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51-607: The Canadian International Air Show (CIAS) is an annual air show in Toronto , Ontario , Canada. The show is an aeronautical display of military, government and civilian aircraft, primarily from Canada and the United States. The show takes place along Toronto's waterfront for three days during the Canadian Labour Day weekend. The show began in 1946 and has been held at Exhibition Place since 1949. Toronto

102-627: A contractor ( L3Harris ) that is meant to extend the use of the Tutor fleet to 2030. The Tutors will receive modernized avionics to comply with regulations and permit the team to continue flying in North America. The Tutors’ escape system, which includes parachutes and harness will also be upgraded, and canopy designs will be assessed. A 2024 decision by the Department of National Defence to consider retiring costly older equipment will affect

153-632: A few stalls on the ground. Air displays can be held during day or night with the latter becoming increasingly popular. Air shows often, but do not always, take place over airfields; some have been held over the grounds of stately homes or castles and over the sea at coastal resorts. The first public international airshow, at which many types of aircraft were displayed and flown, was the Grande Semaine d'Aviation de la Champagne , held Aug. 22–29, 1909 in Reims . This had been preceded by what may have been

204-518: A large loss of life, such as the 1988 Ramstein air show disaster (70 deaths) in Germany and the 2002 Sknyliv air show disaster (77 deaths) in Ukraine . Because of these accidents, the various aviation authorities around the world have set rules and guidance for those running and participating in air displays. For example, after the breakup of an aircraft at 1952 Farnborough air show (31 deaths),

255-535: A large population of refugee newcomers and people who have experienced the trauma of war it is insulting, invasive, and violent". Since 2012, during the airshow weekend, the Misplaced Pages article about the show has been repeatedly vandalized as a form of protest against the airshow, a phenomenon noted by the local Toronto media. In 2021, Toronto City Councillor Joe Cressy called for an end to the air show and in 2023, Toronto Mayor Olivia Chow wrote air show organizers

306-482: A large range of speeds. Manoeuvres include aileron rolls, barrel rolls, hesitation rolls, Cuban-8s, tight turns, high-alpha flight, a high-speed pass, double Immelmans, and touch-and-gos. Tactical demos may include simulated bomb drops, sometimes with pyrotechnics on the ground for effect. Aircraft with special characteristics that give them unique capabilities will often display those in their demos; For example, Russian fighters with thrust vectoring may be used to perform

357-502: A letter saying: "“Millions of Torontonians chose to take root in this City as a place of hope. A place of refuge. For many residents, the tremendous noise generated by high-powered jets flying overhead brings back unwanted memories of the violence and war they fled to call Toronto home.” According to the City of Toronto, the air show "complies with all regulations, including those published by Transport Canada relating to noise." The air show

408-612: A number of factors, including the weather and visibility. Most aviation authorities now publish rules and guidance on minimum display heights and criteria for differing conditions. In addition to the weather, pilots and organizers must also consider local airspace restrictions. Most exhibitors will plan "full", "rolling" and "flat" display for varying weather and airspace conditions. The types of shows vary greatly. Some are large scale military events with large flying displays and ground exhibitions while others held at small local airstrips can often feature just one or two hours of flying with just

459-449: A public relations exercise to thank the local community, promote military careers and raise the profile of the military. Air "seasons" vary around the world. The United States enjoys a long season that generally runs from March to November, covering the spring, summer, and fall seasons. Other countries often have much shorter seasons. In Japan air shows are generally events held at Japan Air Self-Defense Force bases regularly throughout

510-459: A separation between aircraft of 1.8 metres (5.9 ft) in many of the formations. When two aircraft perform head-on passes, they aim to be about 10 metres (33 ft) apart. Due to crashes in October 2019 and May 2020, restrictions were placed on shows beginning in 2021. To give pilots "more time to react", restrictions were placed on altitude and speed, and new rules were introduced concerning

