WINNIPEG, MANITOBA--(Marketwired - Nov. 28, 2013) -
Editors Note: There is a photo associated with this press release.
The Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF) is pleased to announce the appointment of Captain Adam "Manik" Runge as the pilot for the 2014 CF-18 Demonstration Team. Flying his specially painted CF-18 commemorating the 90th anniversary of the RCAF, Capt. Runge will dazzle audiences across North America throughout 2014.
A native of Hanover, Ontario, Capt. Runge's fascination with aviation began as a toddler and air shows had a major influence on him as a child and he's grateful to now return that favour.
"The Snowbirds came to my hometown to do a show when I was nine. After seeing the performance, I was hooked on everything about military aviation." said Captain Runge. "I'm thrilled about having the chance to inspire the next generation of youth to set goals and chase their dreams, all while working with some of the most professional technicians and support crews."
The CF-18 Demonstration Team selects a theme for each year and 2014 will feature the 90th anniversary of the RCAF. The specially painted CF-18 Hornet will feature unique artwork on the tails and dorsal parts of the aircraft designed by veteran Design Director, Jim Belliveau, at 4 Wing Cold Lake, Alberta. The Demo Hornet will be revealed later in 2014 prior to the start of the air show season.
"The RCAF has enjoyed a rich history and it is an honour to share that with audiences all over North America," said Major-General Pierre St-Amand, Commander of 1 Canadian Air Division and the Canadian NORAD Region. "Capt. Runge is a talented pilot who has embraced the challenge of representing the RCAF across the continent. I am confident his skill and professionalism will make him a great ambassador for the Canadian Armed Forces."
Capt. Runge is currently a member of 409 "Nighthawks" Tactical Fighter Squadron at 4 Wing Cold Lake. Upon joining the Canadian Forces in 2003 under the Regular Officer Training Program, he attended the Royal Military College of Canada (RMC) where he spent his summers as an instructor and tow pilot at the Central Region Gliding School in Trenton, Ont. Capt Runge graduated from RMC in 2007 with a Bachelors of Mechanical Engineering degree.
After earning his pilot wings in the summer of 2009, Capt Runge trained on the CT-155 Hawk - the Royal Canadian Air Force's advanced jet training aircraft. That was followed by training on the CF-18 Hornet where Capt Runge reached his goal of becoming a fighter pilot in the summer of 2011. Capt Runge has accumulated over 800 hours of military flying in high-performance aircraft and is excited to tackle the challenging role of the 2014 CF-18 Demo Team pilot, but the pilot notes he can't do it alone.
"There is a lot of behind-the-scenes work to make each show a success. Our technicians and other support personnel work tirelessly throughout the year," said Captain Runge. "It's a real team effort and we're excited to showcase the Royal Canadian Air Force as we interact with thousands of people across North America."
In late April and early May, Captain Runge will take to the skies over Comox, BC, where the team conducts its annual training before launching the 2014 air show season.
Note to Editors: For more information on the Canadian Forces CF-18 Demonstration Team, please contact 1 Canadian Air Division Public Affairs, at 204-833-2500 ext. 2030.
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