AERO Gatineau-Ottawa

John Bennett

Board Position: Director, and Executive Member

Airshow Role: Director General

Favorite Aircraft: Spitfire, P-38

Why do I volunteer? I like giving back to the community, I have done all my life. Why the airshow? Because my passion is for airplanes and letting everyone see them as they should be flying!

Barry Camm

Board Position: Director, and Executive Member

Airshow Role: Director of Site Logistics, Finance

Favorite Aircraft: *Lancaster bomber, Hurricane,  A-10 Warthog

Why do I volunteer? As a non-pilot, but aviation enthusiast, what better way to get close and personal to vintage and modern aircraft and enjoy the experience of seeing aircraft flying or static, normally not seen but in pictures, movies or on TV?? I've been volunteering with air shows since the late 90's, when they were located at the Ottawa International Airport, then Carp ON, Vintage Wings (Wings Over Gatineau) and since AERO-GO's inception.

*The Lancaster bomber has always been my favourite aircraft; its size, power and the majestic sound of 4 Merlin engines. A bit of personal connection - my father was part of a group of 5 close school pals that were in various elements of the British Armed Forces in WWII.They all survived but 1, and he was killed in a Lanc participating in the famed Dambusters raid, shot down on the way home.

Mike” SPARKY” Clark, RCAF Capt (ret’d)

Board Position: Executive Member

Airshow Role: Director, Performer Support (POC)

I am “the host with the most”! I ensure that the participating teams and visiting performers are properly supported with regards to accommodations, transportation, aircraft support equipment and fuel, and any other thing or service that they need during their stay with us. My role keeps me busy throughout the year. I get activated as soon as a team gets confirmed for the show. I also help with providing similar care for the civilian performers.  I have a small team of highly motivated and exciting people working with me.

Favorite Aircraft: DeHaviland Mosquito, Fairchild A-10, Hawker Hurricane

Why do I volunteer? I particularly enjoy creating those special moments for the performers and spectators, whenever I can.  Also, you get to meet and work with such amazing people!

Rob Collison

Board Position: Executive Member

Airshow Role: Crowd Safety

Favorite Aircraft: Snoopy’s Flying Doghouse

Why do I volunteer? I have been an  

Michel “Overlord” Côté  

Board Position: Director, and Executive Member

Airshow Role: Director Ground Ops air side, Sponsorship Coordinator

Favorite Aircraft: B-25 Mitchell, B-17 Flying Fortress, DH Mosquito

Why do I volunteer? I always wanted to work to produce an airshow plus being around aircraft and friendly faces is a lot of fun.

(PS…there is a long story behind the call sign!)

Denis "Olaf" Godin

Board Position: Executive Member, Program Director

Airshow Role: Air Operations/Program Director 

My main role is to work with Transport Canada, the City of Gatineau including the airport management team and emergency services, and other agencies to secure permission to hold and deliver a safe air show. During the preparation stages, I ensure there's a good coordination between the teams responsible for delivering Air Operations, Ground Operations as well as the Safety & Security of the public and performers. During the show, I oversee those same areas at a high level and provide support in order to deliver a successful but most importantly a safe airshow.

Favorite Aircraft: CL-415, Lancaster Bomber

Why do I volunteer? I love to work with colleagues that are aviation enthusiasts like me, who are very passionate about the mission and its execution. However, the main reward for me is to see the smiles of the public, especially children, when they see the aircrafts in the air and on the ground.

Sam Kazak  PHOTO OF SAM’S SMILING FACE

Board Position: Executive Member

Airshow Role: Volunteer Coordinator

Favorite Aircraft: My favourite plane is the Canadian Chinook CH-149

Why do I volunteer? Hi, I'm Sam Kazak , the Volunteer Coordinator at Aero Gatineau Air show! 

I'm here to connect passionate individuals with meaningful volunteer opportunities that align with our mission to Fly High with our Air show 2025. Whether you're looking to give back to the community at our Air show, or gain new skills, I'm excited to help you find the perfect volunteer role for you

Girvan “Girvan!” Patterson 

Board Position: Director, and Executive Member

Airshow Role: Director, Customer Experience

Starting with Marketing, through Sales, and ultimately the on-site experience, to ensure that all our different audiences' needs are met.  Or simply, making sure that everyone has a good time!

Favorite Aircraft: Spitfire, SR-71 Blackbird, my Piper Lance

Why do I volunteer? Good question! For the past 40 years it seems people have just kept asking me to help run their air shows. And I am excited to continue as part of the AERO-GO team in 2025