Team Lead Lieutenant Colonel Bard Discusses the 2010 Air Show Season

Almost 70 years after their inception, the 431 Snowbirds continue today bolstered by the tradition of excellence, discipline, and dedication that started in 1942. In response to the onslaught of World War II, the Royal Canadian Air Force formed the 431 Bomber Squadron in Burn, England.

After the end of the war and a brief time on public tours, the 431 Squadron disbanded in 1954; however, to commemorate Canada’s centennial year in 1967, the RCAF formed the Golden Centennaires, planting the seed for another era of aerobatic team display!

After the Golden Centennaires disbanded in 1967, the Commanding Officer, Colonel O.B. Philp, set to work on forming a more permanent team to ensure that the traditions of aerial perfection continued. Four years later, the Snowbirds performed their first aerobatic team demonstration. Thanks to the dedicated efforts of the team pilots and the support of the Canadian public, the RCAF officially re-activated the 431 Air Demonstration Squadron on April 1st, 1978.

Today, the 431 Squadron (commonly known as the Snowbirds Demonstration Team) serves as an iconic representation of the Canadian Forces; more than 80 serving members participate in the squadron each year.

Dedicated to their expertise in teamwork and aerial precision, the Snowbirds perform thrilling aerobatic displays in air shows across North America. During 2010, the Snowbirds team will celebrate its 40th season, as well as the Centennial of the Canadian Navy.

FMI: www.airforce.forces.gc.ca, www.snowbirds.dnd.ca/v2/index-eng.asp, www.aero-tv.net, www.youtube.com/aerotvnetwork, http://twitter.com/AeroNews