561-643: A solo aircraft. This was the first Sabre team to be authorized to perform formation aerobatics in Canada. The unit was disbanded on 1 October 1954. In 1969, Colonel O.B. Philp , base commander of CFB Moose Jaw and former commander of the defunct Golden Centennaires aerobatic team, considered using several of the leftover Golden Centennaire CT-114 Tutor aircraft for another team. These Tutors were still fitted for aerobatic flying and, because of some minor corrosion, had been painted with white anti-corrosive paint. Philp, at this point, did not receive approval to form

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612-585: A variety of other aeronautical attractions as well, such as wing-walking, radio-controlled aircraft, water/slurry drops from firefighting aircraft, simulated helicopter rescues and sky diving . Specialist aerobatic aircraft have powerful piston engines, light weight and big control surfaces, making them capable of very high roll rates and accelerations. A skilled pilot will be able to climb vertically, perform very tight turns, tumble his aircraft end-over-end and perform manoeuvres during loops. Larger airshows can be headlined by military jet demonstration teams, such as

663-607: A white Tutor was introduced to the formation for flypasts. Four white Tutors were finally flown together at the Abbotsford Air Show , followed by a flypast in Winnipeg. Known as the "2 Canadian Forces Flying Training School Formation Team", or informally as the "Tutor Whites", the team grew in size to seven aircraft in 1971 using eleven pilots, and gradually gained recognition. Formation flypasts were replaced with more complicated manoeuvres, and more aircraft were added as

714-702: Is Le Bourget , followed by Farnborough , with the Dubai Airshow and Singapore Airshow both claiming third place. The largest air show or fly-in by number of participating aircraft is EAA AirVenture Oshkosh , with approximately 10,000 aircraft participating annually. The biggest military airshow in the world is the Royal International Air Tattoo , at RAF Fairford in England . On the other hand, FIDAE in II Air Brigade of

765-547: Is a list of notable incidents only. There are other incidents, some involving loss of aircraft, that are not listed below. Snowbird aircraft have been involved in several accidents, resulting in the deaths of seven pilots and two passengers and the loss of several aircraft. One pilot, Captain Wes Mackay, was killed in an automobile accident after a performance in Latrobe, Pennsylvania , in 1988. The RCAF commented: "... there

816-400: Is a whole raft of legislation concerning health & safety, in particular corporate manslaughter , which can involve the event organiser being charged with a criminal offence if any of the insurances and risk assessments are not fully completed well in advance of the event. Rules govern the distance from the crowds that aircraft must fly. These vary according to the rating of the pilot/crew,

867-478: Is also flown. Manoeuvres are arranged from those selected from the Standard Manoeuvre Manual. Some elements of the show are passed down from one season to the next. These include the Canada burst, heart, downward bomb burst, solo head on crosses, and their signature nine-abreast exit. Training occurs over several months. Once manoeuvres are mastered and the team is comfortable with the routine,

918-441: Is performed over Lake Ontario directly south of Exhibition Place. It can be best viewed from Exhibition Place or Ontario Place , although the show is visible from any other lakefront site, especially Marilyn Bell Park or Coronation Park . Performers fly in from Pearson , as well as the island airport on nearby Toronto Islands . Admission to the air show is free; however, viewing from Exhibition Place requires paid admission to

969-514: Is risk associated with formation flying. Flying by its very nature has an inherent element of risk. Eight Snowbird pilots have lost their lives in the performance of their duty. We remember them." Due to the age of the Tutors (developed in the 1950s, first flown in 1960, and accepted by the RCAF in 1963 ), a 2003 Department of National Defence study recommended that the procurement process to replace

1020-712: Is typically a mix of Canadian and United States military aircraft, private aerobatic performers and civilian aircraft flypasts. The air show is often used by the Government of Canada to display new aircraft in the use of the government, such as search and rescue aircraft. On occasion, the air show has displayed unique civilian aircraft, such as the Concorde, and military aircraft of other nations. Flypasts have often included heritage military aircraft. The air show has included demonstrations of parachuting, aerial fire fighting and search and rescue missions. Regular performers include

