The 6th annual Waterloo Air Show welcomes new acts and returning favourites 

Photo by: Military Mom

Snowbirds and CF-18 fighter jet share the stage with Jet School Bus and WWII B-17 bomber  Guests can fly in a WWII B-17 bomber! 

 June 28 & 29, 2014 

TIME: Gates open 10am - 5pm. Air Show begins at 1pm. 
WHERE: Region of Waterloo International Airport, 4881 Fountain Street North, Breslau 

Are you ready Kitchener Waterloo and surrounding areas??? Be prepared to look to the skies as the ground starts to rumble and the jets start to roar down the runways at the 6th Annual Waterloo Region Airshow! Come on out and enjoy a spectacular show and speak to the pilots, veterans and military personnel on site! 

Kick-start your summer by experiencing amazing aerial displays at the 2014 Waterloo Air Show. Aviation is 
showcased both in the air and on the ground. Returning favourites will include spectacular displays by the Canadian Forces Snowbirds, Canada’s CF-18 fighter jet demonstration, daring aerobatics, warbirds and more. 

Four new acts will be in Waterloo Region this year: 
• Jet School Bus -- a 367 mph school bus may be impractical for getting the kids to school but they're going to love the roar and flames as the Indy Boys take to the runway 
• B-17 bombers – not one, but two historical WWII B-17 bombers will be in Waterloo this year. Last year did see one B-17 in Waterloo but it was on ground display. This year, one will fly. And incredibly, both B-17 Yankee Lady & B-17 Sentimental Journey will be offering rides for $450 U.S. With 12,000 B-17s built, they became one of the most important aircraft of WWII. 
• Lucas Oil Skydivers -- Look way up and marvel at these 3 talented skydivers as they ride the winds using their highly maneuverable parachutes. 
• Mike Tryggvason – hard work comes easy to this son of Canadian astronaut Bjarni Tryggvason; 

Acts rounding out the 2014 Waterloo Air Show line-up include: 

• Canadian Forces Snowbirds - with their awe-inspiring 9-plane aerobatic formations 
• Canadian Forces CF-18 demonstration jet - Canada's fighter jet 
• L-29 - flown by air show co-producer Richard Cooper 
• Kent Pietsch & his yellow Jelly Belly plane - veteran U.S. aerobatic performer with 3 separate acts 
• Mike Wiskus, aerobatics - a former U.S. aerobatic champ, Mike’s performance is incredible! 
• Gord Price - a 71-year-old aerobatic pilot from Thornbury flying a YAK 50, Serial #1 
• T-33 Silver Star - the ‘Mako Shark’ from the Jet Aircraft Museum in London 
• Harvard Formation Team - 4 planes from the Canadian Harvard Aircraft Assoc. in Tillsonburg 
• Wayne Hadath - a Kitchener resident who races his home-built F1-Rocket 
• Danny Richer - Brantford resident flying his Strikemaster 
• Pyro - lots of smoke and flame -- kaboom! 
(all acts are subject to change due to operational duties and mechanical difficulties) 

A Static Display (aircraft parked on the tarmac all weekend) will offer this year’s guests additional opportunities to see aircraft up close, take photos and speak to the pilots. Most significantly are a number of WWII and post-WWII aircraft including a B-17 (offering rides), TBM Avenger, AC-47 Spooky, C-46 Commando, C-123 Provider and a B-25 Mitchell. 

This two-day family event will also offer additional entertainment and activities including an Autograph Tent, displays, vendors, a kids amusement area, Food Truck Alley and licensed areas. 
Bring your chairs and cameras out to the Region of Waterloo International Airport and let your wings soar! 

