News Release

Snowbirds thrilled to fly past Rolling Stones concert

October 6, 2006

By Lieutenant (Navy) Petra Smith

With a bright red, glowing sunset low on the horizon, two Canadian Forces Snowbirds' jets flew past one of the biggest events in Saskatchewan history.

Lingering smoke trails and the roar of the CT-114 Tutor engines excited the 40,000 spectators who were eagerly awaiting the Rolling Stones concert.

The two jets flew past in the "line astern" position and circled Mosaic Stadium Taylor Field in Regina, Saskatchewan, at 500 feet as the spectators cheered for the unexpected, patriotic addition to a fantastic evening.

"The Canadian Forces Snowbirds were thrilled to fly past the Rolling Stones concert," said Major Ian McLean, Snowbird 1 and Commanding Officer of 431 Air Demonstration Squadron. "It is an honour for us to share our love of aviation, pride in the Canadian Forces and patriotic spirit with so many Canadians."

For Captain Ian James, Snowbird 12, and Captain Gregg Wiebe, Snowbird 14, the fly-past represented a unique experience as Snowbird pilots.

"It was an exciting honour to fly past more than 40,000 people, knowing it was one of the biggest events in Saskatchewan for many years," said Captain Wiebe.

"It was a wonderful, exciting and historical event in the Snowbirds' home province of Saskatchewan," said Captain James. "We are honoured to be a part of this unique and spirited occasion, welcoming thousands of Canadians."

While Captain James and Captain Wiebe conducted the fly-past on October 6 and 8, the Canadian Forces Snowbirds' show team performed in El Paso, Texas, October 7 and 8, marking the last public air show for the 2006 season.

With family, friends and the military community present, the Canadian Forces Snowbirds performed the year-end show October 13 at 15 Wing Moose Jaw, to officially conclude the 2006 show season.

The Snowbirds are looking forward to flying by the Vanier Cup and the Grey Cup this November.

The Snowbirds' mission is to represent the professionalism, skill and teamwork of the Canadian Forces and to inspire Canadians to consider a career in Canada's military. During the 2006 season, the team performed in 60 air shows in 40 locations across North America, proudly representing the Canadian Forces and Canada.

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