Royal Canadian Navy (RCN) Banshees conduct a low-level pass over
H.M.C.S BONAVENTURE, Canada’s last aircraft carrier, during a
precision flying display at sea. The RCN aerial display team,
named the “Grey Ghosts”, earned an enviable reputation for their
flying skills during the 1960’s. The Banshee was Canada’s only
operational naval jet fighter and served in that capacity in the
RCN Fleet Air Arm. In the painting, the carrier has just turned
into the wind and aircraft are being prepared for flying
operations on deck. A Banshee is being keyed up for launch while
a Tracker, anti-submarine patrol aircraft, is unfolding its
wings in preparation for its turn. Other Trackers are ranged on
the after flight deck with the ever-present rescue helicopter,
“Pedro”, having just launched and taking up position in the
carrier’s wake – ready for any mishap requiring a quick rescue
of a ditched aviator. Medium: Acrylic on 24x36 canvas (1997)
Display: Canada Aviation Museum Artflight show, Ottawa, 1997.
CAAA TAAE (Alberta) sho