Royal Canadian Air Force | Snowbirds Demonstration Team — Saskatchewan in Words

Royal Canadian Air Force | Snowbirds

Motto: The Hatiten Ronteriios (Warriors of the air)

A couple months ago I had the chance to go behind the scenes with the Snowbirds during their show in Kelowna, British Columbia. As a big fan myself, I wanted to show the preperation and some of the faces that entertain so many people. A true class act. This is my celebration of the team.

The Snowbirds are a Canadian icon comprised of serving members of the Canadian Forces.

Serving as Canadian ambassadors, the Snowbirds demonstrate the Skill, Professionalism and Teamwork inherent in the women and men of the Royal Canadian Air Force and the Canadian Forces.

The Snowbirds aerobatic team was formed in 1971 and received squadron status as 431 (Air Demonstration) Squadron in 1978.

The Snowbirds fly the Canadair CT-114 Tutor, a Canadian-built jet that was used by the Canadian Forces as a basic pilot-training aircraft form 1963 until 2000. The Tutor weighs approximately 7,170 lbs (3,260 kg) and is powered by a J-85 engine producing 2,700 pounds of thrust.

How is the Snowbird Team Lead (Boss) chosen?

The Boss must hold the rank of Major and have flown as a Snowbird earlier in his career. Recommendations for the position are provided by the current Boss to the Wing Commander and Commander 1 Canadian Air Division. The Commander 1 Canadian Air Division then offers the position to the pilot they feel is best suited to handle the demands of the job.

“If the Boss cannot fly, then the Snowbirds will not fly”

Formations and manoeuvres are designed each season by the team, and must be approved by the Canadian Forces, the Canadian Department of Transport and the United States Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to ensure safety guidelines are complied with. FAA approval is necessary since the team performs in the United States.

Three shows are designed: an unrestricted high show, a modified high show where loops are not permitted because of cloud, and a low show where low cloud conditions do not permit higher manoeuvres. Some elements of the show are passed down from one season to the next. These include the Canada burst, heart, downward bomb burst, solo head on crosses, and their signature 9-abreast exit.

Once manoeuvres are mastered and the team is comfortable with the routine, the Snowbirds deploy to CFB Comox for specialized training. After approvals are obtained, an “acceptance show” is performed at Moose Jaw to allow representatives from the three approving agencies to see a live performance. The team will go on to perform shows throughout North America from May to October.