DATE: Saturday, June 28 & Sunday, June 29 
TIME: Gates open 10am - 5pm. Air Show begins at 1pm. 
WHERE: Region of Waterloo International Airport, 4881 Fountain Street North, Breslau 
COST: General Admission $30 (buy online and save) 

 Children 5-12 $15 (buy online and save) 
 Seniors (65+) $17 (buy online and save) 
Family Pass $80 (NEW this year) 
 Children under 5 FREE 
 Veterans: FREE (with proper ID) (escorts pay admission) 
 Sky Chalet Tent: $170 (Air Show Insiders get a reduced rate of $125) 
(advanced online sales only; limited tickets) 
Includes 1 onsite parking, VIP tent with tables and chairs, catered lunch, 2 alcohol tickets and cash bar, centre stage viewing, 2014/15 calendar, performer autographs. 

TICKETS: Tickets available at www.waterlooairshow.com or at the gate. 
PARKING: $5 off-site parking; shuttle buses to airport grounds. 
MORE INFO: www.waterlooairshow.com 
 info@waterlooairshow.com 
 519-341-474

The Waterloo Air Show is made possible by one staff member and hundreds of dedicated volunteers

The Pilots are Here!

The tents are up, the lawn is being cut, the Snowbird Jets are lined up and ready to go for the Waterloo Regional Airshow this weekend!

Snowbirds reflected in the Air Traffic Control Tower at Waterloo Reg. Airport

Photo by: mm

Grass is being cut adjacent to runways

 

Snow Birds Lined Up and Ready to Fly!  Photo By: mm

 

Waterloo Air Show & Canadian Aviation Expo

 June 1st & 2nd, 2013

Gates open 10 am - 5 pm. The Air Show starts at 1:00 pm

The line up is growing!

The 2013 CF-18 Demo Team is pleased to announce this year's theme: "The Common Thread" Canada’s rich diversity is among its greatest strengths. In 2013, the team celebrates “The Common Thread” that ties Canadians of all backgrounds together. Despite our differences, Canadians alike embrace peace, freedom and equality, and your Canadian Armed Forces makes it a priority to defend these values. Every day, airmen and air women conduct aerial sovereignty, reconnaissance and surveillance patrols, carry out search and rescue operations, and defend North American airspace through NORAD. From our vast Arctic reaches to the homeland that lies between our coasts, the Royal Canadian Air Force is proud to be part of defending the “The Common Thread” of this great nation. To embody this theme, this year’s Demo Hornet will display tail and dorsal art representing the diversity of our country that is united by “The Common Thread”. The artwork was created by veteran graphic design director Jim Belliveau of 410 Squadron at Cold Lake, Alberta, who is celebrating his 20th year as the CF-18 Demo Team design director. The CF-18 Demo Team looks forward to honouring Canadians who share “The Common Thread” and representing all Canadian Forces personnel – soldiers, sailors, airmen and airwomen alike - during the 2013 air show season.

RCAF CC-130J "Hercules" transport aircraft will be on static display during this year's show on June 1st and 2nd at the Region of Waterloo International Airport.
The Hercules has been a part of Canada's strategic airlift fleet since 1960.  The "J" model is the newest and, essentially, a completely new aircraft.   The new "Hercs" fly faster, higher and farther, and they carry heavier loads while burning less fuel. They can use shorter landing and take-off fields and their climb time is reduced by up to 50 per cent compared to the older models. They deliver cutting edge technology to provide the Canadian Forces with a modern, cost-effective, operationally-proven tactical airlift capability.
Not only is the new Hercules a more capable aircraft, it also requires fewer crew members than the older Hercules; it flies with a minimum crew of three – two pilots and a loadmaster – compared to five on the older Hercules.
UPDATE: What's better than one Hercules?  2 Hercules will be on display. The J and an older H model. Don' miss your chance to tour the aircraft, inside and out.
Discount admission tickets are available on-line.  Go to WATERLOOAIRSHOW.COM for details

DUSTY -- the main character from Disney's new

summer movie "Planes" has been added to our list of acts!

 

His only Canadian appearance!

