When the Snowbirds landed in Quesnel, they spread their mighty wings and captured the hearts of the community.
The 22-person military crew flew in on Aug. 1 for Quesnel’s Skyfest, along with the Canadian Forces CF-18 Hornet demonstration team and together they kicked the event into the stratosphere.
With more than 7,000 people attending the two-day International Air Show, the Snowbirds’ 45-minute show was definitely a huge crowd-pleaser.
However, as a military squadron, the Snowbirds consider part of their responsibility, while on the air show circuit, to promote and educate people about the Canadian military, the opportunities available and the rewards of a armed forces career.
Major Denis Bandet joined the military 17 years ago, but his love affair with flight started much earlier.
“I grew up in Regina, Saskatchewan watching military planes all the time,” he said.
“But it wasn’t until I took my first flight that I was hooked. I wanted to be a pilot.”
Bandet received his commercial pilot’s license and began considering the military.
“Someone had to fly those aircraft.”
He stayed focused and refused to listen to those who scoffed at his dreams.
After signing up and completing the routine training, Bandet attended Mount Royal Military College in Calgary where he earned his commission. It was during his second year at college that the military was looking for people interested in becoming a pilot.
“I saw this as a way to serve my country and a chance to fly amazing equipment.”
After passing the basic aptitude assessment, Bandet was required to take language training (in keeping with Canada’s bilingualism) then began flight training.
With four phases to the training, plus internal levels as well, Bandet said each pilot is only one or two bad training flights away from being out of the program.
“The training washes out the unsuitable. About a quarter won’t make it.”
Bandet has been flying military aircraft since 2000. In the post 911 era, he said he primarily flew NORAD (North American Air Defense) missions.
Has he had any close calls? Yes, but he said the risks are always there.
“Nothing I didn’t already know,” he said.
“We do the mitigation for calculated risks. I’m more nervous on the highway.”
He added the success of any mission is in the details.
As for his deployment with the Snowbirds: it’s a gem assignment and Bandet admitted it was a lofty goal.
“You have to have a minimum of 1,300 flying hours to even consider trying out.”
He sent his letter requesting the posting, knowing it was for two years and would take him away from his family six months of the year.
The team trains for six months beginning in November and air shows start in May.
He says the majority of Snowbirds prefer the smaller air shows, as this gives them a chance to demonstrate the skill, professionalism and teamwork of Canadian Forces personnel.
“Many of the people in small towns have never met any military people and our show and meeting with people opens their eyes to possibilities in the military,” he said.
For Bandet, flying is what he loves to do, so his military flying career doesn’t seem like work at all.
“I encourage anyone with a love of flying to not be afraid to try something new, follow your dreams, discover your passion,” he say.
During Skyfest, Bandet and his crew members took every opportunity to interact with spectators and educate and inform about the Canadian military.
The Snowbirds, as a demonstration squadron, was formed in 1978 but its history truly begins during the Second World War when the 431 (Iroquois) Squadron Royal Canadian Air Force was created in 1942 under the control of the British RAF Bomber Command. The squadron has many battle honours to its credit.
The 431 Squadron re-formed after the war in 1954. During its history, the squadron have flown Lancasters, Halifax’s, F-86 Sabres and finally CT-114 Tutors, which are still in use today. The Snowbirds were officially authorized to be designated the Canadian Forces Air Demonstration Team in 1975. The team was formed into its own squadron by reactivating 431 Squadron in 1978. This year, the squadron celebrates 70 years and the CT-114 Tudor is 50 years old.
The Snowbird pilots usually spend two years deployed with the squadron, however, Bandet is completing his third year.
They travel light, with each jet carrying one pilot and one technician and all their personal gear; they arrive on time (you can almost set your watch by their prompt arrival) and perform the most extraordinary show all thanks to their exceptional military training.
Bendet will return to regular deployment when this air show season is over, but the Snowbirds will carry on with a full complement of first-class crew members.
The Snowbirds return to Quesnel for the next Skyfest in 2015.
