My RCAF 100 | Canadian Hornet Ball 2024

My RCAF 100 is a look into my Royal Canadian Air Force career on the CF-18 so far. This is also the only Canadian Hornet Ball type video (that I know of) for 2024. The video was created to celebrate the RCAF’s 100th Anniversary and is dedicated to all those who have served and all those who have paid the ultimate sacrifice for our freedom.
“Sic Itur Ad Astra” | "Such is the pathway to the stars"
Special thanks to our families, to the technicians that empower our platforms and to all those who enable excellence in the RCAF. We cannot do it without you. Also big thanks to the RCAF for allowing this video to be published as well as to 3 and 4 Wing, 425 Alouettes "Je T’y Plumerai!", 433 Ti-Pics, 410 Cougars, 409 Nighthawks, 401 Rams and the 3 Wing PAO.
Specific shoutout to ‪@MarkKerton‬ for supplying some awesome night footage from RAF Waddington from his video:
• Cobra Warrior 23/2 - R...
Also Mark Jones for his wicked Mach Loop shot and all others who contributed to make this video possible.
Music:
Hans Zimmer & Alan Walker - Time (Official Remix)
Crypto & Confetti - Song 2
Alan Walker - Force
Fatboy Slim - Praise You

[@bigdave2938]

Thank you for this video showing off our RCAF and what our Hornet drivers can do with those beautiful jets you fly. You all make me proud to be Canadian everytime I hear your jet engines and see you protecting our skies. May you have a long and safe career as a fighter pilot and keep these videos coming the RCAF needs to promote itself more by encouraging pilots to make beautiful vids that show off our capabilities and professionalism.

[@invertedflightproductions]

Its our pleasure. Should be able to share more footage in the near future.

[@CanuckInCombat]

Finally some good RCAF content let’s gooooo ❤❤❤

[@invertedflightproductions]

Thanks 🍁💥

[@EnigmaticPenguin]

Love it! Excited to see the Cf-18 up close at CFB Greenwood next weekend.

[@invertedflightproductions]

Thanks. Enjoy the show!

[@marcb1551]

Sweet video brother, the nighttime afterburner shots and the nighttime guns shots are amazing!!!!!

[@invertedflightproductions]

Appreciate the feedback. Glad you enjoyed it!

[@dawnmanning3119]

Amazing skills, thanks for posting. We don't acknowledge the importance of your service enough. Thanks for your service.

[@invertedflightproductions]

Appreciate the support! These skills are built through intensely focused training and attention to detail.

[@dawnmanning3119]

@invertedflightproductions9861 I understand what it takes to build those competencies. This Army Spec Ops retired is impressed by airmanship. I'm working on a PPL, but I will never fly anything but VFR as I am too old.

[@randyhale4181]

Every time I see you guys you make me proud to be Canadian God bless you all❤🇨🇦🇨🇦

[@invertedflightproductions]

Thanks, hope to keep it up!

[@bamikefoxtrot9001]

As an American, I am proud y'all are Canadian couldn't ask for a better neighbor/ally.

[@Lefishy535]

Wow so amazing abosutely beautiful. Thats all I have to say to describe this.

[@invertedflightproductions]

Thanks! Glad you enjoyed.

[@randallmacdonald4851]

I fly the SIMULATED Hornet (DCS) so I was glued to the computer screen watching all this. Wonderful!

[@invertedflightproductions]

Glad you enjoyed. DCS is a great platform.

[@weatherandsky]

Awesome finally, a hornet ball for Canada!! Loved the opening scene and music!! The 360 visuals and the night scenes (even though the action cameras are not the best in low light) were also top!! Adding to my aviation inspo playlist.

[@invertedflightproductions]

Thanks and appreciate the feedback. Glad you enjoyed the first modern Canadian Hornet Ball!

[@Bipbapbop_]

i re-watched this video a few times just for the great music, let alone the awesome footage! Great video, its stuff like this that makes me proud to be a Canadian. What a great way to celebrate 100 years of the RCAF!

[@invertedflightproductions]

Appreciate it! If you watch it closely enough, there are some quasi easter eggs in there. As in other aircraft in the background etc.

