Fargo, North Dakota.
On Friday this week, I spent some quality time getting reaquainted with the inside of an airplane. With a brand new checkride complete, I can now act as “Pilot In Command” of a Civil Air Patrol aircraft again. On our way back to Fargo, after completing the check ride, we heard a call on the radio using the name “Snowbird”. My check pilot wondered aloud if that call was for one of the aircraft that belongs to the Canadian Royal Air Force Demonstration Squadron.
After we landed, arriving back at the ramp, the flight marshall directed us to park immediately to the left of Snowbird number 6. She was getting a fresh load of fuel and a once-over. The aircraft belongs to the Royal Canadian Air Force Squadron 431. The Air Demonstration Squadron recently celebrated its 45th anniversary.
Formed in 1971 and stationed in Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan, the Snowbird name came from an elementary student following a “Name the Team” contest. They have flown the same model aircraft, a CT-114 Tutor jet trainer for their entire 45 year history. These aircraft were manufactured between 1963 and 1966.
Checking this year’s show schedule, the weekend of June 11-12, the Snowbirds are scheduled to perform in Borden, Ontario, Canada. This snowbird seems to be quite a ways away from the rest of the flock.
There is only one rule for Cellpic Sunday. The image must be captured and edited on a mobile device. This photo was captured on a Samsung S7 and edited on an iPad.
John Steiner
Flare Legend Adventures
Kewl RYDE! 🙂
So why was Snowbird 6 separated from the flock?
Someone mentioned that the CO and XO attended the funeral on Saturday of the Blue Angel pilot who was killed last week. The funeral was in Durango, Colorado. A stop at Fargo for fuel would be on the flight path.
I saw that you mentioned the tragic death of the Blue Angel pilot. Did the Blue Angels do a regular gig out of Brawley in Ca?
That is the Blue Angels winter home and their first show performance every year.
Ah ok. I thought so. I stayed there a few times with my ex-wife’s aunt. Just off I-8. She was always talking about the Blue Angels.
Happy flying. Tragic to hear of the poor Blue Angels pilots. They will be missed.
Flying at such close range and high speeds is a dangerous job. Very little margin for error. These guys are at the top of their game, best in the world category. Yet, still, accidents happen. Tragic.