Canadian Snowbirds Update
The Canadian Forces Snowbirds have announced that their 2022 air demonstration season is
officially canceled, and they will not be performing at the three air shows in California this
October. This includes the Pacific Airshow in Huntington Beach, the California International
Airshow in Salinas, and the Central Coast Air Fest in Santa Maria.
Snowbird Public Affairs Officer, Capt. Gabriel Ferris expressed the team’s disappointment in this
decision. “The air demonstration season is being canceled due to an incident that one of the
Snowbird CT-114 tutor aircraft experienced in British Columbia in August,” said Capt. Ferris.
The Directorate of Flight Safety (DFS) investigation into the incident is on-going by a team of
experts. A risk analysis for the CT-114 Tutor Fleet will be detailed and thorough to assure the
fleet will return to safe flying operations.
Harry Wardwell, Executive Director of the California International Airshow expressed his
disappointment on this announcement from Canada. “On behalf of our Board of Directors,
volunteers, and air show fans from the Central Coast we will miss hosting the Canadian
Snowbirds at our 41 st annual California International Airshow on October 8-9, 2022. We have
been fortunate to host the Canadian Forces Snowbirds 7 times over our 40-year history and
they are always a crowd favorite. We wish the Snowbirds all the best and look forward to
hosting them in the future.” Our 41 st annual show will showcase the USAF F-35 A Fighter Jet,
some of the best civilian air show performers from North America, ground acts like the
Aftershock Jet Fire Truck, Monster Trucks, and the incredible “Wall of Fire.” There also will be
dozens of displays and exhibits that will make this air show a great educational and entertaining
experience for families to enjoy.
Despite this turn of events, we have better, EXCITING NEWS– The California International
Airshow is pleased to announce for the first time at Salinas, the RED BULL AIR FORCE will
perform. The Red Bull Air Force are “World Renown” for their high energy team aerobatics.
The Red Bull Air Force is a team assembled from the most accomplished and experienced
aviation experts on the planet. Led by Kirby Chambliss who is a “World Champion” aerobatic
performer and air race pilot, along with the Red Bull Helicopter that does “back flips!” It’s a
Euro copter BO-105 CBS 4 twin engine helicopter doing high energy aerobatics. And then… The
World’s most elite skydive team. They specialize in highly coordinated aerial jump
demonstrations and continually push the limits of human flight.
The California International Airshow is an all-volunteer 501 (c) 3 non-profit organization that
has raised over $8.5 million for local charities since its inception in 1981. For more information
or to purchase tickets go to www.salinasairshow.com or phone (831) 754-1983.
