After over sixty years of dedicated service, the original CT-114 Tutor jets utilized by the Canadian Forces Snowbirds aerial acrobatic squadron will officially retire this year. These aircraft, well-known for their role in aeronautics, have become iconic symbols of Canadian aviation and are set to make their final appearance at the Canadian National Exhibition (CNE) in Toronto. This marks a historical moment for the Snowbirds, as it will be the last time they perform with these classic aircraft during the Canadian International Air Show (CIAS) at this popular annual event.
Major Maciej Hatta, the team lead for the Canadian Forces Snowbirds, elaborated on the significance of this retirement, stating, "This season concludes our time with the venerable CT-114 Tutor... it's a Canadair limited CL-41, designed, engineered, built in Canada, just in Montreal, in Catrierville." Each CT-114 Tutor jet was produced between 1963 and 1965, and while they exhibit signs of aging, they have consistently been maintained to high standards of airworthiness.
This year not only marks the Snowbirds' 55th performance at the CNE, but it also signifies a pause in their aerial activities until a new fleet can be acquired, which is anticipated to take until at least the early 2030s before they return to the skies. The Snowbirds, which are based in Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan, face a grounding period until the new aircraft can take their place. Major Hatta noted, "The plans are to return with a different aircraft, hopefully sooner rather than later and be back in full force in the near future."
Before the final performance at the CNE, the Snowbirds will make a penultimate appearance at the Grey Cup in Calgary this November. Meanwhile, the federal government has announced that the modern CT-157 Siskin II aircraft will eventually replace the aging CT-114 Tutor jets, although a specific timeline for this transition has yet to be established.
The upcoming CIAS showcases a total of 15 aerial acts, with the Snowbirds’ performance serving as the grand finale of the show. The CIAS, taking place on Saturday, Sunday, and Monday, is scheduled to run from 12 p.m. to 3:40 p.m., featuring a lineup of exciting aerial displays that captivate both aviation enthusiasts and families alike.
The confirmed roster of performers at the CIAS is as follows:
- 12 p.m. – CF-18
- 12:14 p.m. – Northern Stars
- 12:35 p.m. – CP-140 Aurora
- 12:46 p.m. – Mike and Sam Tryggvason – “Showcat”
- 12:59 p.m. – Marco Rusconi P-51
- 1:15 p.m. – Luke Penner – Extra 300
- 1:31 p.m. – Edenvale Classic Aircraft Foundation – Fleet Cornell
- 1:38 p.m. – Trevor Rafferty – Christen Eagle
- 1:54 p.m. – CH-146 Griffon – SAR
- 2:09 p.m. – Dan Fortin – Nanchang CJ6
- 2:30 p.m. – USAF F-35A Demo Team
- 2:50 p.m. – CF Snowbirds
The event is expected to draw large crowds, as it has become a staple of the CNE, showcasing the rich history and development of aerial performance in Canada. The retirement of the CT-114 Tutor jets marks the end of an era for the Snowbirds and their fans, leaving behind a legacy that will be cherished in Canadian aviation history.