[@Cars-N-Jets]

This is awesome! 🇺🇸🇨🇦

[@invertedflightproductions]

Thanks, always awesome to integrate with US units.

[@Flapman777]

Nice work, brings back lots of memories. 12 years flying that awesome jet.

[@invertedflightproductions]

Thanks, great to hear. What years were you flying if you don't mind me asking?

[@robertking7883]

Fantastic / Great video !!!!! and in my humble opinion , and although She's an old girl , I still believe the Hornet is an awesome fighter jet !!!!

[@invertedflightproductions]

Thanks. The Hornet is fairly aged now and needs replacing. However, it still has a few unique and useful attributes, both original and upgraded. It is an awesome jet to fly.

[@ALPHARICCO875]

Super vidéo 👍Thanks Fa/18 C the most beautiful Jet

[@timhortons232]

Excellent video, glad to see Canadian Hornet drivers put them to work.

[@invertedflightproductions]

Thanks, glad you enjoyed. Ya, we get to put them through their paces fairly regularly.

[@TheDecapitatedApple]

THANK YOU FOR MAKING THIS. Theres such a massive lack of RCAF content esp hornet stuff. PLEASE MAKE MORE BRO

[@invertedflightproductions]

@@TheDecapitatedApple Glad you enjoyed! There is potential for more.

[@brendonsmith2625]

Finally a Canadian hops in on this! Well done, fly fast brother

[@invertedflightproductions]

🤘💥

[@toesly]

This is incredible. Thank you for sharing!

[@invertedflightproductions]

No problem! 💥🤘

[@ivanthompson9779]

WE STILL HAVE THE BEST PILOTS IN THE WORLD👍👍👍👍👍👍

[@invertedflightproductions]

Thanks, we do our best and hold our own.

[@snake5838]

Very nice video. Great footage, blended with just the right amount of patriotism.

[@invertedflightproductions]

@@snake5838 Thanks for the feedback! Glad you enjoyed.

[@iainbradford4254]

You nailed it!!!!!! Awesome collection of imagery and tracks :-) I had a couple of BFM trips in the Fulcrum, great nose authority, not much fuel, emergency fuel landing on both trips!

[@invertedflightproductions]

Thanks, glad you enjoyed. That's awesome, it was a great opportunity to BFM Fulcrums and see their performance! We only did 3 sets and we flew from afar to fight in the airspace right above their base.

[@fordwrc2006]

Mach Loop 💨

[@invertedflightproductions]

Ya! But we really have to sort out a "Canadian Mach Loop".

[@fordwrc2006]

@@invertedflightproductions my Canadian lady friend says try Banff National park 😁😎👍🏼

[@hoghogwild]

2:05 on up Excellent views of the vortices coming off the LERX(LEading Edge Root Extension. These travel over the wing at high AoA allowing the production of lift beyond the normal stall point. The Aussies and the Canucks teamed together to solve the issue of the vibrating vertical stabilizers. The vortices coming of the LERX would interact with the vertical stabs causing the stab. to move back and forth violently. A LERX redesign These entered service for the RCAF in 1982 and will remain in service until the CF-35A reaches FOC(Full Operational Capability sometime after 2032. Hornet Extension Project-1 for the entire fleet with 36 of the lowest airframe hours are getting further HEP-2 upgrades including a revolutionary APG-79V4 AESA radar AIm09X Block-II, AIM-120D/AGM-154C JSOW precision glide weapon. The JSOW allows a 1000 pound weapon to be placed into a picklebarrel from 20-100km away. Amazing capability for the Canadians.

[@invertedflightproductions]

Good info, learnt this about the LEX/LERX too, from an engineering professor, when I was at Carleton University. The LEX Fence (on top of the LEX) was created to disrupt and weaken the vortices enroute to the V Stabs. Interesting to note that even with these modifications, looking back during high AoA you can still visibly see a lot of movement and vibrations in the V Stabs. Can't imagine what it looked like before. The HEP upgrades are a game changer.

