Snowbirds flyby wows waiting crowd on Parliament Hill
CBC News | Posted: May 2, 2017 12:15 PM | Last Updated: May 2, 2017
Aerial teams from Canada, France flew in 17-plane formation at under 1,000 feet
A flyby over Parliament Hill featuring the Canadian Forces Snowbirds and the Patrouille de France air demonstration team to mark Canada's sesquicentennial went ahead Tuesday morning after several delays.
The joint flyby was originally scheduled to begin at 10:45 a.m. Monday, but was cancelled because of the rainy weather.
It was then scheduled for 9:45 a.m. Tuesday morning, but was pushed back twice.
The planes finally passed over Wellington Street at around 11:30 a.m., to the delight of waiting crowds.
17-ship formation
"The Royal Canadian Air Force is delighted to welcome the Patrouille de France to Canada as we celebrate Canada's 150 years of Confederation," said Lt.-Gen. Mike Hood, commander of the Royal Canadian Air Force, in a media release.
"Canada and France have a profound connection, and our national air demonstration teams flying in formation is symbolic of our lasting friendship and alliance."
The Snowbird team flew nine CT-114 Tutor planes and the Patrouille de France team flew eight Alpha jets in a 17-ship formation. Two "photo-chase" aircraft accompanied the two teams.
The flyby comes on the heels of the Aero150 air show that was held in Gatineau last weekend.