The Canadian Forces 431 Air Demonstration Squadron, is the product of a proud history of military aerobatic demonstration teams. The Canadian team, the Siskins, flew air displays between 1929 and and 1932 with five Siskin IIA biplanes. From 1959 to 1963 their successors, the Golden Hawks, few seven gold painted F-86 Sabre jets across the skies of North America. Another team the Golden Centennaires, flying nine Canadian built CT-114 Tutor aircraft along with a spectacular duet involving the supersonic CF-104 Starfighter and CF-101 Voodoo, the RCAF's famed Red Knight and two Avro 504K biplanes, helped to celebrate Canada's 1967 Centennial.
Canada's most recent military aerobatic team, the Snowbirds, formed in 1971 at CFB Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan where they still call home today. The team consists of nine CT-114 Tutor aircraft, including two solo aircraft Nos. 8 and 9, which are the opposing solos. In their 29th season, the Snowbirds have flown 1600 airshows for over 87 million spectators across North America. The Canadian Forces Snowbirds are the only jet aerobatic team in the world that does not rely on a support aircraft. The Snowbirds are a fully self-contained unit of only 75 personnel .
Lest We Forget
The Snowbirds are well-known for their skill, but they are not immune to tragedy. Seven Snowbird pilots have lost their lives in the performance of their duty. We remember them! Every Snowbird performance is a tribute to these men ... and to all the men and women of the Canadian Forces 431 Air Demonstration Squadron who have dedicated themselves to excellence.
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Capt Shawn McCaughey,
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Capt Michael VandenBos, Snowbird #2 Inner Right WingKilled during a training mission Moose Jaw December 10, 1998 Age 29 |
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Capt Shane
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Capt Wes
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Capt Gordon
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Capt Lloyd
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