 

On August 9th, Disney will be releasing "Planes", an action-packed 3D animated comedy adventure featuring Dusty, a plane with dreams of competing as a high-flying air racer. "Planes",  following the popularity of "Cars" in 2006, captures the thrill and excitement that flying has to offer.

Dusty, the main character, will be performing at the Waterloo Air Show, June 1 & 2. Dusty will come to life with the help of a Texas-based Air Tractor AT-301 and a customized paint scheme. Fittingly, Air Tractors are used for agricultural purposes.

"Disney's Planes" is a great underdog story. Dusty is a crop duster who's never flown above 1,000 feet, but he dreams of being the fastest air racer in the world.  He has a lot of obstacles to overcome and needs to dig pretty deep to find the courage to become more than he was built for. A wonderfully inspirational story for kids of all ages.

Discount advance tickets can be purchased at WATERLOOAIRSHOW.COM

KIDS - Ever want to make the perfect paper airplane? Click here

Canadian Harvard Aircraft

The all-volunteer Canadian Harvard Aircraft Association was born in 1985 at a small grass airstrip in Woodstock, Ontario, from the dreams of a handful of Harvard lovers who were determined to keep the legend of the Harvard alive. The Mission of the organization is to acquire, preserve, restore, maintain, display and demonstrate the Harvard and all other aircraft associated with the Royal Canadian Air Force.

Jet Aircraft Museum T-33 "Mako Shark"

The Mako Shark returns to provide an aerial demonstration of the T-33 Silver Star jet trainer.
The Jet Aircraft Museum, headquartered nearby in London is dedicated to preserving and flying vintage jets.

 

 

Canadian Harvard Aircraft Association

The all-volunteer Canadian Harvard Aircraft Association was born in 1985 at a small grass airstrip in Woodstock, Ontario, from the dreams of a handful of Harvard lovers who were determined to keep the legend of the Harvard alive. The Mission of the organization is to acquire, preserve, restore, maintain, display and demonstrate the Harvard and all other aircraft associated with the Royal Canadian Air Force.

Canadian Forces Snowbirds

We are very pleased that the Canadian Forces Snowbirds will return to Waterloo during their 2013 season. Their incredible 9-plane aerial aerobatics will dazzle audiences of all ages. Stick around for autographs after their show!

PHOTOGRAPHY 101   

Every Want to Take that Perfect Picture at an Airshow? At the Waterloo Airport, come visit the "Locked on Photography" booth for a 10 minute tutorial!

Locked On Photography and The Waterloo Air Show Present

Air Show Photography 101

 
A series of mini workshops being held during the Waterloo Air Show that focus on how you can catch the perfect shot of your favourite air show performers.

The 10 minute Workshops run every ½ hour at the Locked On Photography booth starting at 10:30 until 12:30

Topics Include:
-        Don’t Just Stand There!: Hot Spots To Shoot
-        Tips for Shooting Static Aircraft
-        Perfect Equipment On a Budget
-        Post Processing: Where The Fun Begins
-        The World Beyond “Auto Mode”
-        Clean Up The Mess: The Magic of Cloning Tools

Drop by the booth to see the schedule of workshops throughout the day that will be running until the performers start.
Vist Locked On Photography
Remember to get your advance tickets at WATERLOOAIRSHOW.COM

5th Annual Waterloo Air Show 2013

5^th Annual Waterloo Air Show

 

Tickets on Sale NOW online

 

Photo by: M.M.

DATE: Saturday, June 1 and Sunday, June 2

TIME: Gates open 10am - 5pm (9am for Air Show Insiders and pilots). Air Show begins at 1pm.

WHERE: Region of Waterloo International Airport,

4881 Fountain St N, Breslau

View Larger Map

 

GATE COSTS:     

General Admission                          $25 (buy online and save)

Children 5-12                                     $10 (buy online and save)

Seniors (65+)                                     $15 (buy online and save)

Children under 5                                FREE

Veterans:                                            FREE (with proper ID) (escorts pay admission)

                               

VIP Sky Chalet Tent:       $150 (Air Show Insiders: $125) (advanced online sales only; limited tickets)

Includes: 1 onsite parking, VIP tent with tables and chairs, catered lunch, 2 alcohol tickets and cash bar, centre stage viewing, 2014 calendar, performer autographs.

