COVID-19 has grounded the performance fleet at 15 Wing Moose Jaw in what was supposed to be a milestone season for the Canadian Armed Forces Snowbirds.
Now, the pilots are looking for new ways to showcase their talents during their 50th season.
“One of the ways that we’re able to display the skills, professionalism and work of the men and women of the Canadian Forces is mainly through airshows and travelling over the summer,” said team lead Jean-Francois Dupont.
Since that’s not possible, the Snowbirds are doing it virtually instead.
The Socially Distant Air Show will stream military and civilian performers online. It’s a fundraiser for the International Council of Air Shows Foundation with all proceeds going to its members affected by Coronavirus.
“It may only take 15 to 30 minutes of our time to give back to the community and we’re super happy to do that,” Dupont said.
While the Snowbirds won’t actually be in the air for the show, they will showcase footage from training exercises and last year’s performances to give a “pilot’s perspective” on the maneuvers.
“We explain what we’re doing and how we’re doing it just to have a different view, instead of just sitting there and watching what we’re doing,” Dupont said.
Dupont, who loved going to airshows as a kid, said the online version is a great way to boost morale, but it doesn’t compare to the real in-person experience.
But, because of social distancing, online airshows might be the way of the future, at least for this season.
The Snowbirds typically perform roughly 60 shows in 30 to 40 different cities each year.
Many of those shows have been cancelled or delayed, according to Dupont. The Snowbirds have a tentative appearance set for the end of June, but it’s still up in the air.
“Because there are so many unknowns, we still have some training to do to be able to do a safe and good airshow,” Dupont said. “Everything will be based on when we start flying again. The longer we wait, the longer it will take for us to be ready.”
The uncertainty has not only put the pilots out of practice, it’s also thrown a wrench into the Snowbirds 50th season.
“I won’t lie, it’s a little disappointing,” Dupont said, adding they are ready to celebrate the season if COVID-19 allows.
“We might still carry on with our season. If not, the 50th season will be next year. We don’t know yet.”
Keeping things in perspective, Dupont said he feels lucky to still have a job doing something he loves in the middle of a pandemic when so many others have been laid off.
LiveAirShowTV is streaming the Socially Distant Air Show online from April 21 to 23.
Questions about COVID-19? Here are some things you need to know:
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