If you hear the roar of fighter jets over Colwood this weekend, don’t panic. It’s all part of a special tribute at one of Vancouver Island’s most iconic landmarks.
On Sunday, September 14th at around 2 p.m., two Royal Canadian Air Force CF-18 Hornet fighter jets and a CH-148 Cyclone helicopter will soar over Hatley Castle at Royal Roads University.
The flypast is to mark the 30-year reunion of the final graduating class of 1995 from the former Royal Roads Military College.
As part of the reunion, a memorial bench will be dedicated to Captain Juli-Ann MacKenzie and Captain Miles Selby, two members of that class who sadly lost their lives in the line of duty.
The aircraft will fly no lower than 500 feet above the castle, and the display is carefully coordinated to ensure safety.
Weather and flying conditions could affect the timing, but if everything goes to plan, locals will enjoy an unforgettable sight.
For aviation fans, the CF-18 Hornet is the RCAF’s main multi-role fighter, capable of everything from air defence to tactical support.
Meanwhile, the CH-148 Cyclone is the Navy’s primary maritime helicopter, used for surveillance, transport, search and rescue, and more.
So, if you’re in the area on Sunday afternoon, look up. Hatley Castle’s skyline is about to witness a dramatic flyby that combines history, honour, and spectacle.
