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The Canadian Forces Snowbirds are returning to Oshkosh for the first time since 2016. The popular military aerial demonstration team is making EAA AirVenture Oshkosh part of its 2024 schedule.
AirVenture will take place July 22-28, 2024 at the Wittman Regional Airport in Oshkosh, Wisconsin. Advance admissions are now available for the event, along with camping credentials and other amenities like the Aviators Club. In November, EAA confirmed the upcoming dates for the popular fly-in event convention through 2027. The Snowbirds will be performing at the week-long event as part of its 2024 schedule.RELATED STORY:EAA confirms AirVenture dates through 2027
"The Snowbirds are one of the world's finest military aerobatic flight teams, so their presence at Oshkosh in 2024 is a wonderful addition to AirVenture week as we commemorate the 100th anniversary of the Royal Canadian Air Force," said Rick Larsen, EAA's vice president of communities and member programs. "Along with their elegant precision aerobatics that define their aerial performances, we discovered in 2016 that the team members were enthusiastic and fully engaged in the aviation culture at Oshkosh, and truly enjoyed being with the tens of thousands of fellow aviators on the grounds."
The Snowbirds are set to have a public practice session over the grounds on Friday, July 26. Full performances are planned for the afternoon air show on Saturday and Sunday, July 27-28. The team was established in 1971 and is designated as a 431 Air Demonstration Squadron. With a nearly 50-year connection to the EAA and were the first military team to perform at Oshkosh when they flew at the EAA fly-in in the 1970s.
"As a team, we are extremely excited to be representing the Canadian Forces at AirVenture during the centennial year of the Royal Canadian Air Force," Snowbird 1 and Team Lead Maj. Brent Handy said. "The opportunity to share our display with such a large gathering of aviation enthusiasts and the chance to meet with our fans will be one of the many highlights of this important year for our dedicated team of pilots, technicians, and support personnel."
The snowbirds fly in Canadair CT-114 Tutor jets in bout 60 air shows each year. The nine aircraft used are flown by experienced team members from the Royal Canadian Air Force. During the shows, the pilots will fly at speeds ranging from 110 to 465 mph and in formation with distances as close as four feet of wing overlap. The shows feature loops, rolls and solo passes and nine-jet formations. There are over 50 formations and maneuvers in each 35-minute performance.