Snowbirds 340200 225472090 2008-07-13T21:39:41Z Shinerunner 4765638 correction {{for|other uses|Snowbird}} {{Infobox Military Unit |unit_name= '''Snowbirds''' <br> '''Canadian Forces 431 Air Demonstration Squadron''' |image=[[Image:100 1212.jpg|300px]] |caption=Snowbird solo aircraft performing the head-on cross manoeuvre at about 1100 km/h combined closing speed. |dates= [[1 April]] [[1978]] to the Present |country= [[Image:Flag of Canada.svg|20px]] [[Canada]] |allegiance= |branch= [[Image:Canadian Forces Flag.svg|20px]] [[Canadian Forces]] |type= |role= [[Aerobatic]] flight demonstration team |size= 80 Canadian Forces personnel full time <br> 24 personnel are in the show team |command_structure= |garrison=CFB Moose Jaw <br>[[Moose Jaw]], [[Saskatchewan]] [[Canada]] |garrison_label= |nickname=Snowbirds |patron= |motto= |colors= White and Red |colors_label= |march= |mascot= |equipment= |equipment_label= |battles= |anniversaries= |decorations= |battle_honours= |disbanded= <!-- Commanders --> |commander1= |commander1_label= |commander2= |commander2_label= |commander3= |commander3_label= |notable_commanders= <!-- Insignia --> |identification_symbol=[[Image:Snowbirds logo.gif|75px]] |identification_symbol_label= |identification_symbol_2= |identification_symbol_2_label= |identification_symbol_3= |identification_symbol_3_label= |identification_symbol_4= |identification_symbol_4_label= <!-- Aircraft --> |aircraft_attack= |aircraft_bomber= |aircraft_electronic= |aircraft_fighter= |aircraft_helicopter= |aircraft_helicopter_attack= |aircraft_helicopter_cargo= |aircraft_helicopter_multirole= |aircraft_helicopter_observation= |aircraft_helicopter_transport= |aircraft_helicopter_utility= |aircraft_interceptor= |aircraft_patrol= |aircraft_recon= |aircraft_trainer= 11 [[Canadair CL-41 Tutor|CT-114 Tutor]]s |aircraft_transport= }} Officially known as the [[Canadian Forces]] '''431 Air Demonstration Squadron''', the '''Snowbirds''' are [[Canada]]'s military [[aerobatic]]s or [[airshow]] flight demonstration team. The 431 Air Demonstration Squadron is under the jurisdiction of the [[Canadian Forces Air Command]]. Approximately 80 Canadian Forces personnel work with the squadron full-time; 24 personnel are in the show team that travels during the show season. The show team flies 11 [[Canadair CL-41 Tutor|CT-114 Tutor]]s &mdash; nine for aerobatic performances, including two solo aircraft, and two as spares, flown by the team coordinators. ==Squadron history== ===Second World War=== No. 431 Squadron was a product of the [[Second World War]]. It was formed on [[11 November]] [[1942]], at [[Burn, North Yorkshire|Burn, England]], flying [[Vickers Wellington|Wellington X]] heavy [[bomber]]s with [[No. 4 Group RAF|No. 4 Group]] [[RAF Bomber Command]]. The squadron moved to [[RAF Tholthorpe]] in mid-1943, was transferred to [[No. 6 Group RCAF]], and converted to [[Handley Page Halifax|Halifax V]] aircraft. In December 1943 the squadron moved to [[RAF Croft]] where it was re-equipped with Halifax III's and later, [[Avro Lancaster|Lancaster X]] aircraft. The squadron moved to [[RCAF Station Dartmouth]], [[Nova Scotia]] after the war, disbanding there on [[5 September]] [[1945]]. ====Battle honours==== * English Channel and North Sea 1943-1944 * Baltic 1943-1944 * Fortress Europe 1943-1944 * Rhine, France and Germany 1944-1945 * Biscay Ports 1943-1944 * Ruhr 1943-1945, Berlin 1943-1944 * German Ports 1943-1945 * Normandy 1944 * Biscay 1943-1944 ===Postwar=== ====Squadron re-formed==== No. 431 (Fighter) Squadron re-formed at [[RCAF Station Bagotville]] on [[18 January]] [[1954 in aviation|1954]], using the new [[Canadair Sabre|F-86 Sabre]]. The squadron was formed on a temporary basis until there were enough new [[CF-100]]s available to fulfill RCAF squadron needs. No. 431's duties included aerial combat training and displaying the capabilities of the Sabre to the public at air shows, the largest being ''Operation Prairie Pacific'' - a 50 minute exhibition that travelled to selected locations across western Canada. This was the first Sabre team to be authorized to perform formation aerobatics in Canada.<ref>Dempsey 2002, p. 95.</ref> The unit was disbanded on [[1 October]] [[1954]]. [[Image:Golden Centennaires Tutor.jpg|thumb|Tutor prototype on display at [[Portage la Prairie|Southport Aerospace]], [[Manitoba]] in [[Golden Centennaires]] livery]] [[Image:Ct114 tutor snowbirds stcatharines 1.jpg|thumb|CT-114 Tutor of the Snowbirds]] ====Golden Centennaires==== In [[1969 in aviation|1969]], [[Colonel]] [[O.B. Philp]], former leader of the [[Golden Centennaires]] aerobatic team obtained permission to use seven of the leftover Golden Centennaire CT-114 Tutor aircraft still fitted for aerobatic flying. The Tutors had some minor corrosion and were painted with white anti-corrosive paint. Philp and three others from ''2 Canadian Forces Flying Training School'' (2CFFTS) began unofficially training for aerobatic flight at [[CFB Moose Jaw]] and performing at shows around the country. Known as the ''2 Canadian Forces Flying Training School Formation Team'', or informally as the ''Tutor Whites'', the team grew in size and gradually gained recognition. The team remained unofficial until it was formed into its own squadron - 431 Air Demonstration Squadron - on [[1 April]] [[1978]]. ===="The Snowbirds"==== A contest to give the air demonstration squadron a formal name was held at the CFB [[Moose Jaw]] base elementary school (Bushell Park Elementary) and resulted in the name '''Snowbirds'''. The name reflected the aircraft's distinctive all-white paint scheme used at the time, connoted grace and beauty and was clearly linked to its Canadian origins. Coincidentally, "[[Snowbird (song)|Snowbird]]" was the name of an [[Anne Murray]] hit song that was popular at the time.<ref>Dempsey 2002, p. 538.</ref> The name was formally adopted on [[25 June]] [[1971]]. ==Awards and honours== The Snowbirds were awarded the 1994 "Belt of Orion" by [[Canada's Aviation Hall of Fame]]. The squadron continues to fly the CT-114 Tutor, and was presented their Squadron Colours on [[15 October]] [[1999 in aviation|1999]] for 25 years of service. For a time, the [[The Red Knight (aircraft)|Red Knight]], a solo show of a single Canadair (Lockheed) [[CT-33 Silver Star]], also flew with the 431. [[Image:Snowbirds-formation.jpg|thumb|right|The Snowbirds in the "mini Concorde" formation over Toronto in 2005]] On [[28 June]] [[2006]], [[Canada Post]] released two domestic rate (51 cent Canadian) stamps to commemorate the 35th anniversary of the team. The [[Royal Canadian Mint]] jointly released a $5.00 silver commemorative coin. ==Notable performances== * The first performance of the team with the new name of "Snowbirds" was on [[11 July]] [[1971]] at their home base of CFB Moose Jaw during the Homecoming '71 Air Show. * The first