Snowbird alumni call for program scaling back, instead of cancellation

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“We believe that there are some practical solutions where the Snowbirds would reduce the number of aircraft they fly, and that would allow them to continue to maintain that specialized expertise that the pilots have conducting the show.”

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Shyiak debuted with the squadron in 1988 and flew for two seasons before moving onto another posting.

He returned to lead the team for the 1997 and 1998 seasons and said the program is important to the Canadian Armed Forces and the country as a whole.

Shyiak believes partnerships with the private sector could be a pathway forward.

“We also suggested that consideration be given to partnering with industry, which could provide technicians. So many of the technicians currently on the team could be freed up to go to other operational squadrons throughout the Air Force.”

The decision to suspend the program came via concerns over safety, with the current Tutor planes in operation since the 1960s, ahead of the Snowbirds forming in 1971.

Safety is paramount for the Alumni Association, with around 1,000 members, and Shyiak.

“The team has operated and continues to operate today under rigorous maintenance oversight professional standards for the airworthiness of the aircraft. Our campaign doesn’t advocate for compromising safety in any way, we’re just encouraging discussion to see if there was a limited, carefully planned, and managed transition option where the team could continue to fly for a few more years until their new aircraft becomes available.”

The squadron has a remarkable safety record, only blemished in recent years by a tragic accident upon takeoff from Kamloops, bound for Nanaimo, in May 2020.

A bird strike and subsequent engine stall shortly after takeoff killed the team’s public affairs officer, Capt. Jennifer Casey, and seriously injured the pilot, Capt. Richard MacDougall.

Their final appearance in Nanaimo came in August 2025, with a pair of shows.

The Snowbirds are due to perform twice in Victoria later this year.

— with files from Jon de Roo, 97.3 The Eagle

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