1071-412: The "Canadian Forces Air Demonstration Team" on 15 January 1975, and was formed into its own squadron by reactivating 431 Squadron (renamed 431 Air Demonstration Squadron) on 1 April 1978. The squadron badge has, since 1942, portrayed "an Iroquois' head adorned". In January 2021, the squadron began an initiative to remove this image from the badge. Formations and manoeuvres are designed each season by

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1122-809: The FACH , next to the Arturo Merino Benítez International Airport in Santiago , Chile , is the largest aerospace fair in Latin America and the Southern Hemisphere . Some airshows are held as a business venture or as a trade event where aircraft, avionics and other services are promoted to potential customers. Many air shows are held in support of local, national or military charities. Military air firms often organise air shows at military airfields as

1173-684: The Second World War when, as part of the Commonwealth contribution to aircrew for the war in Europe , 431 (Iroquois) Squadron Royal Canadian Air Force was created under the control of RAF Bomber Command . Number 431 Squadron formed on 11 November 1942, at RAF Burn (in North Yorkshire), flying Wellington B.X medium bombers with No. 4 Group RAF Bomber Command. The squadron moved to RAF Tholthorpe in mid-1943 as part of

1224-842: The Snowbirds , other Canadian Armed Forces aircraft, the United States Air Force (USAF), and the United States Navy (USN). Past performers have included the Royal Canadian Air Cadets , the Canadian Harvard Aircraft Association , Vintage Wings of Canada , as well as private aerobatics teams, and commercial airlines . Notable appearances include; Air show The largest air show measured by number of exhibitors and size of exhibit space

1275-527: The cobra maneuver or the Kulbit , while VTOL aircraft such as the Harrier may display such vertical capabilities or perform complex maneuvers with them. Some military air shows also feature demonstrations of aircraft ordnance in airstrikes and close air support , using either blanks or live munitions . Air shows may present some risk to spectators and aviators. Accidents have occurred, sometimes with

1326-580: The 431 (AD) Squadron standard, including a smoke system, luggage capability and a unique paint scheme. The platform must also be interchangeable with the training fleet to ensure the hard demands of show performances can be distributed throughout the aircraft fleet." However, the Snowbird Aircraft Replacement Project was discontinued and replaced by the Tutor Life Extension Program implemented by

1377-453: The CNE. There is no static display of aircraft. A photo tour at Pearson had been introduced in 1993 and a full static display in 1996. Although a success, the display was cancelled by the time of the 1998 air show. In 2020, both the air show and that summer's Canadian National Exhibition were cancelled due to the global COVID-19 pandemic . In 2021, the air show took place, even though the CNE

1428-495: The Snowbirds deploy to CFB Comox for specialized training. After approvals are obtained, an "acceptance show" is performed at Moose Jaw to allow representatives from the three approving agencies to see a live performance. The team will go on to perform shows throughout North America from May to October. The last show is performed at Moose Jaw. Pilots typically stay with the Snowbirds for a maximum of three years, and one third of

1479-408: The Snowbirds. The defence minister is concerned that the Tutor has finally “aged out” and mentioned that the aircraft is “well past its utility.” The minister is also concerned about safety issues. The government intends to keep the Snowbirds, albeit with better aircraft. The defence minister has asked the RCAF to start searching for a potential replacement aircraft and the Department of National Defence

1530-690: The United States Navy Blue Angels , United States Air Force Thunderbirds , Royal Canadian Air Force Snowbirds , Royal Air Force Red Arrows , and Swiss Air Force Patrouille Suisse , among many others. Solo military demos, also known as tactical demos, feature one aircraft. The demonstration focuses on the capabilities of modern military aircraft . The display will usually demonstrate the aircraft's very short (and often very loud) rolls, fast speeds, slow approach speeds, as well as their ability to quickly make tight turns, to climb quickly, and their ability to be precisely controlled at