 

PARKING: Options available: FREE (with a walk) and PAID (off-site with shuttle service)

 

 

New this year: the Canadian Aviation Expo joins us air show weekend

 

New acts: incredible wing walking and a flame-billowing jet car

 

Returning favourites: Snowbirds and CF-18 Demonstration jet

 

Tickets go on sale Friday, April 19

 

This year’s Waterloo Air Show is bigger and better than ever with new acts, a bigger static display, Food Truck Alley and the inclusion of the Canadian Aviation Expo, Canada’s premier aviation expo and trade show.

 

The Canadian Aviation Expo

 

The Waterloo Air Show is excited to announce it is teaming up with the Canadian Aviation Expo this year, meaning two events are coming together at one location.

 

The annual Canadian Aviation Expo is Canada’s premier aviation expo and trade show.  Celebrating its 20^th anniversary this year, the Expo features many displays and vendors catering to the aviation world. Guests can explore a huge selection of aviation products and new aircraft. Plus the Expo offers a ‘Fly-In’ which may see upwards of 200 small, private aircraft ‘flying in’ for the day.

 

While the air show’s primary audience is families, the Expo’s primary target is pilots and people in the aviation/aerospace industries. Together, the two events cater nicely to a wide range of audiences.

 

 

In the past, the Expo has taken place in various locations in the Greater Toronto Area including Downsview Park in Toronto, Oshawa airport and most recently Hamilton airport.

 

The Air Show

This year’s line up of acts has returning favourites and exciting new additions. Headlining the show will once again be the Canadian Forces Snowbirds, and also from the Canadian Forces will be this year’s painted CF-18 Demonstration jet, representing the 2013 season’s theme: The Common Thread.

 

Airshow Line Up: 

• The Canadian Snowbirds - 9 plane aerobatic formations
• CF-18 Demonstration Jet- Canada's frontline fighter jet -2013 Theme: The Common Thread
• Jane Wicker Wing Walking
• Smoke-N-Thunder Jet Car Demo
• Gord Price - Russian Yak 50 (serial number 01)
• T-33 Silver Star "Mako Shark"
• Canadian Harvard Aircraft Association 4 Plane formation team
• F1 Rocket - Wayne Hadath
• Rick Volker - U.S. aerobatic performer pulling up to 11G's
• L29 Delfin -owned and flown by Waterloo Air Show Co-producer Richard Cooper
•           Pyro- Kaboom! Catch the Wall of Fire as the CF-18 fighter jet speeds past

The Static Display

This year’s static display will be bigger than ever as the Waterloo Air Show arranges for aircraft to fill the tarmac for people to see up close, take photos and speak to the pilots and crew. These are aircraft parked all weekend, and are in addition to the aircraft flying in the show.

 

From the Royal Canadian Air Force we are expecting Harvard II and Hawk training aircraft from Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan; a Griffon helicopter from base Borden; and a Dash-8 “Gonzo” navigational trainer from Winnipeg.

 

Additional static includes a historic array of World War Two-era bomber and transports from American air museums, such as the B-17 Flying Fortress (heavy bomber), B-25 Mitchell (medium bomber), TBM Avenger (carrier-based torpedo bomber), C-123 Provider (military cargo/transport airlift), Douglas AC-47 ‘Spooky’ (ground support; military version of DC3), and a C-46 Curtiss Commando ‘Tinker Belle’(transport; only one not owned by Ice Pilots). There will also be a twin-engine Beech 18 and an Albatross, an amphibious aircraft currently used for search & rescue.

Additional Fun

This two-day family event will offer additional entertainment and activities including displays, vendors, a kid’s amusement area, an Autograph Tent, and licensed areas.

