A Halifax pilot and dedicated Toronto Blue Jays fan, Dimitri Neonakis, took his support for Canada’s baseball team to extraordinary heights by tracing the team's logo in the skies over Nova Scotia. Neonakis described his motivation for this endeavor, saying, “I wanted to cheer on the Blue Jays, I wanted to cheer the fans, I wanted to do it for myself.”
The ambitious flight took place on Tuesday at 11:27 a.m. local time, departing from Halifax Stanfield International Airport. Neonakis meticulously planned and mapped out the flight path, spending around three hours preparing for the two-and-a-half-hour journey. He began his aerial artwork by outlining the iconic maple leaf, which he identified as the most challenging part of the design. Subsequently, he traced the bird that is part of the Blue Jays' logo. The entire route covered approximately 570 kilometers, looping from Halifax to the town of Debert and back.
While in the process of creating this unique sky drawing, Neonakis received messages from observers curious about the aerial artwork. With a sense of humor, he responded, “I’m a big fan. Of course, I did.” His efforts attracted considerable attention online, marking it as one of his most popular sky drawings. However, it wasn’t Neonakis's first venture into aerial artistry; he has previously completed nearly 30 such flights, some dedicated to causes like missing children or honoring figures such as George Floyd, Terry Fox, and Jennifer Casey, a member of the Snowbirds who tragically lost her life in a crash in 2020.
In addition to messages of support, Neonakis occasionally takes to the skies for fun, crafting different designs such as hearts, holiday greetings, and Father’s Day wishes. His flights are not only a testament to his piloting skills but also his creative spirit and commitment to celebration through aviation.
This remarkable tribute to the Blue Jays highlights both Neonakis's passion for flying and his dedication to celebrating his favorite team. As the American League Championship Series unfolded, his sky drawing resonated with fans and showcased a creative way to support and engage with the sport.
