Canadian Forces Snowbirds one of the pride and joys of 15 Wing and Moose Jaw

Pick any bright and sunny day during the Snowbird’s off-season, and there’s a chance you’ll hear the sound of fighter jets roaring over Canada’s Most Notorious City.

Cast a glance skyward, and you just might catch a glimpse of the legendary Canadian Forces Snowbirds and their CT-114 Tutor jets in action, preparing for their busy season throughout the summer months.

To say the least, the 431 Air Demonstration Squadron is the pride and joy of 15 Wing and the city of Moose Jaw, with the link between the Snowbirds and the community being so strong that the local Western Hockey League franchise rebranded last summer to include imagery from the flight team in their logo.

helps keep the aircraft in tip-top shape.

The Snowbirds season traditionally begins Acceptance Show at the end of May, From there, it’s off to locations all over Canada and North America, and the summer of 2023 is no exception.

The Snowbirds perform their first public shows during the June 3 weekend in Thunder Bay and spend the first month of the season on the east coast before performing their traditional Canada Day Show over the Halifax Harbour. The team has two stops in Saskatchewan in July, performing over Craven on both July 15 and 16 and setting up a static display in Saskatoon on July 27. The Snowbirds will have two international dates, performing at the Pacific Air Show in Huntington Beach, Cal. during the Sept. 30 weekend and at the California International Air Show in Salinas, Cal. during the Oct. 7 weekend.

Formed in June 1971 to ‘demonstrate the skill, professionalism and teamwork of Canadian Forces personnel’, the team features nine planes flying in acrobatic formations and performing high-speed passes to thrill the massive crowds that show up whenever they fly.

The Snowbirds rotate pilots in on a regular basis, with the current crew comprised of Lt.-Col. Denis Bandet (commanding officer), Maj. Brett Parker (Snowbird 1 Team Lead), Cap. Caitlin Clapp (Snowbird 2 Inner Right Wing), Cap. Steve Timm (Snowbird 3 Inner Left Wing), Cap. Patrice Powis-Clement (Snowbird 4 First Line Astern), Cap. Thomas Thornton (Snowbird 5 Second Line Astern), Cap. Steven Sparks (Snowbird 6 Outer Right Wing), Cap. Dominic Appolloni (Snowbird 7 Outer Left Wing), Cap. Marc-Andre Plante (Snowbird 8 Opposing Solo), Maj. Steve Hurlbut (Snowbird 9 Lead Solo).

All told, a total of 80 personnel are part of the Snowbirds, including a robust ground crew that

From start to finish, the Snowbirds season will feature 23 shows from the beginning of June to the beginning of October and wrapping up with the season-closing show at 15 Wing.

For more information on the Snowbirds, including regular updates on shows and team news, be sure to visit www.facebook.com/CFSnowbirdsFC.

WE ONLY USE BRAND NAME COMPONENTS

AXLES Dexter Axle

BRAKES Dexter, Dico, Atwood, BlueDot

SUSPENSION Redline, Hutch, Ridewell, Emco

TIRES Goodyear

WHEELS / HUB COVERS

Dexter, Hi-spec, Phoenix

JACKS / COUPLER

Atwood, Shelby, Binkley, Bulldog, Fulton

HITCHES Wallace, Holland, Hijacker

FENDERS Kampco

ELECTRICAL

J-Mal, Pollack, Hopkins

LIGHTING

Peterson, Grote, Bergman, Westbar, Jetco

FLOOR/WALL MATTING

Red Barn, Tumbar, T irePlast

STRAPS / RATCHETS

Kinedyne, Campbell Mac

SAFET Y CHAINS Peerless Chain

VENTS / WINDOWS Rydon

BRAKE CONTROLLERS Tekonsha

CABINETS / STORAGE SYSTEMS

Tow -Rax, Rack'Em, RC Tool Box

HARDWARE / DOORS/ LATCHES

Polar, Pocahontas

OTHER BRAND NAME MANUFACTURERS

3M, Rapid Hitch, B & W, Python, MAster Lock, Turbo

From Our motto is Customer Satisfaction! 89 2023 ExploreMooseJaw.com

We carr y a large selection of replacement par ts and accessories for most makes and models of trailers. Brakes, lights, electrical, springs, U-bolts, bearings, seals, safety c hains, jac ks, couplers, doors, windows, brake controllers, storage cabinets, helmet cabinets, trimmer rac ks, shovel and broom rac ks, coupler loc ks, hitc hes, tires, rims and so muc h more.

Our professional and knowledgeable staff will ensure that the job is done right. We use only brand name components in order to bring the very best in replacement parts to you. From the big jobs, to the small jobs, our staff is dedicated to your satisfaction. We not only provide you with an estimated completion time. Your time and money are as important to us as they are to you.