Golden Hawks

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The Golden Hawks were a Canadian aerobatic flying team that was established in 1959 to celebrate the RCAF's 35th anniversary and the "Golden" 50th anniversary of Canadian flight, which began with the AEA Silver Dart in 1909. Initially a six-plane team was envisioned as performing for only one year with the F-86 Sabre, but the Golden Hawks were so popular after their single 63-show season that the team was expanded. Another plane was added to the team, allowing for a five-plane main formation with two solo jets. They continued performing for three more seasons until they were disbanded for financial reasons, on February 7, 1964, having flown a total of 317 shows across North America. Government officials said the $750,000 it took to operate the team each year could be used better for other purposes.

Not only did the team perform the loops, roll, cross-overs, and bomb bursts standard to military formation flying, they had their own trademark manoevers. One of the Golden Hawks' signature stunts was a low-level flyby of the crowd with their canopies open, waving at the spectators.

[edit] Trivia

• A Royal Canadian Air Cadets squadron is named after the Golden Hawks. This is the 540 Squadron in Oakville, Ontario.

Canadian Aerobatic Teams
Siskins • Blue Devils • Easy Aces • Fireballs • Skylancers • The Red Knight • Golden Hawks • Goldilocks • Golden Centennaires • Warlocks • Deadeye Zips • Snowbirds