For a decade, Dave Sullivan has been driving from Sacramento, California with his nearly half-scale model aircraft to Victoria’s Largest Little Airshow in Central Saanich.
He’s back again for his 10th year the weekend of August 13 and 14 and organizers hope people will come enjoy his aerial acrobatics on his anniversary.
Airshow spokesperson and model aircraft flier in his own right, Jack Price, says he got to know Sullivan through his online model aircraft battery business. He invited Sullivan up to the Island in 2006 and he has been coming back ever since — trailer in tow. The organizers of the event pay for his gas and ferry travel, but Sullivan offers his time, and a lot of it, to the show.
Sullivan flies model aircraft that are 40 per cent of actual size. He performs aerobatics that have audiences amazed — especially when he defies gravity with his hovering maneuvers.
“It’s breathtaking to watch,” said Price of Sullivan’s aerial ballet performances.
Sullivan and other model aircraft fliers have helped raise more than $241,000 for local charities. This year, the event will raise money for the CFA Santas Anonymous campaign.
The Airshow features a variety of models — from helicopters to airplanes and even a few unique contraptions, such as Superman, a lawn mower and Snoopy and the Red Baron.
The event takes place at the Michell Air Park off Lochside Drive between Island View Road and Martindale Road. Show times are 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. each day. Admission is by donation and there will be a concession on site, with draws and other fundraisers.
— with files from Jack Price