Snowbirds season closer flown at 15 Wing Moose Jaw
Canada’s aviation icon, the Snowbirds, performed their final show of the 2017 season at 15 Wing Moose Jaw for family, friends and all the base personnel who could have the afternoon free.
The RCAF Aerial Demonstration Squadron performed spectacular acts of precision flight under partly cloudy skies.
Special patterns recognized historic events in Canada and the RCAF. Among these was one dedicated to the Canada’s role in winning the First World War Battle of Vimy 100 years ago – a victory credited with making Canada a country in the eyes of the world.
One pattern celebrated Canada’s 150 year as a nation with another observing the 50th anniversary of the Golden Centennaires. The Centennaries aerial team was established to observe Canada’s Centennial, and was the forerunner of the Snowbirds. This year’s edition of the Snowbirds, commanded by Lt.-Col. Mike French, was scheduled to fly 35 shows including the Canada Day and Battle of Britain flypasts. The team has flown more than 2,600 shows since starting in 1977.
Eleven Tutor jets are kept in flying mode for the nine craft team. At this year’s closing show one of the two spare jets was used at the last moment, prompting recognition of the ground crew for keeping the jets in flying condition, working frequent 14-hour days and no Wednesdays off during the show season, unlike U.S. teams.
The new commander and new pilots for half the team will be announced soon and start planning next year’s show. The team is expected to fly a public show in Moose Jaw during July.