Aug. 25, 2005
What are the Canadian Forces Snowbirds?What are the Canadian Forces Snowbirds?What are the Canadian Forces Snowbirds?
· The Canadian Forces Snowbirds are Canada’s military
formation aerobatic team, known as 431 Air
Demonstration Squadron since 1978.
· Although the Snowbirds were not established as a
permanent squadron until the late 70’s, they first
performed in 1971, operating on an annual basis for
seven years.
· Today they continue a proud tradition of Canadian
military air demonstration, displaying some of the most
impressive aerobatic manoeuvres in the world.
What kind of aircraft do the Snowbirds fly?
· The Snowbirds fly the Canadair CL-41 Tutor, modified
slightly from the previous training CT-114 Tutor used by
the Canadian Forces for training pilots.
· These modifications include a smoke-generating
system, a unique paint scheme for added crowd appeal
and a highly-tuned engine to enhance engine response
in low level flying.
How many shows do the Snowbirds be performing each year?
· The Snowbirds perform an average of 70 shows per
year across North America.
How is the Squadron broken down in terms of responsibilities?
· The Snowbirds include an establishment of 80 military
personnel and one civilian Administrative Assistant.
· The Squadron is led by the Commanding Officer (Major
rank known as Team Lead) and the Deputy
Commanding Officer (also Major rank). The remainder
of the squadron is as follows:
1. Show Team Pilots & Coordinators (11 Pilots, including Commanding Officer)
2. Standards Flight (2 Pilots)
3. Public Affairs Officer
4. Logistics Flight (Deputy Commanding Officer, 1
Logistics Officer, 2 Administrative Clerks, 5 Supply
Clerks and 1 Civilian employee)
5. Engineering Flight (56 personnel, including the
Squadron Air Maintenance and Engineering Officer
(SAMEO) and aircraft technicians).
How many female personnel are with 431 Squadron?
· Currently there are 11 female members of 431
Squadron.
How does one become a member of the Snowbirds?
· To become a member of the Snowbird team, one has to
have significant military experience in his/her field and
still be an active member of the Canadian Forces.
· Pilot candidates interested in applying for the team must
be recommended by their superiors, and of those
recommended, potential candidates are chosen to
attend the try-outs. They then compete for a position.
What is the current website for the Snowbirds?
· The current website for the Snowbird team is
www.snowbirds.forces.gc.ca.
