The first two Canadian Snowbirds CT-114 Tutors departed Kamloops, British Columbia Tuesday morning, headed home to Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan. The Snowbirds’ Tutor fleet has been grounded in Kamloops since the fatal crash May 17 that took the life of Captain Jennifer Casey.

Last Monday, the Commander of 2 Canadian Air Division, Brigadier-General Denis O’Reilly, lifted the operational pause on the CT-114 Tutor fleet, although a Directorate of Flight Safety (DFS) investigation into the accident continues. Once the DFS investigation is complete, the RCAF will determine if further mitigation measures are required. In the meantime, the Snowbirds have began focusing on gradually returning to flying operations, which starts with bringing their aircraft home to 15 Wing Moose Jaw.

Two aircraft departed Kamloops Tuesday morning, including one flown by Snowbirds commanding officer Lt-Col. Denis Bandet. Prior to departing Kamloops, Lt-Col. Bandet held a press conference where he thanked Kamloops and the local community for the outpouring of support.

“Today will mark the beginning of us moving forward as we’re going towards training for 2021. We’re happy at this point that we’ve assessed the risk and have every confidence in the Tutors moving forward,” Bandet stated at the press conference.

Over the next few days, the Snowbirds will transit the rest of their Tutor fleet home to Moose Jaw. It is unclear when the team will resume training flights and whether or not they’ll be ready for the 2021 show season.

For the latest updates regarding the Snowbirds’ return to operation, stay tuned to our website, social media, and mobile app.