REGINA, Sask. — Regina residents are being encouraged to look to the skies Thursday morning as the Canadian Forces Snowbirds make a planned flyover above the city during their final season with the iconic Tutor jets.
The team says it plans to fly over Wascana Lake, the Saskatchewan Legislative Building and Regina International Airport between 11 a.m. and noon, following a practice flight.
The Snowbirds say in a social media post the formation will remain at least 1,000 feet above the highest point along its route. However, the timing and flight path could change without notice.
Anyone hoping to follow the aircraft can search for the call sign SNBD1 on flight-tracking apps and websites.
Thursday's appearance comes during a milestone year for the aerobatic team, which is preparing to retire the Canadair CT-114 Tutor aircraft after more than five decades of flying with the Snowbirds.
Based at 15 Wing Moose Jaw, the team officially became known as the Snowbirds in 1971. Since then, it has become one of Canada's most recognizable military symbols, performing thousands of air displays for audiences across the country and around the world.
The Tutor first entered service with the Royal Canadian Air Force in 1963 as a jet trainer. Although it stopped being used for military pilot training in 2000, the Snowbirds continued flying modified versions of the Canadian-built aircraft.
The Regina flyover is among the final opportunities to see the team flying the jets before they are retired. The Snowbirds are also scheduled to make a final appearance during the Grey Cup in Calgary on Nov. 15.
A new chapter is planned for the team, but it will involve a lengthy transition. The federal government has selected the CT-157 Siskin II, based on the Pilatus PC-21, to replace the aging Tutors. Unlike the current aircraft, the new planes are turboprop-powered.
The replacement fleet is expected to become operational in the early 2030s, with the aircraft based at 15 Wing Moose Jaw.
For Regina residents, Thursday's planned flyover offers one more chance to catch a glimpse of the Snowbirds' familiar formation before the team begins its transition to a new aircraft.
