Cuts ground Snowbirds aerobatic team from U.S. shows

MOOSE JAW, Sask. – Federal cuts has forced the Snowbirds aerobatic team to cut all their performances in the United States for 2014.

The team, based in Moose Jaw, Sask., says Canadian shows will not be affected.

The move comes after yearly flying hours were slashed by ten per cent. The Royal Canadian Air Force said all Canadian military aircraft and pilots have faced cutbacks, resulting in a dramatic decrease in flying hours.

Officials say cutting training was out of the question, so all U.S. performances were put on the chopping block.

U.S. air shows book the Snowbirds in advance and the cancellation has left organizers scrambling.