The 33rd edition of Mo’s FLY-IN airshow took place on Saturday, with local community members and tourists alike flocking to the Pontiac Aerodrome to get an up-close and personal view of the airplanes and helicopters that landed at the airstrip just east of Quyon throughout the day.

Though cold weather and snow squalls grounded some pilots, resulting in

fewer airplanes and helicopters than are usually present at the event, some still managed to brave the conditions and put on a show for attendees.

The event was hosted by flying enthusiast and COPA (Canadian Owners and Pilots Association) chapter 169 President Maurice Prud’homme. According to Prud’homme, who has himself been flying for nearly 40 years, the event is usually hosted on the Ottawa River ice near his home. Due to unseasonably warm temperatures and thin ice however, the decision was made to host the event at the Pontiac Aerodrome.

“The river ice is getting worse,” said Prud’homme. “A lot of people were afraid of breaking through the ice, and so we made the decision to move the event.”

Prud’homme added it was a beautiful venue and he was glad to see the more than 200 people who had come out enjoying themselves.

Aside from the opportunity to marvel at airplanes and helicopters, attendees could also enjoy several food options including hot dogs, chili, chips and donuts.

Richard Theoret, a pilot who had flown his plane from Cornwall to attend, said he was happy for any excuse to fly and that the event was great for families.

“It’s fun to come out here, show people what we do and hopefully inspire an interest in aviation,” Theoret said.

Local resident Christine Clarke said she was glad to see events like these in the region and does what she can to support them.

“It brings tourism to our area, which is great,” Clarke said. “It lets people experience Ouyon, and show all that we have to offer.”

COPA, an aviation advocacy organization, has a stated mission to “advance, promote, and preserve the Canadian freedom to fly,” according to a brochure passed out at the event.

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