Biography

Captain Mark LaVerdiere – SB8 (Opposing Solo)

November 10, 2006

Captain Mark LaVerdiere, 37, from Orillia, Ontario, is in his first year with the Snowbirds. He flies the Number 8 jet as the opposing solo.

Captain LaVerdiere joined the Canadian Forces in 1992 under the Direct Entry Officer Plan (DEO) after graduating from Confederation College in Thunder Bay, Ontario, with a diploma in Aviation Flight Management.

After receiving his wings in 1996, he was posted to 2 Canadian Forces Flying Training School (2 CFFTS) in Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan, as a flying instructor on the CT-114 Tutor. During his tour, Captain LaVerdiere accumulated 1,550 hours flying time on the CT-114 Tutor.

In 2000, Captain LaVerdiere was selected for fighter pilot training and was subsequently posted to 441 Tactical Fighter Squadron (TFS) in Cold Lake, Alberta, where he flew the CF-18 Hornet. He participated in numerous NORAD and NATO exercises following the events of September 11th, 2001 in both North America and Europe; and accumulated over 1,000 hours flying experience on the CF-18. Following the disbandment of 441 TFS in June 2006, Captain LaVerdiere was posted to the re-formed 409 Tactical Fighter Squadron in Cold Lake.

Captain LaVerdiere brings over 2,600 hours of military jet experience to the 2007 team.

Captain Mark Laverdiere

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