Do me a favour…watch this on the biggest screen you can find! [short memorable link for sharing: https://bit.ly/snowbirdscomox2026]
Ten years ago, I made banger of a video about our spring training in Comox ( 
• Comox 2016: SPRING TRAINING with the Snowb… ). It’s been played at countless venues and school visits since, showcasing a mere glimpse of what the final three weeks of annual spring training in Comox, B.C. looked like from the Team’s perspective.
Now that I’m back as Boss, and in keeping with the 10-years-later trends, it was time for a sequel! This one was made even more poignant given the recent news that the venerable CT114 Tutor will be retiring after the 2026 air show season. As an experimental test pilot having flown 30+ aircraft types, our own 1960s vintage, Canadian designed and built Canadair CL-41 Tutor is still my favourite. It is a testament to Canadian aeronautical [over-]engineering, a design founded in simplicity and purpose, and unsurpassed longevity thanks to the heroes in blue who time and time again keep it meticulously maintained.
So here’s to 55 years of being the only aircraft type the Snowbirds have ever flown, and to the 50+ years the team has been visiting the beautiful and supportive Comox Valley each spring for our final pre-season workups. All footage was captured during the 2026 Comox deployment, April 17th to May 11th, 2026.
I didn’t shy away from a longer format either, given the incredible imagery available and nostalgic timing. I am humbled to have the opportunity and responsibility of leading the team in this farewell (for now) tour. NB: I’m still Snowbird 1, so don’t expect political commentary or opinionated responses to comments from me. Beyond any media limitations, and more importantly, I still have this current historical season to focus my attention and drive. And maybe produce a few more video bangers;)
Smoke Now!
And as always, thanks for the support!
-Match, Snowbird 1/Team Lead, 2026