Snowbirds
| Snowbirds | |
|---|---|
|
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| Country: |
 Canada
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| Currently used aircraft type: | Canadair CL-114 Tutor |
| Sponsor: | Royal Canadian Air Force |
| Base airfield: | CFB Moose Jaw |
| Founding: | January 18, 1954 |
| Colours: | Red White |
| Weblink: | [1] |
The Snowbirds ( German snow birds , officially: 431 Air Demonstration Squadron ) are the aerobatic team of the Royal Canadian Air Force . The snowbirds are a symbol of Canada .
history
The 431st was originally a bomber formation that flew in Europe during World War II . On January 18, 1954, a fighter squadron was founded under the number, which showed aerobatics on the Canadair F-86 Saber until its dissolution in October of the same year . On April 1, 1978, the 431st was reactivated and has been nicknamed Snowbirds ever since . Since then, the squadron has been flying on nine Canadair CL-114 Tutor . Today, about 85 members working for the Canadian Forces at the Snowbirds that on the military airfield of Moose Jaw are stationed.
A competition for a formal name for the demonstration team was organized by Lt. Colonel Tom Reid and Senior Administrative Assistant Lois Boyle organized. The competition was held at Bushell Park Elementary at CFB Moose Jaw Base and was named Snowbirds as the winner. The name reflects the aircraft's distinctive white paintwork used at the time, along with grace and beauty and a mark of attachment to its Canadian roots. Coincidentally, Snowbird was also the name of an Anne Murray song that was popular at the time. The name was officially recognized on June 25, 1971 as the name of the Canadian Forces Air Demonstration Team. On April 1, 1978, the team was formed by reactivating the 431 Squadron as an independent squadron (renamed the 431 Air Demonstration Squadron).
Incidents
During their career, the Snowbirds aircraft have had several accidents, including several mid-air collisions. This resulted in the death of seven pilots and one passenger, as well as the loss of several aircraft.
On May 17, 2020, a Snowbirds machine crashed on a transfer flight immediately after take-off. The spokeswoman for the Snowbirds, Jennifer Casey, died in the accident. The pilot was able to save himself with the ejector seat.
Honors and prizes
- In 1982 the Canada Post published a 17 ¢ stamp of an inverted Snowbird No. 5 with the aircraft identification number 114155.
- On June 8, 1994, the Snowbirds were awarded the Orion Award for Excellence belt from the Canadian Aviation Hall of Fame.
- In September 1994, the Snowbirds became the first ambassadors for the Canadian Injury Prevention Foundation (now renamed Parachute ), which provides information on risk taking and injury prevention.
- On October 16, 1999, the squadron was presented in its squadron colors for the past 25 years of service. During the same ceremony, the Air Force Association of Canada recognized the team with the Golden Hawks Award for excellence in the field of Canadian military aviation.
- In 2002, the Snowbirds were named ambassadors for the Child Foundation (Children with Intestinal and Liver Diseases Foundation).
- On June 28, 2006, the Canadian Post Office released two 51 ¢ postage stamps to celebrate the team's 35th anniversary. The Royal Canadian Mint minted a silver $ 5 commemorative coin
literature
- Sroka, Mike. Snowbirds: Behind The Scenes With Canada's Air Demonstration Team. Toronto, ON: Fifth House Publishers, 2006. ISBN 1-894856-86-4
Web links
- Official Homepage (English)
Individual evidence
- ↑ Snowbirds - Full History ( Memento of the original from May 22, 2013 in the Internet Archive ) Info: The archive link was inserted automatically and has not yet been checked. Please check the original and archive link according to the instructions and then remove this notice. Retrieved March 15, 2013.
- ^ Dempsey 2002, p. 538
- ^ Government of Canada: Royal Canadian Air Force - Snowbirds - Tributes . February 9, 2015 .: "... there is risk associated with formation flying. Flying by its very nature has an inherent element of risk. Eight Snowbird pilots have lost their lives in the performance of their duty. We remember them. "
- ↑ UPDATED: Canadian Forces Capt. Jennifer Casey identified as victim from Snowbird jet crash in Kamloops. In: princegeorgematters.com. May 18, 2020, accessed on May 18, 2020 .
- ↑ Dead pilot: plane crash at an air show in Canada. May 17, 2020, accessed May 18, 2020 .
