The Canadian Armed Forces is deploying its famed Snowbirds aerobatics team on a cross-country tour aimed at boosting morale as Canadians continue to struggle with the COVID-19 pandemic.
During his daily press conference outside Rideau Cottage on Wednesday, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced the tour, which will see the Snowbirds begin their flyovers in Nova Scotia this weekend and work their way west throughout the week.
“The Canadian Forces Snowbirds will head across Canada to salute Canadians doing their part to stop the spread of COVID-19,” said the Prime Minister of Canada.
The plan follows a similar cross-country tour in the U.S., where the American military’s own flight demonstration teams have been flying over cities in honour of frontline workers and first responders.
Like many organizations during the month of March, members of the Snowbirds paused their training as a result of COVID-19. In order to get back into their routine, prior to their cross-country tour the Snowbirds will spend two days at their home base in Saskatchewan flying refresher and training missions before starting the tour.
“As we watch the Snowbirds fly over our homes, let’s remember that we are all in this together,” said Trudeau.
To get an idea of what this aerobatics flight team can do, they recently took part in a ‘socially distant’ airshow with crews from around the world.
The WORLD jumped in for the #SociallyDistant #Airshow If you missed it, go to the @LiveAirShowTV FB page our YouTube channel to watch again! Thanks @AFThunderbirds @CFSnowbirds @ItalianAirForce @PAFofficiel @PatriotsJetTeam @patrsuisse @rafredarrows #airshow #covid19 #StayHome pic.twitter.com/JZOkYf171O
— LiveAirshowTV (@LiveAirShowTV) April 24, 2020
While their flyover of the country won’t be as elaborate as an airshow, it will still be a spectacle that can be enjoyed from afar.
The team will take form in its signature nine-jet formation, with trailing white smoke. According to the federal government, the team will release anticipated locations, routes, and times on their social media platforms each day.
Flyovers will occur at an elevation no lower than 500 feet above all obstacles, said a government press release.
“We’ve been asked to do what we do best… inspire Canadians,” said Lieutenant-Colonel Mike French, Commanding Officer, Canadian Forces Snowbirds. “Through Operation INSPIRATION, we not only want to salute the front-line health-care workers, first responders, and essential workers, but also all Canadians doing their part to stop the spread of COVID-19. We want Canadians to know we’re in this with you.”
In a tweet sent out from the Canadian Forces Snowbirds official account, they suggest they will be targeting hospitals and residential neighbourhoods.
We are heading across the country to salute all Canadians doing their part to fight the spread of Covid-19. Our routes (posted here!) will target hospitals and residential neighbourhoods. More: https://t.co/zp8vIoDVnm. #cfsnowbirds #rcaf #ThankYouHealthWorkers pic.twitter.com/z4K3UhcfY8
— CF Snowbirds (@CFSnowbirds) April 29, 2020
While on tour, all members will be practising recommended hand-washing and wearing recommended personal protective equipment while travelling, according to the government press release. Members will also be minimizing any interactions with people outside of the team.
Last year, the crew cut their flying season short after one of the team’s famous Tutor aircraft crashed prior to an air show in the U.S. state of Georgia.
Capt. Kevin Domon-Grenier sustained minor injuries when he ejected from the plane, which crashed into a farmer’s field, but no one else was hurt.
With files to Canadian Press.
Graham Cox