formal public performance that included opposing solos was flown at [[Yellowknife]] on [[13 May]] [[1972]]. * The opening ceremonies at the Calgary [[1988 Winter Olympics]] was the first time the Snowbirds used coloured smoke. The colours represented the five colours of the [[Olympic rings]]. * In 1990 red smoke was incorporated into the Snowbirds' routine at major performances to commemorate the team's 20th anniversary and the [[Silver Jubilee|silver anniversary]] of the [[Flag of Canada|Canadian flag]]. * The team performed for the first time outside of Canada and the U.S. in October 1993 at Zapopan Military Air Base near [[Guadalajara, Jalisco|Guadalajara]], [[Mexico]]. * The Snowbirds overfly the [[Canada Day]] celebrations at Parliament Hill, [[Ottawa]] on 1 July. ==Accidents== [[Image:Snowbirds-orig.jpg|thumb|Snowbirds in a classic two-plane formation at the Winnipeg International Air Show 2005]] [[Image:snowbirds st thomas 2007.jpg|thumb|Snowbirds perform a line abreast pitch-over at Wings 'n Wheels Air Show 2007, St. Thomas, Ontario]] The Snowbirds have had several accidents, with six deaths resulting: * [[1972 in aviation|1972]]: Captain Lloyd Waterer died during a demonstration at the Trenton Airshow at [[CFB Trenton]], [[Ontario]] * [[1978 in aviation|1978]]: Captain Gordon de Jong died at an air show in [[Grande Prairie, Alberta|Grande Prairie]], [[Alberta]]. The horizontal stabilizer failed rendering the aircraft uncontrollable. Although ejection was initiated, it was not successful. * [[3 September]] [[1989]]: Captain Shane Antaya died after a midair collision during a demonstration at the [[Canadian International Air Show]] during the [[Canadian National Exhibition|CNE]] in [[Toronto, Ontario|Toronto]], [[Ontario]] when his Tutor crashed into [[Lake Ontario]]. During the same accident, team commander Major Dan Dempsey safely [[ejection seat|ejected]] from his aircraft. * [[1991 in aviation|1991]]: A Snowbird jet crashed during a routine training flight near [[Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan|Moose Jaw]], [[Saskatchewan]]. The two pilots were not seriously injured. * [[1992 in aviation|1992]]: A crash near Moose Jaw was blamed on a failed engine bearing. There were no injuries. * [[1994 in aviation|1994]]: Two pilots ejected from their aircraft near Moose Jaw, sustaining minor injuries. * [[1997 in aviation|1997]]: Two jets touched wingtips in mid-air in Glen Falls, N.Y. There were no injuries. * [[10 December]] [[1998 in aviation|1998]]: Captain Michael VandenBos died in a midair collision during training near Moose Jaw. * [[4 September]] [[2000]]: Aircraft #4 and #1 touched in midair causing minor damage to the wing of one and the tail of another shortly after takeoff before a demonstration for the [[Canadian International Air Show]] in Toronto on the [[Labour Day]] weekend. Both planes landed safely with no injuries. <ref>[http://www.forceaerienne.forces.gc.ca/dfs/pdf/REPORTS/FSIR/CT114172/CT114172_e.pdf Snowbirds Accident report 2000]</ref> * [[10 April]] [[2001]]: As it landed in [[Comox, British Columbia|Comox]], [[British Columbia]] in a nine-plane diamond formation, the nose and right-wing landing gear of aircraft #5 collapsed. No one was injured. <ref>[http://www.forceaerienne.forces.gc.ca/dfs/pdf/REPORTS/FSIR/CT114142/CT114142_e.pdf Snowbirds Accident report April 2001]</ref> * [[21 June]] [[2001]]: Major Robert Painchaud and his