[@glennkaefer6716]

Awesome video

[@MikeSiemens88]

Very nice, thx for posting. Amazing footage. Long retired CAF tech that was fortunate to get a few back seats in the old T-33 in Cold War Germany back in the day. Managed to capture some decent shots of my experiences on 35mm film, nothing like what's available for stills & videos today... Posted back to Canada in '83 around the time the program to replace CF-104 & CF-101 was in full swing.

[@invertedflightproductions]

Great story, must have been interesting in Germany back then and then transitioning to the Hornet. You should digitize those reels.

[@MikeSiemens88]

@@invertedflightproductions I have no video, only stills & have digitized all I could find. It was a no-no bringing any kind of photo equipment into the restricted area. My next 2 postings were Tac Hel, 408 Edmonton, then back to Germany, Lahr with 444. It wasn't until I retired & took a job as a contractor at NDHQ Ottawa that I had anything to do with the Hornet. I was the Technical Publications Manager just when we were transitioning from paper to electronic manuals. CF-18 was the lead fleet for that, interesting time...

[@invertedflightproductions]

Bet those photos are great. Interesting hopping around to those platforms. I don't envy digitizing aircraft records. Seems to work pretty well though especially considering what's in it!

[@richardillingworth6786]

Great video, brings back great memories, although with Voodoos, not Hornets. Was a Radio Tech for 10 years and got out in early 1971 at Comox as a Corporal. Joined up again to become an Air Cadet Officer and retired some time later as a Captain. Always nice to see videos like this get posted. Richard Illingworth, Nelson, B.C.

[@invertedflightproductions]

Thanks and glad to hear. Voodoos would have been interesting back in the day. Wonder if there's any film out there rolling around?

[@cjpert5286]

This montage is fabulous, thanks for sharing !

[@invertedflightproductions]

Glad you enjoyed.

[@wolfxp]

Good stuff...love Hornets. That flare roll reminds me of the time at the Meaford tank range when we let the OPP Emergency Response Team doing some training on the weekend go wild with several vehicle mounted .50 cals-told them it was a great way to burn through some extra rounds. They were having a blast until one of them asked what each round cost. We casually told them about $27. Understanding they were being charged at a "per use" rate for their training that weekend, and they'd just gone through about 500 rounds, the look on their faces? Priceless! Until we told them they didn't have to pay for them, and they were actually helping us out..." There's something classically beautiful about the CF-18, or should I say CF-188. There's also the old Sea King's...the new Cyclones are 'nice' but I use to liken the analogy to the Sea Kings like "Stiflers Mom"... she looks sexy from afar, and she won't disappoint when you get inside of her, but she needs a lot of attention after you're done or she might come apart at any time. Hence, a Sea King is like Stifler’s Mom.

[@StefanWorks]

Nice work dude! Good to see things going well for ya, post-Moose Jaw 😅 👍

[@invertedflightproductions]

Thanks Stefan! I'll have to DM you to catch up.

[@RVs.imagery]

Thanks for your service! What a bad ass video! Awesome to see the Toronto Indy flyover! What year was that? I was at the Indy last year awesome to see you guys fly by!

[@invertedflightproductions]

Thanks. The fly past was from 2023, which means you are down there somewhere in crowd.

[@Jasshands1]

wicked video, night is my fav time to fly. I've logged more night hours than day.

[@invertedflightproductions]

Thanks. More night than day is pretty unusual. Are you flying cargo? Night almost always makes things more difficult for us. It sure can be mesmerizing and surreal at times.

[@riderunion]

When blue gbu's explode, IYKYK lol. great video

[@invertedflightproductions]

Surprise 💥💥

[@ti1ion]

Well done! Wonderful footage and editing.

[@invertedflightproductions]

Thanks, appreciate it.

[@MatchProductions]

Great footage bud! Definitely not the first Canadian 'Hornet Ball'...perhaps just under different titles (I made Year-in-Reviews every year I was at 409) and many others have too. Perhaps you were just the first to leave dwan and get the permissions and music licensing to put it up. In any case, great job!

[@invertedflightproductions]

Thanks Match! Only one of 2024 that I know of. I did edit that (the 2024 part) in the description just after publishing tho as I figured there must be other stuff out there. Your videos are wicked by the way. You should get your other ones vetted, was asked to get this one vetted after a sqn showing. The CAF has recently changed policy on it! Cheers!

