Snowbirds set to fly iconic jets for last time this weekend

Detailed summary

Fifty-five years after the team's formation, the Canadian Forces Snowbirds' iconic jets will grace the skies one last time. The aerobatics team's CT-114 Tutor jets are set to fly…

Fifty-five years after the team's formation, the Canadian Forces Snowbirds' iconic jets will grace the skies one last time.

The aerobatics team's CT-114 Tutor jets are set to fly over Calgary's McMahon Stadium on Sunday as part of the 113th Grey Cup festivities, before being grounded permanently.

Aviation enthusiast Jesse Millington wouldn't miss the legendary squadron's final flight for the world.

"I can't wait for it. I was fortunate enough to see them out in Abbotsford this year, and I didn't know if I'd get another chance to actually see them fly," said Millington, who's coming to Calgary from Foothills County for the event.

"Through my entire life the Snowbirds have always just been there," Millington said.

He parked this plane in his backyard to preserve Alberta's aviation history

The CAF ordered the team's signature CT-114 Tutor jets as training aircraft in 1961.

"It's one of the most Canadian things," Millington said. "It's like hockey. You could say it's like Tim Hortons and all the rest."

The federal government announced in May that the CT-114 Tutor jets would be retired after the 2026 flying season. They're set to be replaced by Swiss-made CT-157 Siskin II planes, but those won't be here until the 2030s at the earliest.

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