Patriotic Ontario pilot creates massive maple leaf in the sky to send message to U.S.

London pilot Michael Jones made headlines this week with a patriotic and precise flight over southwestern Ontario, where he skillfully piloted his Grob G 115 to draw out a massive maple leaf in the sky. The 70-year-old pilot took to the skies in response to recent moves by U.S. President Donald Trump that challenged Canadian sovereignty.

Jones, a semi-retired business owner and part-time flight instructor, wanted to send a subtle but pointed message to his U.S. neighbors. He was not pleased with the tariffs imposed by Trump on Canada, and the president’s suggestion that Canada should become the 51st state did not sit well with him. In an act of patriotism, Jones decided to show his pride as a Canadian and his refusal to be pushed around.

Using GPS software to plot out a precise flight path, Jones meticulously flew his two-seater plane in the shape of a perfect maple leaf, covering a wide swath of land between lakes Huron and Erie. Despite the lack of autopilot, Jones hand-flew the entire two-hour journey to ensure the maple leaf design was executed flawlessly.

While Jones initially shared his flight path with only a few people, his actions quickly garnered attention on flight tracking websites and social media. The image of the maple leaf in the sky resonated with many, with over 17,000 people viewing it on FlightRadar24.com. Jones was surprised by the overwhelming interest his flight had generated but was pleased to see the impact of his message.

Reflecting on his flight, Jones expressed his pride in being Canadian and his desire to stand up against perceived injustices from the United States. Despite not being one to display the Canadian flag prominently, Jones felt compelled to take action in light of recent events. His flight serves as a testament to his patriotism and his commitment to defending Canadian sovereignty.

As Jones landed back at London International Airport, he reflected on the significance of his flight. “I’ve been thinking about doing this for a little while, and yesterday was a nice, bright sunny day, so I went up and flew the maple leaf,” he said. Through his fancy flying and precise navigation, Jones not only showcased his piloting skills but also sent a powerful message of pride, unity, and resilience to Canadians and Americans alike.