The Snowbirds at Oshkosh in 2016. by Michael Kelly
Published in Midwest Flyer Magazine February/March 2024 Digital Issue
OSHKOSH, WIS. – The military demonstration team, Canadian Forces Snowbirds, will return to EAA AirVenture-Oshkosh for the first time since 2016.
EAA AirVenture-Oshkosh, the 71st edition of the Experimental Aircraft Association fly-in convention known as the “World’s Greatest Aviation Celebration,” will be held July 22-28, 2024, at Wittman Regional Airport in Oshkosh, Wisconsin.
“The Snowbirds are one of the world’s finest military aerobatic flight teams, so their presence at Oshkosh in 2024 is a wonderful addition to AirVenture week as we commemorate the 100th anniversary of the Royal Canadian Air Force,” said Rick Larsen, EAA’s vice president of communities and member programs, who coordinates AirVenture features and attractions. “Along with their elegant precision aerobatics that define their aerial performances, we discovered in 2016 that the team members were enthusiastic and fully engaged in the aviation culture at Oshkosh, and truly enjoyed being with the tens of thousands of fellow aviators on the grounds.”
The Snowbirds are currently scheduled to have a public practice session over the grounds on Friday, July 26, with full performances during the daily afternoon airshow on Saturday and Sunday, July 27-28. The team is officially designated as 431 Air Demonstration Squadron and was created in 1971. It has a nearly 50-year connection to EAA, being the first military team to perform at Oshkosh when they flew over the EAA fly-in during the 1970s.
“As a team, we are extremely excited to be representing the Canadian Forces at AirVenture during the centennial year of the Royal Canadian Air Force,” said Maj. Brent Handy, Snowbird 1 and Team Lead. “The opportunity to share our display with such a large gathering of aviation enthusiasts, and the chance to meet with our fans, will be one of the many highlights of this important year for our dedicated team of pilots, technicians, and support personnel.”
The Snowbirds typically fly their Canadair CT-114 Tutor jets in approximately 60 airshows each year. The nine aircraft used in the performances are piloted by experienced team members from the Royal Canadian Air Force. During the show, the pilots fly at speeds ranging from 110 to 465 mph (180 to 750 km/h) and in formation with distances as close as four feet of wing overlap. Comprised of exciting loops, rolls and solo passes, as well as graceful nine-jet formations, the Snowbirds’ show includes more than 50 different formations and maneuvers over each 35-minute performance.
EAA AirVenture Oshkosh is “The World’s Greatest Aviation Celebration” and EAA’s membership convention. Additional information, including advance ticket and camping purchase, is available at www.EAA.org/airventure.
