Events
Canadian Forces Snowbirds Perform Final CT-114 Tutor Airshow Demonstration
The Canadian Forces Snowbirds have flown their final public aerobatic demonstration in the CT-114 Tutor at 15 Wing Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan, closing out 55 years of airshow performances in the aircraft.
According to AVweb, the farewell demonstration was livestreamed on Friday and coincided with a reunion that drew nearly 500 former team members and pilots. Former Snowbirds pilot and team leader Dennis Beselt noted that attendees included individuals from every team across all 55 years of operation. The Canadian-built Tutor first entered service with the Royal Canadian Air Service in 1963 and became the permanent demonstration aircraft when the Snowbirds were established in 1971. The type served as the primary jet trainer for the Royal Canadian Air Force until 2000, while the team continued operating modified airframes for aerobatic displays across Canada and the United States.
Plans regarding the aircraft's retirement were revealed in May, initiating a multiyear suspension of team demonstrations while a transition to replacement aircraft takes place. The Department of National Defence for Canada chose the Pilatus PC-21, designated as the CT-157 Siskin II, to succeed the Tutor. Operations with the new platform are anticipated to commence in the early 2030s, serving a dual role as a military trainer.
Before final retirement, one last public appearance is scheduled when the team conducts a flyover during the Grey Cup in Calgary on November 15. The final aircraft movements to 8 Wing Trenton, Ontario, are scheduled to occur by March 31, 2027, where the fleet will be decommissioned. Selected airframes are intended for museum preservation or service as maintenance training aids.
Sources: AVweb, Simple Flying