow experience possible at a range of price points. Ticket types include everything from an affordable day of aviation thrills for the whole family to a premium level air show experience. There’s something for everyone!
Please note:
Aircraft and performers are subject to change without notice, due to operational considerations. If anything changes, we will do our best to let you know. Thank you!
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