 

Bring your chairs and cameras out to the Region of Waterloo International Airport

 and let your wings soar!

AIR SHOW INFO Click HERE

info@waterlooairshow.com  

519-341-4742        

 

AVIATION EXPO INFO:      

www.canadianaviationexpo.com

                                                                                            

 info@canadianaviationexpo.com

                                                                                                     

  1-866-309-9537

                               

Waterloo Air Show Facebook Page   Waterloo Air Show Facebook Page

       

Waterloo Air Show Twitter page

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Canadian Forces Snowbirds Announce 2008 Season

News from: 15 WING, MOOSE JAW, SASKATCHEWAN

The Canadian Forces Snowbirds were delighted to announce their 2008 show season schedule December11 in Las Vegas, Nevada, United States of America, during the International Council of Air Shows Convention."We are looking forward to a fantastic 2008 Season and to flying Canada's colours across North America," said Major Robert Mitchell, Commanding Officer, Canadian Forces Snowbirds. "Both in the air and on the ground, we remain committed to strive and represent the best of the Canadian Forces and to preserve our tradition of excellence."During the 2008 Season, the Snowbirds are scheduled to participate in 65 air shows in 43 locations, proudly telling the Canadian Forces story through their inspirational flying and engaging team members. The team is also scheduled to conduct fly pasts of the following significant Canadian events: Canada Day, Calgary Stampede, The Formula 1 and Edmonton Grand Prix.As ambassadors of the Canadian Forces and Canada, the team will travel as far North as Yellowknife, N.W.T., as far South as Fort Lauderdale, Fla., as far West as Victoria, B.C. and as far East as Halifax, N.S. The team is also looking forward to celebrating the 400th anniversary of Quebec City, Que., 14 and 15 June and to performing in their hometown of Moose Jaw, Sask., 23 August.During the team's 38-year history, the Snowbirds have performed in about 2,100 air shows, before more than 125 million spectators.The Canadian Forces Snowbirds' mission is to represent the professionalism, skill and teamwork of the Canadian Forces and to inspire Canadians to consider an exciting career in Canada's military.For a complete list of the Canadian Forces Snowbirds' show sites, please visit the team's website at http://www.snowbirds.forces.gc.ca/ or http://www.snowbirds.forces.gc.ca/site/airshows/schedule_e.asp

If you ever get a chance to see the Canadian Snowbirds.. do so! It's an exasperating experience watching the precise and difficult synchronized manoevers of the pilots of this team. I can't wait.. See you at the Air Show! ~ m.m.

Families Bid Farewell to Capt. Shawn McCaughey

They would have celebrated his wedding next month, but instead members of Capt. Shawn McCaughey's immediate family and his extended military family gathered at 15 Wing Moose Jaw on Friday afternoon to bid an emotional farewell to the fallen Snowbird.
McCaughey, 31, of Candiac, Que., died May 18 when the CT-114 Tutor jet he was piloting crashed during an airshow rehearsal at Malmstrom Air Force Base in Great Falls, Mont.
Before the military funeral began, No. 4 Hangar was eerily quiet despite more than 800 people sitting on chairs and bleachers and standing.

Photo credit: Don Healy
Claudia Gaudreault, the fiancee of Snowbird Capt. Shawn McCaughey,
lights a candle at his military funeral in Moose Jaw on Friday.

