Officially known as the Canadian Forces 431
Air Demonstration Squadron, the Snowbirds are Canada's military
aerobatics or air show
flight demonstration team whose purpose is to "demonstrate the skill, professionalism, and teamwork of Canadian Forces personnel".
The squadron is under the jurisdiction of the Canadian Forces Air Command
and is based in CFB Moose Jaw, near Moose
Jaw, Saskatchewan. The Snowbirds are the
first Canadian air demonstration team to be designated as a squadron.
The show team flies 11 CT-114 Tutors—nine
for aerobatic performances, including two solo aircraft, and two as spares, flown by the team coordinators. Approximately
80 Canadian Forces personnel work with the squadron full-time; 24 personnel are in the show team that travels during the show
season. The Snowbirds are the only major military aerobatics team that operates without a support aircraft