After nearly two weeks of intensive tryouts, two Canadian Forces pilots have officially become the newest members of 431 Air Demonstration Squadron, the Canadian Forces’ Snowbirds. Capt. David Boudreau from Dalhousie, N.B., and Capt. Mike French from Langley, B.C., will now begin a rigorous six-month training program, practicing different manœuvres and formations, in order to prepare for the 2005 air-show season.

Under the guidance of the new Commanding Officer, Maj. Ian McLean, and alongside their veteran teammates, Maj. Chris Hope, Capt. Cory Blakely, Capt. Paul Couillard, Capt. Patrick Gobeil, Capt. Miles Selby and Capt. Chuck Mallett, the new Snowbirds pilots will solidify their skills in formation and aerobatic flying. By May 2005, as a team, the Snowbirds will have finalized the format of the 2005 performance.

Also new to the 2005 Show Team is: Capt. Tery Lebel, from Montreal, who is the newest Team Coordinator; Master Cpl. Tony Forster, from Qu’Appelle, Sask., who is the new Show Team Lead Avionics Technician; and Cpl. Tracy Nicholas, from Arnprior, Ont., who is the new Show Team Lead Aviation Technician.

Shown below: (left to right) Capt. Tery Lebel, Capt. Mike French, Master Cpl. Anthony Forster, Cpl. Tracy Nicholas, Capt. Dave Boudreau and Master Cpl. Darrell Fournier. Photo Credit: Mike Sroka (Snowbirds Photographer)

“The Snowbirds team is pleased to welcome new very qualified Air Force pilots and technicians this year,” said Maj. McLean. “Congratulations to the new team members and welcome to the Snowbirds.”

The Snowbirds’ intricate flying demonstrations have thrilled millions of spectators across North America. As ambassadors for Canada, the Snowbirds’ mission is to demonstrate the skill, professionalism and teamwork of the Canadian Air Force and the Canadian Forces, and to act as a platform for recruiting.

Based at 15 Wing Moose Jaw, Sask., the Snowbirds conduct rigorous training in preparation for the show season. The pilots and technicians of the Snowbirds are selected from across the Air Force and come from across Canada. The Snowbirds fly the Canadian-built CT-114 Tutor.

FMI: www.snowbirds.forces.ca/index_e.asp