The Canadian Snowbirds aviation display team in practice over the Comox Forces Base Vancouver Island British Columbia
Officially known as the Canadian Forces 431 Air Demonstration Squadron, the Snowbirds are Canada's military aerobatics or airshow flight demonstration team. The 431 Air Demonstration Squadron is under the jurisdiction of the Canadian Forces Air Command. Approximately 80 Canadian Forces personnel work with the squadron full-time; 24 personnel are in the show team that travels during the show season. The show team flies 11 CT-114 Tutors — nine for aerobatic performances, including two solo aircraft, and two as spares, flown by the team coordinators. The Snowbirds have flown for over 100 million spectators across North America. In 1969, Colonel Philp, former leader of the Golden Centennaires aerobatic team obtained permission to use seven of the leftover Golden Centennaire CT-114 Tutor aircraft still fitted for aerobatic flying. The Tutors had some minor corrosion and were painted with white anti-corrosive paint. Philp and three others from 2 Canadian Forces Flying Training School (2CFFTS) began unofficially training for aerobatic flight at CFB Moose Jaw and performing at shows around the country. Known as the 2 Canadian Forces Flying Training School Formation Team, or informally as the Tutor Whites, the team grew in size and gradually gained recognition. The team remained unofficial until it was formed into its own squadron - 431 Air Demonstration Squadron - on 1 April 1978. A contest to give the air demonstration squadron a formal name was held at the CFB Moose Jaw base elementary school (Bushell Park Elementary) and resulted in the name Snowbirds. The name reflected the aircraft's distinctive all-white paint scheme used at the time, had an association with Canada, and connoted grace and beauty. Coincidentally, "Snowbird" was the name of an Anne Murray hit song that was popular at the time. The name was formally adopted on 25 June 1971.
Size: 3700px × 5668px
Location: Canadian Forces Base Comox Vancouver Island British Columbia BC Canada
Photo credit: © David Gowans / Alamy / Afripics
License: Licensed
Model Released: No
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