The Canadian Ministry of National Defence announced that it is actively studying whether to retire some old ships, aircraft, and other equipment elements that have become difficult and costly to maintain – including the aircraft of the famous Snowbird demonstration squadron.

Defence Minister Bill Blair insisted that no decisions have been made and that he is awaiting advice from military leaders.

Blair said that the old CT-114 Tutor aircraft dating back to 1960, which have been used by the Snowbirds, have been in service for a very long time. He noted that he asked the Air Force commander whether the aircraft – which have been extended until 2025 and are now undergoing further upgrades – might have finally “aged out.”

He confirmed, “The fact is that the Tutor aircraft has outlived its usefulness,” he added. “There are even some safety issues that concern me greatly, and I have been assured that during this flying season… they can manage it safely, but it remains a source of concern.”

Blair did not specify these safety issues. The aircraft has crashed several times. Captain Jennifer Casey, a public affairs officer with the Air Force, died on May 17, 2020, when the Snowbird aircraft she was in crashed shortly after takeoff near Kamloops, British Columbia.

The Air Force recently installed new avionics that the ministry claims could keep the experimental aircraft flying until 2030 – nearly 70 years after their purchase.

In the same context, defense sources said that the old mine sweepers of the navy from 1990, known as Maritime Coastal Defence Vessels (MCDVs), could also be on the chopping block.

The aircraft began their demonstrative journey in 1967. They adopted the name Snowbirds in 1971 and were officially designated as an air demonstration team in 1975.

A study conducted by the then Chief of Defence Procurement warned that the average lifespan of the aircraft would last until 2010 but could be extended for another decade if necessary.