Snowbirds end Tutor era with last airshow at Moose Jaw

The Canadian Forces Snowbirds flew their final aerobatic display in the CT-114 Tutor at 15 Wing Moose Jaw in Saskatchewan, ending 55 years of airshow flying in the aircraft. The farewell performance took place during a three-day reunion and was streamed online. Close to 500 former pilots and team members attended, according to a former team leader who spoke to local media.

Dennis Beselt flew with the team in 1981 and 1982 and led it in 1987 and 1988. He said alumni from every one of the team's 55 years were present.

The Tutor joined the Royal Canadian Air Force in 1963 and became the team's display aircraft when the Snowbirds were formed in 1971. It stayed the RCAF's main jet trainer until 2000, and the team kept flying modified examples at shows across Canada and the United States.

The retirement was announced in May, along with plans to pause Snowbirds demonstrations for several years while the air force moves to a new aircraft. The Department of National Defence has chosen the Pilatus PC-21, designated the CT-157 Siskin II. It is expected to start flying with the team in the early 2030s and will also be a military trainer.

The Tutors have one public appearance left: a flyover at the Grey Cup in Calgary on Nov. 15. Their last flights, to 8 Wing Trenton in Ontario, are due by March 31, 2027, where the aircraft will be decommissioned. Some will be kept for museum display or used as maintenance training aids.