Canadian and US fighter jets can be seen in Mississauga skies the next few days

If you look straight up over Mississauga in the coming days, you just might catch a glimpse or two of some Canadian and American fighter jets streaking across the sky.

That’s because, once again, an impressive collection of aircraft will take part in practice runs in preparation for the annual Canadian International Air Show in Toronto, the country’s largest and longest-running air show.

The show is enjoyed by millions of people each year on the shores of Lake Ontario.

The 2022 version runs this Saturday through Monday (Sept. 3-5), from noon to 3 p.m. daily, with the main show taking place overhead the CNE grounds in Toronto.  

While the beloved Canadian Forces Snowbirds will not be performing this year, due to operational issues with their aircraft, the list of participating aircraft and other performers is impressive.

Aircraft/performers taking part include the RCAF CF-18 Demonstration Team, the Canadian Forces Skyhawks (Canada’s only military parachute demonstration team), Gord Price and the Yak-50, Kyle Fowler and the Long EZ, a P-51 Mustang “Mad Max”, an RCAF CH-146 and the United States Air Force F-35 Demonstration Team.

The aircraft will be using both Pearson Airport in Mississauga and Billy Bishop Airport in Toronto as bases for their air show operations.

Canadian military officials say the CF-18 Demonstration Team selects its members each year from across Canada.

“The CF-18 Demonstration Team is a truly national team; its members all come from Royal Canadian Air Force units across the country, and all are selected for their superior performance, dedication to excellence and the desire to represent Canada’s operational air force,” Canadian government officials say in an online description of the team.

“Without the hard work of each and every team member, the CF-18 Demo Hornet would never get off the ground. The team comprises 13 members including the Demo pilot, eight technicians, three safety pilots and a public affairs officer/narrator.”

Air show organizers call the event “a jam-packed air display showcasing modern military jets, vintage warbirds and thrilling aeorbatics.”

Last year’s air show was altered slightly due to the COVID-19 pandemic.