Then, as the flag-draped casket entered the cavernous building shortly after 1 p.m., men and women in uniform made no attempt to muffle their sobs or stem their tears as they heard many touching tributes and poems dedicated to McCaughey.
The casket was placed between the noses of two planes -- one a CT-114 Tutor jet that's flown by the Snowbirds, and the other a CT-156 Harvard II, the plane McCaughey flew as an instructor.
15 Wing commander Col. Richard Foster told those gathered, "There's no greater sacrifice than giving one's own life in the service of one's country."
The military funeral, which lasted almost two hours, included five eulogies, a rifle volley and a flyover by four CF-18 jets from Cold Lake who performed the Missing Man formation.
The McCaughey family requested the CF-18 jets to honour their son's aspirations to be a CF-18 pilot.
"Here we are, a military family who have come together to stand witness to this young man's life," Foster said. "... Shawn will forever be a part of us as he so firmly believed in the ideals that he represented as a Snowbird."
Foster said that Snowbirds feel honoured and privileged to represent all serving soldiers, sailors and airmen who are risking their lives throughout the world. "Shawn believed in this," Foster said. "He lived this. A great Canadian ... A mentor to us all."
In a poem that Jennifer McCaughey wrote in honour of her brother, she spoke of his love for flying and for belonging to the Snowbird team.
"On behalf of the McCaughey family, Long Live the Snowbirds," she said.
As much as McCaughey adored flying, the love of his life was his fiancee Claudia Gaudreault, whom he was to marry in Montreal next month.
Before leaving for the Montana air show, McCaughey wrote Gaudreault a birthday card and hid it in her bed. She found it the night he died. It was read to the mourners by Julie Selby, the widow of Miles Selby, a Snowbird pilot who died while flying in 2004.
"You are my heart's true love, the one I was meant to meet across time, across space, whatever obstacles life puts in our way," the card read.
"You are the only one with whom I could find such a wonderful deep and exciting love and I'm so glad to be sharing life's beautiful adventures with you." continued ...

Our prayers are with Capt. McCaughey's family and friends.

Canadian Forces Snowbirds Return Home

Our hearts and prayers go out to the family and friends of Captain Shawn McCaughey.

"He flies with our angels"

15 WING, MOOSE JAW, SASKATCHEWAN-- The Canadian Forces Snowbirds returned home to 15 Wing, Moose Jaw, by CC-130 Hercules aircraft, during the evening of Monday, May 21, following the tragic aircraft accident that claimed the life of their teammate and friend, Captain Shawn McCaughey."It is important for our team to return home to our family, friends and fellow teammates to mourn together during this difficult time," said Major Robert Mitchell, Commanding Officer, Canadian Forces Snowbirds. "Our thoughts and prayers are with Shawn's family - they are our priority at this time."A memorial service for Captain Shawn McCaughey will take place Friday, May 25 at 15 Wing Moose Jaw will full military honours."The memorial service will pay tribute and honour Shawn's life," said Major Mitchell. "Shawn was a passionate and talented pilot, a dedicated and devoted member of the Canadian Forces and a dear friend."The Canadian Forces Flight Safety Investigative Team will continue their work in Montana to determine the cause of the accident. The highly-qualified team of experts will investigate all aspects of the flight to prevent reoccurrence.
Captain Shawn McCaughey will return home to 15 Wing Moose Jaw by CC-130 Hercules aircraft during the evening of Tuesday, May 22, following the tragic aircraft accident that claimed his life.

Family and members of the Canadian Forces Snowbirds will be on hand to render full military honours to their fallen comrade.

Captain McCaughey, 31, of Candiac, Quebec died Friday, May 18, when the CT-114 Tutor jet he was piloting crashed during an air show rehearsal at Malmstrom Air Force Base in Great Falls, Montana. He served as the Inner Right Wing position pilot and flew the No. 2 jet for the team. He was in his second year with the Squadron.A military memorial service for Captain McCaughey will take place Friday, May 25 at 15 Wing Moose Jaw. A private interment service for Captain McCaughey will be held in Candiac, Quebec at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, the McCaughey family would prefer that donations be made to Montreal's Fondation de l'Hopital Sainte-Justine / St. Justine Hospital Foundation (Neo-Natal Unit) in honour of "Snowbird No.2, Captain Shawn McCaughey." (click on icon)

For more information about this charity, please visit www.fondation-sainte-justine.org.

The Canadian Forces Flight Safety Investigative Team will continue their work in Montana to determine the cause of the accident and will make recommendations aimed at preventing such accidents in the future.

