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ABBOTSFORD, British Columbia
-- A C-17 Globemaster III aircrew from the 21st Airlift Squadron, Travis Air Force Base, California, manned a static display at the Abbotsford International Air Show here Aug. 12 to 14.
During the airshow, which is designated as Canada’s National Airshow, the crew of five met with visitors and shared the C-17’s role in supporting rapid global mobility by speaking about the aircraft's cargo capabilities and flying.
“My family loved getting a chance to tour the aircraft,” said Liam Martin, a businessman from Victoria, British Columbia. “It was our first time in Abbotsford and my kids’ first airshow. They had never seen inside a cockpit and were fascinated that there were so many buttons and levers involved in flying the jet.”
Capt. Kyle McAlpin, 21st AS pilot and aircraft commander, shared similar childhood memories.
“I grew up seeing the Fort Lauderdale Air and Sea show in Florida, and remember them being special, seeing the pilots and thinking how sharp they were,” said McAplin. “That definitely impacted my choices growing up, which led me to where I am today.”
Along with civilian guests, the crew met pilots and crew members of the Canadian Forces Snowbirds, the Canadian Armed Forces Parachute Team, the SkyHawks, and other performers.
“It’s an experience, hearing stories and learning how similar we all are,” said McAlpin. “Though we all had a range in missions from defeating the adversaries’ capabilities to providing combat search and rescue to informing the public about our capabilities, we all share a passion for service and representing our nation.”
The BEEliners were impressed with the support they received from the Abbotsford International Airshow team.
“We felt like any request we had was addressed immediately," said McAlpin. "They were always there before we could think to ask, helping with everything from crowd control to making sure our crew had water. It was great to be there and we were fortunate to be a guest."
In addition to participating in the airshow, the crew completed training requirements.
On the flight from Travis AFB, the crew flew along a military training route, a formal route used for low-level training.
“This mission was great because we were able to do training enroute,” said McAlpin. “All aircrew members are required to complete annual qualification check rides, which include tactical low-level flights, air refueling, assault landings and other skills around every 15 months.”
Low-level flying is particularly beneficial as it allows the C-17 to fly in to combat under the enemies’ radar.
“It was a great trip, and we take pride in being able to teach people about what the C-17 can bring to the fight,” McAlpin added.
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