Twisting and turning above downtown Toronto, in tight formation, no more than 10 feet apart, the three members of the Canadian Harvard Aerobatic Team bring both spectacle and history to Toronto skies.
These vintage World War II aircraft add excitement and a historic perspective to the Canadian International Air Show which traditionally closes out the final weekend of the Canadian National Exhibition (CNE).
"The CNE is a great air show, although it can be tricky over the water, you have got to be careful with the haze and visibility, but on a day like today it is a lot of fun," said Dave "Flyboy" Hewitt, both a coordinator and a member of the acrobatic team, flying in the 'right wing' position.
Hewitt, from Woodstock, Ontario, has been flying in air shows for about 11 years and says he enjoys the challenge and teamwork that come with flying in formation.
While flying, he never takes his eyes off Harvard Lead Pete Spence who has been a member of the Canadian Harvard Aircraft Association for more than 20 years.
Hewitt started training to fly when he was 16 - following in the steps of his father who owned a similar plane - and has since flown more than 10,000 hours in a Harvard.
The Harvard #2, which is the plane Hewitt flies, is a true Canadian Harvard as it was built under license by Noorduyn Aviation in Montreal.
"This is an original World War II trainer, " Hewitt said. "It is a true Canadian as it was built in Canada, served in a Canadian RCF and we are the second civilian owner since 1960 when it was sold, and it has always been a Canadian owner."
2010 marks the 10th Anniversary of performing across North America and their sixth appearance at the Canadian International Air Show.
The show, which takes place over Lake Ontario, directly south of the Exhibition Place grounds, isn't without opposition due to the sound that comes from all of the planes involved in the show including the Snowbirds.
The Toronto Coalition to Ground the Air Show is a group of Toronto citizens who are concerned about the massive impact of the annual air show on civic life.
They say the air show is an unnecessary and unwarranted intrusion into the lives of young children, people who have experienced the horror of war, and those who work nights or are ill. The group is currently circulating a petition calling for the immediate end to the air show.
Colleen Swider, the Canadian International Air Show's manger of public affairs, said Parkdale residents should receive a reprieve from the rumbling overhead.
Swider said the flight pattern has been changed this year and residents shouldn't hear as much noise from the planes.
Although, throughout Friday, Sept. 3, planes could clearly been heard and seen above Parkdale.
The Canadian International Air Show takes place Labour Day Weekend Sept. 4, 5 and 6, over Lake Ontario, directly south of the Canadian National Exhibition Grounds. All shows begin at 12:30 p.m. For more information visit www.cias.org.