[@dangal9366]

I remember thinking we were bad asses driving around in our Iltis vehicles for the first time many years ago in the reserves. 😂 I can't imagine the first few times flying a fighter jet.

[@invertedflightproductions]

It's definitely unique, especially since you only have 3-5 trips before your first solo! It's a bit intimidating, but everyone still "sends it" with a unrestricted climb 😉💥.

[@calebmahon7943]

Dream job

[@invertedflightproductions]

@@calebmahon7943 I always say, anyone (obviously with some caveats) can do it. You just have to jump in both feet first. And don’t take no for an answer.

[@Nic_Chy]

Thanks for posting this man, damn good video and gets me emotional. Doing exactly what youre doing is a goal that has changed my life. In 2022, at 19 years old I was at the lowest point I could possibly imagine, both my parents had just died of cancer and my 4 year gf cheated on me, because of this I had barely graduated highschool and was just giving up. Then one day I came across the idea of becoming a fighter pilot and it changed my life. I immediately started my pilot license (i still fly today). I then wrote the CFAT in March of 2023 scoring well above the minimum score for Pilot. PCL needed was a 40 and I got a 57! I then spent a year redoing all of grade 12 to achieve the extremely high marks needed for RMC. Just this past fall I got conditional acceptance into the military college, felt unreal. All that time id been studying for aircrew, doing everything imaginable to prepare, I even learned to juggle 😂. I was in the middle of working on my medical and awaiting an aircrew selection date this past December when I got an email saying that due to training delays and such they were severely cutting the number of ROTP slots to 10 which raised the CFAT score to a 60. My recruiter said its never been so high ever, to know any other year I would have been good was heartbreaking, and to still be so close. For some reason as well, I just learned that my right ear doesnt hear the 4000hz frequency that well. Who knows if ill even pass a medical. I wont give up though, I will never ever give up. I want to show myself and the people around me that no matter what you go through in life you can achieve anything. I dont care how long it takes I will nake this happen. I appreciate the video, just the motivation I needed today.

[@invertedflightproductions]

@@Nic_Chy sorry for your loss. I’m glad this gave you a bit of inspiration tho. When I first applied half way through university I didn’t get in. Did similar stuff as you did increased grades in university etc. Applied for DEO at the end of schooling and got in. Don’t forget they give points for volunteer/community work etc on your application as well. Unfortunately timing has a role in the military. If unable to get a pilot slot this year it might be a good idea to take some time to travel/volunteer/work and boost your application score to get pilot. It is somewhat difficult to get in as another trade and transfer to pilot. But it’s not impossible either. If this is what you want to do, don’t give up! It’s possible, as long as you put the effort in. And don’t forget about enjoying the journey. Training can be stressful but try to give yourself a minute or two, each trip to appreciate where you are. I still do this in the Hornet. Keep your airspeed up, unless you’re trying to flush the bandit out in front of you.

[@Nic_Chy]

@invertedflightproductions9861 Thanks man, I'll definitely keep at it. I am currently working, if nothing changes for rotp in next couple years for some reason I think I may also go for DEO. Start a degree and keep trying for rotp while doing it, then can go deo after. I've talked to a bunch of you guys and everyone has been super helpful, thanks again!

[@invertedflightproductions]

Great man. Good luck with it all. Keep up that level of drive and you'll go anywhere you want.

[@CallsignJoNay]

There's some incredible footage here, thanks!

[@invertedflightproductions]

@@CallsignJoNay glad you enjoyed!

[@n3ju889]

fire

[@invertedflightproductions]

💥💥

[@n3ju889]

@@invertedflightproductions BDA Target Destroyed Multiple EKA push back CP Trudeau for further air tasking

[@neelakiller]

Go, Hornet Drivers!

[@invertedflightproductions]

💥

[@FlodieWoods]

Wicked video! Its great to see some RCAF stuff, as a dude chasing the same dream its great to see our pilots having some fun! For someone starting their BMOQ in 3 weeks with a desire to fly fast jets is there any tips you have for the different phases ? Amazing editing ill be keeping tabs and hoping for more content, cheers !