Flags fly at half staff inside the main gate at
Malmstrom Air Force Base, Montana,
May 19, 2007. (Photo Credit: Robin Loznak)

Our Hearts are Heavy for Canada's Snowbird

Our hearts and prayers go out to the family and friends of

Captain Shawn McCaughey

On May 18th, Cpt McCaughey's Canadian Forces Snowbirds aircraft crashed during an air show practice at Malmstrom Air Force Base near Great Falls, Montana, May 18 at about 3:45 p.m. Captain Shawn McCaughey, 31, Snowbird 2, of Candiac, Quebec, died when his CT-114 Tutor jet impacted the ground during the practice flight.

“Shawn was a professional officer, talented pilot and dear friend – our team is devastated and we will miss him.” said Major Robert Mitchell, Commanding Officer, Canadian Forces Snowbirds.

Cpt McCaughey was in his second year with the Snowbirds and flew the No. 2 jet in the Inner Right Wing position. Captain McCaughey joined the Canadian Forces in 2000 as a Direct Entry Officer (DEO). Prior to joining the Canadian Forces, he earned a Bachelor's degree in Physical Geography from Concordia University in Montreal. He also held a civilian commercial pilot's license. After receiving his wings on the CT-155 Hawk in 2003, he was posted to 2 Canadian Forces Flying Training School (2CFFTS) in Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan, as a flying instructor on the CT-156 Harvard II, the NATO Flying Training in Canada Program's (NFTC) new training aircraft. During his tour, Captain McCaughey obtained over 500 instructional hours and earned an A2 instructional category.Being a graduate of the NFTC Program, Captain McCaughey was the first Snowbird pilot to have no previous experience on the CT-114 Tutor. Captain McCaughey brought over 1,400 hours of military flying time to the 2007 team. McCaughey flew the No. 2 jet in the Inner Right Wing position. (as shown below)

He was determined and meticulous, mother, Rose McCaughey said. "From the age of six, he would always make his bed each morning." He liked order. If she happened to sit on his bed during the day, Shawn would notice upon his return from school.

He knew the risks involved, but he was passionate about being a pilot and for him, becoming a Snowbird meant making it to the top, his parents said.

He was selected for the Snowbirds in the fall of 2005 at age 29, becoming the youngest pilot to be named to the elite Canadian Forces show team, his parents said.
McCaughey was engaged to Claudia Gaudreault of Chicoutimi, Que., who lives in Moose Jaw where the Snow Birds are stationed. The couple had planned to be married June 9th.

Shawn McCaughey's fiancee, Claudia Gaudreault of Chicoutimi, Que. said, "It's unreal to me, it's like a dream," she said. "But I have this thing inside me that I cannot describe. It's like a spiritual thing that fills me ... Shawn and I - it was love that was the basis of our relationship."


The Snowbirds were scheduled to perform at the Malmstrom Air Force Base Open House May 19 and 20. Canadian Forces Flight Safety will conduct a thorough investigation. The Canadian Forces Snowbirds’ mission is to represent the skill, professionalism and teamwork of the men and women in Canada’s military and to support recruiting initiatives.

The Honourable Gordon O'Connor, Minister of National Defence, issued the following statement today on the death of Captain Shawn McCaughey:“On behalf of the Defence family and our dedicated men and women in uniform, I extend my heartfelt sympathies to the family, friends, team members, and comrades of Captain Shawn McCaughey.This dedicated pilot and professional officer served as an ambassador of Canada by showcasing his skills and representing the best that the Canadian Forces has to offer. Captain McCaughey accumulated over 1,400 hours of military flying time before joining the 2007 Snowbirds team. Indeed he exemplified the professionalism, excellence and dedication embodied not only by our renowned Snowbirds team but also by all serving members.Canadians stand united in pride behind our Canadian Forces, and are forever grateful for their contributions and sacrifices.”

God Bless