Historic Simcoe County plane to take flight in Canadian International Air Show

A historic Simcoe County aircraft will hit the skies for the long weekend air show in Toronto.

The Canadian International Air Show is returning to the CNE and will feature planes from Simcoe County.

A yellow PT-26 Cornell will soon be flying along the Toronto skyline as the aircraft prepares for the showcase this weekend. The aircraft will be flying from the Edenvale Aerodrome.

Pilot Shawn Klish said he cannot wait to see the crowds at the show.

“It’s going to be absolutely fantastic, a million people at the CNE and along the waterfront in Toronto, said Klish. “It’s an absolutely huge show and it’s great exposure for our museum.”

Klish was born and raised in Toronto and said it’s always a special time when he can fly close to family. He is also a member of the Edenvale Classic Aircraft Foundation and said another aspect is the historical significance of the plane he is flying.

“It’s an 82-year-old aircraft. It’s a World War II trainer, although (it’s been) 80 years since World War II, we still have grandfathers and uncles and brothers of some people,” said Klish. “There’s still a connection, there’s a strong Canadian connection, this is Canadian history, this is aviation history.”

A piece of history that residents and the public could fly in.

“That’s one of the ways that people can support our museum. We have this aircraft, and we have the Tiger Moth which was also used from 1943,” said Klish. “And if people want to come out and fly, it’s an incredible experience in either aircraft.”

Creating cherished moments for those like Anya Lee who flew in the Cornell for the first time.

“My mother was a young child at the time (Second World War) and I love aviation, so for me it was a treat to be in a plane that would have been used at that time.,” said Lee. “And, just seeing how those pilots must have experienced things, it’s a rough ride and I just don’t know how they did it.”

The show runs Saturday to Monday with flyovers starting daily at noon in Toronto.