…Canadian Air Show May Be Over…

Although unnecessary regulations can hamper air shows, it’s usually economics that kills them and that may be the case of a large Canadian show which might, unfortunately, be remembered for the deaths of two of the best aerobatic pilots anywhere. The Saskatchewan Air Show, in Moose Jaw, ended July 10 when Jimmy Franklin and Bobby Younkin collided while performing their Masters of Disaster routine. Franklin and Younkin died instantly and the third airborne member of the team, Jim LeRoy, landed safely. Last Friday, Moose Jaw Mayor Al Schwinghamer said the air show committee has been disbanded and the show cancelled for 2006 and possibly forever. He said the fatal crash wasn’t a factor in the decision. Schwinghamer said this year’s show, which attracted about 20,000 people, lost about $70,000 and it’s not clear who’s going to pick up the shortfall. He said a major sponsor will be needed to resurrect the show. Moose Jaw is home to the Canadian Armed Forces Snowbirds, which recently completed its 35th annual season with a reunion and final performance.