After over 60 years of service, the iconic CT-114 Tutor jets used by the Canadian Forces Snowbirds aerobatic team are set to retire this year. This will mark their final appearance at the Canadian National Exhibition (CNE) in Toronto and the annual Canadian International Air Show (CIAS), showcasing these classic aircraft.
Major Maciej Hatta, the team lead of the Canadian Forces Snowbirds, expressed, “This season wraps up our time with the revered CT-114 Tutor… a Canadair CL-41, proudly Canadian-made in Montreal, Catrierville. These aircraft were all produced between 1963 and 1965, showing signs of age but still maintained to high airworthiness standards.”
Since 1971, the Snowbirds have delighted audiences with around 2,700 performances in the Tutor jets, becoming a cherished part of national events and festivities. This year marks their 55th appearance at the CNE, but it will be their final one until the early 2030s as the squadron will be temporarily grounded while awaiting new aircraft.
Hatta shared, “Our intention is to come back with a new aircraft sooner rather than later and resume our shows with renewed vigor.” The Snowbirds will give their second-to-last show in the CT-114 Tutor jets at the Grey Cup in Calgary on Nov. 15.
The federal government has announced that the modern CT-157 Siskin II aircraft will replace the retiring Tutor jets, though no specific timeline for this transition has been provided.
The CIAS will feature a total of 15 acts, with the Snowbirds’ performance serving as the grand finale. The show will take place on Saturday, Sunday, and Monday from 12 p.m. to 3:40 p.m.
