Defence officials want Snowbird jets in air until 2020: report

Senior defence officials have asked Defence Minister Peter MacKay to approve a plan to keep the 1960's-era jets used by the Snowbirds in the air until 2020, according to a published report.

The Toronto Star said Wednesday it has obtained documents in which officials acknowledge there are "technical risks" in keeping the CT-114 Tutor jets performing for another 11 years.

However, the officials said the move would save a lot of money, said the report.

The planes have been flying since 1963 and have performed in air shows since 1971.

Military officials have said in the past they don't expect the jets to be replaced any time soon.

In 2002, the officer in charge of purchasing aircraft for the armed forces, said the Tutor could be flown until 2020.

"We can fly the Tutor, safely and effectively, for quite some time as long as perhaps 2020," said Col. Dave Burt, the Canadian Forces director of air requirements.

In 2003, a military study recommended replacing the Tutor jets with the British Aerospace Hawk T1, the plane used by the British demonstration flying team. The Canadian Forces currently uses the Hawk as its advanced training jet at CFB Moose Jaw.

Supporters argue the team is a vital icon of the Canadian Forces, while critics say the $10-million budget could be better spent within the military.

Seven Snowbird pilots have died in flight since 1972, the latest being Capt. Bryan Mitchell, who was killed, along with military photographer Sgt. Charles Senecal, in October 2008 when their jet crashed in a farmer's field near 15 Wing Moose Jaw, an airbase in southwest Saskatchewan.

In May 2007, Capt. Shawn McCaughey died when his seat belt malfunctioned while flying upside down at a Montana air show.