1581-557: The air show became affiliated with the annual Canadian National Exhibition (CNE). The official CIAS takes place over the Canadian Labour Day Weekend , which coincides with the closing weekend of the CNE. The start time for the show is scheduled for 12:00 pm with the show ending at approximately 3:00 pm each afternoon. The CIAS practice session is usually held on the day before the official CIAS, taking place between 10:00 am and 2:00 pm The show

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1632-427: The aircraft not being representative of a modern air force. A 2008 review recommended that the Tutors' life could be extended to 2020 because of cost concerns related to purchasing new aircraft, and a 2015 report called "CT-114 Life Extension Beyond 2020", outlined planned upgrades to extend the life of the Tutor beyond 2020. These planned upgrades included replacing the ejection seats and wing components, and updating

1683-501: The aircraft should begin immediately so the aircraft could be retired by 2010 because of obsolescence issues that would affect the aircraft's viability. The report mentions that "with each passing year, the technical, safety and financial risk associated with extending the Tutor into its fifth decade and beyond, will escalate". Some concerns include the inevitability of metal fatigue and parts failure, outdated ejection seats and antiquated avionics . There has also been criticism about

1734-489: The brakes. The Government of Canada had plans to replace the Tutors with new aircraft between 2026 and 2035 via the Snowbird Aircraft Replacement Project whose aim was "to satisfy the operational requirement to provide the mandated Government of Canada aerobatic air demonstration capability to Canadian and North American audiences". The preliminary estimated cost was $ 500 million to $ 1.5 billion. Official sources were quoted: "The chosen platform must be configurable to

1785-404: The first Canadian air demonstration team to be designated as a squadron. The show team flies 11 CT-114 Tutors : nine for aerobatic performances, including two solo aircraft, and two spares, flown by the team coordinators. Additionally, 13 are maintained in storage. Approximately 80 Canadian Forces personnel work with the squadron full-time; 24 personnel are in the show team that travels during

1836-583: The first ever gathering of enthusiasts, June 28 – July 19 of the same year at the airfield at La Brayelle , near Douai . Before World War II , air shows were associated with long-distance air races, often lasting many days and covering thousands of miles. While the Reno Air Races keep this tradition alive, most air shows today primarily feature a series of aerial demos of short duration. Most air shows feature warbirds , aerobatics, and demonstrations of modern military aircraft, and many air shows offer

1887-762: The ground. To gain such authorisations, the pilots will have to demonstrate to an examiner that they can perform to those limits without endangering themselves, ground crew or spectators. Despite display rules and guidances, accidents have continued to happen. However, air show accidents are rare and where there is proper supervision air shows have impressive safety records. Each year, organizations such as International Council of Air Shows and European Airshow Council meet and discuss various subjects including air show safety where accidents are discussed and lessons learned. Snowbirds (aerobatic team) The Snowbirds , officially known as 431 Air Demonstration Squadron (French: 431 Escadron de démonstration aérienne ), are

1938-582: The military aerobatics flight demonstration team of the Royal Canadian Air Force . The team is based at 15 Wing Moose Jaw near Moose Jaw , Saskatchewan. The Snowbirds' official purpose is to "demonstrate the skill, professionalism, and teamwork of Canadian Forces personnel". The team also provides a public relations and recruiting role, and serves as an aerial ambassador for the Canadian Armed Forces. The Snowbirds are

1989-526: The minimum runway length permitted for Snowbird operations. Maintenance and inspections on the Tutors have also been increased. Transportation of support material such as repair parts, luggage, and other equipment is provided by an 18-wheeler mobile support unit that follows the team across the country. Since the Snowbirds' first show in July 1971, there have been several incidents involving damage to airplanes, loss of airplanes, and loss of life. The following

2040-487: The move to bring all RCAF squadrons into one operational group – No. 6 Group RCAF – and converted to Halifax B.V four-engined heavy bombers. In December 1943 the squadron moved to RAF Croft where it was re-equipped with Halifax IIIs and later, Lancaster B.X aircraft. The squadron moved to RCAF Station Dartmouth , Nova Scotia, after the war, disbanding there on 5 September 1945. No. 431 (Fighter) Squadron re-formed at RCAF Station Bagotville on 18 January 1954, using

