Page 33 - World Airshow News Autumn 2024

CApt. CALEb ‘tANGO’ RObERt An Interview by Kerry J. Newstead

The 2024 RCAF CF-18 Demonstration Pilot

F or the just completed 2024 airshow season, the Royal such extended periods of time is certainly a challenge.

Canadian Air Force (RCAF) CF-18 Hornet airshow
WAN: It must be an adrenalin rush flying the CF-18 Hornet.
demonstration pilot was Capt. Caleb “Tango” Robert.
He is a combat-qualified element lead on the CF-18
CR: I really enjoy landing, when the routine is over! It’s always
for 425 Tactical Fighter Squadron a 3 Wing, Bagotville, Quebec. What is your favorite part of the show?
Born and raised in Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario, Tango was a tough performance physically and mentally, but my favorite
captivated by flight from his earliest memories and was part is being able to walk the crowd line or hear the appreciation
determined to transform his passion into reality. He joined from the fans soon after a show.
the 155 Borden Gray Squadron, Royal Canadian Air Cadets
in Sault Ste. Marie, where he would receive both his glider WAN: If a youth asked you for inspiration about flight, what
and power pilot licenses. Capt. Robert spent many summers would you tell them?
working with Cadets Canada as a glider instructor in both CR: Dreaming of doing something that others find unrealistic
North Bay and Trenton, Ontario, before enrolling at the Royal and insensible is quite common – successful people who have
Military College of Canada. ambition, drive, and discipline should not allow the comfort of
In 2022, Capt. Robert deployed to Romania as part of realism to discourage the attaining of our goals. Keep on course,
Operation Reassurance, Canada’s contribution to NATO en- and don’t be distracted by all the nay-sayers out there! Too often
hanced air policing. He has also served on many NORAD mis- these days we retreat quickly, or even change paths, when things
sions across North America, as well as large-force exercises with start getting tough – when it all seems to become too hard. But
allies around the world. only through those challenges are the truly great rewards and
During the 2024 season, World Airshow News had the oppor- opportunities for high achievers. So, again I say, stay the course!
tunity to get to know Capt. Robert a little better. Work hard, and a little self-sacrifice, self-discipline, and having a
little fun along the way will almost always pay off.
WAN: What would you say is the best part of your job flying
for the RCAF? WAN: Thank you, Tango!
CR: There are too many “best parts” to choose from – but
flying fighters for the military is a unique context in which we
participate in real-world operations at home and abroad. That
context – similar to how medevac pilots, police pilots, or fire-
fighting pilots have unique and commendable purpose to what
they are doing – is where fighter pilots truly thrive, being at the
pointy end of the military arm of the government.

WAN: How did you feel when you were chosen as the CF-18
demo pilot? What does it feel like representing the RCAF during
the Centennial year?
CR: While “joy” is certainly one accurate adjective, I am
always looking to improve and am rather critical of my own
flying. My goal is to put on the best show I can for the fans. It is,
of course, an honour to represent the Demonstration Team in
this pinnacle Centennial year.

WAN: When you fly solo to and from events, what is it like to
be up there with no one else around?
CR: Transiting jets between shows can certainly have lonely
moments, but I always look forward to the small break of
relaxation that awaits me on the other end.
WAN: How much flexibility do you get in determining which
maneuvers you perform during your show?
CR: I have some small say in the order of events, but do not
invent new aerobatic maneuvers on the fly (pun intended) that
have not been tested and approved with all safety measures.

WAN: What has been the hardest part of your year as
demonstration pilot? Capt. Caleb “Tango” Robert (photo by Joe Letourneau).
CR: Being away from my home unit, friends, and family for

World Airshow News 33 Quarter 4, 2024