2019 OC Air Show: Canadian Snowbirds to fly in for first time

The 2019 Ocean City Air Show will feature the Canadian Armed Forces Snowbirds, it was announced this week.

The popular air show returns to the skies over Ocean City's beach and boardwalk June 15 and 16.

This will be the first time the Canadian team has performed at the Ocean City Air Show.

“We’re excited the Snowbirds will be at the OC Air Show for the first time ever,” said Bryan Lilley, president of the OC Air Show.  “Show attendees can definitely expect a great performance.”

The team is also known as the 431 Air Demonstration Squadron. Its members are active duty members of the Canadian Armed Forces.

"Serving as Canadian ambassadors, the Snowbirds demonstrate the skill, professionalism and teamwork inherent in the women and men of the Royal Canadian Air Force and the Canadian Armed Forces," a press release said.

The Snowbirds fly the Canadair CT-114 Tutor, a Canadian-built jet used by the armed forces of that country from 1963 to 2000 as a basic pilot-training aircraft.

The aircraft weighs about 7,170 pounds and is powered by a J-85 engine producing 2,700 pounds of thrust.

The Snowbirds team includes around 80 people, 24 of whom make up the traveling show team, including 11 military pilots and technicians.

The CAF Snowbirds leave their home base in Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan, and travel to Comox, British Columbia, in April each year for about two weeks of practice over challenging terrain.

The team travels across North America performing at various air shows from May to October, performing on average at around 60 air shows each year.

The U.S. Navy Blue Angels will headline the 2019 OC Air Show.

Tickets are on sale now at special introductory pricing through Dec. 10, at a savings of 40 percent off the day-of-event price.  

Sponsorship opportunities and corporate hospitality packages are also available and volunteer registration is now open for 2019.

For more information about the Canadian Armed Forces Snowbirds and the event, go to http://ocairshow.com/ or follow the show on Facebook. 

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