Snowbirds take their final flight over Toronto until the 2030s at this weekend’s air show
The 77th Canadian International Air Show is roaring back into the city this Labour Day weekend, with high-flying demonstrations at Toronto’s lakeshore.
An array of aircraft will zoom over city’s lakeshore over Labour Day weekend
Kate McGillivray · CBC News
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Snowbirds take their final flight over Toronto until the 2030s at annual air show
1 hour ago|
Duration 2:07
The 77th Canadian International Air Show at this year's CNE marks the final Toronto appearance of the iconic Snowbirds. The nine-jet aerobatics team is set to be replaced in the 2030s at the earliest, after far exceeding their intended lifespan. CBC's Tyler Cheese was at the airshow and spoke to attendees about what this last flight means to them.The 77th Canadian International Air Show is roaring back into the city this Labour Day weekend, with high-flying demonstrations at Toronto's lakeshore.
This year's air show marks the final Toronto appearance of the Snowbirds, a nine-jet aerobatics team, until their fleet is replaced in the 2030s at the earliest.
The significance of this weekend's performances isn't lost on Maj. Maciej Hatta, the pilot tasked with leading the Snowbirds as they fly in tight formations around the city.
"It's on our minds," he told CBC Radio's Metro Morning.
"[But] obviously I can't be thinking about that the whole time, because we've got a nine-plane formation to worry about leading around the city safely."
WATCH | A former Snowbirds commanding officer on grounding the squadron:
CBC News Network's David Common speaks to Retired LCol Dan Dempsey about the Snowbirds
May 25|
Duration 6:58
Get the latest on CBCNews.ca, the CBC News App, and CBC News Network for breaking news and analysis.The team's signature CT-114 Tutor jets were ordered by the military as training aircraft in 1961 and have been used for performances for more than five decades.
Hatta, who grew up outside Toronto, says seeing the Snowbirds fly as a child is part of what inspired him to become a pilot in the first place.
"It is touching to hear that everybody's got a slightly different Snowbird story, whether it was watching from a condo in downtown Toronto, or… somebody's dad or or mom working on the team as a technician or pilot,” he said.
Replacements coming ‘as quickly’ as possible: Ottawa
Military officials have been warning for decades that the Tutors have gone far past their intended lifespan and needed to be replaced.
In May, Defence Minister David McGuinty announced that the planes would be grounded after a busy summer performance schedule, ending with a final appearance at the Grey Cup in Calgary.
The Swiss-made, turbo-prop CT-157 Siskin II has been chosen to replace the Snowbird squadron.
"Negotiations are underway with the manufacturer and we intend to procure those aircraft as quickly as we possibly can," McGuinty said at the time.
On Friday, Canadian veterans gathered to watch the Snowbirds during their final rehearsal before the air show.
"This is a wonderful day," said retired air force pilot Mort Lightstone as aircraft zoomed overhead, "These aircrew men and women are a national treasure."
A 77-year Labour Day weekend tradition
This year's air show will also have demonstrations by a Royal Canadian Air Force CF-18 and an RCMP Black Hawk helicopter — though a last-minute schedule change saw the United States' F-16 demonstration team drop out.
The daily performances run from noon to 3:40 p.m. every day from Saturday through to Monday.
The Canadian International Air Show, now in its 77th year, is an end-of-summer fixture — though not one everyone enjoys equally.
PHOTOS | Canadian Snowbirds, RCMP Black Hawk Helicopter, Pink Jet part of this year's lineup:
The noise associated with the event is routinely criticized for being disruptive for people and pets alike, and for upsetting Torontonians who are struggling with PTSD or memories of war.
Hatta says he understands those concerns, but encourages Torontonians to think of the show as a way to inspire future pilots and technicians who may one day help save lives, for example as a part of a search-and-rescue mission.
"There's a little more to it than meets the eye," he said.
On its website FAQ, the air show writes that the show complies with "all regulations, including those published by Transport Canada relating to noise."
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Kate McGillivray is a writer and newsreader in Toronto. She's worked for the CBC in Montreal, Sherbrooke and St. John's, and she always wants to hear your feedback and story ideas. Get in touch here: kate.mcgillivray@cbc.ca.
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