November 26, 2010
15 WING, MOOSE JAW, SASK. – Five Canadian Forces pilots were officially introduced as the latest members of 431 (Air Demonstration) Squadron, the Canadian Forces Snowbirds, Wednesday, November 24 at 15 Wing, Moose Jaw, Sask., after a rigorous selection process and months of preparation.
The newest squadron members are Snowbird 3, Captain Padruig MacIntosh, of Windsor, Ont.; Snowbird 5, Captain Brett Parker, of Edmonton, Alta.; Snowbird 6, Captain Denis Bandet, of Regina, Sask.; Snowbird 8, Major Ryan Stich, of Toronto, Ont.; and Advance and Safety Pilot – Snowbird 11, Captain Robert Chagnon, of Laval, Que.
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“It’s a great honour and privilege to be a Snowbird,” said Major Chris Hope, Snowbird #1 and Team Lead of the Canadian Forces Snowbirds. "For many of our new pilots, this moment is a fulfillment of a childhood dream and a culmination of years of training and flying experience with the Canadian Forces.”
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“It’s a great honour and privilege to be a Snowbird,” said Major Chris Hope, Snowbird #1 and Team Lead of the Canadian Forces Snowbirds. "For many of our new pilots, this moment is a fulfillment of a childhood dream and a culmination of years of training and flying experience with the Canadian Forces.”
The newest Snowbirds bring thousands of flying hours and a wealth of operational experience to the squadron. The Snowbirds are comprised of personnel, with years of military experience representing the Army, Navy and Air Force.
While selection of the pilots for 2011 began in the Spring of this year, they have not had the opportunity to fly as an integrated, nine-plane formation until this November. The squadron now prepares for their first public appearance this weekend at the Canadian Football Championship – the 98th Grey Cup.
During the 2011 season, the team is expected to participate in about 60 air shows across North America, representing the professionalism, skill and teamwork of the Canadian Forces and inspiring Canadians to consider a career in Canada’s military.
