The Commanding Officer of the Snowbirds Lt-Col. Denis Bandet says the team is excited to get back in the air again and return to training for next season.
“We’re here today to start to begin the process of repatriating the aircraft back to Moose Jaw and it’s going to begin with two aircraft,” he said, during a press conference at the airport on Tuesday morning.
These are the first Snowbirds to take to the air since the May 17 crash that killed Public Affairs Officer, Capt. Jenn Casey and injured the pilot, Capt. Richard MacDougall.
“Today will mark the beginning of us moving forward as we’re going towards training for 2021,” he added, noting he would be piloting one of the two planes that left the city around 11 a.m. on Tuesday.
“The expectation is that today as soon as we get home the aircraft will start flying tomorrow, so once we get a few airplanes flying at home, we can start getting a few more that we have in Moose Jaw flying again,” Bandet added. “We have to regain some currency on active airplanes because we had some down for maintenance that require I guess, test flying, and you have to be proficient in what you’re doing before you test fly an airplane.”
The plan right now is to return sometime next week to pick up the rest of the planes which will remain at Kamloops airplane for now.
Bandet says the Snowbirds will forever be grateful to the city of Kamloops for their support during a difficult period for the team.
“Capt. MacDougall is doing really well and he is on the road to recovery. Our main focus is offering him the support through the Squadron, his friends, his family, and offering him any assistance we have,” he added. “I can reassure you that he has the best care and the attention our medical staff at 15 Wing.”
An operational pause on the Snowbirds following the crash was lifted last week, and there will be ‘restrictions on flying operations’ put in place, with plans to increase maintenance on the Tutor jets.
“We’re happy at this point that we’ve assessed the risk and have every confidence in the Tutors moving forward,” Bandet said.
#BREAKING – The @CFSnowbirds are flying again!
“We’re here today to start to begin the process of repatriating the aircraft back to Moose Jaw and it’s going to begin with two aircraft,” said LCol Denis Bandet, who was flying one of the two planes. @RadioNLNews #Kamloops pic.twitter.com/th39fJDnXN
— Victor Mario Kaisar (@supermario_47) September 1, 2020
