Watch for Snowbirds flyby salute this week

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Peter Mallett, Lookout Staff ~

Victoria residents should look to the skies later this week for the Canadian Forces Snowbirds to appear as part of their nationwide COVID-19 salute to Canadians.

Members of the Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF) 431 Air Demonstration Squadron are currently in the midst of their cross-country mission dubbed Operation Inspiration.

Exact times and flight locations are up in air due to the unpredictability of weather and flying conditions this time of year.

Their fly past operation is a salute to front-line healthcare workers, first responders, essential workers, and all of Canada as our country fights the COVID-19 pandemic.

“We’ve been asked to do what we do best, inspire Canadians,” said LCol French. “We want Canadians to know that we’re in this with you.”

He noted the squadron’s thoughts are also with Canada’s maritime helicopter community and the Royal Canadian Navy after their recent loss of crew at sea off the coast of Greece.

Operation Inspiration kicked off in the skies over Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, and P.E.I. on May 2. Since then, the tour has gradually made its way west with Snowbird pilots flying their nine-plane formation of bright red CT-114 jets over major cities and population centres, with a specific emphasis on hospitals and residential areas.

Flyovers occur at an elevation of no lower than 500 feet above all obstacles.

When the squadron makes it to the West Coast they will have Captain Logan Reid of Victoria piloting Snowbird 8. 

Those interested in watching the flight are encouraged to observe the flyovers from the safety of their home, and refrain from travelling to see flyovers in order to maintain physical distancing practices.

Flight times are updated 24 to 48 hours in advance. For updates on the tour and a full itinerary of their B.C. flight path go to the Snowbirds Facebook Page https://www.facebook.com/CFSnowbirdsFC/ or on their Twitter feed @cfsnowbirds.

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  1. Robert Hull says:

    Would be supper if they could get together with the US teems when there out here

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