Timothy Paul Smith Photography
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The Royal Canadian Air Force Snowbirds

Royal Canadian Air Force Snowbirds

The pride of Canada...Eh, The Snowbirds are the official name of the Royal Canadian Air Forces Flight Demonstration Team. The Team performs at air shows and other events throughout Canada and North America. The Snowbirds are assigned to the 15 Wing Moose Jaw, near Saskatchewan, Canada. 

The squadron held a competition among local elementary school children to formally name the Team. The name Snowbirds was chosen. The Team's now-iconic name represents the aircraft's distinctive paint scheme, the Team's grace, and beauty, which deeply ties them to their Canadian heritage. The first performance with the new name of "Snowbirds" was on July 11, 1971, at their Homecoming Air Show.

The Snowbirds typically perform in a nine-ship formation. The team’s aircraft of choice is the CT-114 Tutors. This aircraft has served as the Canadian Force's primary jet trainer for over thirty years. Some of the squadron's most popular and dynamic maneuvers include the Canada burst, heart, downward bomb burst, solo head on crosses, and their signature nine abreast exits. The Snowbird’s demonstration can be characterized as visually stunning, intricate, and graceful; they exhibit a high level of professionalism, teamwork, discipline, and dedication inherent in the men and women of the Canadian Armed Forces. They inspire the pursuit of excellence wherever they go all across North America.



2021 Wings Over Houston

Ellington Field Houston, Texas

Snowbirds are world-renowned for their precision, style, and grace.

“Eagle formation Loop” over the top.

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The Royal Canadian Air Force's trademark "Eagle formation loop" during their performance at this year’s Wings Over Houston Airshow.

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The Royal Canadian Air Force's Snowbirds "Snowbirds 431 roll" during their performance at the 2021 Wings Over Houston Airshow. The sky was the limit as this fantastic team performed during an airshow with their beautifully choreographed performance.

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The Royal Canadian Air Force's signature performance at this year's Wings Over Houston Airshow was nothing short of amazing. The "Four Ship Cross," this maneuver has been perfected over decades, demonstrates reproductive capabilities with incredible precision and showmanship not seen before or since - it doesn't get much better than this!

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The Royal Canadian Air Force's Snowbirds are one of the most popular attractions at any airshow, and this year was no exception. The team executed one of their signature "Palm Formation Roll" during their performance for an enthusiastic crowd who journeyed from all over Houston to watch them fly overhead in formation!

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The Royal Canadian Air Force's Snowbirds performed a beautiful maneuver called "Snowbirds Break" during their performance at the 2021 Wings Over Houston Airshow.

what an incredible display of flying skill and precision by these world-class flyers left me in awe as they executed with pinpoint accuracy!

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2019 Royal Canadian Air Force Snowbirds:

Dedicated to the Memory of Public Affairs Officer, Captain Jennifer Casey

Commanding Officer, Lieutenant-Colonel Mike French

Deputy Commanding Officer, Major Jean-Francois Dupont

#1 Major Denis Bandet

#2 Captain Sarah Dallaire

#3 Captain Stephen McKeen

#4 Captain Scott Boyd

#5Captain Kevin Domon-Grenier

#6 Major Bassam Mnaymneh

#7 Captain Pierre-Marc Deschenes

#8 Captain Logan Reid

#9 Captain Taylor Evans


2019 Defenders of Liberty Air & Space Show

Barksdale Air Force Base, Louisiana

Snowbirds

Canada Goose

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Snowbirds

Canada Goose, Climbing

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Snowbird Lead Solo

Inbound

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Snowbirds

Viggen

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Snowbirds Solos

CT-114 Tutor

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Snowbirds Boss

#1

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Snowbirds

Ready!

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Snowbirds

Runway Taxi

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Snowbirds

Double-Diamond

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Snowbirds

Solos Cross

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Snowbirds

Condor

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Snowbirds

Solos Cross, Topside

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Snowbirds

Rocket

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Snowbirds

Break

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Snowbirds

CT-114 Tutor

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