[@invertedflightproductions]

@@FlodieWoods Thanks man, glad you enjoyed. As for the training, BMOQ is just something you need to put your head down and get through. Just remember, it’ll be over and that sometimes (mostly) being a “grey man” is best. As for the actual flying phases, having a good attitude will take you places. If you’re willing to learn from your mistakes and from feedback you’ll naturally be trainable. No one is perfect during training (or ever) but if you demonstrate you’re willing to and able to learn and grow, you will be a good fit for the fighter community. No one starts out as a perfect fighter pilot. You’re built through the training process. It’s also important to remember being apart of the fighter community is a team sport. This may mean helping out a course mate who’s struggling with after hour practice sims when able/needed. Everyone struggles at some point, so what goes around comes around when you you need the help. Good luck with it. It’s a long road, so enjoy the journey.

[@FlodieWoods]

@@invertedflightproductions Awesome! thank you for the well thought out reply, looking forward to seeing more content and maybe one day in the distant future meeting ya in person! Cheers!

[@wandr3r180]

That MiG-29 at 3:06 👀

[@invertedflightproductions]

Look closely, it appears a few times before 3:06 as well. 💥🔫

[@pabloottawa]

It’s about F-ing time a Canadian Hornet driver makes a cruise video. It only took 40 years 😂 Well done lads 👍 Looks like they are in Western Europe training against Baltic country Mig-29’s and Su-27’s.

[@invertedflightproductions]

Ya, we've been selfish, there should be more videos. We were in Romania for Air Task Force - Romania in 2022 conducting NATO air policing. Canadian Hornets did this from 2014-2022. You're right, outside operational missions, we were training with NATO allies.

[@brikodog]

@@invertedflightproductions Was that a Mig29 at 3:07?

[@johndrummond5246]

Good stuff!

[@invertedflightproductions]

Thanks!

[@nathanael1357]

Good job dude

[@invertedflightproductions]

Thanks man!

[@gbentley201]

Be more like Growler Jams or Hazard Lee... then you can have millions of subs, too. Oh, Canada!

[@invertedflightproductions]

Maybe when I have more time.

[@m_bagger]

Awesome stuff! Very nice; thanks for taking the time to edit this all together. Super fun to watch. Where did the OHB with the Harriers happen?

[@invertedflightproductions]

Thanks, glad you enjoyed. The Harrier OHB was in New Orleans, LA.

[@DanielTehrani-nx4oh]

excellent video. There are a lot of clips of the Australian air force but then again I cant blame you for it there's barely any clips for the Canadian air force lol.

[@invertedflightproductions]

Thanks. Ya this was created to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the RCAF, with footage of RCAF aircraft. From what I've seen, there's definitely some unique shots in here, pun intended. ;)

[@ramit439]

Those were the days my friends!

[@invertedflightproductions]

I imagine 439 was a blast. Glad to hear.

[@ramit439]

@@invertedflightproductions Aye, it was. Flew F86s n 104s.

[@invertedflightproductions]

Those are some fairly different performing aircraft. That's pretty awesome.

[@sebd7804]

Manifesting…

[@alihammad6318]

Incredible video! Did the survival courses this summer, gotta redo land survival but then ill be at phase 1 soon after. Super inspiring, cant wait to see more! Just curious what camera you used for this?

[@invertedflightproductions]

Good luck at Phase 1, I remember its challenging but memorable. I used the GoPro Max and other various versions of GoPro/phone cameras.

[@alihammad6318]

@@invertedflightproductions thanks man! Appreciate the response. Any tips for land survival? I failed as I ran out of time and had a pretty shit spot chosen, hauling live trees from 200m away and down a hill.

[@sukhoi25]

Thank you for sharing this.. who is still flying Harriers?

[@invertedflightproductions]

@@sukhoi25 USMC. They are shutting down in the near future tho. Not sure when.

[@XCimenaticGaming]

Hey sir nice video! Quick question how did you join as a pilot a fighter pilot specifically? Were you also in a cadet squadron? Big fan, you just earned a sub!

