NIGHT AND DAY
This a visual story of two photo shoots of vintage warbirds that happened on the very same day - one in bright sunlight, the other in total darkness. Vintage Wings of Canada photo journalist Peter Handley participated in and helped organize both. The following photo essay is the result of hard work and passion for the perfect image to share with aviation enthusiasts like you.
For the first time this year, all the Vintage Wings of Canada fighter aircraft - Sabre, Spitfire, Mustang, Hurricane, Kittyhawk and Corsair would be present in the same place and would be serviceable, with qualified pilots present. It was time for a “mini-balbo”* in preparation for the next day's air show and the moment had to photographed.
Later that day, the Gatineau en vol festivities would include a members-only BBQ in the hangar followed by a sunset air show and finally a unique photo session for members only - Night Fighters - the night time start and run-up of two of our classic fighters. Exhaust flames, reflective pools, shimmering prop discs, waterspout vortices, avgas perfume and hellish noise were promised and delivered.
The prime directive and ultimate goal of most warbird or vintage aviation photographers is to capture that perfect moment that describes the very soul of an aircraft in one perfect image - the breathtakingly elegant wing shape of the Spitfire caught against a blue Battle of Britain cloudscape, the natural sweeping lines of a Sabre as she slices the air in knife-edge, the outline against the sun of a Corsair's cranked wings and the visualization of its nickname – Whispering Death. Vintage aircraft operations are carried out wholly in the light of day, yet these aircraft types also flew operationally in all types of weather and under the cover of darkness. Many, like the Spitfire and Corsair were adapted for night fighter duties. Many types flew in darkness, all were prepared for flight and started in the black of night - whether from carriers on the open ocean or from protective air bases surrounding a beleaguered London during the Blitz. Night Fighters, they were called and they were rarely photographed.
For all but a few pro aviation photographers, the opportunity to shoot a warbird in night conditions will never happen, unless of course they are members of Vintage Wings of Canada. Organized by Richard Mallory Allnutt and Peter Handley (VWC's official photographers), and supported by the Gatineau en vol team, Gatineau Fire Department and the pilots and mechanics of Vintage Wings, Night Fighters was a truly exciting 45 minute show and photo opportunity. This year's photo shoot was a trial run for subsequent years, and much was learned. Next year, prime photo spots will be sold to members who want the opportunity of a lifetime, while other members will still be able to view the spectacle from a safer distance.
Enough talk... let just look at the results of hard work and days of organization. As you will see, it was well worth it.
* The term "balbo” was a common term in the late 1930s and early 1940s to describe any large formation of aircraft. It was named after the Italian fascist flying ace Italo Balbo who led a series of large aircraft formations in record-breaking flights to promote Italian aviation in the 1930s. The term is still in common use today in warbird circles.
The Day, The Balbo
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The Night Fighters
Paul Kissmann in the Corsair sits while he is circled by the Gatineau pumper truck wetting down the ramp. Electric power is on and Paul completes his check - now someone has to run through the water and disconnect the power cart. Photo: Richard Mallory Allnutt