Snowbirds Up and Away

by Allan Van Gasbeck

Title

Snowbirds Up and Away

Artist

Allan Van Gasbeck

Medium

Photograph - Photography - Digital Photography & Digital Art By Allan C. Van Gasbeck

Description

This image was captured in late July 2014 in Kelowna, British Columbia, Canada. Our Canadian Armed Forces Snowbirds were in town to display their incredible flying skills. The team is officially known as the 431 Air Demonstration Squadron, flying CT-114 Tutors based out of Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan. The Snowbirds are Canada's military aerobatics or air show flight demonstration team whose purpose is to "demonstrate the skill, professionalism, and teamwork of Canadian Forces personnel". They have 80 full time personnel with 24 of those travelling to demonstrations. The Snowbirds continue the flying demonstration tradition of previous Canadian Royal Air Force aerobatic teams, which include the Siskins, the Blue Devils, the Golden Hawks, and the Golden Centennaires. At the show, nine aircraft combine to perform aerobatics and manoeuvers in frighteningly close proximity to one another. The Snowbirds were the first aerobatic team in the world to use music in their show, and music is often used with live commentary from the performing pilots, bringing you inside the cockpit. This particular show was performed over Lake Okanagan and centered on Waterfront Park in downtown Kelowna. The hills surrounding the city and lake provide additional challenges for the pilots. The show was 38 minutes in duration.

Featured in the FAA group ABC Group Z is for Zoom.

Copyright Allan C. Van Gasbeck, 2014. All Rights Reserved.

Uploaded

August 2nd, 2014

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