[@invertedflightproductions]

@@XCimenaticGaming I was a cadet for a short period of time (great program), it is not required to become a pilot in the CAF tho. I joined as a Direct Entry Officer, university completed prior. To be a pilot you need to pass testing during the application process including aircrew selection testing. To become a fighter pilot, you need to be selected for it during Phase 2 flight training on the Harvard 2. This is based on performance, preferences and the needs of the CAF. Once selected, you need to complete 2-3 more courses depending on which avenue you go down. Thanks and glad you enjoyed.

[@XCimenaticGaming]

@@invertedflightproductions Thank-you your service! That's super cool as I am a cadet right now in fact so for basic training it's like everything else right? And can you technically start at 16 or would you recommend waiting until 18 or 21? Also last thing would you recommend switching trades or would that lower the chances of receiving a pilot slot or even getting the job?

[@invertedflightproductions]

Basic training will require many similar skills to cadets, however, in a higher stress environment. If you know what you want to do and you're not done high school, joining as a reservist is a great option until you go to secondary school (Not exactly sure of the age limit). Then I would recommend ROTP as Pilot. Typically joining the Regular Force as another trade and trying to Volunteer Occupational Transfer (VOT) to Pilot does not go smoothing or quickly. It can work but is relatively rare.

[@XCimenaticGaming]

@@invertedflightproductions thank-you!

[@1joshjosh1]

I wonder how much maintenance these things require for every 1 hour of flight.? very old now.

[@invertedflightproductions]

They are very well maintained by our Technicians, but yes, they are very old for fighters and require a ton of man hours per flight hour.

[@keebler6001]

3:07 .... is that a Su-27? Or MiG29? What's the story there?

[@invertedflightproductions]

@@keebler6001 it’s a Bulgarian MiG29 that we had the opportunity to train in DBFM with.

[@alexandermacisaac6249]

wht kind of camera are you using friend?

[@invertedflightproductions]

GoPro Max and a few older GoPro versions

[@wenz5854]

sheesh formation with a fulcrum?

[@invertedflightproductions]

Look closer in the BFM segments, it's not just formation with the Fulcrum 😉💥

[@dazenkatcheech1570]

The rcaf has Av8’s ? 9:08

[@invertedflightproductions]

No, the RCAF does not have Harriers, however, we train with them from time to time. Those ones were from the USMC.

[@chris-C8]

Question - do you guys train for carrier landings? I would assume yes because that would be vital in wartime but who knows 🤔

[@marcb1551]

To answer your question, the RCAF doesn't train for carrier operations as there isn't a need or requirement for it.

[@invertedflightproductions]

Although landing is possible and takeoff is after modifications back to original design (the launch bar is disabled), it is not done. @marcb1551 has the answer. Carrier Quals take time, money, energy and in this case a lot of coordination, it is therefore not worth the effort for the very slight chance it would be useful.

[@chris-C8]

@@invertedflightproductions That makes sense, thanks! Thank you for your service! Edit: I just remembered the Hornet can land on roads if there is no airport. I don't know what I was thinking when I typed my original comment😂

[@chris-C8]

@@marcb1551 Thanks

[@invertedflightproductions]

@@chris-C8 No sweat. It’s a good/common question.

[@guolisen]

fifa98?

[@GregoryEarl-t8r]

White Daniel Robinson Patricia Jackson Robert

[@maximilliancunningham6091]

Nice, and a miracle you found that many flyable 40+ year old Hornets. And another thing, you don't buy a "strike fighter" to defend nearly unlimited sub-artic, artic, and coastline air space. Trudeau should go to jail.

[@johnmartlew5897]

My dad served RAF 1937-1945, came to Canada after he married my mom and served RCAF Reserves at Mount Hope Ontario. I served Army Reserves ASH Hamilton. Head on a swivel. Eyes open. No fear. 🫡🇨🇦 PS FJT

[@invertedflightproductions]

Nice!

[@klausschlobluvsmesometwood4679]

first off, Thank 4ach and every one of you for your service...awesome video....bow to find me one of these snow capped mountains and water filled valley's you are flying through. i know mach loop in the one clip, we need our own "mach loop"

[@invertedflightproductions]

Thanks and yes, would be great to have a Canadian Mach Loop. There are certainly many options.