2091-504: The new Canadair Sabre . The squadron was formed on a temporary basis until there were enough new CF-100s available to fulfill RCAF squadron needs. No. 431's duties included aerial combat training and displaying the capabilities of jet operations to the public at air shows, the largest being Operation Prairie Pacific : a 50-minute exhibition with aircraft from several squadrons that travelled to selected locations across western Canada. The team from No. 431 Squadron consisted of four Sabres and

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2142-490: The new team; however, approval had been given for single Tutors to provide simple flypasts at local football games. To further the cause of an aerobatic team, Philp began informal enhanced formation practice for the instructors at 2 Canadian Forces Flying Training School with the aim of providing multi-aircraft flypasts at special events. In 1970, four-aircraft formations began providing flypasts at fairs and festivals, as well as Armed Forces Day at CFB Moose Jaw. In July 1970,

2193-439: The pilots are replaced each year. Replacing pilots this way allows experienced members to train the new team members, which ensures that the Snowbirds' routines are consistent. 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. The Snowbirds fly at speeds between 100 knots (190 km/h) and 320 knots (590 km/h), with

2244-469: The separation between display and spectators was increased. Air displays are often monitored by aviation authorities to ensure safe procedures. In the United Kingdom, local authorities will first need to approve any application for an event to which the public is admitted. The first priority must be to arrange insurance cover and details can be obtained from local authorities. An added complication

2295-660: The show season. The Snowbirds are the only major military aerobatics team that operates without a support aircraft. The Snowbirds continue the flying demonstration tradition of previous Canadian air force aerobatic teams, which include the Siskins , the Blue Devils , the Golden Hawks , and the Golden Centennaires . Although 431 Air Demonstration Squadron was formed in 1978, its history truly began during

2346-447: The team matured. A contest to give the air demonstration team a formal name was held at Bushell Park Elementary School at CFB Moose Jaw, and resulted in the name "Snowbirds". The name reflected the aircraft's distinctive mostly-white paint scheme used at the time, connoted grace and beauty and was clearly linked to its Canadian origins. The name was formally adopted on 25 June 1971. The Snowbirds were officially authorized to be designated

2397-648: The team, and must be approved by the Canadian Forces, Transport Canada and the United States Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to ensure safety guidelines are complied with. FAA approval is necessary since the team performs in the United States. Three aerobatic shows are designed: a high show flown when weather is ideal, a low show and a flat show. The latter two are flown where some manoeuvres are not permitted because of cloud. A non-aerobatic show, or flypast,

2448-491: The type of aircraft and the way the aircraft is being flown. For instance, slower, lighter aircraft are usually allowed closer and lower to the crowd than larger, faster types. Also, a fighter jet flying straight and level will be able to do so closer to the crowd and lower than if it were performing a roll or a loop. Pilots can get authorizations for differing types of displays (e.g., limbo flying, basic aerobatics to unlimited aerobatics) and to differing minimum base heights above

2499-405: The year. The European season usually starts in late April or Early May and is usually over by mid October. The Middle East , Australia , and New Zealand hold their events between January and March. However, for many acts, the "off-season" does not mean a period of inactivity; pilots and performers use this time for maintenance and practice. The type of displays seen at shows are constrained by

2550-408: Was cancelled. The airshow is unpopular with some nearby residents who object to the noise created by the jet fighters participating in the show and others who object to the military participation. It has been noted that the noise of the jet fighter demonstrations specifically is similar to that experienced by persons in active war zones. In 2016, a Toronto Star columnist noted, "that in a city with

2601-540: Was the site of numerous air shows as the city developed into a centre of air transportation and aircraft manufacturing in the early twentieth century. The Canadian International Air Show began in 1946 when the National Aeronautical Association of Canada attracted overflow crowds to a show at de Havilland Canada manufacturing plant at Downsview Airport . The show became an annual event. The air show moved to Exhibition Place in 1949. In 1956,

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