Fate of Snowbirds’ Tutor jets still up in the air

The Snowbirds’ CT-114 Tutor fleet retires in less than two months, but where the historic jets will go remains undecided.

According to the Department of National Defence, a plan for the “responsible development” of the aircraft is in the works.

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“The eventual retirement plan will respect the significant place the Snowbirds and CT-114 occupy in Canadian aviation history,” the department wrote in an email to 650 CKOM.

While a final decision on the fate of the jets hasn’t yet been made, the department said the current focus is on “the completion of a memorable 55th anniversary air show season.”

The federal government announced the retirement of the Snowbirds’ iconic jets back in May of this year. Tuboprop-driven CT-157 Sisken IIs will replace the 1960s-era CT-114 Tutor jets. But until the new planes are procured and ready to fly, the air demonstration squadron will remain grounded. The process is expected to take until the early 2030s.

According to Defence Minister David McGuinty, the decision was “about preserving a proud Canadian tradition, but it’s also about preparing for the future. It’s about investing in this community and the future of Canadian aerospace and aviation training.”

The Snowbirds began flying as a demonstration team in 1971. Since then, they’ve performed at more than 2,700 air shows and events across North America.

“The sound of their engines and the trails of the white plumes of smoke behind them have become part of our national story,” McGuinty said, adding that the team is “the pride of Saskatchewan.”

One Saskatchewan city that has particular pride in the team is Moose Jaw, which has played an important role in the country’s military aviation history and also serves as the Snowbirds’ home base.

Just over a month ago, thousands gathered at the city’s airport for the team’s final hometown appearance in the Tutor aircraft.

For many, it was a bittersweet show.

“It’s nostalgic,” said Kera Clark, who attended the air show. “You couldn’t miss it, right?”

“I’m glad to be sitting here, I’m glad to be here to see this,” said Julian Schober, a 92-year-old attendee.

Moose Jaw resident Dennis Pottage said the team has made “quite an impact” over the years.

“You see these guys in the streets and it’s really special,” Pottage added.

McGuinty acknowledged the importance of the team in Moose Jaw, saying after the announcement that the Snowbirds “are woven into the identity of Moose Jaw, and Moose Jaw is woven into the identity of the Snowbirds.”

The defence minister emphasized that the team will continue to be based in Moose Jaw after the Tutors are replaced.

— with files from 980 CJME’s Jacob Bamhour

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