Despite the impacts on events from COVID-19, the Canadian Forces Snowbirds team is still planning on coming to the Comox Valley for its annual spring training in May.
Capt. Jenn Casey, public affairs officer with the Snowbirds confirmed to the Comox Valley Record that “so far, things are being planned as normal. Of course, this could change as things develop.”
The team is set to arrive in the Valley on May 6 and depart May 29. Flying times each day are still to be confirmed.
In late 2019, the team announced they delayed their annual training in the area by a month and their usual schedule has been reduced.
RELATED: Comox spring training dates confirmed for Snowbirds
The Snowbirds were on an operation pause since Capt. Kevin Domon-Grenier sustained minor injuries when he was forced to eject before a show at the Atlanta Speedway on Oct. 13.
In a statement, the Royal Canadian Air Force announced in an effort to minimize the impact of COVID-19 and to prioritize the health and safety of their personnel, the RCAF is suspending all support to air shows and other special events until April 30.
“At this time, the CF Snowbirds and CF-18 Demonstration teams’ schedules are not affected,” read the statement. “However, we continue to monitor the situation and, if required, will take the necessary action to protect our personnel and the general public as recommended by the Public Health Agency of Canada.”
The team is scheduled to participate in airshows based on completion of training from June 6 (their first show is set for Selfridge Air Force Base in Michigan) until Oct. 10-11, with their final show set for Houston, Tx.
The team has three stops set for B.C. this summer – Vancouver on July 29, Abbotsford from Aug. 7 to 9 and White Rock on Aug. 12.
This year, the team is celebrating its 50th display season.
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