The Brazilian Air Force Esquadrilha da Fumaca (Smoke Squadron) performed their first demonstration on May 14, 1952 equipped with North American T-6 Texans. The team received their first Embraer EMB 312 Tucanos in 1983. Tragically, 1305 pictured crashed at Curitiba - Bacacheri (SBBI ) airport on take-off November 2, 1989 after an engine failure. The airport is in a heavily populated suburb and the pilot continued to fly the aircraft to protect those on the ground before ejecting too low to survive. In memory of Captain Idegaldo Coutinho Bacci.

A Convair 340 for United Airlines as N73129 Mainliner Toledo in March 1953. To Frontier Airlines in 1962, the aircraft was converted to a CV580 in 1964. Acquired by Gem State Airlines (N117GS) in 1979, merged with local carrier Air Pacific to form Golden Gate Airlines (N73129) in 1980 only to shut down in 1981. Next with ERA Helicopters / Jet Alaska / Era AViation 1981 - 2003. Bought via Kelowna Flightcraft, Conair converted it to an air tanker, finally retiring in 2021. Stored at Red Deer, AB for Buffalo Airways in August 2021, who bought three Conair CV580s for their engines and propellers.

Although not marked at the time, this Voodoo was with 409 Squadron based at near by Comox, BC when photographed. The fighter is on display at the entrance to the Abbotsdord Airport main terminal at the time of uploading.

The last of an initial order for Chinooks delivered March 3, 1978. Serial 74-22066 on the production line for paper work (but never worn), 147009 was returned to The US in 1992 as the type was retired.The helicopter was converted to a CH-47D in 1996 and delivered to the Royal Netherlands Air Force on March 2, 1996. Canada would begin re-equipping with Chinooks again in 2008 for commitments in Afghanistan, the first of which were 1960s aircraft that had been re-manufactured to CH-47D standard.

This Bell 212 was with the Canadian Coast Guard 1974 - 2019. Replaced by new Bell 429s, some of the 212s were sold, this one going to Expedition Helicopters in May 2019.

Originally with the Royal Canadian Navy as 1530 from 1957, this Tracker was probably stored circa 1970 as no new serial was assigned after the unification of the Canadian Armed Forces in 1968. Sold to the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources (CF-OPT) in 1972, it's was held in reserve until sold to Conair in 1980. Converted to a Firecat in 1982, C-GMXY became Tanker 3 F-WZLP (F-ZBAT in 1984) with Securite Civile. It was lost fighting a fire in Corsica September 24, 1990.

Photographer: Adriano Agnoli

Taken on strength in March 1983, this two seat Hornet was in service by May at CFB Cold Lake. Later with Aerospace Engineering Test Establishment, it wore a special color scheme after 2003. Retired circa 2010 and stored at CFB Trenton used for spares. The aircraft was life-limited to 2,000 airframe hours due to early wing attachment design.

Taken on strength in October 1980. this Aurora would get a complete overhaul by IMP Group at Halifax in April 1995.

This T-37 was withdrawn and stored at AMARC in 2005.

Also wears Registration F-ZBEX

This Skyhawk would go to VC-1 in 1990 before retiring in 1992.

With C-GJKT 49 at Abbotsford, being prepared for the next Fight...

Taken on strength November 9, 1954 (21450), this Silverstar was deployed to Europe with 1 Canadian Air Group in 1983. The aircraft returned to Canada circa 1993 with 414 Sqn and was painted in this "Black Knight" color scheme.