Famous Showmen, Canadian Military Aerobatic Team, Set to Perform Aerial Ballet

The Canadian Forces Snowbirds, the country's premier air force demonstration team, is set to make a rare appearance on the east coast of the United States during a practice flight between scheduled air shows.

It has been nearly 4 years since they passed by the Space Coast, flying by the Kennedy Space Center and Cape Canaveral on a practice flight. This time, however, they will stop by as the headliners of the Space Coast International Air Show taking place on May 21 in Titusville, Florida. 

The Snowbirds bring a different approach to the art of demonstration flights, flying their classic Canadair Tutor aircraft, a 1960's era primary jet trainer. Sporting styling and a straight-wing aerodynamics that disappeared from similar teams years ago in favor of high-speed, modern fighter dynamics. The show near the Space Coast could be the first time for many audiences to experience their demo, with a portion of their 2020 season canceled for a comprehensive risk and airworthiness review. 

Titusville locals will see the newest version of their routine in the springtime Florida sun, says unit spokesman Captain Gabriel Ferris.

“The Snowbirds are still flying the same aircraft for the last 50 years. It’s the CT-114 Tutor aircraft. And it's akin to an aerial ballet. The aircraft are super close — up to 4 feet. And it's exactly like watching a ballet in the air. It's a lot of precision,” Ferris said.

“It's not going to be as loud or as intense as the Thunderbirds or Blue Angels, per sé. But people are going to be excited as well. We try to put much more maneuvers in front of the crowd at the same time. So our show is a lot tighter," he said.

FMI: www..rcaf-arc.forces, http://www.rcaf-arc.forces.gc.ca/en/snowbirds/index.page