Blue Impulse: What prompted the cancellation of the demonstration flight? Captain admits it was a “painful decision”

The Japan Air Self-Defence Force‘s Blue Impulse acrobatic flying performance, slated for the opening day of the Osaka-Kansai Expo on the 13th of April, has been cancelled owing to inclement weather.

“I was really excited for the first flight demonstration of the season, but the weather didn’t allow me to win.”

Squadron leader Taku Ejiri, who spoke to the media after the flight was abandoned, had a dejected expression on his face and said the following:

“Three of the six planes scheduled to perform acrobatic flying took off first.” They flew above Tsutenkaku Tower and the 1970 Osaka Expo site, both of which were on the flight path. However, precipitation was verified, and visibility was poor; therefore, Captain Ejiri cancelled the flight.”

“It was a difficult decision,” explained Captain Ejiri. “We will now showcase our acrobatic flying and somersaults in a variety of venues. I hope everyone comes to see us live.” Manato Nishikawa (9), a third grader from Nishi Ward, Sakai City, who was waiting for the plane with his family and friends outside the Expo site, stated sadly, “I wanted to see it fly.”

He stated he had been looking forward to it after seeing previous recordings on a video-sharing website. His ambition is to become a Blue Impulse pilot, and his mother has stated, “If there is another opportunity to fly in Kansai, I would like to take him.”

Blue Impulse was scheduled to fly over landmarks in Osaka Prefecture, including the Tower of the Sun, the 1970 Osaka Expo symbol, before performing a 15-minute demonstration flight over the Expo site beginning around noon.

Blue Impulse is formally known as the 11th Squadron of the 4th Air Wing of Japan Air Self-Defence Force’s Matsushima Air Base (Higashimatsushima City, Miyagi Prefecture).