The Canadian Forces has cancelled the remainder of the season for its CF-18 demonstration team, citing an inability to train a new pilot in time.
The season ended abruptly July 23 when demo pilot Capt. Brian Bews had to eject from his out-of-control aircraft less than 60 metres above the runway at Lethbridge Airport.
Bews has back injuries but is otherwise OK. The aircraft was destroyed in a spectacular explosion.
Another aircraft could likely be put in service but the Armed Forces says there's no one to replace Bews.
"It is unfortunate we will not be able to finish the season," said Brig.-Gen. Richard Foster, the acting commander of 1 Canadian Air Division, "but we simply cannot and will not rush the preparation of another demo pilot.
"The well-being of our pilots and their safety will always be the deciding factors in such decisions."
Performances are cancelled at air shows in Wetaskiwin, Abbotsford, Windsor, Val d'Or, Toronto and Shearwater.