The Redding Airshow, small as it is, has managed to attract a jet team for 19 out of the last 21 shows. But this
year’s appearance by the Canadian Forces Snowbirds was an on‐again, off‐again scheduling rollercoaster. The
Snowbirds announced in December 2012 that they would be appearing this year, a schedule which was reaf‐
firmed at ICAS in December 2013. However, in January of this year, budget constraints led to the cancellation
of all US appearances. The RCAF CF‐18 Demonstration Team was to take the place of the Snowbirds. How‐
ever, in February the Snowbirds were on again. And that’s how Redding became one of only a handful of US
air shows to host the Snowbirds and the only US show to feature both the Snowbirds and CF‐18.
The air show took place over the weekend of September 27‐28 at Redding’s Municipal Airport. In addition to
the Canadian jets, a number of warbirds and aerobatic performers filled the skies of Northern California. On
the ground were more aircraft on static display, including another Canadian visitor, the RCAF T‐6 Texan II,
along with vintage military vehicles and a classic car show. Rain earlier in the week had deposited snow on
Mt Shasta and Lassen Peak, providing a beautiful backdrop to the day’s flying. The gates opened at 0800 leav‐
ing plenty of time for visitors to position themselves along the flightline and check out all of the static aircraft
and vehicles. Photographers had the option of purchasing a photo pass which allowed entry an hour earlier
than general admission and also included entry into a photo pavilion located on the front line. For the first
time, reserved seating as well as a reserved seating area with catered food and drinks (Flight Deck) was avail‐
able for purchase. Announcer Steve Stavrakakis and Air Boss Willie Turner did a great job throughout the
show, keeping the spectators informed and entertained. They handled both planned interruptions (the arri‐
val and departures of SkyWest commercial flights) and unplanned disruptions (USFS smoke jumpers depart‐
ing to fight a wildfire) in style.
The air show began with a parachutist bringing in the flag shortly after noon. John Collver started off the
day’s flying in his AT‐6 Texan “War Dog.” Julie Clark followed in her T‐34 Mentor, with red, white and blue
smoke trailing behind her. Greg Colyer upped the tempo, flying a fast routine in his T‐33 Shooting Star. Then
it was time for the warbirds. The Disabled American Veterans (DAV) Aviation Outreach Program, now in its
twelfth year, participates in air shows throughout the country, using a World War II era B‐25 bomber to in‐
crease public awareness of disabled veterans.