The Snowbirds have been given the green light to resume flying for the first time since the May 17 crash that claimed the life of Captain Jennifer Casey.
In a press release sent out by the Royal Canadian Air Force, they say a preliminary investigation has determined the CT-114 Tutor fleet is still airworthy.
The investigation concluded that a bird strike was the likely cause of the Kamloops crash. It also included a risk mitigation plan that will place some restrictions on the operations of the Snowbirds but no further details on what those are have been released at this time.
Brigadier-General Denis O’Reilly feels that the investigation was done in accordance with the highest standards hence why he was able to lift the ground restrictions on the Snowbirds, “The risk analysis for the CT-114 Tutor fleet undertaken by the airworthiness authorities and their teams of experts was detailed and thorough. I have the utmost confidence in their work, and the mitigation measures developed. These measures will enable the fleet to return to flying operations.”
The Snowbirds have already cancelled the remainder of their 2020 tour but Lieutenant-Colonel Denis Bandet hopes they can get back to their acrobatic displays as quickly as possible, “The Snowbirds continue to mourn the loss of Captain Jennifer Casey. The best way we can honour her is to get back into operations in a safe and deliberate manner. While we are saddened that the 2020 air demonstration season is officially cancelled, and that we will not be completing Operation INSPIRATION, the team is looking forward to getting back in the air and starting to train for next year’s season.”
Over the next two weeks, the Snowbirds are expected to do some flying around Kamloops after which they will return to their base of operations in Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan.
