Disappointing news for Canadian Snowbirds fans as a technical issue may force the cancellation of upcoming performances in Greater Moncton by the Canadian Forces Snowbirds.
A news release from the Department of National Defence states the team will be unable to participate in planned airshows and fly pasts until a technical issue is resolved.
It relates to a device that sets the timing for the deployment of the parachute during the ejection sequence.
During routine maintenance on the parachutes at 15 Wing Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan on June 19, aviation technicians discovered that the tool may not be calibrated accurately.
The @CFSnowbirds will be unable to fly in planned airshows and fly pasts, until a technical issue is resolved that relates to a device that sets the timing for the deployment of the parachute during the ejection sequence: https://t.co/15qJzLfvjB pic.twitter.com/nB7SuBWKAV
— Royal Canadian Air Force (@RCAF_ARC) June 24, 2022
Parachutes currently being used by aircrew flying in CT-114 Tutor aircraft are being re-tested and re-packed, as necessary, to ensure proper timing is set for their activation in the event of an emergency.
“While it is certainly disappointing the Snowbirds anticipate they will need to cancel upcoming performances until this technical issue is resolved, I applaud our aviation technicians for discovering this issue. This speaks to our flight safety culture in the RCAF, and the professionalism of our maintainers,” said Major-General Eric Kenny, Commander One Canadian Air Division, Royal Canadian Air Force.
There’s no word on exactly how long it will take to resolve the issue, but it is anticipated that upcoming performances in Dieppe, Moncton, and Riverview on June 29th will need to be cancelled.
A show planned for Greater Moncton was the only stop planned in New Brunswick for the 2022 Canadian Forces Snowbirds.
The Snowbirds and Canadian Airforce team are working hard to get the team back in the air for the Canada Day celebration on July 1st in Ottawa.
The RCAF will communicate through social media when they have further updates.
