The Abbotsford International Airshow starts Friday morning, but many pilots have already taken flight in preparation for the three-day event.
The Abbotsford News had the opportunity to fly with Kent Pietsch, who will perform an airborne comedy act, a rooftop landing on a moving vehicle, and a dead-stick (turning of the engine) routine throughout the airshow, which runs Aug. 9 to 11.
Pietsch performed barrel rolls, loops, and spins with his 1941 Interstate Cadet, which is sponsored by Jelly Belly. Alongside him, Rob Holland flew his MXS-RH, performing stunts that are only a lead up to the extreme aerobatics he will perform during the airshow.
Pietsch has "lost track" of the amount of times he's performed at Abbotsford's airshow – though he believes it's around 12 or 13 times – and said he returns each year due to the "phenomenal" organizers, volunteers and spectators.
Pietsch said it is always a joy to perform in Abbotsford, and he is even an honourary member of Canada's military aerobatics flight demonstration team.
"I am very, very proud to be an honourary Canadian Snowbird."
Holland and Pietsch will perform their aerobatic stunts through the airshow weekend, and there will also be demonstrations from the Snowbirds, Skyhawks, a variety of historic planes and more.
Check abbynews.com for continued coverage of the Abbotsford International Airshow.
Rob Holland, flying a MXS-RH, shows a demonstration of his aerobatic performance on Wednesday afternoon.