How to Become a Member of the Canadian Forces Snowbirds

The Canadian Forces Air Demonstration Team or 431 Air Demonstration Squadron, most commonly known as the Snowbirds, is a precision flying team comprised of Canadian military personnel. This team, which performed their first show in 1971, is Canada's answer to the Blue Angels and the Thunderbirds. It performs an air show of aerobatic stunts.

Difficulty: Challenging

Instructions

1. Join the Canadian Forces. You must meet the basic requirements, which include being a Canadian citizen, being 17 years of age and satisfying the education requirements. Then pass a physical examination and an interview with a career counselor.

2. Log a minimum of 1300 hours flying time in a military jet as a pilot before the Snowbird team considers you.

3. Accumulate years of military experience in the Canadian Forces. Hone your flying skills and other military skills before attempting to become a member of the Snowbird team.

4. Apply for a position on the Snowbird team. Recruitment for the Snowbirds is open every year. A tour with the Snowbirds lasts two years and approximately half the team changes every year as older members leave the team selects new recruits.

5. Pass through a series of difficult tryouts, which includes a test of your formation-flying skills. Be one of only four pilots selected from applicants all across Canada to become a member of the Canadian Forces Snowbirds.

Tips & Warnings

• Besides 11 pilots, the Snowbirds are also made up of a logistics officer, secretary, supply technician and ten aircraft technicians. So you can possibly become a member of the team even if you don't possess the flying skills to become a Snowbird pilot.

Resources

• Canadian Forces information

Who Can Help Sponsored

• Earn your degree from industry experts at University of Phoenix. Take the next step in your career.