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News Release
Canadian Forces Snowbirds Return to the Skies
September 1, 2005
THUNDER BAY, Ont. - The Canadian Forces Snowbirds will resume flying today, in Thunder Bay, Ont., following the accident that occurred August 24 prior to the Thunder in the Air, air show in Thunder Bay, Ont.
The Snowbirds returned to Thunder Bay yesterday evening and will transit to Toronto today to conduct practice flights prior to resuming their air show schedule. At this point, it is premature to confirm which day the Snowbirds will begin their participation in the Canadian International Air Show scheduled for Labour Day weekend.
"We are looking forward to getting back into the jets," said Major Ian McLean, Commanding Officer of the Canadian Forces Snowbirds. "We are making every effort to resume our air show season."
The Canadian Forces Snowbirds took an operational pause following the accident to allow time for the Directorate of Flight Safety investigation team, led by Major Jim Armour, to make some initial determinations.
"I am extremely pleased with the professionalism, thoroughness and expediency of the Directorate of Flight Safety investigation team, and the engineers that have been supporting them," said Major-General Charlie Bouchard, Commander of 1 Canadian Air Division. “The Snowbird team’s response this past week is a testament to their professionalism, dedication and teamwork.”
The Canadian Forces Snowbirds, a national icon, have performed in 1,995 shows across North America in the last 35 years. All members of the Snowbirds are Canadian Forces personnel who have accumulated years of military experience prior to joining the squadron. The Snowbirds’ mission is to demonstrate the professionalism, dedication and teamwork of the Canadian Forces across North America and to act as a platform for recruiting.
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Note to editors/news directors : For more information, please visit the website at www.snowbirds.forces.gc.ca or contact Lieutenant (Navy) Petra Smith, public affairs officer, at (306) 631-7248.
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