passenger ejected after a mid-air collision between planes #1 and #5 as they attempted to rejoin the "Concorde" nine-jet formation for a media shoot over [[Lake Erie]] near [[London, Ontario|London]], Ontario. The passenger sustained serious injury, but Major Painchaud suffered only bruising and the other aircraft was safely flown back to base. <ref>[http://www.forceaerienne.forces.gc.ca/dfs/pdf/REPORTS/FSIR/CT114006/CT114006_e.pdf Snowbirds Accident report June 2001]</ref> * [[10 December]] [[2004]]: Captain Miles Selby died in a training accident near [[Mossbank, Saskatchewan|Mossbank]], [[Saskatchewan]]. The other pilot, Captain Chuck Mallett, was thrown from his destroyed aircraft while still strapped into his seat. While tumbling towards the ground, he was able to unstrap, deploy his parachute and land with only minor injuries.<ref>[http://www.cbc.ca/story/canada/national/2004/12/15/selby041215.html][http://www.airforce.forces.gc.ca/dfs/docs/Fti/CT114173_064_e.asp Snowbirds Accident report 2004]</ref>] * [[24 August]] [[2005]]: Capt. Andrew Mackay safely ejected from his aircraft near [[Thunder Bay, Ontario|Thunder Bay]], [[Ontario]], during the warm-up for the ''Thunder in the Air Airshow''.<ref>[http://www.airforce.forces.gc.ca/dfs/docs/Epi/CT114120_e.asp][http://www.airforce.forces.gc.ca/dfs/pdf/REPORTS/FSIR/CT114120/CT114120_e.pdf Snowbirds Accident report 2005]</ref> *[[18 May]] [[2007]]: Snowbird 2, Capt. Shawn McCaughey fatally crashed during practice at [[Malmstrom Air Force Base]] near [[Great Falls, Montana]] due to a restraining strap malfunction <ref>[http://www.citynews.ca/news/news_11151.aspx ''Canadian Snowbird Killed In Practice Crash''] - [[CablePulse 24]]. Retrieved: [[18 May]] [[2007]].</ref><ref>[http://www.cbc.ca/canada/story/2007/05/18/snowbirds-report.html Snowbirds report 2007]</ref>. ==References== ===Notes=== {{reflist|2}} ===Bibliography=== {{refbegin}} * Dempsey, Daniel V. ''A Tradition of Excellence: Canada's Airshow Team Heritage''. Victoria, BC: High Flight Enterprises, 2002. ISBN 0-9687817-0-5. * Fast, Beverley G. ''Snowbirds: Flying High, Canada's Snowbirds Celebrate 25 Years''. Saskatoon, Saskatchewan: Lapel Marketing & Associates Inc., 1995. ISBN 0-96993127-0-7. * Milberry, Larry. ''Canada's Air Force At War And Peace, Volume 3''. Toronto: CANAV Books, 2000. ISBN 0-921022-12-3. * Mummery, Robert. ''Snowbirds: Canada's Ambassadors of the Sky''. Edmonton, Alberta: Reidmore Books, 1984. ISBN 0-919091-37-7. * Rycquart, Barbara. ''The Snowbirds Story''. London, Ontario, Canada: Third Eye, 1987. ISBN 0-919581-41-2. * Sroka, Mike. ''Snowbirds: Behind The Scenes With Canada's Air Demonstration Team''. Toronto, ON: Fifth House Publishers, 2006. ISBN 1-89485-686-4. {{refend}} ==External links== *[http://www.snowbirds.dnd.ca/ Canadian Forces Snowbirds official site] *[http://www.rcaf.com/squadrons/400series/431squadron.php Squadron history at RCAF.com] *[http://www.airforce.forces.gc.ca/site/hist/431sqn_e.asp Squadron history, Department of National Defence] *[http://www.bombercrew.com/WGSorel/431history.htm 431 Squadron During the Second World War] {{Modern aerobatic teams}} {{Canadian aerobatic teams}} [[Category:Military units and formations of Canada]] [[Category:Canadian Forces Air Command]] [[Category:Canadian Forces aircraft squadrons]] [[Category:Royal Canadian Air Force]] [[Category:Military history of Canada]] [[de:Snowbirds]] [[el:Snowbirds]]